A computational design approach where a solid object is generated by evaluating a mathematical equation across a 3D space, rather than drawing discrete faces and vertices. It allows engineers to instantly generate highly complex, organic geometries like gyroid lattices or variable-density foams. This method is heavily used in generative design and additive manufacturing because it never fails to produce a watertight solid.
We switched to implicit modeling for the heat exchanger so we could easily tweak the lattice thickness without crashing the software.
Do not mix it up with
- Explicit modeling: Explicit modeling defines shapes using absolute boundaries and drawn features, whereas implicit modeling defines them mathematically as a continuous field.
Related terms
Solid model
A complete 3D digital representation of a part that includes volume and mass properties.
Explicit modeling
A direct computer-aided design approach where geometry is created and modified without a history tree.
Form factor
A dimensionless ratio used to describe the shape of an object or its stress distribution.