Abstract: Method and apparatus for generating a solid model of a structural assembly, or solid models of components of such assembly, according to cross sectional shapes of the components and attributes associated with the cross sectional shapes, wherein the components are initially defined by wire frame models or surface models represented by suitable shape data such wire frame data. When a structural assembly is modified in design, the shape data are changed, and the corresponding cross sectional shapes and attributes are changed, so that a modeller modifies the already generated solid model or models, on the basis of the changed cross sectional shapes and attributes. The apparatus includes part data files for respective structural assemblies, and each part data file has component data files for respective components of each assembly, and a relation data file storing component relation data representative of positional relationship of the components of the assembly.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for generating a solid model of a structural assembly, or solid models of components of such assembly, according to cross sectional shapes of the components and attributes associated with the cross sectional shapes, wherein the components are initially defined by wire frame models or surface models represented by suitable shape data such wire frame data. When a structural assembly is modified in design, the shape data are changed, and the corresponding cross sectional shapes and attributes are changed, so that a modeler modifies the already generated solid model or models, on the basis of the changed cross sectional shapes and attributes. The apparatus includes part data files for respective structural assemblies, and each part data file has component data files for respective components of each assembly, and a relation data file storing component relation data representative of positional relationship of the components of the assembly.