GE CJ-610 TURBOJET ENGINE
This project explores the design of the General Electric CJ-610 turbojet engine. This was a research project to explore the possibilities of showcasing complex machines. We wanted to highlight both the element of education and the element of product presentation. Using digital models, we can showcase a machine in ways we would not be able to in real life. In this example, we can show the inside function of a turbojet engine, which would be almost impossible. These machines are often cut up to show cross-sections to educate students. With a functional 3D model, we would only have to create the model once and after that, we can extract all content that is needed. In real life, it would be impossible to pick up the jet engine and flip it around in all possible ways while it is still functioning inside. Below, we break down the steps of this project to give some insight into our workflow.
REFERENCE
At the start of each project, it's important to gather as many technical and creative references as possible. It is at this point that we also determine the goals of the project and the level of detail and quality needed to achieve those goals. When working with 3D, the amount of detail achievable on a model is pretty much endless. The only caveat: This can take a long time. That's why it's important to find a good balance that fits within budget, while still achieving your goals. For this example, the goal was to show the function of the jet engine from the inside with all the key components visible. The references are often pictures and technical drawings. In this case, no accurate measurements were available for the parts, thus we had to use the picture references to make the proportions as correct as possible. To achieve scientific accuracy, we do some studying on the topic to make sure the workings of the machine are realistic. We also purchase the documentation needed, like manuals and textbooks to shape our understanding of the topic.
CAD MODEL CONVERSION
Most projects start with a 3D model of the object in question. This can either be supplied by the client or made by us. There are several modeling techniques we utilize depending on each case. One of the options is CAD modeling, which is most common in the engineering industry. These can be models from programs like SolidWorks, SiemensNX, Fusion360, Rhino, or any similar software. There is often a barrier between technical drawing software and creative rendering software. We have several methods to convert these from one to the other, thus making it possible to create high-detail models with realistic materials.
MATERIALS
One of the aspects that makes renders realistic is materials. Depending on each project, we either use an extensive library of materials or we make our own custom materials. For highly realistic models, we use custom-painted materials. This adds some extra time to the project since the models have to be prepared in a certain way. For this project, we decided to go with our libraries of textures. Since the materials are not very complicated, it is much faster to assign procedural materials to each object.
ANIMATION & SIMULATION
Carefully building up a functioning 3D model is important for later animation. We make everything mechanically accurate to ensure we can use realistic motion in our animations. Besides this, we do simulations for airflow, combustion, fluids, etc. to clarify certain functions. For this project, we simulated the airflow through the jet engine and visualized the flames from the combustion inside the engine. Note that these animations are purely for visual purposes. They are not actual CFD animations.
