UWE Bristol Engineering showcase 2015
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Matthew Langdown<br />
Beng Mechanical <strong>Engineering</strong><br />
Project Supervisor<br />
Jason Matthews<br />
The Design and Modelling of a Geodesic Dome<br />
The Project<br />
The first step of the project was to develop the project aims and<br />
objectives. Then research was carried out, using the Internet and library<br />
resources, to develop background knowledge of geodesic dome<br />
structures and also any current products on the market. The next step<br />
will be to look further into the mathematics of geodesic structures and<br />
using this to decide on the best shape to use for the tent design. We will<br />
then look at current technologies used in tent construction and review<br />
this information in order to decide if these technologies can be utilised<br />
or if new technologies will need to be developed. Once these<br />
technologies have been reviewed a concept design will be developed<br />
and once the structure and materials have been decided on a computer<br />
based model will be developed using SolidWorks or similar. The final<br />
section will be a review of whether the aims and objectives specified at<br />
the beginning of the process have been met and what improves could be<br />
made if the process was done again.<br />
Review of existing technologies<br />
A review of existing technologies was carried out in order to help decide<br />
on a concept design. This included looking into materials for the main<br />
structure and also for the covering. The main piece of research carried<br />
out was looking into the different shapes that geodesic domes could<br />
form. From this a short list of 3 was made and a final shape was decided<br />
once the construction and erection method had been looked at. The final<br />
shape that was decided on was a 2v Octahedron.<br />
Modelling<br />
A 3D model was produced in order to show the basic shape of the dome<br />
when it was fully erected. This can be seen across the page.<br />
Once the 3D model was complete a detailed 2D sketch was created in<br />
AutoCAD to show how the scissor mechanism for erection would work.<br />
The sketches across the page show this mechanism in bothe the erected<br />
and collapsed positions.<br />
3D Model<br />
2D Sketch<br />
Scissor mechanism in erected position.<br />
Project summary<br />
This project involves the design and computer<br />
modeling of a geodesic dome tent, measuring<br />
8m in circumference, that can be easily<br />
erected by an individual.<br />
The study has involved research into current<br />
designs of geodesic dome tents and the<br />
technology used in these designs. Once these<br />
technologies were reviewed a concept design<br />
was created and then modelled using both 2D<br />
and 3D CAD packages.<br />
Project Objectives<br />
The objective of this project was to design and model<br />
a geodesic dome tent measuring 8m in circumference<br />
and could be erected by an individual. To do this an<br />
investigation into current dome structures was<br />
carried out. This was then followed by obtaining an<br />
understanding of collapsing mechanisms. From this<br />
the concept design was created and discussed.<br />
Project Conclusion<br />
The outcome of the project was to achieve a concept<br />
design meeting the criteria stated in the project brief.<br />
This was achieved and a document of research<br />
carried out and the details of the concept design was<br />
created.<br />
Scissor mechanism in collapsed position.
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