Measuring curvature of an object?

[DyslexicHobo]

How does one go about measuring the curvature of an object? Is there a way to uniquely represent a geometry if it follows an arbitrary curvature?

I'm not even sure if I'm asking the right question, so here's why I want to know. I want to start modeling things in Solidworks to get a feel for the program. I've picked a few random objects that I'd like to start with (I'm doing a yoyo right now) and I'm trying to get them as close as possible to their true geometries. I'm stuck at measuring the curvature of the yoyo. I've used the fillet tool to eyeball it, but is there any way to measure it on the yoyo to be certain?

I'm not even sure what tools would exist to attempt this or how it would be represented.

 

[Valerie Park]

Is there a way to uniquely represent a geometry if it follows an arbitrary curvature? Or would I have to resort to approximating the curvature with a series of arcs or splines?To measure the curvature of an object, one can use a variety of tools, such as calipers, radius gauges, and contour gauges. Calipers, for example, can be used to measure the radius of a curved surface. Radius gauges are also useful for measuring the curvature of an object by tracing the curve with the gauge and then measuring the distance between the two points. Contour gauges can be used to measure the profile of a curved surface, while a micrometer can be used to measure the thickness of the object. If an arbitrary curvature is present, it can be represented using splines, which are smooth curves that pass through a set of points. The number of points used to define the spline will determine how closely the resulting curve matches the original curvature. An alternative to using splines is to use a mesh of 3D points, which can then be used to create a 3D model of the object.

 

[sir-pinski]

Measuring the curvature of an object can be done in a few different ways, depending on the specific object and the level of precision required. One method is to use a flexible measuring tape or string to wrap around the curved surface and measure the length. This can then be compared to the length of a straight line connecting the two endpoints of the curve, giving an approximate measurement of the curvature. Another method is to use a specialized tool, such as a curvature gauge or a contour gauge, which can provide more precise measurements of the curvature.

In terms of representing an object with arbitrary curvature, there are various mathematical models that can be used, such as parametric equations, spline curves, or NURBS (non-uniform rational B-spline) curves. These allow for a more accurate representation of the object's geometry, regardless of its curvature. However, the specific method used would depend on the software being used and the application for which the model is being created.

In the case of Solidworks, there are tools specifically designed for measuring and representing curvature, such as the Curvature Continuous tool, which allows for precise control over the curvature of a surface. Additionally, there are tutorials and resources available online that can guide you through the process of accurately measuring and representing curvature in Solidworks. It may take some practice and experimentation, but with the right tools and techniques, you should be able to achieve the desired level of accuracy in your yoyo model.