Freeform reflector design
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Hi all,
I'm hoping someone might have seen some software, or knows a way to do this within S/U.
I'm designing some freeform reflectors to be used in a lighting project but am having no luck finding an application that will easily show light/ray paths. I thought initially that I'd simply do it manually by hand in S/U, but after numerous iterations and realising that there's too much guess work involved, am moving onto looking for something a bit more targeted to the process—if there is such a thing. There are extremely $$ options available, but I don't need 99% of the features and the cost is prohibitive.
There's an online java page that comes sort of close to what I'm after;
http://webphysics.davidson.edu/applets/Optics/intro.html
Of course, 3D would be better, but the important aspect is the visual ray paths.
I need to model some TIR's, lenses and reflectors, which I can all draw up, and the level of precision in S/U would be sufficient for my needs.
The other question i had, can I use a renderer to emulate the light output? I'm thinking of something like the image in this link for eg, where the reflector is aimed at a wall and the resultant hot spot, corona etc can be seen;
I've not used any render packages available for S/U, so if it is possible to do this, an easy to use/low learning curve option would be nice
Any help appreciated,
Alex
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That looks interesting - i'll have a look and see, but from the promo it seems it relies on data libraries for the light source info. I hope it can utilise manual input optics. I'll post a response soon.
ThanksAlex
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Ok, Lightup looks awesome, but it's not suitable for my needs; it doesn't provide for the ability to draw up a freeform reflectors or lenses (no refraction) unfortunately. It does look pretty cool though
Any other ideas?
Cheers
Alex
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Have you some images of your first link?
I can't install the java plugin for see something! -
look at this
and look at the gallery
the viewer will come later
ok is not the right reflector however you see what you can do.
original skechup file
3D Warehouse
3D Warehouse is a website of searchable, pre-made 3D models that works seamlessly with SketchUp.
(3dwarehouse.sketchup.com)
this is an imagebased light rederer..very fast and cool AND not to expansive
129 EURO is a good price.
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Pilou,
I also had a few issues initially, but eventually got it working. Here's a screen grab;
I need to be able to draw reflector profiles, lenses that display diffraction (1.56) and possibly other components. Essentially if I can draw it in S/U then I'm happy with that level of precision—it's all non imaging optics, so there's no issues with chromatic aberration, coma, astigmatism etc.
Would love it to be in 3D, but am happy with 2D.
Deaneau, again, it looks interesting, but it's not what I'm thinking of.
Here's a couple of software packages that do it all, and priced accordingly;
http://www.lambdares.com/applications/lighting
I haven't actually seen a simple, optical, ray tracing program or even web interface that does the basics
Cheers
Alex
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A funny prog makes Physic Optic in 2D! (and some other things!
Algodoo (free)You can import your SU object as PNG image with transparent background!
And transform it in object as "texture" apply on any form!
So your section reflector design!
Something not shown on the video: you can make appear many windows of result parameters!
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Process of the importation of any SU Object as PNG image with tranparent backgroung!
Here a simple figure! (figure can be empty like your design section or filled like here)
Image linked if you want make training!
(better if you put the image inside the Texture folder of Algodoo !
In French but very visual! All menus arrive by right click on the figure!
First triangular form (P) with left Button and stay 1 Second at the end without release it!
(can be anything as form)Appearance/ Button Find Texture then Button Generate Form from Texture
Et voilà! (of course prog is also in English! 
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@ ayashko oktis was misunderstand by me
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A time ago I modeled a halogen in Sketchup with high details, see the image:
You can obtain a realist light effect for the halogens with Thea Render for SU, create a IES light with Thea4SU and select the appropriate IES file for your model of halogen, in internet you can find a lot of IES files for many different trademarkt of halogens.
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Well, spent a bit of time with algadoo – thanks Pilou! – and while it's pretty amazing (actually it kicks sketchyphysics butt – and it does have some simple ray trace abilities using 'lasers', it becomes difficult/impossible when you want to create custom parabola/hyperbola reflectors. Looks like a lot of fun though – I've sent links to all my younger cousins/family members…
Oxer, IES files aren't a problem, I have what I need for the LED's I'm using. I'm at the design stage where I need to see the ray paths to determine/tweak reflector and lens parameters before I get to the render. Nice renders — I'll probably repost when I get to that point with questions re rendering. I didn't expect the ray trace side of things to be so hard…
Slightly off topic; while looking for suitable programs, I came across this which is awesome (a definite benefit of all this time spent searching the web);
GeoGebra - the world’s favorite, free math tools used by over 100 million students and teachers
Free digital tools for class activities, graphing, geometry, collaborative whiteboard and more
GeoGebra (www.geogebra.org)
Thanks for the help so far! I'm still looking
Cheers
Alex
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@unknownuser said:
it becomes difficult/impossible when you want to create custom parabola/hyperbola reflectors.
Draw parabola/hyperbola section? or the result of the rays of the laser ?
About Gebra / Algodoo look this thread!
You must be French user groups registered! (menu "setting" / User groups... up left page corner )
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