Using the R-Functions Theory Apparatus to Mathematically Model the Surface of the Soyuz-Appolo Spacecraft Mock-up for 3D Printing

Abstract

Creation of mathematical models of objects to be 3D printed is of considerable interest, which is associated with the active introduction of 3D printing in various industries. The advantages of using modern 3D printers are: lower production costs and shorter periods of time for their appearance on the market, modeling objects of any shape and complexity, speed and high precision of manufacturing, their ability to use various materials. One of the methods for solving the problem of creating a mathematical and computer model of the object being designed is the application of the R-functions theory, with the help of which it is possible to describe geometric objects of complex shapes in a single analytical expression. The use of alphabetic parameters, when one specifies geometric information in analytical form, allows one to quickly change the size and shape of the object being designed, which helps to spend less time on building computational models. The proposed method can significantly reduce the complexity of work in CAD systems in those cases when one needs to view a large number of design options in search of an optimal solution. This gives a great effect on reducing labor intensity in the construction of computational models to determine aero-gas-dynamic and strength characteristics. Characterization is also often associated with the need to account for changes in aircraft shape. This leads to the fact that the determination of aerodynamic characteristics only due to the need to build a large number of computational models increases the duration of work by months. With parametric assignments, computational regions change almost instantly. In this paper, on the basis of the basic apparatus of the theory of R-functions as well as cylindrical, spherical, ellipsoidal, and conusoidal support functions, a multiparametric equation for the surface of a Soyuz-Apollo spacecraft model is constructed. A number of support functions were normalized according to a general formula, which made it possible to illustrate a new approach to constructing three-dimensional equations for surfaces of a given thickness.

Keywords

• r-functions
• alphabetic parameters
• standard primitives
• soyuz-apollo spacecraft model