Calculate volume of selection

Released under the GNU LESSER GENERAL PUBLIC LICENSE.

Latest release (version 1.0)
Download Windows version 1.0
Download source code

This plugin and code are freely distributable. This plugin has not been tested on versions of AC3D prior to version 6.0.

Disclaimer

The resulting calculated volume using this algorithm known to be inaccurate, and any results from this plugin should be taken as an estimated volume at best. For some geometry, testing has shown a +/-25% discrepancy in calculated volumes from actual volumes.

Normally, I'd withdraw the plugin, but I'm leaving it available as a starting point for a more accurate volume calculator.

Description

Returns the total volume of the selected surfaces in cubic units.

Installation

Copy the calcvol.p file to your AC3D plugins folder (for example, if using Windows, C:\Program Files\AC3D\plugin) and (re)start AC3D.

You will find the "Calculate volume" menu item under the "Tools" menu.

Usage

To use, select an enclosed object then perform a Tools -> Calculate volume.

The selected surfaces must comprise an enclosed, "solid" area. Think of it as putting a volume of water inside the selected objects/surfaces. If the selected geometry would contain water without leaking/spilling, then you can perform a volume calculation.

Exceptions

Holes

Any "holes" in the selection may invalidate the result, and you will be given a warning as such. This goes back to the earlier explanation under "Usage" of whether your selection will "hold water" without spilling/leaking.

Complex geometry

If three or more surfaces intersect at an edge, this may also invalidate the results, and you will be given a warning as such. For example, if you extrude one side of a box, and "Remove original" is not checked, you will end up with a hidden surface inside the new object. The inner surface may invalidate the volume calculation.

Self-intersecting geometry

If your selection intersects itself, this may also invalidate the results. You will not be warned of this, however. The below image shows self-intersecting geometry. The area of the geometry that self-intersects will be counted twice.

Subdivisions

Subdivided surfaces are not considered in the volume calculation. The non-subdivided polygons are used in the volume calculation.

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All content Copyright © 2006 Dennis Hawthorne, except where explicitly noted supercoldmilk © 2006 Dennis Hawthorne