Innovative approaches to object shape definition using variational geometry techniques

The adoption of variational geometry techniques for object shape definition represents one of the most interesting innovations introduced in the last years in MCAE systems. The I-DEAS implementation, integrating 2D variational geometry capabilities into the Solid Modeling Module, can be considered a privileged environment for the investigation and the development of new approaches to the design process. Aim of the present work is to indicate, after some brief informations on the basic concepts of the variational geometry approach, some possible applications of this method to the initial phases of the design process, and in particular to the: - synthesis of design procedures and consolidated knowledge into variational geometry models; - automatization of shape definition tasks; - shape optimization. Some simple examples, developed using I-DEAS, are intended to support the presentation and to make hints for the discussion of the current I-DEAS level VI implementation of variational geometry issues. Its current limitations and the improvements that could increase the ease of use and the range of applications are investigated.