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Nautilus Shell with nurbs bump

Nautilus Shell with nurbs bump

José Antonio Sepúlveda
October 18, 2019
1 Comment

Algorithm of bumps over nautilus spiral. Mathematical model fully 3D printable. Morphological exploration of patterns with visual programming, following biomimetic parameters to simulate the existing proportions in nature and create utilitarian art pieces by means of industrial design and new additive manufacturing technologies.



The idea was to demonstrate that nature can be discovered through mathematical data. The graphic illustrations were made with Keyshot 6.0 rendering software where solid shades of blue and simple lighting were chosen to highlight the profiles that will be produced on the shells.


Rhinoceros 5.0 and Grasshopper were used following the original curves of the golden rectangle (golden ratio) to create the base surface of a Nautilus shell. The b-splines were then modified by algorithms to achieve a series of textures where the directions (u,v) of the central curves were modified to produce bumps by means of control levels.

I hope people can develop a sense of beauty toward nature and the mathematics that make it up. Highlight the importance of biomimicry as a new design trend and bring it into homes to live with nature in a more ecological and conscious world.

José Antonio Sepúlveda

Industrial designer with experience in rapid prototyping and additive manufacturing.

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