Surface Definition Overview

This seminar describes the process to create production (so called class A) surfaces from clay models, aerodynamic data and many other types of requirements. Different methods to define surfaces will be presented.

What shape quality is from an aerodynamic and from a (car) stylist’s point of view will be discussed and different techniques to assess the shape quality will be described.

The seminar is not only of interest for people that define free-form surfaces. Many of the practices and ideas from the surface definition process are applicable to any design process.

The historical view on surface definition is also interesting. Some companies, like for instance Saab Aircraft, actually implemented CAD before there were any computers. Mathematical models replaced physical masters for free-form objects and the “computer” was a group of women with mechanical calculators.