[Radiance-general] Re: quick geometry modelling query

[Greg Ward]

In general, it shouldn't matter what's going on inside of an opaque 
object in Radiance if you are viewing it from the outside.  It will 
probably be slightly faster if the geometry is simpler, all else being 
equal.

-G

> From: "Daniel LASH(SED)" <D.Lash at shu.ac.uk>
> Date: March 25, 2004 8:19:48 AM PST
>
> Hello,
>
> A fairly basic question on geometry entry I think.  When modelling 
> geometry does it matter if
> opaque (ie plastic) elements intersect?  I am modelling using autocad. 
>  For example, say I am
> modelling a 'waffle' type roof structure, to which a standard plastic 
> material is to be added.  I
> have drawn all the beams going in one direction.  For the beams 
> cutting through this beam
> perpendicularly, do you;
>
> a; draw individual small beams between the existing beams (no 
> intersection, but alot more geometry
> description.  does this do anything to calculation times?)
>
> b; draw long beams cutting through the existing beams (much less 
> geometry entry, but does the
> intersection result in inaccuracy/redundancy somehow?)
>
> c; does it matter?
>
> in RwR p.59, the simple vase case, primitives are intersected 
> together, such that the 'interior' of
> the vase is not as in 'real life'.  Given this, and as long as the 
> exterior of the 'waffle' is
> light tight, can I draw it with fewer but intersecting elements?
>
> Many thanks, this mailing list has been a very useful learning 
> resource,
>
> Dan Lash
> Sheffield Hallam University, UK.