Rick's Virtual Model of an Alligator Den; version 2!
This page created 7/04/2022  last update:
All text, images, etc. on this page ©2022 Richard Dashnau
mouse scroll = zoom in/out  
left mouse + drag = roll model
right mouse + drag = pan model  [ or ] control+left mouse+drag = pan model
 up/down keys = tilt model up/down
left/right keys = turn model left/right



Further experiments with my alligator den model. I decided to just put it on another page, since I reworked the whole thing.  I created the components of this assembly in Solidworks.
At my job, I'd used that program with some success.  I've wanted to model alligator dens and other natural objects for a long time, but could not use my work account for this.  But I've just
 discovered that Solidworks has a "makers" tier that gives access to a full version of the program  (Solidworks connected 3D experience) for a very affordable cost (at least for now).
So I've modeled an alligator den. I've tried this before (in 2013), with various freeware programs, and the results  are on this page. I hoped to do better with Solidworks.

This time, I made the bank with the den inside, then sliced it into two parts.  Then, I put support pegs between the parts, and when I added the alligator, I sunk it  a bit into the den so
that everything would be one piece--in case someone wanted to try to 3D print this.  At this point, I have no experience with any 3D printers, or the software they use, so I don't know it my
model is scaled correctly for their use--although the software should be able adjust for this. It might be kind of cool to have an alligator den sitting on my desk.  :-) However, I don't know
if it is stable as designed.  I made the "pegs" rather thin, and across the back, to allow a better view into the den. The base is broad, and larger than the top, so it probably won't fall over.

But I wanted to have a model on one of my web pages that a visitor could rotate and move around.  The method had to be inexpensive, and one that I could learn by using my limited
knowledge. I'm still using  a simpler solution in a module called "model-viewer"(and it's FREE!).  I don't have to upload to another server, and the script is pretty simple.  It only accepts GlTF or
GLB file types, but  I've  found that FreeCad (and it's free) will convert the STEP files I can export from Solidworks.  When I export to STEP. the new file has the model rotated 90 degrees, I
fix that by rotating the model in the original mile before export. This works better for now.   The model shows on the page. It can be manipulated.  I'm not sure why it starts in that position.
R. Dashnau 7/04/2022
The model shown above is another way to use my original virtual model. Since I can't do transparency with this script, I tried slicing it this time, and showing both halves (I only showed one "half"
in the previous version.  That version was used to make the 3D pdfs and images shown below.
The 3D pdf allows for full manipulation of the model in a virtual space, and there are also functions on the document that allow
adjustment of lighting, transparency (depending on how the model was exported) and even limited cross-sectional views. These  three files of different 3Dpdf exports demonstrate the differences
in appearance. I've added a comment giving a brief overview of how to move the model, but there are more options on the menu bar (including turning transparency on/off, and even cross-sectional
views!   You can download the files to try them. 1) cross-sectioned model (floating here) 2) full-solid model rendered transparent 3) full-solid model...rendered solid.
There were already issues with this, since the model "changes form" while jumping file types. I had to tweak the model (and remove the water from it) so the den would be acceptable as a pdf.
I got the images below (and the anigifs) by taking screen shots while I rotated the model in Solidworks this model had two gators, and no pond surface.
 
One of my motivations for doing this comes from various observations of alligators in their dens.  I thought I'd try to simulate the situation based on images like those below. The rest of that female alligator's body was hidden in the den behind her.
  

I got the images below by taking screen shots while I rotated the model in Solidworks this model had one gator, and the pond surface. Once I've made the model, I can generate various 2D images by shifting the model around. If I am able to present indoor  
programs again, I could use this, or something like it in a digital program--if I can't present the actual model If I make any further progress with this concept, I'll try to note it here. (5/28/2022) The animated gif for this one is just below.