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BRL-CAD

PostDateIconMonday, 28 December 2009 01:00 | PostAuthorIconWritten by Aleksey Matyushev | PDF | Print | E-mail
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BRL-CAD is an open source collection of software packages which was put forth into development in 1979 by the US Army Research Laboratory. The collection of libraries give the package the following functionality to trace rays, interactively build geometry, image processing, signal processing, scripting, and graphics rendering. 

T62 Tank

T62 Tank Modeled in BRL-CAD Using MGED Library

The package has been in development by the government since it's initial existence until 2004 when it was released into the public domain. Many argue that it has the world's oldest software repository.  After the release into the public domain the package has been improved greatly.  With the release into the public domain, the documentation for BRL-CAD has also been improving with more tutorials geared for new users.

BRL MGED Command Line

MGED Command Line Used to Create a Radio

Unfortunately though as powerful this software CAD package is, it's user interface methodology is still quite dated when compared to modern software such as Solidworks, CATIA, AutoCad, ProEngineer and the like. The softwares modeling library, MGED, has two modeling methodologies; through the command line and through a point-n-click graphical user interface (GUI). However, as stated these two modeling methodologies are very hard to grasp, especially if the user has experience with any modern software package.

If the user decides to model through the command line, there is a greater chance of mistake when entering values (and computing them before entering). The syntax of the commands and the order in which they are given does play a role making it harder to be precise.

The graphical interface provides a very limited set of modeling possibilities when compared to the modern CAD systems most of the commands are split up into the upper menus.  It is also hard to maneuver, position, and add to the model using the mouse. 

BRL Radio

Simple Radio Created With the Previously Pictured Command Line

If the user devotes a large amount of time, really digs into the documentation BRL-CAD will without a doubt be comparative force to the other modern software packages. For users who know little about CAD or don't have a lot of time to devote in studying this package, BRL-CAD is not the way to go.

BRL-CAD binaries (compiled packages) are available for Linux, Mac OS, and Windows. Download and install the package from the BRL-CAD website.

 

Last Updated (Wednesday, 30 December 2009 22:11)

 

Google SketchUp 7

PostDateIconSaturday, 19 December 2009 14:44 | PostAuthorIconWritten by Anatoly Starikov | PDF | Print | E-mail

Google SketchUp is a modeling software that can create 3D models of practically anything. The program provides an assortment of powerful tools that make it very user friendly. Google is even putting forth a design competition for people to design buildings for cities which are native to them. Accepted models will be incorporated into future version of Google Earth to give the globe’s cities a more three-dimensional look.

 
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SketchUp has the ability for users to create, modify, and share 3D models. Google’s 3D warehouse has an expansive array of various structures from around the world that help users create their own buildings, or add background to their own works. The 3D warehouse database has thousands of models that the user can download for free and use in their models. Also included in the database are hundreds of models of various airplanes. The appealing aspect of the warehouse is that these models can be tweaked and used for any purpose all for free. Users can also add models to the 3D warehouse and expand the database.
 
 
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Google SketchUp provides a wonderful way for engineers to visualize a design concept quickly. This design concept can then be quickly incorporated into reports or presentations.  The easy intuitive interface and the large collection of already completed models allow someone to simply add on to an existing model.  This combination allows for unparalleled ease and time effectiveness in design visualization. 
 
Google SketchUp is under heavy development but at present is only available for the Windows and Macintosh platforms.  There are two versions, a professional and a free version with the latter providing most of the desired functionality.  The program can be downloaded at http://sketchup.google.com.
 
 

 

Last Updated (Sunday, 27 December 2009 16:15)

 

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