Fire Lamp

CAD from Code: The Fire Lamp Project

1.] Introduction
In Spring 2024, for my digital manufacturing course at Columbia University, I developed a project that combines software engineering and procedural programming with modern manufacturing methods. The project, named "Fire Lamp," aimed to explore mechanical design and fabrication through code and generative design.

2.] Concept and Design
Inspired by the warmth of a bonfire, the project's goal was to create a lampshade that uses LED lights to mimic fire. Using physics and engineering principles, I designed elliptical structures that form a cone shape, resembling flames. These were then modified with a wave equation to enhance their dynamic appearance. The design process involved adjusting each "flame" to ensure a realistic fire look, with a solid base, full center, and narrow top.

3.] Tools Used
The project utilized OpenSCAD for its capabilities in code-based CAD design. These tools helped design a lampshade lattice for a LED lamp, showcasing the potential of code-generated designs in traditional CAD.

For those interested, the rendered design files (.STL) and software program are available below.