Geometry Gym Addons GHforMac

It's great to announce that Mac users can now start using the Geometry Gym plugins in Grasshopper.

At this point in time to access Grasshopper, you need to be running Rhino for Mac WIP, then Grasshopper can be accessed from rhino command ExplicitHistory (the original plugin name from many years ago).

You can download the Geometry Gym installer from http://www.geometrygym.com/downloads
At the moment I've compiled the Bullant and ggRhinoIFC addons, others can be built on demand (noting that many use windows applications programming interfaces that won't work on mac).

Here's a script to test with.  Klein Building.gh All feedback welcome.

Geometry Gym Mac Plugins

It's a historic day, I've added a RhinoMac download area to the website, http://www.geometrygym.com/downloads

I believe these are the first plugins developed for RhinoMac, and it's an exciting new era.

Initially the two plugins available are BullAnt, and ggRhinoIFC (to import and export IFC files).

You need to install the WIP (Work in Progress) build of RhinoMac, you can download from here:
http://www.rhino3d.com/download/rhino-for-mac/5B/wip

Commands will then be available starting with gg (no toolbars yet).  You can open/import IFC files from the file menu.  You can run rhino command ggZZLicenseRequest to activate an evaluation license for the plugins.

Note that there are still improvements on the way (including features in RhinoMac) such as property panels .  I also plan to release mac versions of other utilities.  A lot of the other plugins I've developed for Rhino Windows probably aren't required on MAC as they link to Windows software.  Exceptions are the gbXML plugin and if you wish to see a build of another, then let me know.

I look forward to hearing feedback and suggestions.

Mesh False Color

A new component added to BullAnt for generating mesh with false color from a list of values.

Grasshopper Example

Grasshopper Catalogue Profiles

I've just added a new feature to BullAnt addon for Grasshopper that allows easier nomination of catalogue profiles (before you had to use a string).  If I haven't already included a catalogue profile or range that you would like to use, please get in touch and I'll add it ASAP.  http://www.geometrygym.com/downloads

Network Patch

A stunning example of checkerboard patch, the Pavillion Serpentine Gallery (Photo by Sylvain Deleu ) prompted David Lister to ask how to achieve this in Grasshopper.  The algorithm is a variation to the curve network filleting routines in BullAnt, so I've just uploaded a new build with it included.

Rhino Model available from here.

Grasshopper definition available from here.

Grasshopper Curve Force Density (Great Court Roof Revisited)

First thing to state, I plan to revisit the topology (connectivity) of the curve network to get a better result, so please come back soon and check if it's updated.

I've been adding curve network force density tools into the Grasshopper BullAnt plug-in.  There's progress on using the Great Court Roof as an example.

You can download the Rhino file here and the Grasshopper definition here.

Also possibly of interest is a "reverse" force density where it iterates through the network nodes and repels the neighbouring nodes rather that move the current node, which can be used in some circumstances to produce equal length curves.  Here's one example, although it seems there's lots of scenarios where it's not so successful. I've put a slider on the iteration so you can see it converge on an answer, and it's producing two adjacent loop results so you can compare.

Rhino file here and Grasshopper file here.

Tessellation in Grasshopper (Beijing Watercube revisited)

I've started enabling the tessellation (polygon packing) routines in Grasshopper, and the Bejing Watercube is such a great example of using this geometry I thought I'd post the grasshopper version.

Rhino file from here.

Grasshopper definition here.

I've also started implementing some spline variable cell filleting, I'm still looking at options for generating best results.  An improvement on constant radius results.

Rhino file

Grasshopper definition

Three pin Truss

An assignment was set recently at UC Berkeley to model a three pin truss utilized at the previous Eurostar Terminal at Waterloo, London.

A question on how to generate this arrangement was posted on the Grasshopper forum, and I think it is a fantastic example of structure that should be modelled in Grasshopper to achieve the best design possible.

The assignment due date has passed (I hope), so I think it's safe to post how I would use the Geometry Gym plug-ins to model this structure.  This includes a new BullAnt Truss component, that allows you to select the nature of the truss connectivity (at present, Pratt, Warren, Vierendeel and Brown) between two chord curves.  Other truss types are available upon request.

GSA screen Capture

Download AVI from here

Robot screen Capture


Download AVI from here

And the files so you can try for yourself:

Rhino Model (Required for all Grasshopper Definitions)

Grasshopper definition for BullAnt
Grasshopper definition for Oasys GSA
Grasshopper definition for Autodesk Robot
Grasshopper definition for SAP
Grasshopper definition for SDNF (Steel detailing neutral format can be exchanged to BIM software such as Tekla and Digital Project)
Grasshopper definition for Strand7/Straus7
Grasshopper definition for Sofistik

Other software models coming soon, please request to accelerate.

Mesh Inflation in Grasshopper (ETFE)

Here's the first effort at a solver to inflate meshes (controlled by pressure) in Grasshopper.

More examples and improvements to come (note the double sided pillow is not enabled yet).

Grasshopper definition : inflateMesh

And a second definition to demonstrate applying restraints and inflating solids or polysurfaces:

Grasshopper definition: boxInflation

Some Green

Ivan Kiryakov has produced some really stunning work with Grasshopper, and it's nice to see him using BullAnt to produce some of these forms and shapes.  I'm referencing some of the photos into this blog entry, but you should check out his album at http://www.grasshopper3d.com/photo/album/show?id=2985220:Album:56274

Force Density Relaxing Roofs

Arthur Mamou-Mani posted on the Grasshopper forum (http://www.grasshopper3d.com/forum/topics/tensile-membrane?commentId=2985220:Comment:54158 ) about tensile membranes and Rhino plug-ins that can compute shapes and forms.

I thought the problem looked interesting, and thought I'd see what I could achieve with the new mesh minimal surface tools I've been improving in StructDrawRhino.

You need the latest version of BullAnt (http://www.geometrygym.com/downloads ) and a license file, but you can try this for yourself.
Note, if you altering the inputs such as the control curves, I'd recommend disabling the Grasshopper meshing component temporarily, and then reconnecting it when you want to recompute.

Rhino Model
Grasshopper Definition             

What you find in the basic definition, is that the isolated mesh restraint points produce a very pointed roof, in reality we wish to strength the links along the ridge line.

Here's a revised definition that produces a more desirable result
Strengthened Ridge Line Grasshopper Definition 

Note that the image shows the mesh baked, which helps identify the isocurves or underlying mesh.  Toggling the preview update input can give some insight into how the algorithm is working, at the expense of a slower result.

Costa Minimal Surface

Force Density (Using the Mesh Vertex Repel command)

Grasshopper Definition     

This definition calls on the ggForceDensity Relax functionality to compute a minimal surface discovered by Costa.  This command doesn't compute minimal surfaces for all mesh, but at least seems to give a reasonable impression for Costa Minimal Surface.

Here's a generic model to also test it.

Grasshopper Definition     

Note, that unless you have a quick computer (or a lot of patience), it's probably worth disconnecting at the Mesh component (or disabling) and previewing the surface if you wish to adjust the sliders for variations.

Arc Poly Curve Extrusion boundary Minimal Surface

Grasshopper Definition

There is also capability to restrain mesh vertex to nominated points, curves and surfaces.  Some examples demonstrating this will be posted soon.

Cell Filleting a Curve Network

Files :
Rhino Model  
Grasshopper Model   -  Previous  Grasshopper Model

Files : 

Rhino Model   

Grasshopper Model   -  Previous Grasshopper Model

Note that you will need an approved, valid license file for these commands to work.  The BullAnt plug-in can be downloaded from http://www.geometrygym.com/downloads 

If you find any unexpected results in your own models, please let me know and I will review them.

BullAnt GrassHopper Geodesic Dome

This example file demonstrates calling on the BullAnt Geodesic dome function from within Grasshopper, as well as sweeping structural profiles including member orientation. Try for yourself, but you'll need a valid license (or free trial license) file to do so.

31st August 2012 Updated GH Definition

Previous Versions

Rhino Model with Profile Property Table

Grasshopper 100818 geodesic dome with structure.gh

Older   SDR Grasshopper Geodesic Definition

BullAnt utilised in Grasshopper (2012 Main Stadium)

Try for yourself accessing catalogue sections and user defined library of profile curves to be swept parametrically in Grasshopper.

For present, the function is accessed as a c# or vb.net component, and links to a profile section table embedded into a parent Rhino document.  If you update a section profile, you must instruct Grasshopper to recalculate (unless a user modification triggers a recalculation).   There's lot's of planned ideas and improvements to make to this, it's just the beginning (Options for not generating member cap surfaces, root radius fillets etc).  If you have any ideas or suggestions, please let me know and I'll try to implement ASAP.  This includes requests for any specific aspects included in the BullAnt plug-in or SSI model exchanging tools.

Ensure you have downloaded the latest version of the BullAnt plugin from http://www.geometrygym.com/downloads for this to work, and you must have a valid approved license file (free trial) installed on your computer.



Grasshopper Model File:  100406 2012 main stadium.gh 
Rhino Parent Model: 2012 Stadium Rhino Model for GH definition

Tessellation Work in Progress

More on this coming soon...
A demonstration of the work in progress for the tessellation commands in the Rhino3d plug-in.  Note I have edited out some pauses waiting for computation to complete.  The more computing power you have, the better this will perform so please be patient.  Rhino v5 recommended.  More performance improvements coming soon and more tessellations.

BullAnt Contouring Colors

This screen capture quickly demonstrates the BullAnt command ggContour to apply a spectrum color range to subLayers of active layer. By typing the command, you can nominate to apply it to Rhino objects in a model (based on sequence of creation/modification or selection depending on how you pick the objects). Download the plug-in from http://www.geometrygym.com

Orienting Structure to Rhino Surfaces

Here's an example/tutorial for you to follow to use the plug-in to calculate member orientation angles based on the defining surface normal or nearest point.



To try this yourself, here is the Rhino file: Rhino Ellipse



Now the same basic procedure will work presently with 3 analysis packages, GSA, Sofistik (shown) and SAP2000. Strand7 and others coming shortly.
Here's the analysis models:
GSA
Sofistik (Note LOCA 0 is assumed for the moment.)
SAP2000

More instructions coming soon....

Weaire-Phelan intersecting a surface

I responded to a request for help on the Grasshopper forum with regards to generating Weire-Phelan polygons intersecting with a surface. I've recorded the screen capture below showing the difference as you halve the size of the polygons which I think is quite interesting. If you wish to try for yourself, the Rhino file can also be downloaded below, could be interesting to see how other shapes look (and to generate the intersecting curves using the command in the BullAnt plug-in)


Associated Rhino File

Extruding along Rhino Curves

A question raised on the Grasshopper forum for examples/instructions for extruding structural profiles along grasshopper curves prompted me to post a screen capture to you-tube demonstrating the capabilities of the Structural Drawing plug-in.

I thought I'd post the hypar grasshopper file here for those wishing to test it for themselves.

Note that it demonstrates how properties can now be assigned to layers, and that any curve added or modified on that layer will have an updated sweep. For some reason the event watcher doesn't presently identify when the grasshopper bake command finishes, hopefully I'll have this resolved soon.