Cowling Problem

[infinti_bc]

Hey,

Right now I'm copying my newest rc airplane in Cad for future uses and my problem arises with the cowling. The current cowling does not allow my 30cc gas engine to fit completely inside. Some cut outs had to be made in order for everything to fit properly. I decided that I would redesign the cowling inorder to make my engine fit in.

My problem is the following: between the inlet and the spinner openings I can't get a smooth transition. I always get sharp lines that are really visible when rendered. I am going to keep on trying to fix this problem so if anyone has any suggestions or ideas they will be greatly appreciated.

I attached a picture of what I'm trying to model(it's a different plane but the cowling looks very similar to what I want) and a zip file of the dimensions.

Thanks

Sebastian

[CNCadmin]

Nice plane, love it, are you kitting that plane for re-sale? What size engine are you designing it for?

[Dogsione]

I'm not that experienced with Rhino, but that won't stop me from playing around with your drawing a little:

Try converting the upper NURBS form (the cowling?) into a mesh (Tools - Polygon mesh - From NURBS Object). You can then "join" that with the lower and they'll render smoothly...

[infinti_bc]

Hi,

CNCadmin:

That plane is not the plane that I'm kitting. It's just the shape of the nose that I'm going to model into my plane. I attached a pic. I'm also looking for a person/company that has CNC laser/router to cut the kit out when I'm done and if people are interested I'll sell them.

Dogsione:

My problem is at the front of the cowling. When you look at the picture there is a surface on the bottom and half of one side. I cant get a smooth finish from the front of the intake to the side that is already surfaced. As in the first picture provided, i'm trying to make two curved surfaces with a fillet in the middle which gradually changes into a flat surface.

Thanks

Sebastian

[infinti_bc]

pictures:

The engine is a 30cc rear intake rear exhaust gas engine. It's called an SM 30

[CNCadmin]

Originally Posted by infinti_bc Hi, CNCadmin: That plane is not the plane that I'm kitting. It's just the shape of the nose that I'm going to model into my plane. I attached a pic. I'm also looking for a person/company that has CNC laser/router to cut the kit out when I'm done and if people are interested I'll sell them. Thanks Sebastian

I may be able to help you out as I'm building my own cnc laser cutting machine.

[infinti_bc]

Hi,

CNCadmin:

What are the dimensions of your laser cutter? What laser are you going to use? Can it cut through firewall plywood?
I'm working a lot on the plane latelly and it's going to be a copy of the german 2m by 2m FUNTANA Pro. Except it's going to be designed to fit gas engines below 30cc like the SM30 and 3W 24 & 28.
Also, what is that plane in your asterik?

Thanks

Sebastian

[CNCadmin]

Originally Posted by infinti_bc Hi, CNCadmin: What are the dimensions of your laser cutter? What laser are you going to use? Can it cut through firewall plywood? I'm working a lot on the plane latelly and it's going to be a copy of the german 2m by 2m FUNTANA Pro. Except it's going to be designed to fit gas engines below 30cc like the SM30 and 3W 24 & 28. Also, what is that plane in your asterik? Thanks Sebastian

The laser has a 24" x 48" cutting area, the laser is a 20w RF Co2 laser, I got off of ebay ($580.00). It will cut through 1/4" ply. The plane in my avatar is my very good friend Marc the owner of rcuniverse.com and that is the RCU 35% giles, that was at Toledo.

[DAB_Design]

Something similar to this?

There are still a few 'sharp' seams. But could easily be fixed. I was trying to focus on the problem area.