3D model of the Phoenix and the RAM guts.

[luis]

I spent part of the day doing some homework for a class that I am taking.

I decided to model the Phoenix and all the RAM guts in 3D. Now, this is not very impressive if you are using some of the newer modeling software like SolidWorks, but I did all this in AutoCAD 2004 (they are up AutoCAD 2010).

Anyway, these are just parts that will come in handy on some of the other projects I am working on. I will be modeling more parts soon.

Now I am supposed to animate this (in 3D Max)… like show it as it assembles and then even how it operates. I don’t know about this animation thing.

[WD8CDH]

Nice looking 3D.

Curious as to how it will model the assembled parts, especially the springs. Will you have to model the springs compressed your self or will the program do that for you?

[luis]

3D Max has spring modeling element, but the user has to provide all the motion parameters. It is not a structural analysis software so the springs do not behave based on loads or stress.

The program is supposed to compress them, but some of those functions are sometimes very cumbersome to use. The results are often not what one expects.

I am not sure how I am going to do it, but I suspect I am going to model the springs (and the snap ring) in at least one compressed state compressed state. Maybe more than one if I decide to model the functioning first stage.

At least in theory I will be making a little movie. I will see. At this moment I only have access to 3D Max at the college; my copy at home is not working.

[1969ivan1]

Very neat Luis.

[Douchebag]

Luis, you do know SolidWorks will animate for you right?

You will need to model separate modes of operation though. Even we do that when modeling the complex geometries we do. This helps also when doing the FEA work...which you probably won't be doing.

[luis]

Luis, you do know SolidWorks will animate for you right?

You will need to model separate modes of operation though. Even we do that when modeling the complex geometries we do. This helps also when doing the FEA work...which you probably won't be doing.

Yeah… yeah… I know it would be easier in SolidWorks, but were would be the challenge in that?

Think of this as using vintage 3D CAD.


Some more drawing coming up.

[luis]

The springs on these drawings are correct, including the diameter, the wire diameter, the number of coils, and the length (both in the compressed and relaxed length). The earlier 3D model of the springs didn’t have the correct number of coils.







This cut-away views also have the spring block cut so you can see the O-ring, back up ring, and the inside of the LP balancing chamber. I may cut a pie section of the springs to show the inside better.

You can clearly see all the air passages (the HP as well as the LP passages). I do need to compress that purple O-ring in the installed position.








I hope to do the second stages in a while, but I may do a Mistral first.

[JES]

Very nice! It must take a lot of work to end up with such high quality drawings.

[luis]

Thanks...
but no work... I am just playing.

[Bryan]

More than anything they are a great visual aid in explaining how the Phoenix and or a balanced 1st stage works. Pictures say a 1000 words sometimes. Thank you Luis. When you are done with this please let me know and we will move it to the top of the page in the Phoenix section..

[WD8CDH]

Looks super Luis.

You might want to post a cutaway like like the last drawing but with a 1 pixel wire diameter for the springs so folks can see the balance chamber better.

[luis]

I am just playing with the drawing…

Now you should be able to see the inside of the balancing LP chamber, the HP chamber, and details like the blue Teflon HP seat (closed against the volcano orifice).
Some of the colors (like on the O-rings) were selected to provide good contrast.












I need to start working on the rest of my project…

[WD8CDH]

Superb

[5thgrpben]

This is great stuff!!

[Greg Barlow]

Very neat, Luis.

Greg