At LEAP 71 we use computer algorithms in Computational Engineering models to automate the repetitive tasks you are spending most of your time with, as an engineer. How much time have you spent designing manifolds? What if you wrote the code once and never had to do this again. This is what we did.
Our manifold algorithm works like this:
- define a bounding volume (here it’s a simple box)
- pick any number of inlet / outlet point pairs on the bounding surface that shall be associated with a pipe connection (in this case between 10 and 25 pairs with randomized coordinates)
- connect the inlet/outlet pairs with a simple straight connection
- use a differential-growth-inspired algorithm to repel the overlapping pipes away from each other (effectively a collision avoidance with a specified target gap distance)
- each pipe generates its own support struts, either supporting itself on the ground or on another close-by pipe if it’s within a given radius and max overhang angle
- each pipe adjusts its cross-sectional shape depending on the local overhang angle between perfectly round and teardrop-shaped
- offset and smoothen to create the outer walls, subtract the inner pipe volumes
We are making these showcase geometries openly available for people who would like to print them, either for fun, research or educational purposes.
Please contact us, if you are interested in accessing the manifold print files (STLs).
25 of these manifolds take 10min to create on a MacBook Air.
What can we build for you?
Let’s discuss on Twitter.
