Design Modeling with SolidWorks 2007

This text is an introduction to the use of computers and software and solid modeling concepts to create three-dimensional computer models as an integral part of the design process. In particular, it is an introduction to the design software SolidWorks, a computer-aided design package that uses a variation of solid modeling called parametric modeling.

This text was written with the intention of helping students become comfortable working in 3-D. It is intended to help readers understand the basic concepts of 3-D modeling. It is an attempt to illustrate the 3-D computer model database at the core of the design process and 2-D views (drawings) as a by-product of the modeling process. It covers only the very basic modeling tools in SolidWorks -enough to allow students to create the geometry of some realistic components and assemblies, but nowhere near a comprehensive exposure to all the capabilities of the software. Most chapters begin with a quick introduction to general modeling concepts and then illustrate how those concepts are implemented in SolidWorks. End-of-chapter exercises are provided for practice in using the software and to further the understanding of particular modeling concepts.