Computational Geometry CAD Kernel Deep Dive - Expanded Projects

Build the geometric core of a CAD system: robust predicates, topology, NURBS, and boolean modeling.

This directory contains expanded guides for each project in the Computational Geometry CAD Kernel Deep Dive curriculum. Each project makes geometric theory tangible and verifiable.

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Learning Philosophy

CAD kernels are unforgiving: a single numerical instability can break an entire model. These projects force you to confront precision, robustness, and topology as real engineering constraints.

The Progression

FOUNDATIONS
  P01 Robust Predicate Engine       -> orientation, incircle, precision
  P02 Polygon Clipper               -> planar clipping and inside/outside
  P03 Half-Edge Mesh Library        -> adjacency and topology

CURVES AND SURFACES
  P04 NURBS Curve Evaluator         -> parametric curves
  P05 NURBS Surface Generator       -> parametric surfaces

SOLIDS
  P06 B-Rep Topology Engine          -> faces, edges, shells
  P07 Simple CSG Engine              -> boolean trees
  P08 Mesh Boolean Evaluator         -> robust solid booleans

DESIGN SYSTEMS
  P09 Constrained Sketch Solver      -> constraint solving
  P10 Feature-Based Modeler          -> extrude, revolve, fillet
  P11 STEP File Data Explorer        -> interoperability

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Project Index

#	Project	Difficulty	Time	Core Concepts
P01	Robust Predicate Engine	Intermediate	Weekend	Robust orientation tests
P02	Sutherland-Hodgman Clipper	Intermediate	Weekend	Polygon clipping
P03	Half-Edge Mesh Library	Intermediate	1-2 weeks	Topology and adjacency
P04	NURBS Curve Evaluator	Intermediate	1-2 weeks	Parametric curves
P05	NURBS Surface Generator	Advanced	2-3 weeks	Parametric surfaces
P06	B-Rep Topology Engine	Advanced	2-3 weeks	Solid modeling
P07	Simple CSG Engine	Advanced	2-3 weeks	Boolean trees
P08	Mesh Boolean Evaluator	Advanced	3-4 weeks	Robust booleans
P09	Constrained Sketch Solver	Advanced	2-3 weeks	Nonlinear constraints
P10	Feature-Based Modeler	Advanced	3-4 weeks	Feature operations
P11	STEP File Data Explorer	Intermediate	Weekend	CAD interoperability

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Core Concepts Map

Robust Predicates

• What they are: Reliable orientation and intersection tests
• Learned in: P01, P02, P08
• Key insight: Geometric algorithms fail without numeric robustness

Topology Structures

• What they are: Data structures for adjacency and connectivity
• Learned in: P03, P06
• Key insight: Geometry is shape; topology is how pieces connect

Parametric Geometry

• What they are: Curves and surfaces defined by parameters
• Learned in: P04, P05
• Key insight: CAD uses parametric representations, not triangle meshes

Boolean and Feature Modeling

• What they are: Constructive operations on solids and features
• Learned in: P07, P08, P10
• Key insight: Modeling systems are logic engines with geometry

Constraints and Interchange

• What they are: Solving design rules and exchanging models
• Learned in: P09, P11
• Key insight: Real CAD is about correctness and interoperability