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Reference Manual
Part 2: Geometry Modeling
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P3:V2010:Z:MODL:Z:DC-REF-PDF
Contents
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Geometry Modeling
erence Manual Par
3 Coordinate Frames
Coordinate Frame Definitions 60
ii Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
4 Create Actions
Overview of Geometry Create Action 72
Paraboloid 455
Five-Sided Box 456
Six-Sided Box 457
5 Delete Actions
Overview of the Geometry Delete Action 462
6 Edit Actions
Overview of the Edit Action Methods 468
7 Show Actions
Overview of the Geometry Show Action Methods 638
The Show Action Information Form 639
8 Transform Actions
Overview of the Transform Methods 686
9 Verify Actions
Verify Action 786
Verifying Surface Boundaries 786
Verifying Surfaces for B-reps 788
viii Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
10 Associate Actions
Overview of the Associate Action 794
Associating Point Object 795
Associating Curve Object 797
11 Disassociate Actions
Overview of the Disassociate Action Methods 800
Disassociating Points 801
Disassociating Curves 802
Disassociating Surfaces 802
1 Introduction to Geometry
Modeling
Overview of Capabilities 2
Concepts and Definitions 4
Types of Geometry in Patran 20
Building An Optimal Geometry Model 31
2 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Overview of Capabilities
Overview of Capabilities
A powerful and important feature of Patran is its geometry capabilities. Geometry can be:
• Created.
• Directly accessed from an external CAD part file.
• Imported from an IGES file or a PATRAN 2 Neutral file.
With DGA, the CAD geometry and its topology that are contained in the CAD user file can be accessed.
Once the geometry is accessed, you can build upon or modify the accessed geometry in Patran, mesh the
geometry, and assign the loads/BC and the element properties directly to the geometry.
Chapter 1: Introduction to Geometry Modeling 3
Overview of Capabilities
For more detailed information on DGA, see Direct Geometry Access of CAD Geometry, 47.
In using any of the file formats, Patran maintains the original mathematical form of the geometry. (That
is, the geometry is not approximated into the parametric cubic form.) This means the accuracy of the
geometry in all three files is maintained.
For more information on the import and export capabilities for IGES, PATRAN 2 Neutral File, and the
Express Neutral File, see Accessing, Importing & Exporting Geometry.
All native geometry is fully parameterized both on the outer boundaries and within the interior (except
for B-rep solids which are parameterized only on the outer surfaces).
Fully parameterized geometry means that you can apply varying loads or element properties directly to
the geometric entity. Patran evaluates the variation at all exterior and interior locations on the geometric
entity.
4 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Concepts and Definitions
For every curve, surface or solid in a user database, information is stored on its Parameterization,
Topology and Connectivity which is used in various Patran functions.
The concepts of parameterization, connectivity and topology are easy to understand and they are
important to know when building a geometry and an analysis model.
The following sections will describe each of these concepts and how you can build an optimal geometry
model for analysis.
Parameterization
All Patran geometry are labeled one of the following:
• Point (0-Dimensions)
• Curve (1-Dimension)
• Surface (2-Dimensions)
• Solid (3-Dimensions)
Depending on the order of the entity - whether it is a one-dimensional curve, a two-dimensional surface,
or a three-dimensional solid - there is one, two or three parameters labeled 1 , 2 , 3 that are associated
with the entity. This concept is called “parameterization”.
Parameterization means the X,Y,Z coordinates of a curve, surface or solid are represented as functions
of variables or parameters. Depending on the dimension of the entity, the X,Y,Z locations are functions
of the parameters 1 , 2 , and 3 .
Point
A Point in Patran is a point coordinate location in three-dimensional global XYZ space.
Chapter 1: Introduction to Geometry Modeling 5
Concepts and Definitions
Since a point has zero-dimensions, it has no associated parameters, therefore, it is not parameterized.
Curve
A Curve in Patran is a one-dimensional point set in three-dimensional global XYZ space. A curve can
also be described as a particle moving along a defined path in space.
Another way of defining a curve is, a curve is a mapping function, 1 , from one-dimensional
parametric space into three-dimensional global XYZ space, as shown in Figure 1-3.
A curve has one parametric variable, 1 , which is used to describe the location of any given point, P ,
along a curve, as shown in Figure 1-2.
The derivative of 1 in (1-2), would give us (1-3) which is the tangent of the straight curve.
1 = V2 – V1 (1-3)
Because the curve is straight, 1 is a constant value. The tangent, 1 , also defines a vector for
the curve, which is the positive direction of 1 .
For any given curve, the tangent and positive direction of 1 at any point along the curve can be found.
(The vector, 1 , usually will not have a length of one.)
Surface
A surface in Patran is a two-dimensional point set in three-dimensional global XYZ space.
A surface has two parameters, 1 and 2 , where at any given point, P , on the surface, P can be located
by 1 and 2 , as shown in Figure 1-4.
Chapter 1: Introduction to Geometry Modeling 7
Concepts and Definitions
A surface generally has three or four edges. Trimmed surfaces can have more than four edges. For more
information, see Trimmed Surfaces, 20.
Similar to a curve, 1 and 2 for a surface have ranges of 0 1 1 and 0 2 1 . Thus, at 1 = 0 ,
2 = 0 , P is at V1 and at 1 = 1 , 2 = 1 , P is at V3 .
A surface is represented by a mapping function, 1 , 2 , which maps the parametric space into the
global XYZ space, as shown in Figure 1-5.
8 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Concepts and Definitions
1 = T 1 and 2 = T 2 (1-4)
where T 1 is the tangent vector in the 1 direction and T 2 is the tangent vector in the 2 direction.
At any point for a given surface, T 1 and T 2 which define the tangents and the positive 1 and 2
directions can be determined.
Usually T 1 and T 2 are not orthonormal, which means they do not have a length of one and they are not
perpendicular to each other.
Solid
A solid in Patran is a three-dimensional point set in three-dimensional global XYZ space.
A solid has three parameters, 1 , 2 , and 3 , where at any given point, P , within the solid, P can be
located by 1 , 2 , and 3 , as shown in Figure 1-6.
Note: Note: The above definition applies to tri-parametric solids only. Patran can also create or import a B-rep
solid, which is parameterized on the outer surface only, and not within the interior. See B-rep Solid,
for more information.
Chapter 1: Introduction to Geometry Modeling 9
Concepts and Definitions
A solid generally has five or six sides or faces. (A B-rep solid can have more than six faces.)
The parameters 1 , 2 and 3 have ranges of 0 1 1 , 0 2 1 , and 0 3 1 . At (0,0,0) P is at V1
and at (1,1,1), P is at V7 .
A solid can be represented by a mapping function, 1 , 2 , 3 , which maps the parametric space into the
global XYZ space, as shown in Figure 1-7.
10 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Concepts and Definitions
If we take the first order derivatives of 1 , 2 , 3 , we get three partial derivatives, 1 , 2 and
3 , shown in (1-5):
1 = T 1 , 2 = T 2 , 3 = T 3 (1-5)
Where T 1 is the tangent vector in the 1 direction, T 2 is the tangent vector in the 2 direction, and T 3
is the tangent vector in the 3 direction.
At any point within a given solid, T 1 , T 2 and T 3 , which define the tangents and positive 1 , 2 and 3
directions can be determined.
Topology
Topology identifies the kinds of items used to define adjacency relationships between geometric entities.
Every curve, surface and solid in Patran has a defined set of topologic entities. You can reference these
entities when you build the geometry or analysis model. Examples of this include:
• Creating a surface between edges of two surfaces.
Chapter 1: Introduction to Geometry Modeling 11
Concepts and Definitions
Topology is invariant through a one-to-one bicontinuous mapping transformation. This means you can
have two curves, surfaces or solids that have different parameterizations, but topologically, they can be
identical.
To illustrate this concept, Figure 1-8 shows three groups of surfaces A-D. Geometrically, they are
different, but topologically they are the same.
Vertex Defines the topologic endpoint of a curve, or a corner of a surface or a solid. A vertex is
separate from a geometric point, although a point can exist on a vertex.
Edge Defines the topologic curve on a surface or a solid. An edge is separate from a geometric
curve, although a curve can exist on an edge.
Face Defines the topologic surface of a solid. A face is separate from a geometric surface,
although a surface can exist on a face.
Body A group of surfaces that forms a closed volume. A body is usually referenced as a B-rep
solid or a Volume solid, where only its exterior surfaces are parameterized. See Solids,
24 for more information.
Important:Generally, when modeling in Patran, you do not need to know the topologic entities’
internal IDs. When you cursor select a topologic entity, such as an edge of a surface, the ID
will be displayed in the appropriate listbox on the form.
Figure 1-9 and Figure 1-10 show a four sided surface and a six sided solid with the internal vertex, edge
and face IDs displayed. If the connectivity changes, then the IDs of the vertices, edges and faces will also
change.
For example, in Figure 1-9, the edge, ED3, of Surface 11 would be displayed as:
Surface 11.3
The vertex, V4, in Figure 1-9 would be displayed as:
Surface 11.3.1
V4 has a vertex ID of 1 that belongs to edge 3 on surface 11.
The face, F1, of Solid 100 in Figure 1-9 would be displayed as:
Solid 100.1
The edge, ED10, in Figure 1-10 would be displayed as:
Solid 100.1.3
ED10 has an edge ID of 3 that belongs to face 1 on solid 100.
The vertex, V6, in Figure 1-10 would be displayed as:
Solid 100.1.2.2
V6 has a vertex ID of 2 that belongs to edge 2 on face 1 on solid 100.
Figure 1-11 shows an example where surfaces 1 through 3 are topologically incongruent and surfaces 2
through 5 are topologically congruent. The outer vertices are shared for surfaces 1 through 3, but the
inside edges are not. Surfaces 2 through 5 all have common edges, as well as common vertices.
There are several ways to correct surfaces 1 through 3 to make them congruent. See Building a Congruent
Model for more information.
For a group of surfaces or solids to be congruent, the adjacent surfaces or solids must share common
edges, as well as common vertices.
(MSC.Software Corporation’s Patran software product required adjacent surfaces or solids to share only
the common vertices to be considered topologically congruent for meshing.)
For more information on meshing, see Introduction to Functional Assignment Tasks (Ch. 1) in the Patran
Reference Manual.
Non-manifold Topology
Non-manifold topology can be simply defined as a geometry that is non-manufacturable. However, in
analysis, non-manifold topology is sometimes either necessary or desirable. Figure 1-13 shows a surface
model with a non-manifold edge.
16 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Concepts and Definitions
This case may be perfectly fine. A non-manifold edge has more than two surfaces or solid faces
connected to it. Therefore, two solids which share a common face also give non-manifold geometry (both
the common face and its edges are non-manifold).
In general, non-manifold topology is acceptable in Patran. The exception is in the creation of a B-rep
solid where a non-manifold edge is not allowed. The Verifying Surface Boundaries option detects non-
manifold edges as well as free edges.
Connectivity
In Figure 1-2, Figure 1-4, and Figure 1-6 in Parameterization, the axes for the parameters, 1 , 2 , and 3 ,
have a unique orientation and location on the curve, surface and solid.
Depending on the orientation and location of the 1 , 2 , and 3 axes, this defines a unique connectivity
for the curve, surface or solid.
For example, although the following two curves are identical, the connectivity is different for each curve
(note that the vertex IDs are reversed):
Chapter 1: Introduction to Geometry Modeling 17
Concepts and Definitions
For a four sided surface, there are a total of eight possible connectivity definitions. Two possible
connectivities are shown in Figure 1-15. (Again, notice that the vertex and edge IDs are different for each
surface.)
For a tri-parametric solid with six faces, there are a total of 24 possible connectivity definitions in Patran
- three orientations at each of the eight vertices. Two possible connectivities are shown in Figure 1-16.
For solids, you can also control the location of the parametric origin under the Preferences/Geometry
menu and choose either the Patran Convention button or the PATRAN 2.5 Convention button for the
Solid Origin Location.
Important:For models with dimensions which vary significantly from 10 units, MSC recommends you
set the Global Model Tolerance to .05% of the maximum model dimension.
For more information on the Global Model Tolerance, see (p. 72) in the Patran Reference Manual.
20 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Types of Geometry in Patran
Patran also can access, import, and create Trimmed Surfaces, B-rep Solids and Volume Solids. See
Trimmed Surfaces and Solids for more information.
You also can create parametric cubic curves, surfaces and solids, which are recognized by the
PATRAN 2 neutral file. See Parametric Cubic Geometry for more information.
For more information on the types of geometry that can be created, see Matrix of Geometry Types
Created.
Trimmed Surfaces
Trimmed surfaces are a special class of bi-parametric surfaces. Trimmed surfaces can be accessed from
an external CAD user file; they can be imported from an IGES or Express Neutral file; and they can be
created in Patran.
Unlike other types of bi-parametric surfaces, trimmed surfaces can have more than four edges, and they
can have one or more interior holes or cutouts.
Also, trimmed surfaces have an associated parent surface that is not displayed. A trimmed surface is
defined by identifying the closed active and inactive regions of the parent surface. This parent surface
defines the parameterization and curvature of the trimmed surface.
(Green is the default color for both a simply trimmed surface and a general, bi-parametric surface.)
1
The default colors are used if the Display Method is set to Entity Type, instead of Group, on the
Graphics Preferences form under the Preferences/Graphics menu.
2The default colors are used if the Display Method is set to Entity Type, instead of Group, on the
Graphics Preferences form under the Preferences/Graphics menu.
Chapter 1: Introduction to Geometry Modeling 21
Types of Geometry in Patran
Important:Simply trimmed surfaces and ordinary composite trimmed surfaces can be meshed with
IsoMesh or Paver. General trimmed surfaces and composite trimmed surfaces can only be
meshed with Paver. See Meshing Surfaces with IsoMesh or Paver (p. 13) in the Reference
Manual - Part III for more information. Also note that some geometric operations are not
currently possible with a general trimmed surface, e.g., a general trimmed surface can not
be used to create a triparametric solid.
1Thedefault colors are used if the Display Method is set to Entity Type, instead of Group, on the
Graphics Preferences form under the Preferences/Graphics menu.
22 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Types of Geometry in Patran
Sometimes a three of four sided region which define a trimmed surface will be created as a general
trimmed surface instead. This occurs when the overparametrization distorts the bounded region of the
parent to such an extent that it would be difficult to mesh and use for analysis.
1Thedefault colors are used if the Display Method is set to Entity Type, instead of Group, on the
Graphics Preferences form under the Preferences/Graphics menu.
Chapter 1: Introduction to Geometry Modeling 23
Types of Geometry in Patran
(General Trimmed Surface). The big difference is that it is three to five times slower than ordinary
surfaces.
The composite trimmed surface should be considered a tool. Once the surface is built, it is a single entity,
yet processes on multiple surfaces, relieving the applications of the task of determining where and when
to move from one surface to another.
APPLICATION: The composite trimmed surface supervisor is a bounded PLANAR trim surface. It
acquires its name from the type of service it performs. Let us, for a moment, consider the composite
trimmed surface to be a cloud in the sky. The sun, being the light source behind the cloud, creating a
shadow on planet earth only in the area blocked by the cloud. The same is true with the composite
trimmed surface, except a view vector is given to determine the light direction. “Under Surfaces” replace
planet earth. The valid region on the “Under Surfaces” is defined by where the outline of the composite
trimmed surface appears.
STEPS_BUILDING: There are three basic steps in building a composite trimmed surface.
Step 1 Creating the outer perimeter curve. In most cases this is a Patran curve chain entity.
Step 2 Selecting an acceptable view direction for the view vector and planar Composite
trimmed surface entity. The view vector is the most important aspect of building a
composite trimmed surface. The resulting view vector must yield only one
intersection solution at any position on the “Under Surfaces”. The user must select
the proper view for the location of the composite trimmed surface with some
forethought and eliminate the possibility of any of the underlying surfaces
wrapping around in back of one another. In some cases this may not be possible!
The user must then create more than one composite trimmed surface.
RULES:
1. The composite trimmed surface domain must not encompass any dead space. If any portion has
a vacancy (no “Under Surface” under it), unpredictable results will occur.
2. Processing along the view vector must yield a single intersection solution at any position on the
underlying surfaces within the composite trimmed surface’s domain.
24 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Types of Geometry in Patran
Solids
There are three types of solids that can be accessed or imported, or created in Patran:1
• Tri-Parametric Solid (default color is dark blue)
• B-rep Solid (default color is white)
• Volume Solid (default color is pink or light red)
on (p. 2) lists the types of solids created with each Geometry Application method.
Tri-Parametric Solid
All solids in Patran, except for B-rep solids and volume solids, are tri-parametric solids. Tri-parametric
solids are parameterized on the surface, as well as inside the solid. Tri-parametric solids can only have
four to six faces with no interior voids or holes.
Tri-parametric solids can be meshed with IsoMesh or TetMesh.
Note: IsoMesh will create hexagonal elements if the solid has five or six faces, but some wedge
elements will be created for the five faced solid. IsoMesh will create a tetrahedron mesh for
a four faced solid. See Meshing Solids (p. 14) in the Reference Manual - Part III.
B-rep Solid
A B-rep solid is formed from a group of topologically congruent surfaces that define a completely closed
volume. Only its outer surfaces or faces are parameterized and not the interior. An example is shown in
Figure 1-19.
The group of surfaces that define the B-rep solid are its shell. A B-rep shell defines the exterior of the
solid, as well as any interior voids or holes. Shells can be composed of bi-parametric surfaces and/or
trimmed surfaces.
B-rep solids can be created with the Create/Solid/B-rep form. See Creating a Boundary Representation
(B-rep) Solid on using the form.
1Thedefault colors are used if the Display Method is set to Entity Type, instead of Group, on the
Graphics Preferences form under the Preferences/Graphics menu.
Chapter 1: Introduction to Geometry Modeling 25
Types of Geometry in Patran
B-rep solids are meshed with TetMesh. See Meshing Solids (p. 14) in the Reference Manual - Part III for
more information.
Note: Unless you intend to export the geometry using the PATRAN 2 neutral file, in most
situations, you do not need to press the PATRAN 2 Convention button to create parametric
cubic geometry.
Parametric cubic geometry can also be created in Patran, which are referred to as “grids”, “lines”,
“patches” and “hyperpatches.”
Parametric cubic geometry is defined by a parametric cubic equation. For example, a parametric cubic
curve is represented by the following cubic equation:
3 2
Z 1 = S1 1 + S2 1 + S3 1 + S4 (1-6)
where Z 1 represents the general coordinate of the global coordinates X,Y, and Z; S 1 , S 2 , S 3 , and S 4
are arbitrary constants; and 1 is a parameter in the range of 0 1 1 .
For more information on parametric cubic geometry, see Patran Reference Manual.
26 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Types of Geometry in Patran
Z 1 = 6S 1 1 + 2S 2 (1-8)
(1-7) shows that a parametric cubic curve can only have two points with zero slope and (1-8) shows that
it can only have one point of inflection, as shown in Figure 1-20.
For most geometry models, MSC recommends arc lengths represented by parametric cubic geometry
should be 90 degrees or less. For a more accurate model, the parametric cubic arc lengths should be 30
degrees or less.
Patran will create a specific geometric type of the parametric curve, bi-parametric surface and tri-
parametric solid based on the method used for the Create action or Edit action.
Table 1-1, and list the types of geometry created for each Create or Edit action method. The tables also
list if each method can create parametric cubic curves, surfaces or solids by pressing the PATRAN 2
28 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Types of Geometry in Patran
Convention button on the application form. (Parametric cubic geometry is recognized by the PATRAN 2
neutral file for export.)
For more information on each Create or Edit action method, see Overview of Geometry Create Action
and/or Overview of the Edit Action Methods.
*NURB splines are created if the NURBS Accelerator toggle is pressed OFF (default is ON)
on the Geometry Preferences form, found under the Preferences/Geometry menu. This is true whether
you create the spline in Patran or if you import the spline from an IGES file. See
Preferences>Geometry (p. 467) in the Patran Reference Manual for more information. If the NURBS
Accelerator is ON, PieceWise Rational Polynomial splines will be created instead.
• Use the Edit/Surface/Edge Match form with the Surface-Point option. See Matching Surface
Edges on using the form.
• Or, break surface 1 with the Edit/Surface/Break form. See Surface Break Options on using the
form.
The following describes the method of using the Edit/Surface/Break form.
To make surfaces 1 through 3 congruent, we will break surface 1 into surfaces 4 and 5, as shown in
Figure 1-23:
u Geometry
Action: Edit
Object: Surface
Method: Break
Option: Point
Delete Original Pressing this button will delete surface 1, after
Surfaces the break.
Surface List: Surface 1 Cursor select or enter the ID for surface 1.
Break Point List Point 10 Cursor select or enter the ID for point 10, as
shown in Figure 1-24.
Since Auto Execute is ON, we do not need to press the Apply button to execute the form.
Note: You can use the surface display lines to predict what the surface element shapes will look
like before meshing. You can increase or decrease the number of display lines under the
menus Display/Display Properties/Geometric. See Display>Geometry (p. 385) in the
Patran Reference Manual.
For further recommendations, please consult the vendor documentation for your finite element analysis
code.
Important:In general, you should try to maintain the same normal direction for all surfaces in a model.
The normal direction of a surface affects finite element applications, such defining the positive pressure
load direction, the top and bottom surface locations for a variable pressure load, and the element
connectivity.
Use the Edit/Surface/Reverse form to display the surface normal vectors, and to reverse or align the
normals for a group of surfaces. See Reversing Surfaces on using the form.
u Geometry
Action: Edit
Object: Surface
Method: Reverse
Surface List Surface 1:8 Make sure you turn Auto Execute OFF before
Draw Normal Vectors cursor selecting surfaces 1-8.
You should see red arrows drawn on each surface which represent the surface normal vectors, as shown
in Figure 1-28.
Chapter 1: Introduction to Geometry Modeling 37
Building An Optimal Geometry Model
Figure 1-29 shows the updated normal directions which are now aligned.
When entered in the Create/Surface/Decompose form, the select menu that appears at the bottom of the
screen will show the following icons:
Point/Vertex/Edge Point/Interior Point. This will select a point for decomposing in the
order listed. If not point or vertex is found, the point closest to edge will be used or a point
will be projected onto the surface.
Use cursor select or directly input an existing point on the surface. If point is not on the
surface, it will be projected onto the surface.
Example
Figure 1-30 shows trimmed surface 4 with seven edges. We will decompose surface 4 into four four-sided
surfaces.
Our first decomposed surface will be surface 3, as shown in Figure 1-31. The figure shows surface 3
cursor defined by three vertex locations and one point location along an edge. The point locations can be
selected in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.
40 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Building An Optimal Geometry Model
Figure 1-32 shows the remaining decomposed surfaces 5, 6 and 7 and the select menu icons used to cursor
define the surfaces. Again, the point locations can be selected in a clockwise or counterclockwise
direction.
Important:At this time, Patran can only create a B-rep solid with an exterior shell, and no interior
shells.
Important:IsoMesh will create hexahedron elements only, if the solid has six faces. Some wedge
elements will be created for a solid with five faces. IsoMesh will create tetrahedron
elements only, for a solid with four faces. TetMesh will create tetrahedron elements only,
for all shaped solids.
Figure 1-34 illustrates the method of using the Create/Surface/Curve form with the 2 Curve option.
Notice that the apex of the surface is defined by a zero length curve by using the Curve select menu icon
shown in Figure 1-34.
Figure 1-36 and Figure 1-37 illustrate using the Create/Solid/Surface form to create the pentahedron and
a wedge.
Overview 46
Direct Geometry Access of CAD Geometry 47
PATRAN 2 Neutral File Support For Parametric Cubic Geometry 57
46 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Overview
Overview
Patran can access geometry from an external CAD system user file. Geometry can also be imported (or
read) from a PATRAN 2 Neutral file or from an IGES file. Patran can export (or write) some or all
geometry to an external PATRAN 2 Neutral file or IGES file.
Geometry can be accessed or imported into the user database either by using the File/Import menus or by
using the File/CAD Model Access menus on the Patran main form. Geometry can be exported from the
database using the File/Export menus.
For more information on executing the File/Import and File/Export forms, see File>Import, 77 and
File>Export (p. 196) in the Patran Reference Manual.
For more information on accessing CAD models, see Direct Geometry Access of CAD Geometry, 47.
For more information on import and export support of geometry for the PATRAN 2 Neutral file, see
PATRAN 2 Neutral File Support For Parametric Cubic Geometry, 57.
For more information on which IGES entities are supported by Patran for importing and exporting, see
IGES Entities Supported for Import, 107 and Geometric Entity Types and their Supported IGES
Equivalents (p. 206) in the Patran Reference Manual.
Chapter 2: Accessing, Importing & Exporting Geometry 47
Direct Geometry Access of CAD Geometry
• You can automatically create Patran groups when accessing the geometry based on the defined
entity types, levels, or layers.
For more information on using Patran Unigraphics, see Importing Unigraphics Files (p. 149) in the Patran
Reference Manual.
Tips For Accessing EDS/Unigraphics Geometry for Express File Based Import
1. When you execute EDS/Unigraphics, make sure the solid to be accessed is topologically
congruent with no gaps (see Figure 2-1). For more information, see Topological Congruency and
Meshing, 13.
Verify that the edges of the solid’s adjacent faces share the same end points or vertices, and that
there are no gaps between the faces.
You can improve Patran Unigraphics’ performance by reducing the number of entities to be
processed by using the Entity Type filter on the Patran Import form and unselect or un-highlight
all entities of a particular type that you do not want, before you access the part file. For example,
you can unselect the entity type, “Bounded-Plane”, to eliminate all bounded plane entities. For the
direct parasolid import option, the entity type filter can be used for wire body/sheet body/solid
body only.
Put those entities in EDS/Unigraphics that you want to access into specific layers. Then select to
only those layers in the Patran Import form before importing the part.
Make sure the Patran Global Model Tolerance is reset to an appropriate value if you will be
accessing long thin surfaces and solids with small dimensions (default is 0.005). For example, set
the tolerance value so that it is smaller than the smallest edge length (greater than 10.0E-6) in the
model. This will improve model usability on some models.
Meshing Guidelines
Hybrid The Hybrid tetmesher only accepts global edge lengths for mesh criteria if
TetMesher - attempting to directly mesh a solid. If you encounter difficulties, decrease the global
Global Edge edge length.
Lengths
Hybrid The Hybrid tetmesher does not write nodes that lie on solid edges into the mesh seed
TetMesher - table. This limits the ability of the Hybrid tetmesher to recognize existing meshes.
Mesh Control For example, if your requirements are: (1) to match adjacent meshes (i.e., multiple
solids); (2) that the mesh be able to recognize a hard curve/point; or (3) to define
mesh seed prior to solid meshing, follow these steps:
setenv P3_UG_ENTITY_FILTER 1
which allows the transformation of Parasolid solid geometry and perform the
transformation. If a solid is successfully constructed, continue as planned. If not,
either:
• Mesh the original solid and transform the resulting finite element mesh, with
the limitation being that element properties and loads/boundary conditions
will have to be assigned directly to the finite elements; or
• Try to reconstruct a B-rep solid from the constituent surfaces that result from
the transformation, by first using Geometry tools such as Edit/Surface/Sew,
Edit/Surface/Edge Match, etc., to reconnect the surfaces and then use
Create/Solid/B-rep.
• Initially access the original geometry (Unigraphics only) using the Express
Translation method. If a solid is successfully imported, a transformation of
the geometry is supported.
b) Invalid Entities: Before importing the Unigraphics model, Patran will check
each surface and curve entities to ensure consistency and validity.
Occasionally, some entities do not pass the checks. These invalid entities will
be excluded from both UG sewing and Patran import. If you see such a
message in the invoke window, you should go back to UG to ensure the model
is valid. Please reference the next section, Unigraphics Model Checks, 53 for
steps to do this check. One recommended way is to refit/reconstruct the surface
in Unigraphics and then reimport it into Patran.
If UG sewing is turned on for the Patran import, there is a chance that invalid
entities are created by the UG sew. These entities will be brought into Patran
and put into a group named, <model_name>_UG_INVALID. As there is no
guarantee that entities in this group will work with any applications, we
strongly recommend you first commit/save the Patran database and then
reconstruct these bodies if possible.
The other option for sewing the model using Patran surface sewing is to
increase the global tolerance in Patran and sew the model again. Changing the
global tolerance in Patran is generally not recommended, but in this case may
be necessary. The necessity of increasing the global tolerance is determined by
checking the incongruent edges of the model (Verify/Surface/Boundary) to see
if they share vertices, or by the gap closure operation when gaps cannot be
closed between surface since the edge curves are too far apart. The tolerance
value should be set to a value just larger than the distance between the vertices
to be equivalenced (vertices which should be shared at the ends of incongruent
curves), or just larger than the “allowable gap closure tolerance” which is
issued by the sewing (or edge match) operation.
(Note that there are cases where sewing will report that gaps exist which are
not really gaps. This is because the operation of checking for gaps does not
necessarily know about the engineering intent of the model. We suggest that
the user check the gaps reported to make sure that they are gaps. Furthermore,
we suggest that the global tolerance be increased conservatively, e.g., double
the tolerance instead of increasing it by an order of magnitude.)
54 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Direct Geometry Access of CAD Geometry
• Move all Wire Bodies to a separate group and post only when required.
• If Wire Bodies are accessed, use the new Geometry function
Edit/Point/Equivalence to connect the curve and surface/solid vertices.
• Disable access of Wire Bodies and only access when needed.
Note: Make sure Patran ProENGINEER has been properly installed by following the instructions
in Module and Preference Setup (Ch. 3) in the Patran Installation and Operations Guide
For the definition of parametric cubic geometry, see Parametric Cubic Geometry.
For information on what types of curves, surfaces and solids you can create in Patran, see Table 1-1, and
starting on (p. 28).
For more information on how to export an IGES file, see Exporting to IGES Files (p. 206) in the Patran
Reference Manual.
58 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
PATRAN 2 Neutral File Support For Parametric Cubic Geometry
Chapter 3: Coordinate Frames
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
3 Coordinate Frames
Coordinate Frame Definitions 60
Overview of Create Methods For Coordinate Frames 64
Translating or Scaling Geometry Using Curvilinear Coordinate
Frames 67
60 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Coordinate Frame Definitions
Patran also has a default global rectangular coordinate frame, Coord 0. Coord 0 is the default reference
coordinate frame for many application forms (which can be changed to another coordinate frame). Also,
Coord 0 cannot be deleted, even if specified.
Each coordinate system defined in Patran has three principal axes. These axes define how spatial
locations are determined in that coordinate system, and are internally numbered 1, 2 and 3. The meaning
of each principal axis depends on if the coordinate frame is rectangular, cylindrical or spherical.
When a coordinate frame is created, its principal axes and its orientation are displayed at the appropriate
location on the model. The ID of the coordinate frame is also displayed at the coordinate frame’s origin.
Important:Coordinate frame angles for the cylindrical and spherical coordinate frames (that is, and
) are expressed in degrees. Special conditions apply when defining
spatial functions in cylindrical or spherical coordinate frames. For more information, see
Procedures for Using Fields (p. 195) in the Patran Reference Manual.
See Input LBCs Set Data (Static Load Case) (p. 36) in the Patran Reference Manual.
Chapter 3: Coordinate Frames 63
Coordinate Frame Definitions
For more information on using the application forms for the Create methods, see Creating Coordinate
Frames.
You can also create coordinate frames using the Transform action’s Translate and Rotate methods. For
more information, see Transforming Coordinate Frames.
The following sections briefly discuss the Create methods for coordinate frames.
3 Point Method
Figure 3-4 illustrates using the Create action’s 3 Point method for creating a coordinate frame by
specifying three points:
Axis Method
Figure 3-5 illustrates using the Axis method to create a coordinate frame by specifying a point location
at the origin, a point location on axis 1, 2, or 3, and a point location on one of the two remaining axes.
Chapter 3: Coordinate Frames 65
Overview of Create Methods For Coordinate Frames
Euler Method
The Euler Create action creates a new coordinate frame through three rotations from an existing
coordinate frame. Specifically, the following steps are performed in the order shown:
1. Input the reference coordinate frame ID.
1. Enter the point location of the coordinate frame’s origin.
1. Enter the axis and rotation angle for Rotation 1.
1. Enter the axis and rotation angle for Rotation 2.
1. Enter the axis and rotation angle for Rotation 3.
The final orientation of the new coordinate frame depends on the order of rotations that are made.
Normal Method
Figure 3-6 illustrates using the Normal method to create a coordinate frame, where its origin is at a point
location on a surface. The positive axis 3 direction is normal to the surface by using right-hand rule and
crossing the surface’s 1 parametric direction with the 2 direction. The axis 1 direction is along the
surface’s 1 direction and the axis 2 direction is orthogonal to axis 1 and 3.
For more information on the definition of the parametric 1 and 2 axes, see Parameterization.
66 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Overview of Create Methods For Coordinate Frames
On either form, you can choose either the Cartesian in Refer. CF toggle or the Curvilinear in Refer. CF
toggle.
If Curvilinear in Refer. CF is chosen, you can specify either an existing cylindrical or spherical
coordinate frame as the reference, and the translation vector or the scale factors will be interpreted as R,
, Z for the cylindrical system, and as R, , for the spherical system. (Both the axis and axis are
measured in degrees.)
Figure 3-7 throughFigure 3-10 are examples of using the Translate and Scale methods with the
Curvilinear in Refer. CF toggle.
Figure 3-7 Translate Method where Surface 1 is Translated <1 90 0> within Cylindrical
Coordinate Frame 1
68 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Translating or Scaling Geometry Using Curvilinear Coordinate Frames
Figure 3-8 Scale Method where Curve 1 is Scaled <2 1 1> within Cylindrical Coordinate
Frame 1
Figure 3-9 Scale Method where Curve 1 is Scaled <2 1 1> within Cylindrical Coordinate
Frame 1
Chapter 3: Coordinate Frames 69
Translating or Scaling Geometry Using Curvilinear Coordinate Frames
Figure 3-10 Scale Method where Curve 1 is Scaled <1 2 1> within Cylindrical Coordinate
Frame 1
Points along the z-axis of a cylindrical coordinate system and at the origin of a spherical coordinate
system cannot be transformed uniquely in the (cylindrical) or and (spherical) coordinates
respectively. This is due to the fact that there is no unique for points on the z-axis of a cylindrical
coordinate system or and coordinates at the origin of a spherical coordinate system. Therefore, in
Patran, any point on the z-axis of a cylindrical coordinate system or at the origin of a spherical coordinate
system is not transformed.
70 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Translating or Scaling Geometry Using Curvilinear Coordinate Frames
Chapter 4: Create Actions
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
4 Create Actions
Overview of Geometry Create Action 72
Creating Points, Curves, Surfaces and Solids 78
Creating Solid Primitives 311
Feature Recognition (Pre-release) 350
Creating Coordinate Frames 393
Creating Planes 407
Creating Vectors 433
Creating P-Shapes 449
Edit P-Shapes 459
72 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Overview of Geometry Create Action
Extracting Points
Extracting Points from Curves and Edges
Creates points on an existing set of curves or edges at the parametric 1 coordinate location of the curve
or edge, where 1 has a range of 0 1 1 .
Chapter 4: Create Actions 85
Creating Points, Curves, Surfaces and Solids
Interpolating Points
Between Two Points
The Interpolate method using the Point option will create n points of uniform or nonuniform spacing
between a specified pair of point locations, where n is the number of interior points to be created. The
point location pairs can be existing points, vertices, nodes or other point location provided by the Point
select menu.
Chapter 4: Create Actions 95
Creating Points, Curves, Surfaces and Solids
Creates Curve 1, using the Create/Point/3 Point option, which is created through Points 1 and 2 and Node
10. Point 2 is located on the curve at x1(u) =0.5.
Creates Curve 1, using the Create/Extract/Parametric option. The curve is created on Surface 2 at 2 v
= 0.75. Notice that the parametric direction is displayed.
More Help:
• Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
• Parametric Cubic Geometry
• PATRAN 2 Neutral File Support For Parametric Cubic Geometry
• Topology
More Help:
• Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
• Parametric Cubic Geometry
• PATRAN 2 Neutral File Support For Parametric Cubic Geometry
• Topology
More Help:
• Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
• Parametric Cubic Geometry
• PATRAN 2 Neutral File Support For Parametric Cubic Geometry
• Topology
• Coordinate Frame Definitions
More Help:
• Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
• Parametric Cubic Geometry
• PATRAN 2 Neutral File Support For Parametric Cubic Geometry
• Connectivity
• Topology
More Help:
• Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
• Parametric Cubic Geometry
• PATRAN 2 Neutral File Support For Parametric Cubic Geometry
• Topology
• Matrix of Geometry Types Created
More Help:
• Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
• Parametric Cubic Geometry
• PATRAN 2 Neutral File Support For Parametric Cubic Geometry
• Topology
• Matrix of Geometry Types Created
Figure 4-1 The Composite method creates surfaces composed from multiple surfaces.
More Help:
• Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
• Parametric Cubic Geometry
• PATRAN 2 Neutral File Support For Parametric Cubic Geometry
• Topology
• Trimmed Surfaces
• Matrix of Geometry Types Created
252 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Creating Points, Curves, Surfaces and Solids
General Comments
If valid boundary loops are identified and any of the vertices in the vertex list are not part of a boundary,
the location will be marked red and the user will be prompted to “ignore and continue” or “stop”.
The Surface Builder always computes the optimal view plane based on the Surface List. In most cases
this is satisfactory; however, in some instances, it can create a very distorted parametrization of the new
surface, leading to poor finite element mesh quality. Sometimes the view selected by the user as “best”
is more successful than the recommended optimal plane (i.e., answer “No” to the prompt asking
permission to reorient the model to a better view); otherwise, the proposed Composite Surface will have
to be represented by multiple composite surfaces.
If the Composite Surface Builder often fails because of unresolved boundary edges, the gap and clean-
up tolerances are most likely too small. If edges disappear the tolerances are probably too large. The
default gap and clean-up tolerances are set equal to the global model tolerance and can be changed on the
Options form.
Chapter 4: Create Actions 253
Creating Points, Curves, Surfaces and Solids
Creates Surface 3 using the Create/Edge/3 Edge option. The degenerate surface is created from Curves
5 and 6 and the edge of Surface 2. See Building a Degenerate Surface (Triangle).
258 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Creating Points, Curves, Surfaces and Solids
Extracting Surfaces
Extracting Surfaces with the Parametric Option
The Extract method creates surfaces by creating them from within or on a solid, at a constant parametric
1 u , 2 v , or 3 w coordinate location, where 1 has a range of 0 1 1 , 2 has a range of 0 2 1 ,
and 3 has a range of 0 3 1 . One surface is extracted from each solid.
260 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Creating Points, Curves, Surfaces and Solids
Chapter 4: Create Actions 261
Creating Points, Curves, Surfaces and Solids
More Help:
• Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
• Parametric Cubic Geometry
• PATRAN 2 Neutral File Support For Parametric Cubic Geometry
• Topology
• Matrix of Geometry Types Created
More Help:
• Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
• Parametric Cubic Geometry
• PATRAN 2 Neutral File Support For Parametric Cubic Geometry
• Topology
More Help:
• Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
• Parametric Cubic Geometry
• PATRAN 2 Neutral File Support For Parametric Cubic Geometry
• Topology
• Meshing Surfaces with IsoMesh or Paver (p. 13) in the Reference Manual - Part III
More Help:
• Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
• Topology
• Creating Chained Curves
• Meshing Surfaces with IsoMesh or Paver (p. 13) in the Reference Manual - Part III
Next: Used to update the "Choose Curve to OK: Used to finalize the selection on the
Continue" databox when multiple curve echoed in the "Choose Curve
choices are possible, i.e. a branch. to Continue" databox and continue
the auto chain process.
Previous: Used to update "Choose Curve to Quit: Used to end the auto chain process
Continue" databox when more than two without attempting to creating a
curves form a branch. Use in chain.
conjunction with the Next button.
Backup: Used to backup one curve at a time in Stop: Used to end the auto chain process
the list of curves that have been and attempt to create a chain from
previously selected as constituents for the constituent curves. (Only
the resulting chain. necessary when pressing the Apply
button did not create a chain.)
Delete: Used to delete the curve in the "Choose Break: Used to break the curve in the
Curve to Continue" databox from the "Choose Curve to Continue"
database. databox.
in the area blocked by the cloud. The same is true of the shadow surface, except a view vector is used to
determine the light direction. The shadow itself is called an Under Surface, whose valid region is
defined by where the outlines of the shadow surface appear with respect to a given view.
The Shadow Surface itself is a collection of specified surfaces, which may have gaps or overlaps of a
specified distance, and may or may not be topologically congruent. It is bounded by outer and inner
loops, defined as closed chains of curves or surface edges.
During surface evaluations, the Under Surface is used to classify the point relative to which constituent
surface (amongst the Shadow Surface) contains it. The point is mapped to the parameter space of that
constituent surface, and the evaluation is done directly on that surface.
Gliding Surfaces
Gliding Surfaces with the 1 Director Curve Option
The Glide method creates biparametric surfaces by sweeping base curve along a path defined by a set of
director curves or edges.
294 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Creating Points, Curves, Surfaces and Solids
More Help:
• Gliding Surfaces with the 2 Director Curve Option
More Help:
• Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
• Topology
• Matrix of Geometry Types Created
This example is similar to the previous example, except that the thickness is -0.5 instead of +0.5.
Chapter 4: Create Actions 303
Creating Points, Curves, Surfaces and Solids
least 1 node on the hole. If selected, nodes on the outer loop and those not on the free boundary, will be
ignored.
The parametrization of the surface can also be improved by setting Surface Creation Methods to Better
Parametrization. However, if speed were important and the mesh used to create the surface is of poor
quality, selecting the Fast option under the Surface Creation Methods pull-down menu would create a
better surface.
Tessellated Surface is a representation of the underlying mesh that is used to create it. Therefore the
surface is piecewise planar and the normals are not continuous. The surface is primarily generated to
facilitate the meshing operation on complex surface models. Though these surfaces support most of the
geometry operations, it has limitations due to the nature of the surface.
To create a tessellated surface the mesh should have the following characteristics:
• Congruent 2-D elements
• Should be one connected set of elements
• No more than 2 elements should share the same 2 nodes
• The outer or inner loop should not intersect.
306 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Creating Points, Curves, Surfaces and Solids
Figure 4-2
Note: When the Inner Loop Options is set to Select, a node listbox opens. Here the holes to be
preserved can be identified by the nodes on its edge. Any nodes not on the hole edge or on
the outer boundary will be ignored.
Creating Midsurfaces
Creating Midsurfaces with the Automatic Option
This form is used to create a Midsurface using the Automatic Method.
Chapter 4: Create Actions 307
Creating Points, Curves, Surfaces and Solids
More Help:
• Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Creates solid blocks 1 and 2 at [0 0 0] and [2 0 0] with parameters of X=1.0, Y=1.0, Z=1.0 and X=2.0,
Y=2.0, Z=2.0 respectively.
Creates solid block 1 at [-1 .5 .5] with parameters of X=5.0, Y=1.0, Z=1.0 while performing a boolean
add operation with solid 1.
Chapter 4: Create Actions 313
Creating Solid Primitives
Creates solid cylinder 1 at point 1with parameters of Height=3.0, Radius=0.25, along X axis.
Chapter 4: Create Actions 315
Creating Solid Primitives
Creates Solid Cylinder 1 at point 1 with parameters Height=3.0, Radius=0.25, a wall thickness = 0.125
along X axis while performing a boolean add operation with solid 1.
316 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Creating Solid Primitives
Creates Solid Sphere 1 at point 1with a Radius of 0.5 along the Y axis while performing a boolean add
operation with solid 1.
Chapter 4: Create Actions 319
Creating Solid Primitives
More Help:
• Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Creates Solid Cone 1 at [0 0 0] and Cone 2 at [3 0 0] along the Z axis with parameters Height=2.0, Base
Radius=1.0, Top Radius=0.5 and Thickness for Cone 1=0.0 and Thickness for Cone 2=0.125
Chapter 4: Create Actions 321
Creating Solid Primitives
Creates Solid Cones 1 and 2 at [.5 1 .5] along the Y axis with parameters Height=-5.0, Base Radius=0.25,
Top Radius=0.0625 while performing a boolean add operation with Solid 1 and 2.
322 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Creating Solid Primitives
Creates Solid Torus 1 and 2 at [0 0 0] with parameters Major Radius=1.0, Minor Radius=0.5 and Torus
1 along the X axis and Torus 2 along the Y axis.
324 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Creating Solid Primitives
Creates Solid Torus 1 at [0 0 0] along the Z axis with parameters Major Radius=1.0, Minor Radius=0.25
while performing a boolean add operation with Solid 1.
Chapter 4: Create Actions 325
Creating Solid Primitives
More Help:
• Topology
• Connectivity
• Parametric Cubic Geometry
• Matrix of Geometry Types Created
• PATRAN 2 Neutral File Support For Parametric Cubic Geometry
• Display>Geometry (p. 385) in the Patran Reference Manual
Chapter 4: Create Actions 327
Creating Solid Primitives
More Help:
• Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
• Topology
• Parametric Cubic Geometry
• Matrix of Geometry Types Created
• PATRAN 2 Neutral File Support For Parametric Cubic Geometry
• Display>Geometry (p. 385) in the Patran Reference Manual
More Help:
• Topology
• Parametric Cubic Geometry
• Matrix of Geometry Types Created
• PATRAN 2 Neutral File Support For Parametric Cubic Geometry
• Display>Geometry (p. 385) in the Patran Reference Manual
More Help:
• Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
• Topology
• Parametric Cubic Geometry
• Matrix of Geometry Types Created
• PATRAN 2 Neutral File Support For Parametric Cubic Geometry
• Display>Geometry (p. 385) in the Patran Reference Manual
Gliding Solids
The Glide method creates triparametric solids by sweeping a base surface curve along a path defined by
a set of director curves or edges.
348 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Creating Solid Primitives
Feature Types
The Feature Recognition Tool support the following feature types:
• Circular Hole features.
• Transition features.
• Blends
• Chamfers
The Actions supported for features are: Recognize, Clear, Show, Delete, Edit
The Methods supported for features are: Automatic, Interactive
Feature Definition
The feature has the following attributes:
Name: string identifier, i.e., Hole 1
Parameters: the values defining the feature, i.e.,
• for holes the parameters are radius and depth
• for blends the parameters are radius1 and radius2
• for chamfers the parameters are height1 and height2
Id: the internal id used for storage
Label: the numeric value of the feature name; i.e., if the feature name is Hole 1, the label is 1.
Automatic Recognition
You select the solid list from which the features are to be recognized from the viewport and the
corresponding features for which recognition was called is recognized. In case of transition features
automatic recognition recognizes all the features with chaining.
Interactive Recognition
You can interactively pick the face (or edge for holes) list from the viewport and only those features
which contain the selected faces (or edges for holes) are recognized. Single or compound/chain features
can be recognized during interactive recognition.
Hole module. This module provides recognition of hole features in the input model. It
recognizes circular features. It can recognize circular holes which may be blind or thru. Non-
circular features like the rectangular holes, cannot be recognized with this module. Every hole
feature has two associated attributes namely the radius, and depth. In case of blind holes both
these attributes can be modified/edited, but in case of a thru hole only its radius can be
modified/edited. During recognition phase the dependency relations between different hole
features are also recognized. Subsequent operations on these features require satisfying these
dependency relations. For example, if hole 2 is dependent upon hole 1 (parent child relation)
then deletion of hole 1 will automatically result in deletion of hole 2. Similar relations apply for
editing of dependent features.
Blend/Chamfer module. This module provides recognitions of transition features namely blend
features and chamfer features. Two types of blends are recognized – constant radius blends and
variable radius blends. Thus each blend has two attributes namely the maximum radius and
minimum radius. However in case of constant radius blends the values of these two attributes are
same. Similarly a chamfer feature has two attributes which are its slope heights. Transition
features such as blends and chamfers are rarely isolated, and are usually connected to other
blends/chamfers to form a blend/chamfer chain. Thus automatic recognition by default
recognizes blends and chamfers with chaining, whereas, interactive recognition allows features
to be recognized as a single feature or a compound or chain feature. Figure below shows a blend
chain.
352 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Feature Recognition (Pre-release)
Limitations
Only one feature type per solid can be recognized and worked on at a time. For example, if you
have recognized holes from one solid, then recognize blends on the same solid in the same
Patran session, the feature modeler will replace the hole features with the newly recognized
blend features for the solid. You can recognize holes for one solid and blends for another solid
and the holes and blends will be stored in the feature modeler. All previous edits to the model by
editing hole parameters or deleting holes will be saved however.
Solids whose geometry source is Parasolid is the only type supported for Feature Recognition.
Feature Recognition
Recognize Feature Hole Automatic
Recognizes circular features from the selected Solid. It can recognize circular holes that are blind or
through. The dependency relations between different holes are also recognized.
Chapter 4: Create Actions 353
Feature Recognition (Pre-release)
Edit the four selected holes by changing the radius values from 4 and 5 to 8.
360 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Feature Recognition (Pre-release)
Edit the Chamfer Feature Parameters using a Height Constraint. The height H1 and height H2 parameters
for a chamfer can be edited.
When a column of the spreadsheet is selected, the value is copied to the input databox for editing. Once
the value is modified, press return to update the selected column with the new parameter definition. When
all the desired parameter values are modified, press the OK button to save the changes.
If the Feature Name is changed and the same name is used for multiple feature names, the feature label
will be appended to the input name. For example, if you entered “test” for the name of Hole 1 and Hole
2, then the resulting name for Hole 1 will be “test” and the name for Hole 2 will be test 2.
Picking a spreadsheet cell will highlight the feature in the Patran secondary highlight color
384 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Feature Recognition (Pre-release)
Clear Feature
Clear features from the feature modeler derived from a solid without deleting the associated geometry.
392 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Feature Recognition (Pre-release)
Chapter 4: Create Actions 393
Creating Coordinate Frames
More Help:
• Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
• Topology
• Coordinate Frame Definitions
394 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Creating Coordinate Frames
This form allows you to define up to three rotations to be performed about the specified Reference
Coordinate Frame axes. The rotations are performed in sequence from top to bottom on the form.
Chapter 4: Create Actions 401
Creating Coordinate Frames
You can plot the parametric 1 and 2 directions by pressing the Parametric Direction button on the
Geometric Properties form under the Display/Display Properties/Geometric menu.
402 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Creating Coordinate Frames
Creating Planes
Creating Vectors
Magnitude Example
Creates a vector based at point 1 and directing along the X axis. The vector has a magnitude of 1.0.
Intersect Example
Creates a vector along the intersection of Plane 1 and Plane 2.
Chapter 4: Create Actions 437
Creating Vectors
Product Example
Creates Vector 3, which is the cross product of Vector 1 and Vector 2.
446 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Creating Vectors
Creating P-Shapes
Rectangle
The rectangle is defined by an origin point p1, a corner point p2 along direction-1 or the u-direction, and
a corner point p3 along direction-2 or the v-direction. All points are given with respect to the Reference
Coordinate Frame. The point p3 is constrained to be orthogonal to the vector p1-p2 and will be corrected
as necessary.
Quadrilateral
A Quadrilateral is defined by an origin point p1, and corner points p2 in direction-1 (u-direction), and p3
in direction-2 (v-direction), and an opposite corner p4 in the Reference Coordinate Frame.
450 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Creating P-Shapes
Triangle
A triangle is defined by an origin point p1, and corner points p2 in direction-1 (u-direction) and p3 in
direction-2 (v-direction). In Patran, the triangle is created as a bi-parametric surface and has one
degenerate side at the origin point p1.
Chapter 4: Create Actions 451
Creating P-Shapes
Disc
A disc is defined by an external and internal diameter. It is defined in a Reference Coordinate Frame with
an Axis of Revolution shown as the vector p1-p2. The Angle Origin Vector is shown as vector p1-p3 and
the start and end angle are measured in degrees circumferentially from that vector.
452 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Creating P-Shapes
Cylinder
A cylinder is defined by a diameter in a Reference Coordinate Frame with an Axis of Revolution shown
as the vector p1-p2. This vector also gives the height of the cylinder. The Angle Origin Vector is shown
as vector p1-p3 and the start and end angle are measured in degrees circumferentially from that vector.
Chapter 4: Create Actions 453
Creating P-Shapes
Cone
A cone is defined by diameters at the base and apex in a Reference Coordinate Frame with an Axis of
Revolution shown as the vector p1-p2. This vector also gives the height of the cone. The Angle Origin
Vector is shown as vector p1-p3 and the start and end angle are measured in degrees circumferentially
from that vector.
454 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Creating P-Shapes
Sphere
A sphere is defined by a diameter in a Reference Coordinate Frame with an Axis of Revolution shown
as the vector p1-p2. The Angle Origin Vector is shown as vector p1-p3 and the start and end angle are
measured in degrees circumferentially from that vector.
The sphere may be truncated at the poles. The base truncation gives the height of the sphere from the
equator to the “bottom” of the sphere. If the negative truncation distance is equal to the radius, then the
sphere is not truncated. The same applies to the apex truncation. Note that a negative truncation distance
measures “below” the equator while a positive truncation measures “above” the equator.
Chapter 4: Create Actions 455
Creating P-Shapes
Paraboloid
A paraboloid is defined by a diameter in a Reference Coordinate Frame with an Axis of Revolution
shown as the vector p1-p2. This vector also gives the un-truncated height of the paraboloid. The Angle
Origin Vector is shown as vector p1-p3 and the start and end angle are measured in degrees
circumferentially from that vector.
The paraboloid may be at the apex and also at the base. Both truncations are measured from the apex of
the paraboloid.
456 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Creating P-Shapes
Five-Sided Box
A Five-sided box is defined as a solid, but is an open-shell meaning that it is a connected set of five
surfaces which is not closed. The five-sided box is defined with dimensions dx, dy, and dz in the x, y,
and z directions at the global origin. The face that is "missing" from the 5-sided box is the z+ face. At
the time of creation, a local coordinate frame is used to create the solid at a user-prescribed location. The
local coordinate frame is represented by an axis which defines the local origin of the solid at the axis
begin point and the x-direction of the solid. The y-direction is defined by a vector. The z-direction is
defined ortho-normal to the x-y plane.
Chapter 4: Create Actions 457
Creating P-Shapes
Six-Sided Box
A Six-sided Box is a parameterized solid defined with dimensions dx, dy, and dz in the x, y, and z
directions at the global origin. At the time of creation, a local coordinate frame is used to create the solid
at a user-prescribed location. The local coordinate frame is represented by an axis which defines the local
origin of the solid at the axis begin point and the x-direction of the solid. The y-direction is defined by
a vector. The z-direction is defined ortho-normal to the x-y plane.
458 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Creating P-Shapes
Chapter 4: Create Actions 459
Edit P-Shapes
Edit P-Shapes
This form is used to edit P-Shapes by their parameters. One or more P-Shapes of the same type may be
modified. A P-Shape may be selected by its label. The P-Shapes listed in the listbox may be filtered by
name or by type, e.g., Rectangle, Triangle, etc. P-Shapes which are listed in the listbox may be displayed
on the screen using the “Show P-Shape” button and the display is reset using the “Reset” button.
P-Shapes can also be selected off the screen using the “Select P-Shape(s)” select data box . Since
different types of P-Shapes may be selected in either the listbox or in the select data box, the “Filter for
P-Shape(s)” button is used to isolate one type of P-Shape.
If only entity is selected for edit, then you can edit the P-Shape Label. The parameters to edit are identical
to the Create P-Shape forms for each geometry type. If multiple entities are selected, certain parameters
may not be editable such as the Axis of Revolution for cones (spheres, paraboloids) since modifying that
parameter to be the same will transform all cones edited to be in the same location.
460 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Edit P-Shapes
Chapter 5: Delete Actions
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
5 Delete Actions
Overview of the Geometry Delete Action 462
Deleting Any Geometric Entity 463
Deleting Points, Curves, Surfaces, Solids, Planes or Vectors 464
Deleting Coordinate Frames 466
462 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Overview of the Geometry Delete Action
6 Edit Actions
Overview of the Edit Action Methods 468
Editing Points 470
Editing Curves 472
Editing Surfaces 518
Editing Solids 589
Editing Features 632
468 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Overview of the Edit Action Methods
Editing Points
Equivalencing Points
The Point Equivalence method finds groups of points which are within global model tolerance of each
other and for each group and equivalences the points into one point.
Editing Curves
Breaking Curves
Breaking a Curve at a Point
The Break method with the Point option creates n+1 curves by breaking an existing curve or edge at one
or more point locations. The point locations can be defined by either existing points, nodes, vertices,
curve/curve intersections, or curve/surface intersections. Also, the break point location does not have to
lie on the curve or edge.
Chapter 6: Edit Actions 473
Editing Curves
More Help:
• Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
• Topology
• Connectivity
478 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Editing Curves
Blending a Curve
The Blend method creates a set of parametric cubic curves from an existing set of two or more curves or
edges by enforcing a first derivative continuity across its boundaries. The set of existing curves or edges
must be connected.
Extending Curves
Extending a Curve With the 1 Curve Option
The Extend method with the 1 Curve option extends one or more curves which start at either the
beginning or the end of an existing curve or edge, and moves in the tangent direction for a defined length.
Chapter 6: Edit Actions 489
Editing Curves
You can either extend curves in a straight line or maintain the same curvature as the existing curve or
edge.
490 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Editing Curves
Chapter 6: Edit Actions 491
Editing Curves
will intersect. If the distance from the intersection to the endpoint of one of the existing curves, is within
a distance of the Global Model Tolerance, then Patran will extend only one curve instead of two. (The
Global Model Tolerance is defined on the Global Preferences form under the Preferences/Global menu).
Reversing a Curve
The Reverse method redefines the connectivity of an existing set of curves or edges by reversing the
positive 1 direction of the curves or edges. You can plot the curve’s 1 direction by selecting the
Parametric Direction toggle on the Geometric Properties form found under the menus Display/Display
Properties/Geometric.
Chapter 6: Edit Actions 509
Editing Curves
Trimming Curves
Trimming a Curve With the Point Option
The Trim method with the Point option modifies an existing set of curves by trimming them at a specified
point location along each curve. The trim point can be defined by either existing points, nodes,
curve/curve intersections, or curve/surface intersections. You cannot trim existing edges.
512 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Editing Curves
Editing Surfaces
Blending Surfaces
The Blend method creates a set of parametric bi-cubic surfaces from an existing set of two or more
surfaces or solid faces by enforcing a first derivative continuity across its boundaries. The set of existing
surfaces or faces must share at least one edge with another surface or face in the set.
Chapter 6: Edit Actions 537
Editing Surfaces
removed edge will be extended until they intersect. This intersection must take place within the domain
of the parent surface.
share two common vertices but has a gap or unmatched edges. The gap must be less than 10 times the
Global Model Tolerance or else Patran will not close the gap. The existing pair of surfaces or faces do
not need to have matching parametric 1 and 2 orientations. This method is useful for correcting
topologically incongruent surface pairs so that they are congruent before you mesh. Also see Matching
Adjacent Surfaces, 269.
specified in the Point List was cursor selected at Point 5 by using the Vertex select menu icon listed
below.
Extending Surfaces
Extending Surfaces with the 2 Surface Option
This form is used to extend two surfaces to their line of intersection.
552 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Editing Surfaces
Refitting Surfaces
The Refit method creates a non-uniformly parameterized network of bicubic patches from existing
surfaces. The Refit Tolerance is input as the refit parameter.
Chapter 6: Edit Actions 567
Editing Surfaces
Reversing Surfaces
The Reverse method redefines the connectivity of an existing set of surfaces or solid faces by exchanging
the positive 1 and 2 directions of the surfaces or faces. You can plot the 1 and 2 directions for the
surfaces by pressing the Show Parametric Direction toggle on the Geometric Attributes form found under
the menu Display/Geometry.
• Connectivity
• Parametric Cubic Geometry
• Showing Surface Attributes
Sewing Surfaces
The Sew method sequentially combines the actions of the Edit/ Point/ Equivalence method to
equivalence surface vertices and the Edit/ Surface/Edge Match method to merge edges. The composite
action is a "sewing" of the surfaces. Vertices and edges are both equivalenced according to the
restrictions of the previously mentioned methods; however, since the operation is sequential, vertices will
already be equivalenced before doing the edge merging.
Chapter 6: Edit Actions 571
Editing Surfaces
Subtracting Surfaces
The Subtract method .
Chapter 6: Edit Actions 573
Editing Surfaces
Editing Solids
Breaking Solids
Breaking Solids with the Point Option
The Break method with the Point option breaks an existing solid into two or four smaller solids at a point
location. The point location can be on or within the solid.
More Help:
• Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
590 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Editing Solids
Solid Break Method with the Surface Option Between Two Surfaces Example
This example is the same as the previous example, except that the solid is defined by Surfaces 2 and 3 by
using the Solid select menu icon listed below.
Chapter 6: Edit Actions 605
Editing Solids
Blending Solids
The Blend method creates a set of parametric tri-cubic solids from an existing set of two or more solids,
such that the first derivative continuity is maintained across the surface boundaries between adjacent
solids. The existing solids can have any parametrization, but they must share common faces.
606 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Editing Solids
Refitting Solids
Refitting Solids with the To TriCubicNet Option
This form is used to refit a solid to alternative mathematical solid representations. The form provides
three Options; To TriCubicNet, To TriParametric, and To Parasolid.
612 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Editing Solids
Reversing Solids
The Reverse method redefines the connectivity of an existing set of solids by exchanging the positive 1
and 2 directions of the solids. Then, to maintain a positive parametric frame, Patran translates the
parametric origin up the original 3 axis and then reverses the 3 direction. You can plot the 1 2 and
3 directions for the solids by pressing the Show Parametric Direction toggle on the Geometric Attributes
form found under the menu Display/Geometry.
Editing Features
Suppressing a Feature
The Edit,Feature,Suppress method displays the list of CAD features associated with the geometry that
can be suppressed from the geometric model.
Chapter 6: Edit Actions 633
Editing Features
Unsuppressing a Feature
The Edit,Feature,Unsuppress method displays the list of CAD features associated with the geometry that
can be unsuppressed from the geometric model.
634 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Editing Features
7 Show Actions
Overview of the Geometry Show Action Methods 638
Showing Points 640
Showing Point Distance 642
Showing Surfaces 667
Showing Surface Normals 63
Showing Solids 675
Showing Coordinate Frames 677
Showing Planes 679
Showing Vectors 684
638 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Overview of the Geometry Show Action Methods
Showing Points
From Point ID Highlights the point using the secondary highlight color; displays general
information about the point (type, location, etc.) in the textbox.
To Point ID Highlights the point using the secondary highlight color; displays general
information about the point (type, location, etc.) in the textbox.
Reference CID Highlights both points using the secondary highlight color; displays general
information about the reference frame (type, origin, etc.) in the textbox.
Other columns Highlights both points using the secondary highlight color; displays the long
(un-abbreviated) form of the data in the textbox.
From Point ID Highlights the point using the secondary highlight color; displays general
information about the point (type, location, etc.) in the textbox.
From Curve ID Highlights the curve using the secondary highlight color; displays general
information about the curve (type, etc.) in the textbox.
Reference CID Highlights both entities using the secondary highlight color; displays general
information about the reference frame (type, origin, etc.) in the textbox.
Other Columns Highlights both entities using the secondary highlight color; displays the long
(un-abbreviated) form of the data in the textbox; and displays a marker on the
curve where the minimum distance occurs.
To Point ID Highlights the point using the secondary Highlight color; displays general
information about the point (type, location, etc.) in the textbox.
From Surface ID Highlights the surface using the secondary Highlight color; displays general
information about the surface (type, etc.) in the textbox.
Reference CID Highlights both entities in the secondary Highlight color; displays general
information about the reference frame (type, origin, etc.) in the textbox.
Other columns Highlights both entities in the secondary highlight color; displays the long (un-
abbreviated) form of the data in the textbox; and displays a marker on the surface
where the minimum distance occurs.
To Point ID Highlights the point using the secondary Highlight color; displays general
information about the point (type, location, etc.) in the textbox.
From Vector ID Highlights the plane using the secondary Highlight color; displays general
information about the vector (type, etc.) in the textbox.
Reference CID Highlights both entities in the secondary Highlight color; displays general
information about the reference frame (type, origin, etc.) in the textbox.
Other columns Highlights both entities in the secondary highlight color; displays the long
(unabbreviated) form of the data in the textbox; and displays a marker on the
surface where the minimum distance occurs.
To Point ID Highlights the point using the secondary Highlight color; displays general
information about the point (type, location, etc.) in the textbox.
From Plane ID Highlights the plane using the secondary Highlight color; displays general
information about the plane (type, etc.) in the textbox.
Reference CID Highlights both entities in the secondary Highlight color; displays general
information about the reference frame (type, origin, etc.) in the textbox.
Other columns Highlights both entities in the secondary highlight color; displays the long
(unabbreviated) form of the data in the textbox; and displays a marker on the
surface where the minimum distance occurs.
Showing Curves
• Topology
• Global Model Tolerance & Geometry
• Types of Geometry in Patran
• The Show Action Information Form
First Curve ID Highlights the curve using the secondary highlight color; displays general
information about the point (type, location, etc.) in the textbox.
Second Curve ID Highlights the curve using the secondary highlight color; displays general
information about the curve (type, etc.) in the textbox.
Other Columns Highlights both curves in the secondary highlight color; displays the long (un-
abbreviated) form of the data in the textbox; and displays a marker on each curve
at the respective locations where the minimum distance occurs.
Showing Surfaces
Showing Solids
• Solids
• The Show Action Information Form
Chapter 7: Show Actions 677
Showing Coordinate Frames
Showing Planes
Showing Vectors
8 Transform Actions
Overview of the Transform Methods 686
Transforming Points, Curves, Surfaces, Solids, Planes and Vectors
689
Transforming Coordinate Frames 777
686 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Overview of the Transform Methods
Translating Points
This example is the same as the previous example, except Cartesian in Refer. CF is pressed instead of
Curvilinear in Refer. CF.
Chapter 8: Transform Actions 693
Transforming Points, Curves, Surfaces, Solids, Planes and Vectors
Translating Curves
Creates Curves 2 through 6 by translating Curves 1 three times - two units in the X direction and one unit
in the Y direction within the global rectangular coordinate frame, Coord 0.
694 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Transforming Points, Curves, Surfaces, Solids, Planes and Vectors
Translating Edges
Creates Curve 2 by translating the outside edge of Surface 1, two units radially outward within cylindrical
coordinate frame, Coord 100.
696 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Transforming Points, Curves, Surfaces, Solids, Planes and Vectors
Translating Surfaces
Creates Surfaces 2 and 3 by translating Surface 1 two times - one unit in the X direction and two units in
the Y direction within the rectangular coordinate frame, Coord 10.
Chapter 8: Transform Actions 697
Transforming Points, Curves, Surfaces, Solids, Planes and Vectors
Translating Solids
Translates Solids 1 through 4, 1.5 units in the X direction and 1.5 units in the Y direction, within the
global rectangular coordinate frame, Coord 0. Notice that Delete Original Solids is pressed and Solids
1:4 are deleted.
700 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Transforming Points, Curves, Surfaces, Solids, Planes and Vectors
Translating Solids
Creates Solid 2 by translating Solid 1, 90 degrees within the cylindrical coordinate frame, Coord 1.
Notice that Curvilinear in Refer. CF is pressed.
Chapter 8: Transform Actions 701
Transforming Points, Curves, Surfaces, Solids, Planes and Vectors
Translating Planes
Translates Plane 1 2 units in the Z direction with the global rectangular coordinate frame, Coord 0. Note
that Delete Original Plane is not pressed and Plane 1 is kept.
702 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Transforming Points, Curves, Surfaces, Solids, Planes and Vectors
Translating Vectors
Translates Vector 1 2 units in the X direction with the global rectangular coordinate frame, Coord 0.
Notice that Delete Original Vector is not pressed and Vector 1 is kept.
Chapter 8: Transform Actions 703
Transforming Points, Curves, Surfaces, Solids, Planes and Vectors
Rotating Curves
Creates Curves 2 through 7 by rotating Curve 1 six times, 30 degrees about the axis defined by {[0 0 0][0
0 1]}. Notice that the axis definition is equivalent to Coord 0.3 from the previous example.
Chapter 8: Transform Actions 707
Transforming Points, Curves, Surfaces, Solids, Planes and Vectors
Rotating Surfaces
Creates Surfaces 4 through 18 by rotating from Surfaces 1, 2 and 3, five times, 30 degrees each about the
axis defined by Points 4 and 1. The axis is defined by cursor selecting the points using the Axis select
menu icon listed below.
Chapter 8: Transform Actions 709
Transforming Points, Curves, Surfaces, Solids, Planes and Vectors
Rotating Solids
Creates Solids 2 through 4 by rotating from Solid 1, three times, 90 degrees each about the global Z axis,
Coord 0.3. Coord 0.3 is cursor defined by using the Axis select menu icon listed below.
Chapter 8: Transform Actions 711
Transforming Points, Curves, Surfaces, Solids, Planes and Vectors
Rotating Planes
Rotates Plane 1 90 degrees around the Y Axis in the global rectangular coordinate frame, Coord 0. Notice
that Delete Original Plane is not pressed and Plane 1 is kept.
712 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Transforming Points, Curves, Surfaces, Solids, Planes and Vectors
Rotating Vectors
Rotates Vector 1 90 degrees around the Z Axis in the global rectangular coordinate frame, Coord 0.
Notice that Delete Original Vector is not pressed and Vector 1 is kept.
Chapter 8: Transform Actions 713
Transforming Points, Curves, Surfaces, Solids, Planes and Vectors
Scaling Curves
Creates Curve 2 by scaling them from Curve 1, 1.5 times along the X axis of rectangular coordinate
frame, Coord 20. Notice that Delete Original Curves is pressed and Curve 1 is deleted.
718 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Transforming Points, Curves, Surfaces, Solids, Planes and Vectors
Scaling Surfaces
Creates Surfaces 5 through 8 by scaling Surfaces 1 through 4 1.5 times along the radial axis of cylindrical
coordinate frame, Coord 20. Notice that Cartesian in Refer. CF and Delete Original Surfaces are pressed.
720 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Transforming Points, Curves, Surfaces, Solids, Planes and Vectors
Mirroring Curves
Creates Curves 3 and 4 by mirroring them from Curves 1 and 2 about the plane whose normal is the
global Y axis, Coord 0.2, and with an offset of Y=-1.
Chapter 8: Transform Actions 727
Transforming Points, Curves, Surfaces, Solids, Planes and Vectors
Mirroring Surfaces
This example is similar to the previous example, except that Surfaces 1 through 4 are mirrored from
Surfaces 5 through 8.
Chapter 8: Transform Actions 729
Transforming Points, Curves, Surfaces, Solids, Planes and Vectors
Mirroring Solids
Creates Solid 2 by mirroring Solid 1 about the plane whose normal is defined by {[0 0 0][1 0 0]}. Notice
that the mirror plane normal definition is the same as entering the global X axis, Coord 0.1.
730 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Transforming Points, Curves, Surfaces, Solids, Planes and Vectors
Mirroring Planes
Mirrors Plane 1 against the X-Y plane and with an offset of 1 unit in the Z direction in the global
rectangular coordinate frame, Coord 0. Notice that Delete Original Plane is not pressed and Plane 1 is
kept. Also, the Reverse Plane is not pressed and Plane 2 is not reversed.
Chapter 8: Transform Actions 731
Transforming Points, Curves, Surfaces, Solids, Planes and Vectors
Mirroring Vectors
Mirrors Vector 1 against the X-Y plane and with an offset of 1 unit in the Z direction in the global
rectangular coordinate frame, Coord 0. Notice that Delete Original Vector is not pressed and Vector 1 is
kept. Also, the Reverse Vector is not pressed and Vector 2 is not reversed.
732 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Transforming Points, Curves, Surfaces, Solids, Planes and Vectors
Moving Curves
Creates Curves 7 through 12 by moving Curves 1 through 6 from cylindrical coordinate frame, Coord
200 to cylindrical coordinate frame, Coord 300.
Chapter 8: Transform Actions 735
Transforming Points, Curves, Surfaces, Solids, Planes and Vectors
Moving Surfaces
Creates Surfaces 5 through 8 by moving from Surfaces 1 through 4 from cylindrical coordinate frame,
Coord 200, to cylindrical coordinate frame, Coord 300.
Chapter 8: Transform Actions 737
Transforming Points, Curves, Surfaces, Solids, Planes and Vectors
Moving Solids
Creates Solids 5 through 8 by moving Solids 1 through 4 from the global coordinate frame, Coord 0, to
the rectangular coordinate frame, Coord 1.
738 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Transforming Points, Curves, Surfaces, Solids, Planes and Vectors
Moving Planes
Moves Plane 1 from the rectangular coordinate frame, Coord 0, to the rectangular coordinate frame,
Coord 1. Notice that Delete Original Plane is not pressed and Plane 1 is kept.
Chapter 8: Transform Actions 739
Transforming Points, Curves, Surfaces, Solids, Planes and Vectors
Moving Vectors
Moves Vector 1 from the rectangular coordinate frame, Coord 0, to the rectangular coordinate frame,
Coord 1. Notice that Delete Original Vector is not pressed and Vector 1 is kept.
740 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Transforming Points, Curves, Surfaces, Solids, Planes and Vectors
Pivoting Points
Creates Point 4 from Point 3 by pivoting at the global origin, [0 0 0], from Node 100 to Point 2.
Chapter 8: Transform Actions 743
Transforming Points, Curves, Surfaces, Solids, Planes and Vectors
Pivoting Curves
Creates Curves 9 through 15 from Curves 1 through 6 by pivoting them at Point 12, from Point 14 to
Point 13. (Curves 7 and 8 are for illustration and are not used for the pivot.)
744 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Transforming Points, Curves, Surfaces, Solids, Planes and Vectors
Pivoting Surfaces
This example is similar to the previous example, except that Surfaces 1 through 4 are pivoted to create
Surfaces 5 through 8. Curves 7 and 8 are for illustration and are not used for the pivot.
746 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Transforming Points, Curves, Surfaces, Solids, Planes and Vectors
Pivoting Solids
Creates Solid 2 by pivoting from Solid 1 at Point 1, from Point 2 to Point 3. Curves 1 and 2 are for
illustration and are not used for the pivot.
Chapter 8: Transform Actions 747
Transforming Points, Curves, Surfaces, Solids, Planes and Vectors
Pivoting Planes
Pivots Plane 1 using the 3 pivoting points, Point 1 through 3. Notice that Delete Original Plane is not
pressed and Plane 1 is kept.
748 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Transforming Points, Curves, Surfaces, Solids, Planes and Vectors
Pivoting Vectors
Pivots Vector 1 using the 3 pivoting points, Point 1 through 3. Notice that Delete Original Vector is not
pressed and Vector 1 is kept.
Chapter 8: Transform Actions 749
Transforming Points, Curves, Surfaces, Solids, Planes and Vectors
The original points and destination points need not match exactly; however, if either the original point
locations or the destination point locations lie in a straight line, the transformation cannot be performed.
Points can be repositioned from other points, nodes or vertices. Curves can be repositioned from other
curves or edges. Surfaces can be repositioned from other surfaces or solid faces. Solids are repositioned
from other solids.
Chapter 8: Transform Actions 751
Transforming Points, Curves, Surfaces, Solids, Planes and Vectors
752 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Transforming Points, Curves, Surfaces, Solids, Planes and Vectors
Positioning Points
Creates Points 9 through 12 from Points 1through 4 by repositioning them based on the original and
destination point locations listed on the form.
Chapter 8: Transform Actions 753
Transforming Points, Curves, Surfaces, Solids, Planes and Vectors
Positioning Curves
Creates Curves 25 through 32 by repositioning Curves 13 through 24 from Points 9, 13 and 12, to
destination Points 2, 6 and 3. Notice that Delete Original Curves is pressed and Curves 13 through 24 are
deleted.
754 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Transforming Points, Curves, Surfaces, Solids, Planes and Vectors
Positioning Surfaces
Creates Surface 5 from Surface 4 by positioning it from Points 8, 9 and 11 to the destination Points 7, 2
and 3.
756 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Transforming Points, Curves, Surfaces, Solids, Planes and Vectors
Positioning Solids
Creates Solid 3 by repositioning it from Solid 2, based on the original and destination points listed on the
form. Notice that Delete Original Solids is pressed and Solid 2 is deleted.
Chapter 8: Transform Actions 757
Transforming Points, Curves, Surfaces, Solids, Planes and Vectors
Positioning Planes
Positions Plane 1 from where defined by the position Point 1 through 3, to where defined by the position
Point 4 through 6. Notice that Delete Original Plane is not pressed and Plane 1 is kept.
758 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Transforming Points, Curves, Surfaces, Solids, Planes and Vectors
Positioning Vectors
Positions Vector 1 from where defined by the position Point 1 through 3, to where defined by the position
Point 4 through 6. Notice that Delete Original Vector is not pressed and Vector 1 is kept.
Chapter 8: Transform Actions 759
Transforming Points, Curves, Surfaces, Solids, Planes and Vectors
Curves can be moved and scaled from other curves or edges. Surfaces can be moved and scaled from
other surfaces or solid faces. Solids are moved and scaled from other solids.
770 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Transforming Points, Curves, Surfaces, Solids, Planes and Vectors
Chapter 8: Transform Actions 771
Transforming Points, Curves, Surfaces, Solids, Planes and Vectors
9 Verify Actions
Verify Actions 785
786 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Verify Action
Verify Action
10 Associate Actions
Overview of the Associate Action 794
794 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Overview of the Associate Action
Important:The iso-mesher will not generate meshes that conform to hard geometries, if the hard
geometries lie interior to the surface. The iso-mesher ignores the interior hard geometries
to mesh the surface.
Chapter 10: Associate Actions 795
Overview of the Associate Action
Figure 10-1
796 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Overview of the Associate Action
Figure 10-2
Chapter 10: Associate Actions 797
Overview of the Associate Action
Figure 10-3
798 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Overview of the Associate Action
Figure 10-4
Chapter 11: Disassociate Actions
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
11 Disassociate Actions
Overview of the Disassociate Action Methods 800
800 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Overview of the Disassociate Action Methods
Object Description
• Point • Remove all point associations.
• Curve • Remove all curve associations.
• Surface • Remove all surface associations.
Disassociating Points
Figure 11-1
802 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Overview of the Disassociate Action Methods
Disassociating Curves
Disassociating Surfaces
Chapter 11: Disassociate Actions 803
Overview of the Disassociate Action Methods
Figure 11-2
804 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Overview of the Disassociate Action Methods
Chapter 12: The Renumber Action... Renumbering Geometry
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Introduction
Most often, ID numbers (IDs) for geometric entities are chosen and assigned automatically. The
Renumber Action permits the IDs of points, curves, surfaces, solids, planes, or vectors to be changed.
This capability is useful to:
• Offset the IDs of a specific list of entities.
• Renumber the IDs of all existing entities within a specified range.
• Compact the IDs of an entity type sequentially from 1 to N.
IDs must be positive integers. Duplicate IDs are not permitted in the List of New IDs, or in the selected
Entity List (old IDs). A Starting ID or a List of New IDs may be entered in the input databox. If a
geometric entity outside the list of entities being renumbered is using the new ID, the renumber process
will print a warning message stating which ID is already in use and proceed to use the next highest
avaliable ID since each entity must have a unique ID. The default is to renumber all the existing entities
beginning with the minimum ID through the maximum ID consecutively starting with 1.
If only one ID is entered, it is assumed to be the starting ID. The entities will be renumbered
consecutively beginning with the starting ID.
If more than one ID is entered and there are fewer IDs in the List of New IDs than there are valid entities
in the selected Entity List, renumbering will use the IDs provided and when the list is exhausted, the next
highest available ID will be used thereafter to complete the renumbering. The List of New IDs may
contain a # signifying to use the maximum ID + 1 as the Starting ID. However, the list may have more
IDs than needed.
The IDs in the selected Entity List may contain a #. The value of the maximum existing ID is
automatically substituted for the #. There may be gaps of nonexisting entities in the list but there must be
at least one valid entity ID in order for renumbering to take place.
A percent complete form shows the status of the renumber process. When renumbering is complete, a
report appears in the command line indicating the number of entities renumbered and their new IDs. The
renumber process may be halted at any time by pressing the Abort button and the old IDs will be restored.
Chapter 12: The Renumber Action... Renumbering Geometry 807
Renumber Forms
Renumber Forms
When Renumber is the selected Action the following options are available.
Object Description
• Point • The point menu selection provides the capability to renumber or
change the IDS of points.
• Curve • The curve menu selection provides the capability to renumber or
change the IDs of curves.
• Surface • The surface menu selection provides the capability to renumber or
change the IDs of surfaces.
• Solid • The solid menu selection provides the capability to renumber or
change the IDs of solids.
• Plane • The plane menu selection provides the capability to renumber or
change the IDs of planes.
• Vector • The vector menu selection provides the capability to renumber or
change the IDs of vectors.
808 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Renumber Forms
Renumber Geometry
MSC.Fatigue Quick Start Guide
Index
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Numerics C
3 point method CAD access modules, 47
overview, 64 CAD user file, 2, 20, 46, 47
Ind capabilities, 2
ex A Cartesian in Refer. CF button, 67
accuracy, 2 CATIA, 2, 47
any geometry entity chain method
Index curve, 133
delete action, 463
arc center chained curve, 21, 22
point, 82 conic method
arc3point method curve, 135
curve, 130 connectivity
axis method curve, 16
overview, 64 definition, 16
modifying, 18
solid, 17
B surface, 17
bi-parametric surface, 20 coordinate frame
blend method attributes
curve, 482 show action, 677
solid, 605 create method overview, 64
surface, 536 definitions, 60
body, 11 delete action, 466
break method rotate method, 780
curve, 472, 476, 480 translate method, 777
example, 32 create action, 27
solid, 589, 593, 598, 600, 602 overview, 72
surface, 518, 522, 526, 530, 532
B-rep method, 41
B-rep solid, 8, 20, 24, 41
exterior shell, 41
shell, 24
building a B-rep solid, 41
building a congruent model, 31
example, 32
building a degenerate solid, 43
building a degenerate surface, 42
building optimal surfaces, 33
810 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
R
rectangular coordinate frame
definition, 60
refit method
solid, 611
renumber
action, 807
INDEX 815
surface topology
blend method, 536 definition, 10
break method, 518, 522, 526, 530, 532 ID assignment, 12, 13, 18
delete action, 464 transform action
disassemble method, 539 overview, 686
edge match method, 546, 549 translate method
extend method, 551, 553, 555, 557, 559, coordinate frame, 777
562, 564 curve, 689
mcoord method, 732 plane, 689
mirror method, 724 point, 689
mscale method, 768 solid, 689
offset method, 271 surface, 689
pivot method, 740 vector, 689
position method, 749 trim method
refit method, 566 curve, 511, 514
reverse method, 568 trimmed surface, 20
rotate method, 703 decomposing, 38
scale method, 713 default colors, 20
sew method, 570 definition, 20
sharp corners, 34 general trimmed, 21
subtract method, 572 parent surface, 20
top and bottom locations, 35 simply trimmed, 22
translate method, 689 tri-parametric solid, 8, 20, 24
vsum method, 759 types of geometry, 27
XYZ method, 199 curves, 28
surface area range solids, 29
show action, 669 surfaces, 29
surface attributes
show action, 667 U
surface boundaries update graphics subordinate form, 789
verify action, 786
surface method, 43
surface normals, 18, 34, 41 V
example of aligning, 35 vector
interpolate method, 434
mcoord method, 732
T mirror method, 724
TetMesh, 24, 25, 41 pivot method, 740
tetrahedron, 43 position method, 749
topologic entities rotate method, 703
edge, 11 scale method, 713
face, 11 translate method, 689
vertex, 11 verify action
topological congruency, 31 surface boundaries, 786
definition, 13 update graphics subordinate form, 789
gaps, 14 vertex, 11
INDEX 817
volume solid, 20
vsum method
curve, 759
point, 759
solid, 759
surface, 759
W
wedge solid, 43
X
XYZ method
curve, 199
point, 78
solid, 199
surface, 199
818 Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2