CIMdata PLM Industry Summary Online Archive
26 August 2008
Company News
ThinkDesign ‘Reforms’ Descriptive Geometry
The possibility of designing in three-dimensional space offered by digital modelling programs allows Descriptive Geometry to develop in new ways, both theoretical and applied. To demonstrate this premise, Prof. Riccardo Migliari, Permanent Lecturer in the Fundamentals and Applications of Descriptive Geometry at Rome's La Sapienza University, examined Apollonius' Problem and provided a general synthetic solution which is valid in a plane and in space. This solution is now practicable thanks to tools like ThinkDesign, think3's CAD software, used by Migliari to study, reform and teach Descriptive Geometry.
In a plane, the complete solution to Apollonius' problem requires a graphic construction which can be made using basic geometry tools, whereas in space it requires a three-dimensional graphic construction which only descriptive geometry methods can give. ThinkDesign offers a new way of interpreting descriptive geometry thanks to its powerful functions and the philosophy governing many of its commands which are capable of fully reflecting mathematical modelling theory.
The results of the studies carried out by Prof. Migliari on Apollonius' Problem will be published in September in two essays: “Representation as experimentation” (in the Ikhnos series) and “Apollonius' Problem and descriptive geometry” (in Disegnare Idee Immagini, an international journal published by Gangemi Editore with RADAAR, the Environment and Architecture Survey, Analysis and Design Department of 'La Sapienza' University in Rome).
“All the models developed as part of these studies,” explains Prof. Migliari, "were constructed with ThinkDesign. This program is particularly suited to geometry experiments due its high level control of accuracy (1 micron) and its wealth of functions."
“In the last few years there has been growing awareness of the needs of modellers in the geometry environment for didactic and research use," specifies Migliari. “ThinkDesign is an accurate tool and very useful for analysing the work. For example, it allows us to understand whether a curve is quadratic or third order. Even though it is configured for industrial use, the theory on which it is based is perfect for university activity. It is easy to use, intuitive and particularly versatile as it allows the user to manage the mathematics of the shapes and to model both solids and surfaces in a user-friendly way."
The examination of Apollonius' Problem and its solution in virtual space demonstrates that how descriptive geometry is used, in research and teaching, can now be profoundly changed.
“My intention," concludes Migliari, "is to teach my students a new way of understanding descriptive geometry using a technological tool which is easy to use and extremely innovative like ThinkDesign. It is vital that descriptive geometry is reformed, taking account of the great cultural heritage of the past and making use, at the same time, of new techniques."
For more information http://www.think3.com/en/Company/Educational.aspx
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