Engineering Solutions

Plane and Vector Selector

Plane and Vector Selector

 Previous topic Next topic No expanding text in this topic  

Plane and Vector Selector

 Previous topic Next topic JavaScript is required for expanding text JavaScript is required for the print function  

Several panels require that you define a plane or a vector (direction) to perform a certain function. For example, the Translate panel requires that you define the direction of translation, while the Reflect panel requires a plane for the creation of the mirror images of the entities selected.

Engineering Solutions takes advantage of the following principle: a plane can be defined with a vector (the plane is normal to the vector specified), just as a vector can be defined with a plane (the vector is normal to the plane specified). Either can be defined via the plane and vector selector - a group of items that work in concert to define planes or vectors, as needed:

plane_and_vector_selector_n1_n2_n3_base

The plane and vector selector

This selector is broken down into the following items. Note, however, that not every item appears at all times; only the items necessary for the current Engineering Solutions function will display.

switch Selector_switch_button

The switch is used to select the method for defining the plane or vector. The options available are:

plane_vector_selector_popup_menu

•Use x-axis, y-axis and z-axis to define the first, second or third axis respectively of a coordinate system in your model. This coordinate system may be the global coordinate system, or a local system when one can be explicitly specified. Local systems may be rectangular, cylindrical or spherical.
•Choose vector to specify a vector entity (created in the Vectors panel). This includes vectors defining coordinate systems, and loads as well.
•Use N1, N2, N3 to define a vector (N1,N2), or plane (N1,N2,N3). When defining a plane, the resulting vector is normal to this plane following the right hand rule, and passes through either N1 or the base node (if one is specified).

Double-click a node’s button (N1, N2, or N3, or B) to type in coordinates rather than selecting existing nodes in your model.

B (base node)

Use this selector to define the base node — the point in space where the vector or plane is located. For example, selecting a plane of projection using the x-axis does not define the location of the plane entirely. A base node provides the extra information.

Note that when using the N1, N2, N3 option, Engineering Solutions uses N1 as a default base node if no other base node is specified.

reset Selector_Reset_button

Allows you to clear your selection (vector, N1,N2,N3 and base).
Note:Some selectors may resemble the plane and vector selector, but serve a different purpose. For example, the following selector displays in the Position and Linear Solid panels:

This selector is used in these panels to map entities from one location to another.

 

See Also:

Menu Buttons

Toggles and Switches

Entity selectors

Input Fields

Pop-up Menus

Input Controls