CLASS A SURFACE OF VEHICEL

INTRODUCTION

Class A surfaces are a term used in automotive design to describe a set of freeform surfaces
of high efficiency and quality. Although, strictly, it is nothing more than saying the surfaces
have curvature and tangency alignment - to ideal aesthetical reflection quality, many people
interpret class A surfaces to have G2 (or even G3) curvature continuity to one another. Class
A surfacing is done using computer-aided industrial design applications. Class A surface
modellers are also called "digital sculptors" in the industry. Industrial Designers develop their
design styling through the A surface, the physical surface the end user can feel, touch, see etc.
The Class A surfacing is also termed as "Digital Sculpting" with numerous software tools
now available in the automotive industry. The notable software tools are Alias by Autodesk,
Icemsurf, Catia (FreeStyle Module) by Dassault systems etc.

Class A surface refers to those surfaces which are VISIBLE and abide to
the physical meaning, in a product. This classification is primarily used in the automotive and
increasingly in consumer goods (toothbrushes, mobile phones, washing machines, toilet lids
etc). It is a requirement where aesthetics has a significant contribution. For this reason the
exterior of automobiles are deemed Class-A. BIW is NOT Class-A. The exterior of you sexy
toothbrush is Class-A, the interior with ribs and inserts etc is NOT Class-A

There are three different kinds ie. G0, G1, G2 and I am also hearing talk of G3.

G0 = surfaces share a common boundary also referred to as "positional"

G1 = surfaces sharing a common boundary but they are also tangent at each end of the
surface but not across its boundary.

G2 = surfaces tangent along entire connection and I think the tangency carries up two knots
into the surface. G2 indicates a curvature continous intersection; e.g. the curvature of both
surfaces is equal. Note that this is an "instantaneous" value; the curvatures need match only at
the intersection to qualify but may be different some minute distance from it (high rate of
change). This is the reason that G2 doesn't necessarily translate to "class A". Intersections can
be mathematically G2 and ugly.

G3 = like G2 only tangency propagates further into the surface away from the connection. G3
indicates that the intersection is not only curvature continuous, but the rates of change are
also equal.

Class A refers to those surfaces, which are CURVATURE continuous to each other at their
respective boundaries. Curvature continuity means that at each point of each surface along
the common boundary has the same radius of curvature.

Tangent continuity which is directional continuity without radius continuity like fillets.

Point continuity only touching without directional (tangent) or curvature equivalence.

Car body types is a broad subject to deal with and the names given also vary from country to
country.The names aregiven depending upon design, utility, technology used and
customization.In this article we mainly deal with the names used in India.

Some of the important car body styles are as mentioned below.

1. Hatchback

2. Sedan

3. MUV/SUV

4. Coupe

5. Convertible

6. Wagon

7. Van

8. Jeep

Hatchback

The small cars with 4 doors and a boot (dickey) door are classified under hatchback.
Generally these are designed for comfortable seating of 4 passengers and small boot space for
putting one or two bags. The size of hatchback varies depending upon design. It could be
super mini, or a larger one. The design is same but interior size and luggage space varies.
Manufacturers constantly try their best to make improvements to their product range. For
example, the boot space of the new Hyundai Grand i10 is more from the first generation i10.
Usually, hatchbacks are extremely convenient for city driving as they are perfect in heavy
traffic, help easy parking and give decent mileage.

Some of the examples for hatchback are Maruti Suzuki 800, Alto, Hyundai i10, i20, Fiat
Grande Punto, Tata Indica, Indica Vista and so on. Even Tata Nano and Mahindra Reva
electric are classified under hatchbacks.

Sedan

Sedans are the cars designed to for comfortable seating of 5 passengers. Sedans come with
larger trunk sizes which can be used for carrying larger amount of luggage.The features of
sedan includes larger overall dimensions i.e. length, width, height and wheel base. Many
times the existing hatchback car design is itself used for sedan with boot space extended.

Within the sedan class itself, there are wide varieties of options available depending mainly
upon dimensions. These larger vehicles would demand higher tax rates and hence overall cost
also increases.The cost of car largely depends upon manufacturing cost, road tax of particular
state/territory etc.

Some of the examples of Sedan are Indigo eCS, Indigo Manza, Swift Dzire, Mahindra Verito,
Ford Fiesta, Hyundai Verna, Renault Scala, Honda Amaze, City, Civic, Accord, Chevy Sail,
Cruze, Skoda Rapid, Laura, VW Jetta,Passat and so on.

MUV/SUV

Although the MUV (Multi Utility Vehicle) and SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) sport similar
designs, the two are significantly different. MUV vehicles are designed to create utility. There
would be flexible seating options ranging from 7, 8, 9 and 10 so on. The body is built on
chassis frame and can carry large amounts of luggage. Generally, there is compromise on
comfortand features in MUVs versus SUVs. Best example for MUV would be a Mahindra
Bolero or a Tata Sumo, Force Motors Trax.

SUV are vehicles designed to use in all road conditions, ranging from highways to cross
country roads.In this type, importance is given for all factors such as usage of advanced
technology for engine, gearbox, differential, 4WD option, interior space. SUVs have features
suited for long drives,good technology for suspensions, and so on.The main point about SUV
is the importance given to fit and finish (both interior and exterior) and drive quality.

Vehicles such as Mahindra Bolero, Xylo, Tata Sumo, Force Trax and Toyota Innova are
classified under MUV only. Vehicle like Mahindra Scorpio, XUV 500 and Tata Safari Storme
are classified under SUV because of their design and ability to use in all road conditions.
Even Skoda Yeti comes under SUV.

Vehicles like Toyota Fortuner, Honda C-RV, Mitsubishi Outlander, Montero, Ford Endeavour,
BMW X1 and Audi Q series are all classified under SUV but belong to higher price category

Coupe

Coupe is the name given to sedan cars with two doors only.The two doors are bit larger and
though rear seat is available in some models, one can go to inside through sliding of front
seats. Here main importance is given to styling, luxury and image. Coupe design is used
mostly in European countries and in India though available, the numberpeople that prefer this
type is very less.

Examples for Coupe are Aston Martin V8 Vantage Coupe,Audi RS 5 Coupe and so on.

Convertible

Convertible cars are the cars whose roof line can be removed or refitted as required.
Generally its available in high end luxury vehicles. Electro mechanical devices are used for
step by step folding of the roof lines. In earlier vehicles leather material were used. In modern
vehicles the metal roof lines with design of folding part by part and eventually rest on/in
trunk part of the vehicle. Operating of a button is good enough for folding or putting back the
roof linings.
Convertibles are more frequently used in cold countries wherein weather temperature is quite
less and also roads have lesser dusty conditions.Its purely a preferred choice for persons with
passion of using stylish cars and the feel of air in hair when driving vehicle.

In India also there are quite a number of convertible cars available and till date its the most
demanded design for the customers looking for modification in their cars. However as most
of Indian road conditions are hot, hard top sedans are preferred more.

Some of the examples for convertible cars are Mercedes SL Class and Mini Cooper
Convertible.

Wagon

Wagon is the type of vehicle with good combination of hatchback and sedan. These models
have advantage of larger space behind the second row. It can be either used for luggage or for
putting additional seats as required. The dimensions are larger than hatchback in terms of
width, height.

Some of the examples for Wagon Type are Maruti Suzuki Wagon R, Mahindra Quanto, Tata
Indigo Marina, Old models like Tata Estate and so on. Even Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, Nissan
Evalia can be classified under wagon category. The size varies but category is similar

VAN

Van is the name given to cars with main perspective of flexibility in utilizing the interior
space. It has options of varying number of seats and hence luggage space .Best Example are
the Maruti Suzuki Omni, Eeco.

There is difference in the vehicles (particularly Van) used purely for commercial purpose and
for the one used for passenger purpose.Example for commercial usage vehicle are Tata
Ace,Tata Venture etc

Pick up vehicle

Pick up vehicle (Pick up Van) is the term used for the MUV with separate space for
luggage.Best example is Tata Xenon XT. It has the combination of design of a MUV and that
of a commercial pick up vehicle.There would be spacious interiors for comfortable seating of
5 passengers and separate luggage space available behind the passenger cabin.The
dimensions of vehicle would be larger and body is built on chassis frame so that load carry
capacity can be considerably large. Generally it could be around 800Kg

Jeep

Jeep is a particular type of vehicle similar to that of MUV but there is option for hard top or
soft top. Most famous in India is Mahindra Thar in current scenario and Maruti SuzukiGypsy,
Mahindra Jeep.

This type of vehicle has good combination of utility like that of a sports car and cost like that
of a MUV and hence can be best suitable one for cross country usage and taking out for
adventure drive in forests.
CONCEPT VEHICEL

The task of the design team is usually split into three main aspects: exterior design, interior
design, and colour and trim design. Graphic design is also an aspect of automotive design;
this is generally shared amongst the design team as the lead designer sees fit. Design focuses
not only on the isolated outer shape of automobile parts, but concentrates on the combination
of form and function, starting from the vehicle package. The aesthetic value will need to
correspond to ergonomic functionality and utility features as well.

Exterior design

The stylist responsible for the design of the exterior of the vehicle develops the proportions,
shape, and surfaces of the vehicle. Exterior design is first done by a series of digital or
manual drawings. Progressively, drawings that are more detailed are executed and approved
by appropriate layers of management. Clay (industrial plasticine) and or digital models are
developed from, and along with the drawings. The data from these models are then used to
create a full sized mock-up of the final design (body in white). With three- and five-axis CNC
milling machines, the clay model is first designed in a computer program and then "carved"
using the machine and large amounts of clay. Even in times of high-class 3d software and
virtual models on power walls, the clay model is still the most important tool to evaluate the
design of a car and therefore used throughout the industry