Entry # 7 [01/28/2026] -------- CAD UPLOAD 2 #13
Description
I spent the day working in FreeCAD. I got the vessel, the coil bulkheads, and parametric coil modeled.
I ran into some really bad software limitations with FreeCAD as my model grew in complexity. I found out that FreeCAD only uses 1 core for computing...? Even though my PC performance is more than capable of handling the computations and rendering, there is a pretty bad bottle-neck. I will need to find a way to work on complex assemblies with subassemblies in different files; otherwise, I risk losing parts and precious hours of work. I had a part in the tree that took a long time to process.. I saved, quit, reloaded. and it was gone. It was still in the tree, not hidden, not suppressed.... I could edit it and see a live preview... but it would not render, and I could not use the part's features as a reference. Creating a new part within the coil part file proved futile as well. I had to recreate a feature pull for external use, new sketch, and new geometry. Each step took a long time to compute too.
I need to figure out how to get plugged into the FreeCAD community to provide feedback and find more solutions.
Anyways, I will upload the most recent CAD file now.
Notes on the file:
The bulkhead hardware will interfere with the coil radius. ------> Need to skinny up interior bulkhead fitting.
|_> Maybe some creative pipe bending?
|> Can we reduce the coil radius to clear bulkhead. Might have no choice.
To view a cross-section: Open file in FreeCAD >>> Click "View" tab at top of screen >>> click "Clipping View."
Navigate as needed by checking the applicable plane box, modify offset and flip as needed.
Need to work on Gas in/outlets next. (Rough for clearance check.) Then onto pyro-vessel, liner, rockwool.