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Advances on Engineering Graphics: Improvements and New Proposals

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A special issue of Symmetry (ISSN 2073-8994). This special issue belongs to the section "Computer".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 April 2021) | Viewed by 42807

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Prof. Dr. José Ignacio Rojas Sola

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Guest Editor

Department of Engineering Graphics, Design and Projects, University of Jaen, Campus de las Lagunillas, s/n, 23071 Jaen, Spain
Interests: engineering graphics; industrial heritage; industrial archaeology; history of technology and industrial revolution; historical inventions; mechanical engineering; computer-aided design; computer-aided engineering
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The study of engineering graphics, defined as the set of graphic communication techniques that engineers, architects, and designers use to express ideas and concepts, or the graphic expression applied to the design process, is becoming increasingly important.

Not surprisingly, engineering and architecture studies have one of their main functions in the teaching of graphic communication, since it is the universal language of engineer, architect, or designer in engineering and/or architecture fields.

The correct interpretation of graphic language allows the development of skills in the training of an engineer or architect. For this reason, research on this topic is especially interesting to find improvements or new proposals that help toward a better understanding of those techniques.

The scope for case studies is very broad and can cover different disciplines of engineering, such as mechanical engineering, civil engineering, chemical engineering, electrical and electronic engineering, automation and robotic engineering or telecommunications engineering, among others, as well as architecture. In particular, research on educational aspects of the teaching of graphic communication techniques, which improve the development of skills related to the fields of engineering and architecture, are especially welcome.

This Special Issue invites researchers to submit original research papers and review articles related to any discipline in which theoretical or practical issues of engineering graphics are considered. The topics of interest include but are not limited to:

Engineering graphics
Computer-aided design
Industrial design
Industrial drawing
Geometric modeling
Virtual reality
Augmented reality
Technical drawing
Descriptive geometry
Computer animation
Multimedia

Contributions in other domains are welcome, although we ask that you please contact the Guest Editor.

Prof. Dr. José Ignacio Rojas Sola
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Symmetry is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Published Papers (12 papers)

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Editorial

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4 pages, 200 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Advances in Engineering Graphics: Improvements and New Proposals

by José Ignacio Rojas-Sola

Symmetry 2021, 13(5), 827; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/sym13050827 - 08 May 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1594

Abstract

The study of graphic communication techniques that engineers, architects, and designers use to express ideas and concepts, or the graphic expression applied to the design process, is becoming increasingly important. The correct interpretation of graphic language allows the development of skills in the training of an engineer or architect. For this reason, research on this topic is especially valuable in finding improvements or new proposals that help toward a better understanding of those techniques. This Special Issue shows the reader some examples of different disciplines available, such as engineering graphics, industrial design, geometric modeling, computer-aided design, descriptive geometry, architectural graphics and computer animation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances on Engineering Graphics: Improvements and New Proposals)

Research

Jump to: Editorial

17 pages, 503 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Computer Extended Descriptive Geometry (CeDG) with CAD in the Modeling of Sheet Metal Patterns

by Manuel Prado-Velasco and Rafael Ortiz-Marín

Symmetry 2021, 13(4), 685; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/sym13040685 - 15 Apr 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1932

Abstract

The emergence of computer-aided design (CAD) has propelled the evolution of the sheet metal engineering field. Sheet metal design software tools include parameters associated to the part’s forming process during the pattern drawing calculation. Current methods avoid the calculation of a first pattern drawing of the flattened part’s neutral surface, independent of the forming process, leading to several methodological limitations. The study evaluates the reliability of the Computer Extended Descriptive Geometry (CeDG) approach to surpass those limitations. Three study cases that cover a significative range of sheet metal systems are defined and the associated solid models and patterns’ drawings are computed through Geogebra-based CeDG and two selected CAD tools (Solid Edge 2020, LogiTRACE v14), with the aim of comparing their reliability and accuracy. Our results pointed to several methodological lacks in LogiTRACE and Solid Edge that prevented to solve properly several study cases. In opposition, the novel CeDG approach for the computer parametric modeling of 3D geometric systems overcame those limitations so that all models could be built and flattened with accuracy and without methodological limitations. As additional conclusion, the success of CeDG suggests the necessity to recover the relevance of descriptive geometry as a key core in graphic engineering. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances on Engineering Graphics: Improvements and New Proposals)

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16 pages, 5430 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimization of the Aesthetic Design of an Agronomic Product Inspired by an Asymmetric Shape of Water

by Dolores Parras-Burgos, Daniel G. Fernández-Pacheco and Francisco J. F. Cañavate

Symmetry 2021, 13(4), 561; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/sym13040561 - 29 Mar 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1834

Abstract

Industrial products have been highlighted in the agronomic field more for their technical and functional aspects than for their visual aesthetics. Currently, this concept has changed and has favoured the development of innovative products taking into account all the factors involved in the conception of a product. This article describes a real industrial product redesign case that was functionally innovative and a reference in the agronomic domain. Due to the large number of copies that emerged from its competitors, this design required a new image in its aesthetic appearance to differentiate it from the rest. The difficulty of this project lay in the technical limitations to develop it, so a conceptual design process based on analogies and inspired by nature was necessary to find the most appropriate shape. Based on this methodology, a symmetrical and static design was transformed into one with asymmetrical and dynamic shapes inspired by the helicoidal movement of water. This new design gave this product an innovative, symbolic, and differentiating image that allowed its industrial registration in a large number of countries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances on Engineering Graphics: Improvements and New Proposals)

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12 pages, 1880 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evolutive 3D Modeling: A Proposal for a New Generative Design Methodology

by Jaime Nebot, Juan A. Peña and Carmelo López Gómez

Symmetry 2021, 13(2), 338; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/sym13020338 - 19 Feb 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2962

Abstract

At present, traditional 3D modeling programs consist of a set of tools that reflect conventional means of mechanical manufacturing and have limitations in relation with the current manufacturing capacities. On the other hand, organic and morphing 3D modeling programs are designed to transform a model from one known shape to another also known shape. Generative design helps the designers to detach themselves during the design process and can provide them with completely unexpected geometrical solutions. In this paper, starting from 3D morphing techniques and genetic algorithms, a new methodology of product shape definition is developed, capable of imitating processes that occur in nature and aimed at creating new and different product designs. This methodology enables to overcome the limitations imposed by design fixation and allows better exploitation of the great possibilities granted by the new manufacturing techniques, most notably additive manufacturing. The initial process of research and information gathering gives this work a solid basis to develop the new methodology. The results of this initial process are briefly resumed in this paper in order to explain the main motivation for developing this work. The workflow of this methodology is presented as a theoretical process, since its implementation has not been, at least for the moment, put into practice. Before presenting the conclusion for this proposal, several examples have been formulated in order to help the reader to catch the point of the entire process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances on Engineering Graphics: Improvements and New Proposals)

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18 pages, 8352 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Engineering Graphics for Thermal Assessment: 3D Thermal Data Visualisation Based on Infrared Thermography, GIS and 3D Point Cloud Processing Software

by Daniel Antón and José-Lázaro Amaro-Mellado

Symmetry 2021, 13(2), 335; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym13020335 - 18 Feb 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3096

Abstract

Engineering graphics are present in the design stage, but also constitute a way to communicate, analyse, and synthesise. In the Architecture-Engineering-Construction sector, graphical data become essential in analysing buildings and constructions throughout their lifecycles, such as in the thermal behaviour assessment of building envelopes. Scientific research has addressed the thermal image mapping onto three-dimensional (3D) models for visualisation and analysis. However, the 3D point cloud data creation of buildings’ thermal behaviour directly from rectified infrared thermography (IRT) thermograms is yet to be investigated. Therefore, this paper develops an open-source software graphical method to produce 3D thermal data from IRT images for temperature visualisation and subsequent analysis. This low-cost approach uses both a geographic information system for the thermographic image rectification and the point clouds production, and 3D point cloud processing software. The methodology has been proven useful to obtain, without perspective distortions, 3D thermograms even from non-radiometric raster images. The results also revealed that non-rectangular thermograms enable over 95% of the 3D thermal data generated from IRT against rectangular shapes (over 85%). Finally, the 3D thermal data produced allow further thermal behaviour assessment, including calculating the object’s heat loss and thermal transmittance for diverse applications such as energy audits, restoration, monitoring, or product quality control. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances on Engineering Graphics: Improvements and New Proposals)

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23 pages, 5471 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Design and Development of Sheet-Metal Elbows Using Programming with Visual Basic for Applications in CATIA

by José Ignacio Rojas-Sola, Gloria del Río-Cidoncha, Rafael Ortíz-Marín and José María López-Pedregal

Symmetry 2021, 13(1), 33; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/sym13010033 - 28 Dec 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3950

Abstract

This article introduces an innovative application of Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) (Visual Basic macro language) developed in CATIA (Computer-Aided Three-Dimensional Interactive Application), computer-aided manufacturing and engineering design software. Said application enables the three-dimensional (3D) representation and development to be obtained on a plane of the surfaces of cylindrical and conical elbows utilised to join two conduits, since CATIA lacks tools for the design of elements of metal fabrication. The application permits the geometric and dimensional parameters necessary for the creation and development of the analysed elbows to be introduced via a keyboard. Once these values have been entered and it has been verified that the design of the elbow is possible, then the application is programmed within the CATIA “Wireframe and Surface Design” module to obtain the 3D representation of said elbows, and the development of their surface is projected in the CATIA “Drafting” module. Consequently, the incorporation of this tool into CATIA software could increase technical-design productivity by eliminating certain intermediate operations, such as symmetry, and through improving the geometry training of less skilled users. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances on Engineering Graphics: Improvements and New Proposals)

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30 pages, 12066 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Case Study on Evolution of Car Styling and Brand Consistency Using Deep Learning

by Hung-Hsiang Wang and Chih-Ping Chen

Symmetry 2020, 12(12), 2074; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/sym12122074 - 14 Dec 2020

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 8317

Abstract

Brand style and product identity are critical to the core value of a brand. Yet how to identify the style and identity is highly dependent on the human expert’s judgment. As deep learning for image recognition has made a rapid process in recent years, it’s the application of brand style and design features have potential. This investigation assessed the car styling evolution of two car brands, Dodge and Jaguar, by training convolutional neural network. The method used heat map analysis of deep learning and was supplemented by statistical methods. The two datasets in this investigation were the car design features dataset and the car style images dataset. Results using the deep learning method show that the average accuracy of the last ten under verification modes was 95.90%, while 78% of the new cars continue the early brand style. Moreover, Jaguar had a higher proportion of style consistency than Dodge. Results using statistical methods reveal two cars had evolved in two different trends regarding the vehicle length. In terms of the design features, Jaguar had no noticeable design features of the rocket-tailfin. The heat map method of deep learning indicates a design feature’s focus area, and the method is beneficial for future brand style analysis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances on Engineering Graphics: Improvements and New Proposals)

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20 pages, 57824 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Architectural Graphics Research: Topics and Trends through Cluster and Map Network Analyses

by Vicente López-Chao and Antonio Amado Lorenzo

Symmetry 2020, 12(12), 1936; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/sym12121936 - 24 Nov 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 5520

Abstract

Graphic representation is a fundamental language in architecture and engineering because it facilitates the communication of any type of information. Therefore, professionals and students need continuous and updated training, with scientific references being the best source of knowledge. However, accessing the latest findings is a complex process for people in the professional world or without an extensive research background since there are no specific filters in the databases, such as architectural graphics. This manuscript aims to define the research topics and trends in architectural graphics as a point of reference for novel professors and new researchers in graphics or drawing. A database on the Scopus-indexed scientific production of the professors of architectural graphics from public architecture schools in Spain has been developed. Furthermore, cluster and map network analyses have been performed using VOSviewer with different levels of co-occurrence to define what this group of academics investigates and how the issues are related. The results evidenced a structure in four categories: the philosophy and theory of architectural graphics, the theory of geometry in architectural heritage, the application of digital graphics in architecture education and urban design management. Research gaps are mentioned and a base framework for the future of research in architectural graphics is proposed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances on Engineering Graphics: Improvements and New Proposals)

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18 pages, 9487 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Crowd Simulation with Arrival Time Constraints

by Mankyu Sung and SeongKi Kim

Symmetry 2020, 12(11), 1804; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/sym12111804 - 31 Oct 2020

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2214

Abstract

Finding collision-free paths for crowd simulation has been a core technique in video games and the film industry; it has drawn a great deal of attention from computer animation researchers for several decades. Additionally, theoretical modeling of pedestrian has been a hot topic in physics as well because it allows us to predict any architectural failure of buildings and many city planning problems. However, the existing studies for path planning cannot guarantee the arrival order, which is critical in many cases, such as arrival symmetry of the characters within video games or films. To resolve this issue, a path planning algorithm has been developed with a novel method for satisfying the arrival-order constraints. The time constraint we suggest is the temporal duration for each character, specifying the order in which they arrive at their target positions. In addition to the algorithm that guarantees the arrival order of objects, a new user interface is suggested for setting up the arrival order. Through several experiments, the proposed algorithm was verified, and can successfully find collision-free paths, while satisfying the time constraint set by the new user interface. Given the available literature, the suggested algorithm and the interface are the first that support arrival order, and their usability is proven by user studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances on Engineering Graphics: Improvements and New Proposals)

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18 pages, 2208 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Navigating Non-Playable Characters Based on User Trajectories with Accumulation Map and Path Similarity

by Jong-Hyun Kim, Jung Lee and Sun-Jeong Kim

Symmetry 2020, 12(10), 1592; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/sym12101592 - 25 Sep 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2458

Abstract

In this paper, we propose a method to efficiently control the path of non-playable characters (NPC) in an interactive virtual environment such as a game or virtual reality (VR) by calculating a weight map and path similarity based on the user’s path. Our method automatically constructs a navigation mesh that provides a new route to the NPC by referring to the user’s trajectory. Our method finds more paths that users usually go through as time passes, and the number of users increases. Accordingly, the paths that NPCs can traverse automatically are updated adaptively to the virtual environment. In addition, NPC agents can move smartly by assigning high weights to the user’s preferred paths. We tested the usefulness of the proposed method through several example scenarios in an interactive environment such as a video game or VR, and this method can be easily applied to various types of navigation based on the interactive environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances on Engineering Graphics: Improvements and New Proposals)

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20 pages, 4673 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Do Products Respond to User Desires? A Case Study. Errors and Successes in the Design Process, under the Umbrella of Emotional Design

by María Alonso-García, Miguel-Ángel Pardo-Vicente, Lucía Rodríguez-Parada and Daniel Moreno Nieto

Symmetry 2020, 12(8), 1350; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/sym12081350 - 12 Aug 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3432

Abstract

This article introduces a methodological approach to the evaluation of different industrial products according to Norman’s approach and dimensions, focusing on a specific case study. The study also shows different possibilities to guide industrial designers during the design process in order to create products with high emotional value. For those, the case study was done with 330 target specific users, submitting nine prototypes (designed for different targets) to the user experience evaluation and product perception analysis. The evaluated proposals were selected from a total of 45. The results show the visceral, behavioural and reflective levels perceived by those users to whom each product is intended, as well as the target deviation within the design process. In this sense, the emotional response reveals the asymmetric character of perception according to Norman’s dimensions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances on Engineering Graphics: Improvements and New Proposals)

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14 pages, 3513 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Computer-Aided Sketching: Incorporating the Locus to Improve the Three-Dimensional Geometric Design

by José Ignacio Rojas-Sola, David Hernández-Díaz, Ricardo Villar-Ribera, Vicente Hernández-Abad and Francisco Hernández-Abad

Symmetry 2020, 12(7), 1181; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/sym12071181 - 16 Jul 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3690

Abstract

This article presents evidence of the convenience of implementing the geometric places of the plane into commercial computer-aided design (CAD) software as auxiliary tools in the computer-aided sketching process. Additionally, the research considers the possibility of adding several intuitive spatial geometric places to improve the efficiency of the three-dimensional geometric design. For demonstrative purposes, four examples are presented. A two-dimensional figure positioned on the flat face of an object shows the significant improvement over tools currently available in commercial CAD software, both vector and parametric: it is more intuitive and does not require the designer to execute as many operations. Two more complex three-dimensional examples are presented to show how the use of spatial geometric places, implemented as CAD software functions, would be an effective and highly intuitive tool. Using these functions produces auxiliary curved surfaces with points whose notable features are a significant innovation. A final example provided solves a geometric place problem using own software designed for this purpose. The proposal to incorporate geometric places into CAD software would lead to a significant improvement in the field of computational geometry. Consequently, the incorporation of geometric places into CAD software could increase technical-design productivity by eliminating some intermediate operations, such as symmetry, among others, and improving the geometry training of less skilled users. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances on Engineering Graphics: Improvements and New Proposals)

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