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Transition between elliptical and arch-shaped cross sections (space shuttle) - Printable Version

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Transition between elliptical and arch-shaped cross sections (space shuttle) - Pipcard - 05-25-2014

I've been trying to model the cancelled Japanese space shuttle "HOPE-X" based on this reference.

What I got was this. Ugly, isn't it?
[Image: c0ZZ0ap.png]

This is what it's supposed to look like.
[Image: UEBiAc4.png]

As you can see, the front is dome shaped. The top half of the dome gradually transitions to an arch shape, while the bottom half gradually transitions to a flat bottom.

Here's what I have so far,
[Image: OT1L01j.png]

but I'm not sure what to do next.


Transition - Stem - 05-25-2014

Hi Pipcard,

For those transition shapes, I normally use "Bridge" with "Flow connect"

For simple example.

I create the first cross section shape. I have made a arch shape, the edge going around the shape are (approximately) evenly spaced (it can help for flow connect). I then created a cylinder with the same number of edges (so Bridge gives correct result)

[Image: CvPvAXh.jpg]

Bridge the 2 inner faces.

[Image: aB4IdBp.jpg]

Select the edge ring around the bridge and use "LMB > Flow connect"
(if the result is not as expected, use "RMB > Flow connect" and adjust as needed)

[Image: o1N10hs.jpg]

Select the edge rings around the extrusion (both sides of the new edge loop, and use "LMB > Flow connect". Repeat until you have the number of edge loops you need.

[Image: b8SQjb9.jpg]

For the dome on the end. Select the end face and scale/move as required.

[Image: FTOElbx.jpg]

Select the edge ring, and again use "LMB > Flow connect". (Repeat for number of loops required)

[Image: fjlTeaG.jpg]

The result should give you a reasonable transition.

[Image: UCGpDWl.jpg]

I know the shapes used for the cross sections are not the same as you want, but I was just showing how I make such a transition.


my suggestion - micheus - 05-25-2014

Stem, just taking in account reference image I would suggest to use a half sphere for the nose - just create a sphere with the same number of slices you have in the body piece, then using Put On to "glue" it in the body.


RE: Transition between elliptical and arch-shaped cross sections (space shuttle) - Pipcard - 05-25-2014

Thanks for the help!