Where Can I Find a Basic 3D Model of a Steam Turbine for Simulation?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenge of finding a basic 3D model of a steam turbine suitable for thermodynamic simulations in software like CATIA, ANSYS, or Solidworks. Participants express their experiences and frustrations regarding the availability of such models from manufacturers.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses frustration over the inability to find a basic 3D model of a steam turbine, citing unhelpfulness from manufacturers who protect their intellectual property.
  • Another participant questions the necessity of a 3D model for thermodynamic analysis, suggesting a lack of understanding of the request.
  • Several participants indicate that designing a model from scratch may be the only viable option, sharing their experiences with reverse engineering and the challenges of obtaining CAD models from companies.
  • There is a shared sentiment that manufacturers are more willing to share smaller component models for sales purposes, but not for larger, more complex items like steam turbines.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the difficulty of obtaining 3D models from manufacturers and the likelihood that designing one's own model may be necessary. However, there is no consensus on the necessity of a 3D model for thermodynamic analysis.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying assumptions about the motivations of manufacturers in withholding models, as well as differing views on the requirements for conducting thermodynamic simulations.

cwolff
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Hello I am new to these forums and probably will be here for a long time. I am looking for a 3D model of a steam turbine I can play with in either CATIA, ANSYS, or Solidworks. I just want to run thermodynamic simulations and not modify any mechanical or structural components. I have been looking for 3 months with no luck. The major manufacturers won't give me a "basic" 3D model without any of their modifications. Seems folks are generally selfish and unhelpful in corporate bureaucracies.

Any help i.e. a 3D model will be greatly appreciated!
 
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I don't think you understand what it is you are asking for when it comes to the reaction you are getting from manufacturers. You are asking for models they created. To them, you are someone who wants to take their work and reverse engineer it, to modify it. For what end? They don't know. It's their intellectual property.

Now on to another question...why do you need a 3D model to do a thermo analysis?
 
I'll have to design my own then...
 
cwolff said:
I'll have to design my own then...
99% of the time, that is going to be the case. I used to have a job that required a lot of reverse engineering of components. My life would have been MUCH easier if companies were more willing to share cad models. Many do for sales purposes, but usually they are smaller components like cylinders, bolts, etc...
 
FredGarvin said:
99% of the time, that is going to be the case. I used to have a job that required a lot of reverse engineering of components. My life would have been MUCH easier if companies were more willing to share cad models. Many do for sales purposes, but usually they are smaller components like cylinders, bolts, etc...

Yeah tell me about it. It's an eye opening experience for me to say the least.
 

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