DDA 500, From Virtual to Physical
due Apr. 9 (week 11)
Refer to the tutorials on my 3dtutorials.michaelorourke.com website for technical guidance on this exercise. See the A NURBS Model Cross Sectioned tutorial in the Virtual to Physical set of tutorials for help on the cross-sectioning technique. See the several tutorials in the Modeling set for help with Maya NURBS modeling techniques.
This exercise can be done either individually or as a team of two people.
Using NURBS modeling or both, model one or morinteresting form. Be aware that the more concavities you have in your form(s), the more complicated the cross-sectioning.
Once modeled, calculate cross-sections through your model. Remember that cross-sections have to calculated based on the actual thickness of the material you will be using. Make your model about 10" high. Calculate cross-sections along the Y-axis (height) of your model. I suggest you make your cross-sections every 1/2" -- that is, 0.5 inches. This will produce a somewhat crude approximation of your model, but it will be reasonable, and manageable.
Use these cross-sections to fabricate a physcial scale model. I suggest you use 1/2" foamcore as your building material. This can be easily cut with an X-Exacto knife or other very sharp blade. Make sure the dimensions and forms are a physically accurate representation of your digital model.
On the due date, hand in the physical model you fabricated. Write or tape your name somewhere on your physical model so I can identify it. Also hand in a CD or DVD data disk with all relevant digital files -- Maya files in a standard Maya project folder, Illustrator files, Photoshop files, etc. Name your files so that I can easioly find them and understand what they are.
Above-and-Beyond challenge: If you are feeling ambitious and have the time, try making your cross-sections much thinner -- for example, 3/8". This will result in a much more precise model. It will also increase the number of cross-sections -and your time -- by about 250%. If you want to try this, I suggest you only do it after you have completed the cruder 1/2" thickness model.