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Part 2 Geometry Modelling
Part 2 Geometry Modelling
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Part 2: Geometry Modeling
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Cont ent s
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
1 Introduction to Geometry Modeling
Overview of Capabilities 2
Concepts and Definitions 4
Parameterization 4
Topology 10
Connectivity 16
Effects of Parameterization, Connectivity and Topology in Patran 18
Global Model Tolerance & Geometry 19
Types of Geometry in Patran 20
Trimmed Surfaces 20
Solids 24
Parametric Cubic Geometry 25
Matrix of Geometry Types Created 27
Building An Optimal Geometry Model 31
Building a Congruent Model 31
Building Optimal Surfaces 33
Decomposing Trimmed Surfaces 38
Building B-rep Solids 41
Building Degenerate Surfaces and Solids 42
2 Accessing, Importing & Exporting Geometry
Overview 46
Direct Geometry Access of CAD Geometry 47
Accessing Geometry Using Patran Unigraphics 47
Accessing Geometry Using Patran ProENGINEER 54
PATRAN 2 Neutral File Support For Parametric Cubic Geometry 57
3 Coordinate Frames
Coordinate Frame Definitions 60
Geometry Modeling
erence Manual Par
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
ii
Overview of Create Methods For Coordinate Frames 64
Translating or Scaling Geometry Using Curvilinear Coordinate Frames
67
4 Create Actions
Overview of Geometry Create Action 72
Creating Points, Curves, Surfaces and Solids 78
Create Points at XYZ Coordinates or Point Locations (XYZ Method) 78
Create Point ArcCenter 82
Extracting Points 84
Interpolating Points 94
Intersecting Two Entities to Create Points 100
Creating Points by Offsetting a Specified Distance 110
Piercing Curves Through Surfaces to Create Points 112
Projecting Points Onto Surfaces or Faces 115
Creating Curves Between Points 120
Creating Arced Curves (Arc3Point Method) 130
Creating Chained Curves 133
Creating Conic Curves 135
Extracting Curves From Surfaces 139
Creating Fillet Curves 145
Fitting Curves Through a Set of Points 149
Creating Curves at Intersections 151
Manifold Curves Onto a Surface 161
Creating Curves Normally Between a Point and a Curve (Normal Method)
168
Creating Offset Curves 171
Projecting Curves Onto Surfaces 176
Creating Piecewise Linear Curves 183
Creating Spline Curves 185
Creating Curves Tangent Between Two Curves (TanCurve Method) 193
Creating Curves Tangent Between Curves and Points (TanPoint Method)
195
Creating Curves, Surfaces and Solids Through a Vector Length (XYZ Method)
199
Creating Involute Curves 203
Revolving Curves, Surfaces and Solids 208
Creating Orthogonal Curves (2D Normal Method) 214
Creating 2D Circle Curves 222
Creating 2D ArcAngle Curves 226
Creating Arced Curves in a Plane (2D Arc2Point Method) 229
iii CONTENTS
Creating Arced Curves in a Plane (2D Arc3Point Method) 237
Creating Surfaces from Curves 240
Creating Composite Surfaces 250
Decomposing Trimmed Surfaces 254
Creating Surfaces from Edges (Edge Method) 256
Extracting Surfaces 259
Creating Fillet Surfaces 265
Matching Adjacent Surfaces 269
Creating Constant Offset Surface 271
Creating Ruled Surfaces 273
Creating Trimmed Surfaces 277
Creating Surfaces From Vertices (Vertex Method) 286
Extruding Surfaces and Solids 288
Gliding Surfaces 293
Creating Surfaces and Solids Using the Normal Method 297
Creating Surfaces from a Surface Mesh (Mesh Method) 304
Creating Midsurfaces 306
Creating Solid Primitives 311
Creating a Solid Block 311
Creating Solids from Surfaces (Surface Method) 327
Creating a Boundary Representation (B-rep) Solid 337
Creating a Decomposed Solid 339
Creating Solids from Faces 342
Creating Solids from Vertices (Vertex Method) 345
Gliding Solids 347
Feature Recognition (Pre-release) 350
Feature Types 350
Overview of the Feature Recognition Modules 350
Feature Recognition 352
Edit Hole Feature 358
Edit Hole Feature using Radius Constraint 361
Edit Blend Feature 364
Edit Blend Feature using Radius Constraint 367
Edit Chamfer Feature 370
Edit Chamfer Feature using Height Constraint 373
Edit Feature Parameters 376
Show Hole Feature 377
Show Hole Feature using Radius Constraint 378
Show Blend Feature 379
Show Blend Feature using Radius Constraint 380
Show Chamfer Feature 381
Show Chamfer Feature using Height Constraint 382
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
iv
Show Feature Information 383
Delete Hole Feature 384
Delete Hole Feature using Radius Constraint 385
Delete Blend Feature 386
Delete Blend Feature using Radius Constraint 387
Delete Chamfer Feature using Height Constraint 388
Delete Chamfer Feature 389
Delete Any Feature 390
Clear Feature 391
Creating Coordinate Frames 393
Creating Coordinate Frames Using the 3Point Method 393
Creating Coordinate Frames Using the Axis Method 395
Creating Coordinate Frames Using the Euler Method 397
Creating Coordinate Frames Using the Normal Method 401
Creating Coordinate Frames Using the 2 Vector Method 404
Creating Coordinate Frames Using the View Vector Method 405
Creating Planes 407
Creating Planes with the Point-Vector Method 407
Creating Planes with the Vector Normal Method 408
Creating Planes with the Curve Normal Method 410
Creating Planes with the Plane Normal Method 414
Creating Planes with the Interpolate Method 415
Creating Planes with the Least Squares Method 418
Creating Planes with the Offset Method 424
Creating Planes with the Surface Tangent Method 426
Creating Planes with the 3 Points Method 430
Creating Vectors 433
Creating Vectors with the Magnitude Method 433
Creating Vectors with the Interpolate Method 434
Creating Vectors with the Intersect Method 435
Creating Vectors with the Normal Method 437
Creating Vectors with the Product Method 444
Creating Vectors with the 2 Point Method 446
Creating P-Shapes 449
Rectangle 449
Quadrilateral 449
Triangle 450
Disc 451
Cylinder 452
Cone 453
Sphere 454
v CONTENTS
Paraboloid 455
Five-Sided Box 456
Six-Sided Box 457
Edit P-Shapes 459
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
6 Edit Actions
Overview of the Edit Action Methods 468
Editing Points 470
Equivalencing Points 470
Editing Curves 472
Breaking Curves 472
Blending a Curve 482
Disassembling a Chained Curve 485
Extending Curves 488
Merging Existing Curves 502
Refitting Existing Curves 506
Reversing a Curve 508
Trimming Curves 511
Editing Surfaces 518
Surface Break Options 518
Blending Surfaces 536
Disassembling Trimmed Surfaces 539
Editing Edges from Surfaces 542
Matching Surface Edges 546
Extending Surfaces 551
Refitting Surfaces 566
Reversing Surfaces 568
Sewing Surfaces 570
Subtracting Surfaces 572
Trimming Surfaces to an Edge 573
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
vi
Adding a Fillet to a Surface 575
Adding a Hole to Surfaces 576
Removing a Hole from Trimmed Surfaces 582
Adding a Vertex to Surfaces 584
Removing a Vertex from Trimmed Surfaces 586
Editing Solids 589
Breaking Solids 589
Blending Solids 605
Disassembling B-rep Solids 608
Refitting Solids 611
Reversing Solids 616
Solid Boolean Operation Add 617
Solid Boolean Operation Subtract 619
Solid Boolean Operation Intersect 621
Creating Solid Edge Blends 623
Imprinting Solid on Solid 627
Solid Shell Operation 629
Editing Features 632
Suppressing a Feature 632
Unsuppressing a Feature 633
Editing Feature Parameters 634
Feature Parameter Definition 635
7 Show Actions
Overview of the Geometry Show Action Methods 638
The Show Action Information Form 639
Showing Points 640
Showing Point Locations 640
Showing Point Distance 642
Showing the Nodes on a Point 656
Showing Curves 658
Showing Curve Attributes 658
Showing Curve Arc 659
Showing Curve Angle 661
Showing Curve Length Range 663
Showing the Nodes on a Curve 665
Showing Surfaces 667
Showing Surface Attributes 667
vii CONTENTS
Showing Surface Area Range 669
Showing the Nodes on a Surface 670
Showing Surface Normals 672
Showing Solids 675
Showing Solid Attributes 675
Showing Coordinate Frames 677
Showing Coordinate Frame Attributes 677
Showing Planes 679
Showing Plane Attributes 679
Showing Plane Angle 680
Showing Plane Distance 682
Showing Vectors 684
Showing Vector Attributes 684
8 Transform Actions
Overview of the Transform Methods 686
Transforming Points, Curves, Surfaces, Solids, Planes and Vectors
689
Translating Points, Curves, Surfaces, Solids, Planes and Vectors 689
Rotating Points, Curves, Surfaces, Solids, Planes and Vectors 703
Scaling Points, Curves, Surfaces, Solids and Vectors 713
Mirroring Points, Curves, Surfaces, Solids, Planes and Vectors 724
Moving Points, Curves, Surfaces, Solids, Planes and Vectors by Coordinate
Frame Reference (MCoord Method) 732
Pivoting Points, Curves, Surfaces, Solids, Planes and Vectors 740
Positioning Points, Curves, Surfaces, Solids, Planes and Vectors 749
Vector Summing (VSum) Points, Curves, Surfaces and Solids 759
Moving and Scaling (MScale) Points, Curves, Surfaces and Solids 768
Transforming Coordinate Frames 777
Translating Coordinate Frames 777
Rotating Coordinate Frames 780
9 Verify Actions
Verify Action 786
Verifying Surface Boundaries 786
Verifying Surfaces for B-reps 788
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
viii
Verify - Surface (Duplicates) 790
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
12 The Renumber Action... Renumbering Geometry
Introduction 806
Renumber Forms 807
Renumber Geometry 808
Chapter 1: Introduction to Geometry Modeling
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
1
Introduction to Geometry
Modeling
Overview of Capabilities 2
1
2
3
1
2
3
X Y t
X X t ( ) = Y Y t ( ) = t X Y
1
2
3
5 Chapter 1: Introduction to Geometry Modeling
Concepts and Definitions
Since a point has zero-dimensions, it has no associated parameters, therefore, it is not parameterized.
Figure 1-1 Point in Patran
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, , from one-dimensional
parametric space into three-dimensional global XYZ space, as shown in Figure 1-3.
A curve has one parametric variable, , which is used to describe the location of any given point, ,
along a curve, as shown in Figure 1-2.
Figure 1-2 Curve in Patran
The parameter, , has a range of , where at , is at endpoint and at , is at
endpoint .
u
1
( )
1
P
1
0
1
1 s s
1
0 = P V1
1
1 = P
V2
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Concepts and Definitions
6
A straight curve can be defined as:
(1-1)
Figure 1-3 Mapping Function Phi for a Curve
(1-1) of our straight curve can be represented as:
(1-2)
The derivative of in (1-2), would give us (1-3) which is the tangent of the straight curve.
(1-3)
Because the curve is straight, is a constant value. The tangent, , also defines a vector for
the curve, which is the positive direction of .
For any given curve, the tangent and positive direction of at any point along the curve can be found.
(The vector, , 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, and , where at any given point, , on the surface, can be located
by and , as shown in Figure 1-4.
P 1.0
1
( )V1
1
V2 + =
u
1
1.0
1
( )V1
1
V2 + =
u
1
( )
cu c
1
V2 V1 =
cu c
1
cu c
1
1
cu c
1
1
2
P P
1
2
7 Chapter 1: Introduction to Geometry Modeling
Concepts and Definitions
Figure 1-4 Surface in Patran
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, and for a surface have ranges of and . Thus, at ,
, is at and at , , is at .
A surface is represented by a mapping function, , which maps the parametric space into the
global XYZ space, as shown in Figure 1-5.
1
2
0
1
1 s s 0
2
1 s s
1
0 =
2
0 = P V1
1
1 =
2
1 = P V3
u
1
,
2
( )
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Concepts and Definitions
8
Figure 1-5 Mapping Function Phi for a Surface
The first order derivatives of results in two partial derivatives, and :
(1-4)
where is the tangent vector in the direction and is the tangent vector in the direction.
At any point for a given surface, and which define the tangents and the positive and
directions can be determined.
Usually and 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, , , and , where at any given point, , within the solid, can be
located by , , and , as shown in Figure 1-6.
u
1
,
2
( ) cu c
1
cu c
2
cu c
1
T
1
and cu c
2
T
2
= =
T
1
1
T
2
2
T
1
T
2
1
2
T
1
T
2
1
2
3
P P
1
2
3
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.
9 Chapter 1: Introduction to Geometry Modeling
Concepts and Definitions
Figure 1-6 Solid in Patran
A solid generally has five or six sides or faces. (A B-rep solid can have more than six faces.)
The parameters , and have ranges of , , and . At (0,0,0) is at
and at (1,1,1), is at .
A solid can be represented by a mapping function, , which maps the parametric space into the
global XYZ space, as shown in Figure 1-7.
1
2
3
0
1
1 s s 0
2
1 s s 0
3
1 s s P V1
P V7
u
1
,
2
3
, ( )
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Concepts and Definitions
10
Figure 1-7 Mapping Function Phi for a Solid
If we take the first order derivatives of , we get three partial derivatives, , and
, shown in (1-5):
(1-5)
Where is the tangent vector in the direction, is the tangent vector in the direction, and
is the tangent vector in the direction.
At any point within a given solid,
,
and , which define the tangents and positive , and
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.
u
1
,
2
3
, ( ) cu c
1
cu c
2
cu c
3
cu c
1
T
1
, cu c
2
T
2
, cu c
3
T
3
= = =
T
1
1
T
2
2
T
3
3
T
1
T
2
T
3
1
2
3
11 Chapter 1: Introduction to Geometry Modeling
Concepts and Definitions
Meshing an edge or a face of a solid.
Referencing a vertex of a curve, surface or solid to apply a loads/BC.
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.
Figure 1-8 Topologically Equivalent Surfaces
Topologic Entities: Vertex, Edge, Face, Body
The types of topologic entities found in Patran are the following:
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Concepts and Definitions
12
Vertex, Edge and Face ID Assignments in Patran
The connectivity for a curve, surface and solid determines the order in which the internal vertex, edge
and face IDs will be assigned. The location of a geometric entitys parametric axes defines the point
where assignment of the IDs for the entitys vertices, edges and faces will begin.
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.
Figure 1-9 Vertex & Edge Numbering for a Surface
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.
13 Chapter 1: Introduction to Geometry Modeling
Concepts and Definitions
Figure 1-10 Face Numbering for a Solid
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.
Topological Congruency and Meshing
When meshing adjacent surfaces or solids, Patran requires the geometry be topologically congruent so
that coincident nodes will be created along the common boundaries.
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Concepts and Definitions
14
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.
Figure 1-11 Topologically Incongruent and Congruent Surfaces
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 Corporations Patran software product required adjacent surfaces or solids to share only
the common vertices to be considered topologically congruent for meshing.)
Gaps Between Adjacent Surfaces
Another type of topological incongruence is shown in Figure 1-12. It shows a gap between two pairs of
surfaces that is greater than the Global Model Tolerance. This means when you mesh the surface pairs,
coincident nodes will not be created along both sides of the gap.
15 Chapter 1: Introduction to Geometry Modeling
Concepts and Definitions
Figure 1-12 Topologically Incongruent Surfaces with a Gap
MSC recommends two methods for closing surface gaps:
Use the Create/Surface/Match form. See Matching Adjacent Surfaces.
Use the Edit/Surface/Edge Match form. See Matching Surface Edges.
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.
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Concepts and Definitions
16
Figure 1-13 Non-manifold Topology at an Edge
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, , , and ,
have a unique orientation and location on the curve, surface and solid.
Depending on the orientation and location of the , , and 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):
1
2
3
1
2
3
17 Chapter 1: Introduction to Geometry Modeling
Concepts and Definitions
Figure 1-14 Connectivity Possibilities for a Curve
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.)
Figure 1-15 Two Possible Connectivities for a 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.
Figure 1-16 Two Possible Connectivities for a Solid
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Concepts and Definitions
18
Plotting the Parametric Axes
Patran can plot the location and orientation of the parametric axes for the geometric entities by turning
on the Parametric Direction toggle on the Geometric Properties form, under the Display/Display
Properties/Geometric menu. See Preferences>Geometry (p. 467) in the Patran Reference Manual for
more information.
Modifying the Connectivity
For most geometric entities, you can modify the connectivity by altering the orientation and/or location
of the parametric axes by using the Geometry applications Edit actions Reverse method. See Overview
of the Edit Action Methods.
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.
Effects of Parameterization, Connectivity and Topology in
Patran
The geometrys parameterization and connectivity affect the geometry and finite element analysis model
in the following ways:
Defines Order of Internal Topologic IDs
The parameterization and connectivity for a curve, surface or solid define the order of the internal IDs of
their topologic entities. Patran stores these IDs internally and displays them when you cursor select a
vertex, edge or face. See Vertex, Edge and Face ID Assignments in Patran for more information.
Defines Positive Surface Normals
Using right hand rule by crossing a surfaces direction with its direction, it defines the surfaces
positive normal direction ( direction). This affects many areas of geometry and finite element creation,
including creating B-rep solids. See Building An Optimal Geometry Model for more information.
Defines Positive Pressure Load Directions
The parameterization and connectivity of a curve, surface or solid define the positive direction for a
pressure load, and it defines the surfaces top and bottom locations for an element variable pressure load.
See Create Structural LBCs Sets (p. 27) in the Patran Reference Manual for more information.
Helps Define Parametric Field Functions
If you reference a field function that was defined in parametric space, when creating a varying loads/BC
or a varying element or material property, the loads/BC values or the property values will depend on the
geometrys parameterization and the orientation of the parametric axes. See Fields Forms (p. 210) in the
Patran Reference Manual for more information.
1
2
3
19 Chapter 1: Introduction to Geometry Modeling
Concepts and Definitions
Defines Node and Element ID Order For IsoMesh
The Patran mapped mesher, IsoMesh, will use the geometric entitys parameterization and connectivity
to define the order of the node and element IDs and the element connectivity. (The parameterization and
connectivity will not be used if the mesh will have a transition or change in the number of elements within
the surface or solid.) See IsoMesh (p. 13) in the Reference Manual - Part III for more information.
Global Model Tolerance & Geometry
Patran uses the Global Model Tolerance when it imports or accesses geometry, when it creates geometry,
or when it modifies existing geometry.
The Global Model Tolerance is found under the Preferences/Global menu. The default value is 0.005.
When creating geometry, if two points are within a distance of the Global Model Tolerance, then Patran
will only create the first point and not the second.
This rule also applies to curves, surfaces and solids. If the points that describe two curves, surfaces or
solids are within a distance of the Global Model Tolerance, then only the first curve, surface or solid will
be created, and not the second.
For more information on the Global Model Tolerance, see (p. 72) in the Patran Reference Manual.
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.
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Types of Geometry in Patran
20
Types of Geometry in Patran
Generally, there are four types of geometry objects in Patran:
1
Point (default color is cyan)
Parametric Curve (default color is yellow)
Bi-Parametric Surface (default color is green)
Tri-Parametric Solid (default color is dark blue)
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.
You can create three types of trimmed surfaces in Patran:
2
General Trimmed Surface (default color is magenta)
Simply Trimmed Surface (default color is green)
Composite Trimmed Surface (default is magenta)
Ordinary Composite Trimmed Surface (default color is green)
(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.
2
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.
21 Chapter 1: Introduction to Geometry Modeling
Types of Geometry in Patran
General Trimmed Surface
A general trimmed surface can have any number of outer edges and any number of inner edges which
describe holes or cutouts. These outer and inner edges are defined by a closed loop of chained curves.
(Chained curves can be created with the Create/Curve/Chain form. See Creating Chained Curves.) An
example is shown in Figure 1-17.
All general trimmed surfaces, whether they are accessed, imported or created, have a default color of
magenta.
1
Figure 1-17 General Trimmed Surface
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.
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.
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Types of Geometry in Patran
22
Simply Trimmed Surface
A simply trimmed surface can only have four outer edges. It cannot have any inner edges, or holes or
cutouts. A simply trimmed surface reparametrizes the bounded region of the parent and is called an
overparametrization. An example is shown in Figure 1-18. (A simply trimmed surface can have three
sides, with one of the four edges degenerating to a zero length edge.)
Like a general trimmed surface, a simply trimmed surfaces outer edges are defined by a closed loop of
chained curves. See Creating Chained Curves.
All simply trimmed surfaces, whether they are accessed, imported or created, have a default color of
green.
1
Figure 1-18 Simply Trimmed Surface
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.
Composite Trimmed Surface
The composite trimmed surface is a kind of supervisor surface that allows a collection of surfaces to be
considered as one surface defined within a specific boundary. This surface can also have holes in it.
Evaluations on the composite trimmed surface is similar to evaluations on the Patran trim 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.
23 Chapter 1: Introduction to Geometry Modeling
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.
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 surfaces domain.
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.
Additionally, since the composite trimmed surface supervisor is PLANAR, it
cannot encompass more than a 180 degree field of view. An example of this would
be a cylindrically shaped group of surfaces. It would probably take three properly
placed composite trimmed surface to represent it; one for every 120 degrees of
rotation.
Step 3 Determines which currently displayed surfaces will be become part of the
composite trimmed surface domain (Under Surfaces). The user may individually
select the correct underlying surfaces or, if wanting to select all visible surfaces,
the user must place into ERASE all surfaces which might cause multiple
intersections and then select the remaining visible surfaces.
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Types of Geometry in Patran
24
Ordinary Composite Trimmed Surface
The only difference between an Ordinary Composite Trimmed Surface and the Composite Trimmed
Surface is that this type will have only four edges comprising the outer loop and no inner loops.
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.
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.
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.
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.
25 Chapter 1: Introduction to Geometry Modeling
Types of Geometry in Patran
Figure 1-19 B-rep Solid in Patran
B-rep solids are meshed with TetMesh. See Meshing Solids (p. 14) in the Reference Manual - Part III for
more information.
Parametric Cubic Geometry
Parametric cubic geometry is a special class of parameterized geometry. Parametric cubic geometry is
supported in Patran by the PATRAN 2 neutral file and the IGES file for import and export.
You have the option to create parametric cubic curves, bi-parametric cubic surfaces and tri-parametric
cubic solids, by pressing the PATRAN 2 Convention button found on most Geometry application forms.
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:
(1-6)
where represents the general coordinate of the global coordinates X,Y, and Z; , , , and
are arbitrary constants; and is a parameter in the range of .
For more information on parametric cubic geometry, see Patran Reference Manual.
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.
Z
1
( ) S
1
1
3
= S
2
1
2
S
3
1
S
4
+ + +
Z
1
( ) S
1
S
2
S
3
S
4
1
0
1
1 s s
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Types of Geometry in Patran
26
Limitations on Parametric Cubic Geometry
There are some limitations on parametric cubic geometry.
Limits on Types of Curvature
There are limits to the types of curvature or shapes that are allowed for a parametric cubic curve, surface
or solid (see Figure 1-20).
(1-7) and (1-8) below represent the first and second derivatives of (1-6):
(1-7)
(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.
Figure 1-20 Limitations of the Parametric Cubic Curvature
Limits on Accuracy of Subtended Arcs
When you subtend an arc using a parametric cubic curve, surface or solid, the difference between the true
arc radius and the arc radius calculated by the parametric cubic equation will increase. That is, as the
angle of a subtended arc for a parametric cubic entity increases, the accuracy of the entity from the true
representation of the arc decreases.
Figure 1-21 shows that as the subtended angle of a parametric cubic entity increases, the percent error
also increases substantially beyond 75 degrees.
When creating arcs with parametric cubic geometry, MSC recommends using Figure 1-21 to determine
the maximum arc length and its percent error that is acceptable to you.
For example, if you create an arc length of 90 degrees, it will have an error of 0.0275% from the true arc
length.
Z'
1
( ) 3S
1
1
2
= 2S
2
1
S
3
+ +
Z
1
( ) 6S
1
1
= 2S
2
+
27 Chapter 1: Introduction to Geometry Modeling
Types of Geometry in Patran
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.
Figure 1-21 Maximum Percent Error for Parametric Cubic Arc
Matrix of Geometry Types Created
All Geometry Application forms use the following Object menu terms:
Point
Curve
Surface
Solid
Plane
Vector
Coordinate Frame
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
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Types of Geometry in Patran
28
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.
Table 1-1 Types of Curves Created in Patran
Create or Edit Method Type of Curve
PATRAN 2
Convention?
(Parametric Cubic)
XYZ Parametric Cubic Not Applicable
Arc3Point Arc Yes
2D Arc2Point Arc Yes
2D Arc3Point Arc Yes
2D Circle Circle Yes
Conic Parametric Cubic N/A
Extract Curve On Surface Yes
Fillet Parametric Cubic N/A
Fit Parametric Cubic N/A
Intersect PieceWise Cubic Polynomial Yes
Involute Parametric Cubic N/A
Normal Parametric Cubic N/A
2D Normal Parametric Cubic N/A
2D ArcAngles Arc Yes
Point Parametric Cubic N/A
Project Curve On Surface Yes
PWL Parametric Cubic N/A
Revolve Arc Yes
Spline, Loft Spline option PieceWise Cubic Polynomial Yes
Spline, B-Spline option PieceWise Rational Polynomial Yes
Spline, B-Spline option NURB* Yes
TanCurve Parametric Cubic N/A
TanPoint Parametric Cubic N/A
Chain Composite Curve No
Manifold Curve On Surface Yes
29 Chapter 1: Introduction to Geometry Modeling
Types of Geometry in Patran
*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.
Table 1-2 Types of Surfaces Created in Patran
Create or Edit Method Type of Surface
PATRAN 2
Convention?
(Parametric Cubic)
XYZ Parametric Bi-Cubic Not Applicable
Curve Curve Interpolating Surface Yes
Decompose Trimmed Surface Yes
Edge Generalized Coons Surface Yes
Extract Surface On Solid Yes
Extrude Extruded Surface Yes
Fillet Parametric Bi-Cubic N/A
Glide Parametric Bi-Cubic N/A
Match Parametric Bi-Cubic N/A
Normal Sweep Normal Surface N/A
Revolve Surface of Revolution Yes
bordered Ruled Surface No
Vertex Curve Interpolating Surface Yes
Trimmed (Surface Option) Trimmed Surface No
Trimmed (Planar Option) Trimmed Surface No
Trimmed (Composite Option) Composite Trimmed Surface No
Table 1-3 Types of Solids Created in Patran
Create or Edit Method Type of Solid
PATRAN 2
Convention?
(Parametric Cubic)
XYZ Parametric Tri-Cubic Not Applicable
Extrude Extruded Solid Yes
Face Solid 5Face, Solid 6Face Yes
Glide Glide Solid Yes
Normal Sweep Normal Solid Yes
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30
Revolve Solid of Revolution Yes
Surface Surface Interpolating Solid Yes
Vertex Parametric Tri-Cubic N/A
B-rep Ordinary Body No
Decompose Tri-Parametric Yes
Table 1-3 Types of Solids Created in Patran
Create or Edit Method Type of Solid
PATRAN 2
Convention?
(Parametric Cubic)
31 Chapter 1: Introduction to Geometry Modeling
Building An Optimal Geometry Model
Building An Optimal Geometry Model
A well defined geometry model simplifies the building of the optimal finite element analysis model. A
poorly defined geometry model complicates, or in some situations, makes it impossible to build or
complete the analysis model.
In computer aided engineering (CAE) analysis, most geometry models do not consist of neatly trimmed,
planar surfaces or solids. In some situations, you may need to modify the geometry to build a congruent
model, create a set of degenerate surfaces or solids, or decompose a trimmed surface or B-rep solid.
The following sections will explain how to:
Build a congruent model.
Verify and align surface normals.
Build trimmed surfaces.
Decompose trimmed surfaces into three- or four-sided surfaces.
Build a B-rep solid.
Build degenerate surfaces or solids.
Building a Congruent Model
Patran requires adjacent surfaces or solids be topologically congruent so that the nodes will be coincident
at the common boundaries. See Topological Congruency and Meshing for more information.
For example, Figure 1-22 shows surfaces 1, 2 and 3 which are incongruent. When meshing with Isomesh
or Paver, Patran cannot guarantee the nodes will coincide at the edges shared by surfaces 1, 2 and 3.
Figure 1-22 Incongruent Set of Surfaces
To make the surfaces in Figure 1-22 congruent, you can:
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Building An Optimal Geometry Model
32
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:
Figure 1-23 Congruent Set of Surfaces
The entries for the Edit/Surface/Break form are shown below:
33 Chapter 1: Introduction to Geometry Modeling
Building An Optimal Geometry Model
Since Auto Execute is ON, we do not need to press the Apply button to execute the form.
Figure 1-24 Cursor Locations for Surface Break
Building Optimal Surfaces
Building optimal surfaces will save time and it will result in a better idealized finite element analysis
model of the design or mechanical part.
Optimal surfaces consist of a good overall shape with no sharp corners, and whose normal is aligned in
the same direction with the other surfaces in the model.
u Geometry
Action: Edit
Object: Surface
Method: Break
Option: Point
Delete Original
Surfaces
Pressing this button will delete surface 1, after
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.
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Building An Optimal Geometry Model
34
Avoiding Sharp Corners
In general, MSC.Software Corporation (MSC) recommends that you avoid sharp inside corners when
creating surfaces. That is, you should generally try to keep the inside corners of the surfaces to 45 degrees
or more.
The reason is that when you mesh surfaces with quadrilateral elements, the shapes of the elements are
determined by the overall shape of the surface, see Figure 1-25. The more skewed the quadrilateral
elements are, the less reasonable your analysis results might be.
For further recommendations, please consult the vendor documentation for your finite element analysis
code.
Figure 1-25 Surfaces With and Without Sharp Corners
Verifying and Aligning Surface Normals Using Edit/Surface/Reverse
Patran can determine the positive normal direction for each surface by using right hand rule and crossing
the parametric and axes of a surface. Depending on the surfaces connectivity, each surface could
have different normal directions, as shown in Figure 1-26.
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.
1
2
35 Chapter 1: Introduction to Geometry Modeling
Building An Optimal Geometry Model
Figure 1-26 Opposing Normals for Two Surfaces
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.
Example of Verifying and Aligning Surface Normals
For example, Figure 1-27 shows a group of eight surfaces that we want to display the normal vectors, and
if necessary, reverse or align the normals. To display the surface normals without reversing, do the
following:
Important:In general, you should try to maintain the same normal direction for all surfaces in a model.
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
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36
Figure 1-27 Group of Surfaces to Verify Normals
You should see red arrows drawn on each surface which represent the surface normal vectors, as shown
in Figure 1-28.
u Geometry
Action: Edit
Object: Surface
Method: Reverse
Surface List Surface 1:8 Make sure you turn Auto Execute OFF before
cursor selecting surfaces 1-8.
And do not press Apply. Apply will reverse
the normals.
Draw Normal Vectors
37 Chapter 1: Introduction to Geometry Modeling
Building An Optimal Geometry Model
Figure 1-28 Surface Normal Vectors
Align the normals by reversing the normals for surfaces 1 through 4:
Figure 1-29 shows the updated normal directions which are now aligned.
Figure 1-29 Aligned Surface Normal Vectors
Surface List Surface 1:4
-Apply-
Draw Normal Vectors This will plot the upda
directions.
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Building An Optimal Geometry Model
38
Decomposing Trimmed Surfaces
Trimmed surfaces are preferred for modeling a complex part with many sides. However, there may be
areas in your model where you may want to decompose, or break, a trimmed surface into a series of three
or four sided surfaces.
One reason is that you want to mesh the surface area with IsoMesh instead of Paver. (IsoMesh can only
mesh surfaces that have three or four edges.) Another reason is that you want to create tri-parametric
solids from the decomposed three or four sided surfaces and mesh with IsoMesh.
To decompose a trimmed surface, use the Geometry applications Create/Surface/Decompose form. See
Decomposing Trimmed Surfaces, 254 on using the form.
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.
Use to cursor select a point location on an edge of a trimmed surface.
Use to cursor select a point location inside a trimmed surface.
Use to cursor select a vertex of a trimmed surface.
39 Chapter 1: Introduction to Geometry Modeling
Building An Optimal Geometry Model
Example
Figure 1-30 shows trimmed surface 4 with seven edges. We will decompose surface 4 into four four-sided
surfaces.
Figure 1-30 Trimmed Surface to be Decomposed
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.
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Building An Optimal Geometry Model
40
Figure 1-31 Point Locations for Decomposed Surface 4
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.
Figure 1-32 Point Locations for Decomposed Surfaces 5, 6 and 7
41 Chapter 1: Introduction to Geometry Modeling
Building An Optimal Geometry Model
Use Surface Display Lines as a Guide
Generally, the surface display lines are a good guide to where the trimmed surface can be decomposed.
MSC recommends increasing the display lines to four or more. The display lines are controlled under the
menus Display/Display Properties/Geometric. See Preferences>Geometry (p. 467) in the Patran
Reference Manual for more information.
Building B-rep Solids
Boundary represented (B-rep) solids are created by using the Geometry applications Create/Solid/B-rep
form. See Creating a Boundary Representation (B-rep) Solid, 337 for more information on the form.
There are three rules to follow when you create a B-rep solid in Patran:
1. The group of surfaces that will define the B-rep solid must fully enclose a volume.
2. The surfaces must be topologically congruent. That is, the adjacent surfaces must share a common
edge.
3. The normal surface directions for the exterior shell must all point outward, as shown in
Figure 1-33. That is, the normals must point away from the material of the body. This will be done
automatically during creation as long as rules 1 and 26 are satisfied.
B-rep solids created in Patran can only be meshed with TetMesh.
Figure 1-33 Surface Normals for B-rep Solid
Important:At this time, Patran can only create a B-rep solid with an exterior shell, and no interior
shells.
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42
Building Degenerate Surfaces and Solids
A bi-parametric surface can degenerate from four edges to three edges. A tri-parametric solid can
degenerate from six faces to four or five faces (a tetrahedron or a wedge, respectively).
The following describes the best procedures for creating a degenerate triangular surface and a degenerate
tetrahedron and a wedge shaped solid.
Building a Degenerate Surface (Triangle)
There are two ways you can create a degenerate, three-sided surface:
Use the Create/Surface/Edge form with the 3 Edge option. See Creating Surfaces from Edges
(Edge Method) on using the form.
Or, use the Create/Surface/Curve form with the 2 Curve option. See Creating Surfaces Between
2 Curves on using the form.
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 1-34 Creating a Degenerate Surface Using Create/Surface/Curve
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.
43 Chapter 1: Introduction to Geometry Modeling
Building An Optimal Geometry Model
Building a Degenerate Solid
Four Sided Solid (Tetrahedron)
A four sided (tetrahedron) solid can be created by using the Create/Solid/Surface form with the 2 Surface
option, where the starting surface is defined by a point for the apex of the tetrahedron, and the ending
surface is an opposing surface or face, as shown in Figure 1-35.
Five Sided Solid (Pentahedron)
A five sided (pentahedron) solid can be created by using:
The Create/ Solid/Face form with the 5 Face option. See Creating Solids from Faces on using the
form.
The Create/Solid/Surface form with the 2 Surface option. See Creating Solids from Surfaces
(Surface Method) on using the form.
Figure 1-36 and Figure 1-37 illustrate using the Create/Solid/Surface form to create the pentahedron and
a wedge.
Figure 1-35 Creating a Tetrahedron Using Create/Solid/Surface
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44
Figure 1-36 Creating a Pentahedron Using Create/Solid/Surface
Figure 1-37 Creating a Wedge Using Create/Solid/Surface
Chapter 2: Accessing, Importing & Exporting Geometry
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
2
Accessing, Importing &
Exporting Geometry
Overview 46
1
2
1
2
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Overview of Create Methods For Coordinate Frames
66
Figure 3-6 Coordinate Frame Creation Using the Normal Method
67 Chapter 3: Coordinate Frames
Translating or Scaling Geometry Using Curvilinear Coordinate Frames
Translating or Scaling Geometry Using Curvilinear
Coordinate Frames
You can translate or scale geometry in Patran by using the Transform actions Translate method or Scale
method. For information and examples on using either form, see Translating Points, Curves, Surfaces,
Solids, Planes and Vectors or Scaling Points, Curves, Surfaces, Solids and Vectors.
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
u u u u u
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Translating or Scaling Geometry Using Curvilinear Coordinate Frames
68
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
69 Chapter 3: Coordinate Frames
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.
u u |
u
u |
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
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Chapter 4: Create Actions
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
4
Create Actions
1
0
1
1 s s
85 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Points, Curves, Surfaces and Solids
Point Extract Method Example
Creates Point 7 using the Create/Extract method, where the point is located at is equal to 0.75, on
Curve 1. Notice that the curves parametric direction arrow is displayed.
1
u ( )
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Point Extract Method Example
Creates Point 5 using the Create/Extract method, where the point is located at is equal to 0.75, on
the edge of Surface 1.
1
u ( )
87 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Points, Curves, Surfaces and Solids
Extracting Single Points from Surfaces or Faces
Creates single points on an existing set of surfaces or faces at a specified u,v parametric location on the
surface.
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Point Extract from Surfaces or Faces Method Example
Creates Point 5 using the Create/Extract Point from Surface or Face method, where the point is located
at is equal to 0.333 and is equal to 0.666, on Surface 1.
1
u ( )
2
v ( )
89 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Points, Curves, Surfaces and Solids
Extracting Multiple Points from Surfaces or Faces
Creates multiple points on an existing set of surfaces or faces where the bounds of the grid of points is
defined by a diagonal of two points.
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Multiple Point Extract from Surfaces or Faces Diagonal Method Example
Creates Points 7 through 28 on Surface 1 in the bounds defined by points 5 and 6.
91 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Points, Curves, Surfaces and Solids
Extracting Multiple Points from Surfaces or Faces
Creates multiple points on an existing set of surfaces or faces where the bounds of the grid of points is
defined by a parametric , diagonal.
2
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Multiple Point Extract from Surfaces or Faces Parametric Method Example
Creates Points 5 through 28 on Surface 1 in the bounds defined by u-min=0.333, u-max=0.666, v-
min=0.333, and v-max=0.666.
93 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Points, Curves, Surfaces and Solids
Parametric Bounds for Extracting Points from a Surface
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94
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.
95 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Points, Curves, Surfaces and Solids
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Topology
Point Interpolate Method With Point Option Example
Creates five interior points starting with Point 3 that are between Points 1 and 2, using the
Create/Interpolate/Point option. The spacing is nonuniform at L2/L1 = 2.0.
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Point Interpolate Method With Point Option Example
Same as the previous example, except the five new points are uniformly spaced between Nodes 1 and 2,
by using the Point select menu icon listed below.
97 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Points, Curves, Surfaces and Solids
Interpolating Points on a Curve
The Interpolate method using the Curve option creates n points along an existing curve or edge of
uniform or nonuniform spacing where n is the number of interior points to be created.
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Creating Points, Curves, Surfaces and Solids
98
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Topology
Connectivity
Display>Geometry (p. 385) in the Patran Reference Manual
99 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Points, Curves, Surfaces and Solids
Point Interpolate Method With Curve Option Example
Creates five uniformly spaced interior points, starting with Point 6 on Curve 1, using the
Create/Point/Interpolate/Curve option.
Point Interpolate Method With Curve Option Example
Creates Points 5 through 9 that are nonuniformly spaced by using the Create/Interpolate/Curve option,
where the points are created on an edge of Surface 1.
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Intersecting Two Entities to Create Points
The Intersect method creates points at the intersection of any of the following pairs of entities:
Curve/Curve, Curve/Surface, Curve/Plane, Vector/Curve, Vector/Surface, Vector/Plane. One point will
be created at each intersection location. The pair of entities should intersect within a value defined by the
Global Model Tolerance. If the entities do not intersect, Patran will create a point at the closest approach
on each specified curve, edge, or vector for the Curve/Curve and Vector/Curve intersection options.
101 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Points, Curves, Surfaces and Solids
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Topology
Preferences Commands (p. 439) in the Patran Reference Manual
Point Intersect Method At An Edge Example
Creates Point 17, using the Create/Intersect method, at the intersection of Curve 3 and an edge of Surface
1.
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Point Intersect Method with Two Curves Example
Creates Points 1 and 2, using the Create/Intersect method, at the intersection of Curves 1 and 2.
103 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Points, Curves, Surfaces and Solids
Point Intersect Method with Two Curves Example
Creates Points 1 and 2, using the Create/Intersect method. Because the curves do not intersect, Points 1
and 2 are created at the closest approach of the two curves.
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Point Intersect Method with a Curve and a Surface Example
Creates Points 1, 2 and 3 using the Create/Intersect method at the intersection of Curve 6 with Surface 1.
105 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Points, Curves, Surfaces and Solids
Point Intersect Method with a Curve and a Plane Example
Creates Points 1, 2, and 3 using the Create/Intersect method at the intersection of Curve 2 with Plane 1.
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Point Intersect Method with a Vector and a Curve Example
Creates Points 1, 2, and 3 using the Create/Intersect method at the intersection of Vector 1 with Curve 2.
107 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Points, Curves, Surfaces and Solids
Point Intersect Method with a Vector and a Curve Example
Creates Point 1 on Vector 1 and Point 2 on Curve 2, using the Create/Intersect method. Since the entities
do not intersect, Points 1 and 2 are created at the closest approach between the Vector and the Curve.
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Point Intersect Method with a Vector and a Surface Example
Creates Points 1 and 2 using the Create/Intersect method at the intersection of Vector 1 and Surface 1.
109 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Points, Curves, Surfaces and Solids
Point Intersect Method with a Vector and a Plane Example
Creates Point 1 using the Create/Intersect method at the intersection of Vector 2 and Plane 1.
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Creating Points by Offsetting a Specified Distance
The Offset method creates a point on an existing curve by offsetting a specified model space distance
from an existing point on the same curve.
111 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Points, Curves, Surfaces and Solids
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Topology
Preferences Commands (p. 439) in the Patran Reference Manual
Point Offset Method Example
Creates point 3 on curve one, .75 units from point 1 using Create/Point/Offset.
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Piercing Curves Through Surfaces to Create Points
The Pierce method creates points at the intersection between an existing curve or edge and a surface or
solid face. The curve or edge must completely intersect with the surface or solid face. If the curve or edge
intersects the surface or face more than one time, Patran will create a point at each intersection.
113 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Points, Curves, Surfaces and Solids
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Topology
Point Pierce Method Example
Creates Point 15, using the Create/Pierce method at the location where Curve 3 intersects Surface 1.
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Point Pierce Method Example
This example is the same as the previous example, except the curve is defined by Points 13 and 14 by
using the Curve select menu icon listed below.
115 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Points, Curves, Surfaces and Solids
Projecting Points Onto Surfaces or Faces
The Project method creates points by projecting an existing set of points onto a surface or solid face
through a defined Projection Vector. New points can be projected from other points, vertices, nodes or
other point locations provided on the Point select menu.
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117 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Points, Curves, Surfaces and Solids
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Topology
The Viewing Menu (Ch. 7) in the Patran Reference Manual
Point Project Method With Normal to Surf Option Example
Creates Points 21 through 28, using the Create/Project/Normal to Surf option. Points 13:16, 18:20 and
Node 1 are all projected normally onto Surface 1. Notice Delete Original Points is pressed in.
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Point Project Method With Define Vector Option Example
Creates Points 21 through 28, using the Create/Point/Project/Define Vector option. The points are
projected onto Surface 1 through the vector <-1 0 1> that is expressed within the Refer. Coordinate
Frame, Coord 1. Notice that Delete Original Points is pressed in.
119 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Points, Curves, Surfaces and Solids
Point Project Method With View Vector Option Example
Creates Points 21 through 28, using the Create/Project/View Vector option. The points are projected onto
Surface 1 using the view angle of the current viewport. Notice that Delete Original Points is pressed in
and Points 13 through 20 are deleted.
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Creating Curves Between Points
Creating Curves Through 2 Points
The Point method using the 2 Point option creates straight parametric cubic curves between two existing
point locations. The point locations can be existing points, vertices, nodes, or other point locations
provided on the Point select menu.
121 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Points, Curves, Surfaces and Solids
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Parametric Cubic Geometry
PATRAN 2 Neutral File Support For Parametric Cubic Geometry
Curve Point Method With 2 Point Option Example
Creates Curve 3, using the Create/Point/2 Point option, which is between Point 1 and Node 10.
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Creating Curves Through 3 Points
The Point method using the 3 Point option creates parametric cubic curves that pass through three
existing point locations where the starting point defines the curve at and the ending point defines
the curve at . The point locations can be existing points, vertices, nodes, or other point locations
provided on the Point select menu.
1
0 =
1
1 =
123 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Points, Curves, Surfaces and Solids
Curve Point Method With 3 Point Option Example
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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.
Curve Point Method With 3 Point Option Example
This example is the same as the previous example, except Point 2 is located on the curve at =0.75,
instead of 0.5.
1
u ( )
125 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Points, Curves, Surfaces and Solids
Creating Curves Through 4 Points
The Point method using the 4 Point option creates parametric cubic curves that pass through four existing
point locations where the starting point defines the curve at and the ending point defines the curve
at . The point locations can be existing points, vertices, nodes, or other point locations provided
on the Point select menu.
1
0 =
1
1 =
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127 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Points, Curves, Surfaces and Solids
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Parametric Cubic Geometry
PATRAN 2 Neutral File Support For Parametric Cubic Geometry
Topology
Connectivity
Display>Geometry (p. 385) in the Patran Reference Manual
Curve Point Method With 4 Point Option Example
Creates Curve 1, using the Create/Point/4 Point option, which is created through Points 1, 2 and 3 and
Node 10. Point 2 is located at =0.333 and Point 3 is located at =0.667.
1
u ( )
1
u ( )
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Curve Point Method With 4 Point Option Example
This example is the same as the previous example, except that Point 2 is located at x1(u) =0.25 and Point
3 is located at x1(u) =0.80.
129 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Points, Curves, Surfaces and Solids
Curve 4 Point Parametric Positions Subordinate Form
This subordinate form is displayed when the Parametric Positions button is pressed on the Geometry
Applications Create/Curve/Point form for the 4 Point option.
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Creating Points, Curves, Surfaces and Solids
130
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Topology
Connectivity
Display>Geometry (p. 385) in the Patran Reference Manual
Creating Arced Curves (Arc3Point Method)
The Arc3Point method creates true arced curves that pass through three specified point locations. Patran
calculates the arcs center point location and the radius and angle of the arc. The three point locations can
be points, vertices, nodes, or other point locations that are provided on the Point select menu.
131 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Points, Curves, Surfaces and Solids
Tip: 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
Curve Arc3Point Method Example
Creates Curve 3, using the Create/Arc3Point method, which creates a true arc through Points 1 through
3. Notice that Create Center Point is pressed which created Point 4.
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Curve Arc3Point Method Example
This example is similar to the previous example, except that the point locations for the arc are specified
with point coordinate locations.
133 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Points, Curves, Surfaces and Solids
Creating Chained Curves
The Chain method creates a chained composite curve from one or more existing curves or edges. The
existing curves and edges must be connected end to end. If a chained curve is used to create planer or
general trimmed surfaces for an inner loop, they must form a closed loop. Chained curves are used to
create planar or general trimmed surfaces using the Create/Surface/Trimmed form.
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134
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Trimmed Surfaces
Creating Trimmed Surfaces
Disassembling a Chained Curve
Curve Chain Method Example
Creates Curve 11, using the Create/Chain method, which is created from Curves 3 through 10. Notice
that Delete Constituent Curves is pressed and Curves 3 through 10 are deleted.
135 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Points, Curves, Surfaces and Solids
Creating Conic Curves
The Conic method creates parametric cubic curves representing a conic section (that is, hyperbola,
parabola, ellipse, or circular arc), by specifying point locations for the starting and ending points of the
conic and the conics focal point. The point locations can be points, vertices, nodes or other point
locations provided on the Point select menu.
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137 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Points, Curves, Surfaces and Solids
Curve Conic Method Example
Creates Curve 1, using the Create/Conic method whose focal point is Point 3, the starting and ending
points are Points 1 and 2, and the conic altitude is 0.50.
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Curve Conic Method Example
This is the same as the previous example, except that the conic altitude is increased to 0.75 from 0.50 for
Curve 2.
139 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Points, Curves, Surfaces and Solids
Extracting Curves From Surfaces
Extracting Curves from Surfaces Using the Parametric Option
The Extract method creates curves on an existing set of surfaces or solid faces by specifying the surfaces
or faces parametric or coordinate location where has a range of and has a range
of .
1
2
1
0
1
1 s s
2
0
2
1 s s
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Curve Extract Method With the Parametric Option Example
141 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Points, Curves, Surfaces and Solids
Creates Curve 1, using the Create/Extract/Parametric option. The curve is created on Surface 2 at
= 0.75. Notice that the parametric direction is displayed.
Curve Extract Method With the Parametric Option Example
This example is the same as the previous example, except that Curve X is created at = 0.75, instead
of = 0.75.
2
v ( )
1
u ( )
2
v ( )
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142
Curve Extract Method With the Parametric Option Example
Creates Curve 3 which is at on a surface defined by Curve 2 and an edge of Surface 1 by
using the Surface select menu icons listed below.
2
v ( ) 0.25 =
143 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Points, Curves, Surfaces and Solids
Extracting Curves From Surfaces Using the Edge Option
The Extract method creates curves on specified edges of existing surfaces or solid faces.
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
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144
Tip: 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
Curve Extract Method With Edge Option Example
Creates Curve 3, using the Create/Extract/Edge option. The curve is created on one of the edges of
Surface 1.
145 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Points, Curves, Surfaces and Solids
Creating Fillet Curves
The fillet method is intended for use with 2D construction. The created curve is a circular arc. For this
reason, the method will not work if the provided curves are not co-planar. The Patran 2.5 switch overrides
this requirement and places no restriction on coplanarity. The result is a single cubic line so that it is more
like a slope continuous blend between the 2 curves.
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147 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Points, Curves, Surfaces and Solids
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Parametric Cubic Geometry
PATRAN 2 Neutral File Support For Parametric Cubic Geometry
Topology
Curve Fillet Method Example
Creates Curve 3, using the Create/Fillet method. The fillet curve is created between Curve 1 and Point 4
and Curve 2 and Point 5, with a radius of 0.5. Notice Trim Original Curves is pressed.
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Curve Fillet Method Example
Creates Curve 3, using the Create/Fillet method. The fillet curve is created between Curve 1 and Point 2
and Curve 2 and Point 3, with a radius of 0.25.
149 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Points, Curves, Surfaces and Solids
Fitting Curves Through a Set of Points
The Fit method creates a parametric cubic curve by fitting it through a set of two or more point locations.
Patran uses a parametric least squares numerical approximation for the fit. The point locations can be
points, vertices, nodes, or other point locations provided on the Point select menu.
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150
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Parametric Cubic Geometry
PATRAN 2 Neutral File Support For Parametric Cubic Geometry
Topology
Curve Fit Method Example
Creates three curves starting with Curve 1, using the Create/Fit method. The curve is created through
Points 1 through 6.
151 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Points, Curves, Surfaces and Solids
Creating Curves at Intersections
Creating Curves at the Intersection of Two Surfaces
The Intersect method using the 2 Surface option creates curves at the intersection of two surfaces or solid
faces. The two surfaces or faces must completely intersect each other.
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152
Tip: 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
Curve Intersect Method With 2 Surface Option Example
Creates Curve 1 using the Create/Intersect method with the 2 Surface option. The curve is located at the
intersection of Surfaces 1 and 2.
153 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Points, Curves, Surfaces and Solids
Curve Intersect Method With 2 Surface Option Example
This example is similar to the previous example, except the second surface is instead defined by Curves
2 and 3 by using the Surface select menu icon and selecting Curves 2 and 3 to create Surface 2.
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Curve Intersect Method With 2 Surface Option Example
Creates Curve 1 using the Create/Intersect/2 Surface option. The curve is located at the intersection of
Surfaces 1 and 4.
155 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Points, Curves, Surfaces and Solids
Creating Curves at the Intersection of a Plane and a Surface
The Intersect method with the Plane-Surface option creates curves at the intersection of a defined plane
and a surface or a solid face. The plane and the surface or face must completely intersect each other.
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156
Tip: 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
Curve Intersect Method With Plane-Surface Option Example
Creates Curve 1 which is located at the intersection of Surface 1 and a plane whose normal is defined at
{[0 2.5 0][0 3.5 0]}.
157 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Points, Curves, Surfaces and Solids
Curve Intersect Method With the Plane-Surface Option Example
Creates Curve 1 which is located at the intersection of Surface 2 and a plane whose normal is defined by
the Z axis of Coord 1, Coord 1.3, by using the Axis select menu icon listed below.
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Intersect Parameters Subordinate Form
The Intersect Parameters subordinate form appears when the Intersect Parameters button is pressed on
the Create/Curve/Intersect application form.
159 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Points, Curves, Surfaces and Solids
Tip: More Help:
Parametric Cubic Geometry
PATRAN 2 Neutral File Support For Parametric Cubic Geometry
Matrix of Geometry Types Created
Creating Curves at the Intersection of Two Planes
This form is used to create a curve from the intersection of two planes.
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160
Tip: 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
Creating Curve Intersect from Two Planes Example
Create curve 1 with a length of 0.334 from the intersection of plane 1 and 2.
161 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Points, Curves, Surfaces and Solids
Manifold Curves Onto a Surface
Manifold Curves onto a Surface with the 2 Point Option
The Manifold method with the 2 Point option creates curves directly on an existing set of surfaces or solid
faces by using two point locations on the surface. The point locations must lie on the surface or face. The
point locations can be points, vertices, nodes or other point locations provided on the Point select menu.
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162
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
163 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Points, Curves, Surfaces and Solids
Parametric Cubic Geometry
PATRAN 2 Neutral File Support For Parametric Cubic Geometry
Topology
Matrix of Geometry Types Created
Curve Manifold Method With the 2 Point Option Example
Creates three curves starting with Curve 1 using the Create/Manifold/2 Point option. The curves are
created on Surface 1 between Point 7 and Points 2,5 and 8.
Curve Manifold Method With the 2 Point Option On a Face Example
Creates Curve 1 using the Manifold/2 Point option on a face of Solid 1 that is between Points 5 and 12.
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Manifold Curves onto a Surface With the N-Points Option
The Manifold/N-Points option creates curves directly on a set of surfaces or solid faces by using two or
more point locations on the surface. The point locations must lie on the surface or face and they can be
existing points, vertices, nodes or other point locations provided on the Point select menu.
165 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Points, Curves, Surfaces and Solids
Tip: 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
Curve Manifold Method With N-Points Option Example
Creates Curve 1 using the Create/Manifold/N-Points option. The curve is created on Surface 1 through
Points 5, 8, 17, 18 and 4.
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Curve Manifold Method With N-Points Option On a Face Example
Creates Curve 1 using the Create/Manifold/N-Points option. The curve is created on the top face of Solid
1, through Points 6, 12, 13 and 5.
167 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Points, Curves, Surfaces and Solids
Manifold Parameters Subordinate Form
The Manifold Parameters subordinate form appears when the PATRAN 2 Convention toggle is ON and
the Manifold Parameters button is pressed on the Create/Curve/Manifold application form.
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168
Tip: More Help:
Parametric Cubic Geometry
PATRAN 2 Neutral File Support For Parametric Cubic Geometry
Matrix of Geometry Types Created
Creating Curves Normally Between a Point and a Curve
(Normal Method)
The Normal method creates straight parametric cubic curves from a point location, normally to a curve
or an edge. The point location can be points, vertices, nodes, or other point locations provided on the
Point select menu.
169 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Points, Curves, Surfaces and Solids
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Parametric Cubic Geometry
PATRAN 2 Neutral File Support For Parametric Cubic Geometry
Topology
Curve Normal Method Example
Creates Curve 6 using the Create/Normal method. The curve is created from Point 13 normally to the
edge of Curve 5.
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Curve Normal Method From An Edge Example
Creates Curve 1 using the Create/Normal method. The curve is created from Point 20 normally to an edge
of Surface 4 by using the Curve select menu icon listed below.
171 Chapter 4: Create Actions
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Creating Offset Curves
Creating Constant Offset Curve
This form is used to create a constant offset curve.
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172
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Creating Constant Offset Curve Example
Create offset curves 2 thru 4 by offsetting a distance of .5 from curve 1 using a repeat count of 3.
173 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Points, Curves, Surfaces and Solids
Creating Variable Offset Curve
This form is used to create a variable offset curve.
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174
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Parameterization Control for Variable Offset Curve
This form is used to define the parameterization control for the offset curve. There are two types; Arc
Length and Parameter Value.
175 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Points, Curves, Surfaces and Solids
Creating Variable Offset Curve Example
Create curves 2 thru 3 from curve 1 by offsetting a start distance of .25 and an end distance of 1. Use
parameter values of .5 and 1.0.
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Projecting Curves Onto Surfaces
The Project method creates curves by projecting a set of curves or edges along a defined projection
vector, onto a surface or solid face.
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Available options are:
Normal to Plane - The curves or edges in Curve List will be projected through a vector that is normal to
at least one of the curves or edges that define a plane.
Normal to Surf - The curves or edges in Curve List will be projected through a vector that is normal to
the surface or solid face specified in Surface List.
Define Vector - The project direction is defined by the vector coordinates entered in the Projection
Vector databox which is expressed within the Refer. Coordinate Frame. Example: <1 1 0>. The Vector
Select menu will appear to allow you alternate ways to cursor define the vector definition.
View Factor - The project direction is defined by the view angle in the current viewport. Patran will
project the existing points using the normal direction of the screen.
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The Viewing Menu (Ch. 7) in the Patran Reference Manual
Curve Project Method With the Normal to Plane Option Example
Creates Curve 7 using the Create Project/Normal to Plane option. The curve is projected from Curve 6
onto Surface 2 that is normal to the plane defined by Curve 6.
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Curve Project Method With the Normal to Surf Option Example
Creates Curve 8 using the Create/Project/Normal to Surf option. The curve is projected from Curve 6
normally onto Surface 2. Notice that Delete Original Curves is pressed and Curve 6 is deleted.
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Curve Project Method With Define Vector Option Example
Creates Curve 7 with the Define Vector option. The curve is projected from Curve 6 onto Surface 2
through the vector that is defined by Points 19 and 20 by using the Vector select menu icon listed below.
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Curve Project Method With View Vector Option Example
Creates Curve 7 with the View Vector option. The curve is projected from Curve 6 onto Surface 2
through the view angle of the current viewport. Notice that Delete Original Curves is pressed and Curve
6 is deleted.
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Project Parameters Subordinate Form
The Project Parameters subordinate form appears when the Project Parameters button is pressed on the
Create/Curve/Project application form.
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Creating Piecewise Linear Curves
The PWL method will create a set of piecewise linear (or straight) parametric cubic curves between a set
of existing point locations. The point locations can be points, vertices, nodes or other point locations
provided on the Point select menu.
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Curve PWL Method Example
Creates seven curves starting with Curve 5 using the Create/PWL method. The straight curves are created
through Points 12 through 18 and Node 1.
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Creating Spline Curves
Creating Spline Curves with the Loft Spline Option
The Spline method using the Loft Spline option creates piecewise cubic polynomial spline curves that
pass through at least three point locations. Patran processes the slope continually between the point
segments. The point locations can be points, vertices, nodes or other point locations provided on the Point
select menu.
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187 Chapter 4: Create Actions
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Parametric Cubic Geometry
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Topology
Matrix of Geometry Types Created
Curve Spline Method With Loft Spline Option Example
Creates Curve 1 using the Create/Spline method with the Loft Spline option. The curve is created through
Points 1 through 5. Notice that since End Point Slope Control are not pressed in, Start and End Point
Tangent Vector are disabled.
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Curve Spline Method With Loft Spline Option Example
This example is the same as the previous example, except that Curve 2 is created with End Point Slope
Control is pressed in. The Start Point Tangent Vector is defined by Points 1 and 2, and the End Point
Tangent Vector is defined by Points 4 and 5, using the Vector select menu icon listed below.
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Creating Spline Curves with the B-Spline Option
The Spline/B-Spline option creates spline curves that pass through at least three point locations. Patran
processes the slope continually between the point segments. The point locations can be points, vertices,
nodes or other point locations provided on the Point select menu.
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Display>Geometry (p. 385) in the Patran Reference Manual
191 Chapter 4: Create Actions
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Curve Spline Method With B-Spline Option Example
Creates Curve 1 with the B-Spline option. The B-spline has an order of 3 and uses Points 1 through 5.
Since Interpolation is not pressed, the curve is not forced to pass through all the points.
Curve Spline Method With B-Spline Option Example
This example is the same as the previous example, except that the order for Curve 2 is three, instead of
five.
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Curve Spline Method With B-Spline Option Example
This example is the same as the previous example, except Interpolation is pressed and Curve 3 is forced
to pass through Points 1 through 5.
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Creating Curves Tangent Between Two Curves (TanCurve
Method)
The TanCurve method creates straight parametric cubic curves that are tangent between two existing
curves or edges. The curves or edges cannot be straight, or else Patran will not be able to find the tangent
location on each curve.
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Curve TanCurve Method Example
Creates Curve 10 using the Create/TanCurve method. The curve is tangent between Curves 9 and 8 with
Points 26 and 25 as the endpoints selected in the Point 1 and 2 Lists. Notice that Trim Original Curves is
pressed.
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Creating Curves Tangent Between Curves and Points
(TanPoint Method)
The TanPoint method creates straight parametric cubic curves that are tangent between a point location
and a curve or an edge. The curve or edge cannot be straight, or else Patran will not be able to find the
tangent location. The point locations can be points, vertices, nodes or other point locations provided on
the Point select menu.
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Curve TanPoint Method Example
Creates Curve 10 using the Create/TanPoint method. The curve is tangent between Point 25 and Curve
9. Notice that Trim Original Curves is pressed in and Curve 9 is trimmed.
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Curve TanPoint Method Example
Creates Curve 1 using the Create/TanPoint method. The curve is tangent between Point 9 and an edge of
Surface 1.
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Creating Curves, Surfaces and Solids Through a Vector
Length (XYZ Method)
The XYZ method creates parametric cubic curves, surface, or solids from a specified vector length and
origin. The origin can be expressed by cartesian coordinates or by an existing vertex, node or other point
location provided by the Point select menu.
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Coordinate Frame Definitions
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Curve XYZ Method Example
Creates Curve 3 using the Create/XYZ method, whose origin is located at Point 6 and whose vector
orientation and length is <20 10 0>.
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Surface XYZ Method Example
Creates Surface 3 using the Create/XYZ method, whose origin is located at Point 6 and whose vector
orientation and length is <20 10 5>.
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Solid XYZ Method Example
Creates Solid 1 whose origin is located at Point 6 and whose vector orientation and length is <20 10 5>
which is expressed within the Reference Coordinate Frame, Coord 0.
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Creating Involute Curves
Creating Involute Curves with the Angles Option
The Involute/Angles option creates parametric cubic curves from a point location. The point location can
be a point, vertex, node or other point locations provided on the Point select menu. Involute curves are
like the unwinding of an imaginary string from a circular bobbin. Intended for gear designers, the Angles
option requires the angle of the unwinding and the starting angle.
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Coordinate Frame Definitions
Curve Involute Method With the Angles Option Example
Creates four curves starting with Curve 5 using the Create/Involute/Angles option, where the curve is
unwound 360 degrees about the involute axis {[0 0 0][0 0 1]}, from Point 13.
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Creating Involute Curves with the Radii Option
The Involute/Radii option creates parametric cubic curves from a point location. The point location can
be a point, vertex, node or other point location provided on the Point select menu. Involute curves are
like the unwinding of an imaginary string from a circular bobbin. Intended for the material modeling
community, the Radii option requires the base radius of the bobbin and the radius of the stop of the curve.
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Coordinate Frame Definitions
Curve Involute Method With the Radii Option Example
Creates six curves starting with Curve 5 using the Create/Involute/Radii option, where the curve is
unwound starting with a base radius of 0.1 and a stop radius of 2, about the involute axis {[0 0 0][0 0 1]},
starting from Point 13.
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Revolving Curves, Surfaces and Solids
The Revolve method creates curves, surfaces or solids by the rotation of a point, curve or surface
location, respectively. The new geometric entity is rotated about a defined axis. Point locations can be
points, vertices, or nodes, Curve locations can be curves or edges. Surface locations can be surfaces or
solid faces.
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Coordinate Frame Definitions
Curve Revolve Method Example
Creates Curves 5 and 6 using the Create/Revolve method, where the curves are created from Points 12
and 13 about the axis, {[0 0 0][0 0 1]} for 180 degrees, with an offset of 30 degrees.
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Surface Revolve Method Example
Creates Surface 1 where the surface is created from a curve defined by Points 1 and 2 using the Curve
select menu icon listed below. The surface is revolved 45 degrees about the axis {Point 1 [x1 y1 1]}.
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Surface Revolve Method Example
Creates four surfaces starting with Surface 2 using the Create/Revolve method, where the surfaces are
created from Curves 9 through 12 about the axis, {[0 0 0 ] [ 1 0 0 ]} for 360 degrees.
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Solid Revolve Method
Creates Solid 1 using the Create/Revolve method, where the solid is created from Surface 2. The axis is
defined by the Points 15 and 12 using the Axis select menu icon listed below, for a rotation of 90 degrees.
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Solid Revolve Method
Creates Solid 1 using the Create/Revolve method, where the solid is created from Surface 1 about the X
axis of Coord 1 (by using the Axis select menu listed below) for 90 degrees.
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Creating Orthogonal Curves (2D Normal Method)
Creating Orthogonal Curves with the Input Length Option
The 2D Normal/Input Length option creates straight parametric cubic curves that lie on a defined 2D
plane and is perpendicular to a curve or an edge. The curve is defined from a specified point location.
The point location can be a point, vertex, node or other point locations provided on the Point select menu.
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216
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Connectivity
Topology
Curve 2D Normal Method With the Input Length Option
Creates Curve 1 with the Input Length option, where the curve is 1 unit long; it lies within the plane
whose normal is the Z axis of Coord 3; it is perpendicular to the top edge of Surface 1; and its starting
point is near Point 3.
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Curve 2D Normal Method With the Input Length Option
This example is the same as the previous example, except that Flip Curve Direction is pressed.
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Creating Orthogonal Curves with the Calculate Length Option
The 2D Normal/Calculate Length option, creates straight parametric cubic curves that lie on a defined
2D plane and is perpendicular to an existing curve or edge. The curve is defined from specified point
location. The point location can be a point, vertex, node or other point locations provided on the Point
select menu.
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220
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Topology
Curve 2D Normal Method With the Input Length Option Example
Creates Curve 1 with the Input Length option. The distance of Curve 1 is 1.0; it lies within the plane
whose normal is the global coordinate frames X axis, Coord 0.1; and it is starts from a point that is
closest to Point 6.
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Curve 2D Normal Method With the Calculate Length Option Example
Creates Curve 1 with the Calculate Length option. The distance of Curve 1 is the distance between Points
3 and 4; it lies within the plane whose normal is the Z axis of Coord 3; and it starts from a point that is
closest to Point 3.
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Creating 2D Circle Curves
The 2D Circle method creates circular curves of a specified radius that is within a defined 2D plane, based
on a center point location. The point location can be a point, vertex, node or other point locations
provided on the Point select menu.
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224
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Matrix of Geometry Types Created
Curve 2D Circle Method With the Input Radius Option Example
Creates Curve 5 using the Create/2D Circle method with the Input Radius option, where the circle has a
radius of 1.0, its center point is at Node 1, and it lies within the plane whose normal is the Z axis of Coord
0.
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Curve 2D Circle Method With the Calculate Radius Option Example
Creates Curve 5 using the Create/2D Circle/Calculate Radius option, where the radius is measured from
Point 12 to Node 1, its center point is at Node 1, and it lies within the plane whose normal is the Z axis
of the global rectangular coordinate frame, Coord 0.
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Creating 2D ArcAngle Curves
The 2D ArcAngles method creates arced curves within a defined 2D plane. The Arc parameter inputs are
Radius, Start Angle and End Angle. The point location for the arcs center is to be input.
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228
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Curve 2D ArcAngle Method Example
Creates Curve 1 using Create/Curve/2D ArcAngles.
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Creating Arced Curves in a Plane (2D Arc2Point Method)
Creating Arced Curves with the Center Option
The 2D Arc2Point method creates arced curves within a defined 2D plane. Two options are provided.
The Center option inputs are point locations for the arcs center and the arcs starting and ending points.
The Radius option inputs are the radius and point locations for the arcs starting and ending points.
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231 Chapter 4: Create Actions
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Matrix of Geometry Types Created
Curve 2D Arc2Point Method With Center Min. Angle Option Example
Creates Curve 5 using the Create/2D Arc2Point method, where the Minimum Angle is chosen; the arced
curve is between Point 13 and Node 1; its center point is Point 12; and the curve lies within the plane
whose normal is {[0 0 0][0 0 1]}.
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Curve 2D Arc2Point Method With Center Max. Angle Option Example
Creates Curve 5 using the Create/2D Arc2Point method, where the Maximum Angle is chosen; the arced
curve is between Point 13 and Node 1; its center point is Point 12; and the curve lies within the plane
whose normal is {[0 0 0][0 0 1]}.
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Creating Arced Curves with the Radius Option
The 2D Arc2Point method creates arced curves within a defined 2D plane. Two options are provided.
The Center option inputs are point locations for the arcs center and the arcs starting and ending points.
The Radius option inputs are the radius and point locations for the arcs starting and ending points.
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235 Chapter 4: Create Actions
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Curve 2D Arc2Point Method with Radius Option Example
Creates Curve 1 by creating an arc with a radius of 1.5 using [-1 -.5 -1] and [1 1 1] as start/end points and
in the Z construction plane.
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Arc2Point Parameters Subordinate Form
The Arc2Point Parameters subordinate form appears when the Arc2Point Parameters button is pressed
on the Create/Curve 2D Arc2Point application form.
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Creating Arced Curves in a Plane (2D Arc3Point Method)
The 2D Arc3Point method creates arced curves within a defined 2D plane, based on point locations for
the arcs starting, middle and ending points. The point locations can be points, vertices, nodes or other
point locations provided on the Point select menu.
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239 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Points, Curves, Surfaces and Solids
PATRAN 2 Neutral File Support For Parametric Cubic Geometry
Topology
Matrix of Geometry Types Created
Curve 2D Arc3Point Method Example
Creates Curve 5 using the Create/2D Arc3Point method. The arced curve is created through the Points
13, 14 and Node 1 and it lies within the plane whose normal is {[0 0 0][0 0 1]}. Notice that Create Center
Point is pressed in and Point 16 is created.
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Creating Surfaces from Curves
Creating Surfaces Between 2 Curves
The Curve method using the 2 Curve option creates surfaces between two curves or edges. Degenerate
three-sided surfaces can be created. See Building a Degenerate Surface (Triangle) for more information.
241 Chapter 4: Create Actions
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Matrix of Geometry Types Created
Surface Curve Method With the 2 Curve Option Example
Creates Surface 2 using the Create/Curve/2 Curve option. The curve is created between Curves 5 and 6.
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Surface Curve Method With the 2 Curve Option Example
Creates Surface 2 that is degenerate with the 2 Curve option which is between an edge of Surface 1 and
a zero length curve defined by Point 5, twice.
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Creating Surfaces Through 3 Curves (Curve Method)
The Curve method using the 3 Curve option creates surfaces that pass through three existing curves or
edges.
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Surface Curve Method With 3 Curve Option Example
Creates Surface 2 using the Create/Curve/Curve option. The curve is created through Curves 5, 6 and 8.
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Surface Curve Method With 3 Curve Option Example
Creates Surface 2 through Curves 2, 3 and an edge of Surface 1.
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Creating Surfaces Through 4 Curves (Curve Method)
The Curve method using the 4 Curve option creates surfaces that pass through four existing curves or
edges.
247 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Points, Curves, Surfaces and Solids
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Matrix of Geometry Types Created
Surface Curve Method With 4 Curve Option Example
Creates Surface 3 using the Create/Curve/4 Curve option. The curve is created through Curves 5,6 and 8
and the edge of Surface 2 by using the Curve select menu icon listed below.
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Creating Surfaces from N Curves (Curve Method)
The Curve method using the N-Curves option creates surfaces that pass through any number of curves or
edges.
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Surface Curve Method With N-Curves Option Example
Creates Surface 2 using the Create/Curve/N-Curves option. The curve is created through Curves 5,6,8,9
and 10.
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Creating Composite Surfaces
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Figure 4-1 The Composite method creates surfaces composed from multiple surfaces.
More Help:
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Trimmed Surfaces
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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.
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Composite Surface Options
Surface Composite Method Example
Creates Surface 2 from the surfaces in the viewport.
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Decomposing Trimmed Surfaces
The Decompose method creates four sided surfaces from an existing surface or solid face by choosing
four vertex locations. This method is usually used to create surfaces from a multi-sided trimmed surface
so that you can either mesh with IsoMesh or continue to build a tri-parametric solid.
See Decomposing Trimmed Surfaces for more information on how to use the Decompose method.
255 Chapter 4: Create Actions
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Trimmed Surfaces
Matrix of Geometry Types Created
Surface Decompose Method Example
Creates Surfaces 3, 4 and 5 using the Create/Decompose method. The surfaces are created from Trimmed
Surface 2 and they are defined by the cursor selected vertices listed in the Surface Vertex databoxes on
the form.
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Creating Surfaces from Edges (Edge Method)
The Edge method creates three or four sided surfaces that are bounded by three or four intersecting curves
or edges, without manifolding the surface to an existing surface or face.
257 Chapter 4: Create Actions
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Matrix of Geometry Types Created
Surface Edge Method With the 3 Edge Option Example
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).
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Surface Edge Method With the 4 Edge Option Example
Creates Surface2 using the Create/Edge/4 Edge option. The surface is created from Curves 5 through 8.
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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
, , or coordinate location, where has a range of , has a range of ,
and has a range of . One surface is extracted from each solid.
1
u ( )
2
v ( )
3
w ( )
1
0
1
1 s s
2
0
2
1 s s
3
0
3
1 s s
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Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Parametric Cubic Geometry, 25
PATRAN 2 Neutral File Support For Parametric Cubic Geometry
Topology
Connectivity
Matrix of Geometry Types Created
Surface Extract Method With the Parametric Option Example
Creates Surface 2 using the Create/Extract/Parametric option. The surface is created at
within Solid 1. Notice the parametric direction is displayed near Point 19.
3
w ( ) 0.75 =
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Surface Extract Method With the Parametric Option Example
Creates Surface 3 using the Create/Extract/Parametric option. The surface is created at
within a solid that is defined by Surfaces 1 and 2 by using the Solid select menu icons listed below.
3
w ( ) 0.75 =
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Extracting Surfaces with the Face Option
The Extract method creates surfaces by creating them on a specified solid face. One surface is extracted
from each solid face.
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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
Surface Extract Method With the Face Option Example
Creates Surfaces 2 and 3 using the Create/Extract/Face option. The surface is created on two faces of
Solid 10.
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Creating Fillet Surfaces
The Fillet method creates a parametric bi-cubic surface between two existing surfaces or solid faces. The
existing surfaces or faces do not need to intersect. If they do intersect, the edges of the surfaces or faces
must be aligned, and they must intersect so that a nondegenerate fillet can be created.
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More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Parametric Cubic Geometry
PATRAN 2 Neutral File Support For Parametric Cubic Geometry
Topology
Surface Fillet Method Example
Creates Surface 4 using the Create/Fillet method that is between Surfaces 1 and 3 with the fillets
endpoints, Points 2 and 10, cursor selected. Surface 4 has a varying fillet radius of 0.25 to 0.5.
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Surface Fillet Method Example
Creates Surface 5 using the Create/Fillet method that is between Surfaces 3 and 4 with the fillets
endpoints, Points 19 and 25, cursor selected. Surface 5 has a constant fillet radius of 0.75.
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Matching Adjacent Surfaces
The Match method creates parametric bi-cubic surfaces with common boundaries (or matched edges)
from a pair of topologically incongruent surfaces or solid faces that have two consecutive common
vertices but unmatched edges. The surface pair need not have matching parametric orientations. Patran
requires geometry to be topologically congruent for IsoMesh and Paver to create coincident nodes at the
common boundaries. See Topological Congruency and Meshing for more information.
You can also match incongruent surfaces with the Edit actions Edge Match method. See Matching
Surface Edges for more information.
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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
Surface Match Method Example
Creates Surface 4 using the Create/Match method that is topologically congruent with Surface 2. Notice
that Delete Original Surfaces is pressed in and Surface 3 is deleted.
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Creating Constant Offset Surface
This form is used to create a constant offset surface.
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Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Creating Constant Offset Surface Example
Create surfaces 2 and 3 by offsetting from surface 1, a distance of 0.5 with a repeat count of 2 and
reversing the direction vector of surface 1.
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Creating Ruled Surfaces
The Ruled method creates ruled surfaces between a pair of curves or edges.
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275 Chapter 4: Create Actions
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Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Topology
Connectivity
Matrix of Geometry Types Created
Meshing Surfaces with IsoMesh or Paver (p. 13) in the Reference Manual - Part III
Display>Geometry (p. 385) in the Patran Reference Manual
Surface Ruled Method Example
Creates Surface 1 using the Create/Ruled method which is created between Curves 1 and 2.
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Surface Ruled Method Example
Creates Surface 3 using the Create/Ruled method which is created between Curve 5 and an edge of
Surface 2 by using the Curve select menu icon listed below. Notice that since Equal Parametric Values
was pressed in, Surface 3s parametric direction is the same as for Curve 5.
1
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Creating Trimmed Surfaces
The Trimmed method creates a trimmed surface. You must first create at least one chained curve for the
surfaces outer loop or boundary by using the Create/ Curve/Chain form before using this form, or by
bringing up the Auto Chain form from within this form. (Note that an outer loop must be specified, and
the inner loop being specified is not necessary.) Trimmed surfaces can be meshed by Paver.
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279 Chapter 4: Create Actions
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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
Creating Trimmed Surfaces with the Surface Option
Creates Surface 3 using the Create/Surface/Trimmed/Surface option which is created from chained
Curve 22 for the outer loop, chained Curve 21 for the inner loop and Surface 2 for the parent surface.
Notice that Delete Outer and Inner Loop and Delete Constituent Surface are pressed in and Curves 21
and 22 and Surface 2 are deleted.
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Creating Trimmed Surfaces with the Planar Option
Creates Surface 2 using the Create/Surface/Trimmed/Planar option which is created from chained Curve
14 for the outer loop and chained Curve 13 for the inner loop. Notice that Delete Outer Loop and Delete
Inner Loop are pressed in and Curves 13 and 14 are deleted.
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Auto Chain Subordinate Form
The Auto Chain form provides a more interactive, user-controllable way of creating Chain Curves. A
start curve is selected for the chain and then during the creation of the chain, if necessary, the user will
be prompted to make decisions on how to proceed by selecting the appropriate buttons. Toggles are
provided for additional control of the chain curve creation. This subordinate form is accessible from
either the Create/Curve/Chain or the Create/Surface/Trimmed forms.
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Creating Trimmed Surfaces with the Composite Option
The Create/Surface/Trimmed/Composite option provides a tool for combining surfaces into a single
trimmed surface, where the parent trimmed surfaces may have gaps or overlaps of a specified distance,
and are not required to be topologically congruent. Though the constituent surfaces are used for all
evaluations without any approximation, the resulting composite surface is seen as a single trimmed
surface by all operations that reference it, such as the Paver.
Shadow Surface Method
The method used to create a composite trimmed surface is called a Shadow Surface Method. The best
way to describe a shadow surface is to use a real life analogy. Consider a cloud in the sky to be a shadow
surface. Then the sun, being the light source behind the cloud, creates a shadow on the planet Earth, only
Next: Used to update the "Choose Curve to
Continue" databox when multiple
choices are possible, i.e. a branch.
OK: Used to finalize the selection on the
curve echoed in the "Choose Curve
to Continue" databox and continue
the auto chain process.
Previous: Used to update "Choose Curve to
Continue" databox when more than two
curves form a branch. Use in
conjunction with the Next button.
Quit: Used to end the auto chain process
without attempting to creating a
chain.
Backup: Used to backup one curve at a time in
the list of curves that have been
previously selected as constituents for
the resulting chain.
Stop: Used to end the auto chain process
and attempt to create a chain from
the constituent curves. (Only
necessary when pressing the Apply
button did not create a chain.)
Delete: Used to delete the curve in the "Choose
Curve to Continue" databox from the
database.
Break: Used to break the curve in the
"Choose Curve to Continue"
databox.
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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.
Creating Composite Surfaces
The steps in creating composite surfaces are, for the most part, the same as those for creating a normal
trimmed surface, with the following exceptions:
More than one surface is specified to define the curvature (multiple parent surfaces).
A Gap Distance parameter must be specified to define the maximum length for gaps or
overlaps.
An appropriate view must be obtained, satisfying the following:
Double Intersections between the Shadow Surface and the view vector must not occur. In other
words, the Shadow Surface must not wrap around on itself relative to the current view. This is
because the Under Surface is flat, and there is not necessarily a one-to-one mapping from the
Shadow Surface to the Under Surface. Surfaces that combine to create a cylinder, therefore,
cannot be used to create a single composite surface.
No Dead Space. Unpredictable results will occur if any portion of the Shadow Surface does not
have an Under Surface counterpart. An example of dead space would be an area on the Shadow
Surface which runs parallel to the view vector. Since this portion has no area with respect to its
projection onto the Under Surface, it will not be represented properly in the resulting composite
surface. This can cause unwanted holes or spikes in the geometry.
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Surface Trimmed Method - Composite Option Example
Creates Surface 5 using the Create/Surface/Trimmed/Composite option which is created from chained
Curve 5 for the outer loop, chained Curve 4 for the inner loop and Surface 1:4 for the parent surface.
Notice that Delete Outer and Inner Loop and Delete Constituent Surface are pressed in and Curves 1 and
2 and Surfaces 1:4 are deleted.
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Creating Surfaces From Vertices (Vertex Method)
The Vertex method creates four sided surfaces from four existing point locations that define the surfaces
vertices or corners. The point locations can be points, vertices, nodes or other point locations provided
on the Point select menu.
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Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Topology
Matrix of Geometry Types Created
Surface Vertex Method Example
Creates Surface 2 using the Create/Vertex method which is created from Points 12, 13, 14 and Node 1.
Notice that since Manifold is not on, the Manifold Surface databox is disabled.
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Extruding Surfaces and Solids
The Extrude method creates surfaces or solids by moving a curve or edge, or a surface or solid face,
respectively, through space along a defined axis with the option of scaling and rotating simultaneously.
This method is convenient for adding depth to a cross section, or for more complex constructions that
require the full capabilities of this form.
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Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Topology
Matrix of Geometry Types Created
Coordinate Frame Definitions
Surface Extrude Method Example
Creates Surface 2 using the Create/Extrude method which is created from Curve 5. The surface is
extruded +10 units in the global Y direction.
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Surface Extrude Method Example
This example is the same as the previous example, except that Surface 1 is extruded +10 units in the
global Y direction about an angle of 90 degrees and with a scale factor of 2. The origin of the scale and
rotation is at Point 14.
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Solid Extrude Method Example
Creates Solid 2 using the Create/Extrude method which is created from a face of Solid 1. The solid is
extruded +10 units in the global Y direction, with a scale factor of 2. The origin of the scale is at Point 21.
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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.
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More Help:
Gliding Surfaces with the 2 Director Curve Option
Surface Glide Method - 1 Director Curve Example
Creates Surfaces 2 through 4 using the Create/Glide method which is created from Curve 10 for the
Director Curve and Curves 11, 13 and 14 for the Base Curves. The scale is set to 1.0 and Fixed Glide is
pressed in.
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Gliding Surfaces with the 2 Director Curve Option
This option sweeps a base curve along a path defined by a pair of director curves. Automatic scaling is
optional.
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Surface Glide Method - 2 Director Curve Example
Creates Surface 1 by using Curves 1 and 2 as the director curves and Curve 3 as the base curve to glide
along.
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Creating Surfaces and Solids Using the Normal Method
The Normal method creates parametric bi-cubic surfaces or solids which are defined by a set of base
curves or surfaces, respectively, and an offset distance from those curves or surfaces in the direction of
the curvature. The offset may be constant or have a varying thickness.
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More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Topology
Matrix of Geometry Types Created
Surface Normal Method Example
Creates Surface 2 using the Create/Normal method which is created from Curve 5. It has a varying
thickness of 0.75 at and x2=0 and a thickness of 2.0 at x1=0 and x2=1. Notice that the parametric
direction is on.
1
0 =
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Surface Normal Method Example
Creates Surface 2 which is created from an edge of Surface 1. It has a constant thickness of 0.25 and the
normal direction is defined by a construction point, Point 9. Notice that the normal direction is measured
from the first vertex of the edge (Point 5) to Point 9.
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Solid Normal Method Example
Creates Solid 1 using the Create/Normal method which is created from Surface 1 and has a thickness of
0.5. Notice that since PATRAN 2 Convention is not pressed in, the Solids per Surface databox is
disabled.
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This example is similar to the previous example, except that the thickness is -0.5 instead of +0.5.
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Solid Normal Method From a Face Example
Creates Solid 2 using the Create/Normal method which is created from a face of Solid 1 and has a
thickness of 0.25.
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Creating Surfaces from a Surface Mesh (Mesh Method)
The Mesh method creates a surface from a congruent 2-D mesh. Vertices can be defined on the surface
boundary by selecting nodes in the Outer Corner Nodes or Additional Vertex Nodes listboxes.
Every edge of the surface will have at least one node. If no node is selected to identify a vertex, then one
will be selected automatically. The nodes entered in the Outer Corner Node listbox will define the
parametrization of the surface and will also be a vertex. If no nodes are selected, 4 appropriate nodes will
be selected automatically. Also the 4 nodes selected should be on the outer loop. Additional vertices can
be defined by selecting nodes in the Additional Vertex Nodes listbox.
The longest free edge loop will be the outer loop of the surface. The holes inside the mesh can be
preserved or closed by invoking the options in the Inner Loop Options pull-down menu. When few of the
inner holes need to be preserved Inner Loop Options is set to Select. Identify the holes by selecting at
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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.
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Created Tessellated Surface from Geometry Form
Figure 4-2
Creating Midsurfaces
Creating Midsurfaces with the Automatic Option
This form is used to create a Midsurface using the Automatic Method.
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.
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Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Create Midsurface Automatic Example
Create surfaces 1t6 by automatically computing the midsurfaces of solid 1 where the solid wall thickness
is less than 8.1.
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Creating Midsurfaces with the Manual Option
This form is used to create a Midsurface using the Manual Method. The resulting midsurface will be
trimmed to the domain of the parent surface pairs.
309 Chapter 4: Create Actions
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More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Create Midsurface Manual Example
Create surfaces 1t3 by manually selecting solid faces Solid 1.5 and Solid 1.9, Solid 1.4 and Solid 1.8,
Solid 1.7 and Solid 1.10 as face pairs to create the midsurfaces from.
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311 Chapter 4: Create Actions
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Creating Solid Primitives
Creating a Solid Block
This form is used to create a solid block with user input a point, length, width, height, and reference
coordinate frame. It also provides an option to perform boolean operation with the input target solid using
the created block as the tool solid.
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
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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.
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Creating Solid Cylinder
This form is used to create a solid cylinder with user input a point, height, radius, optional thickness, and
optional reference coordinate frame. It also provides an option to perform boolean operation with the
input target solid using the created cylinder as the tool solid.
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Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Creates solid cylinder 1 at point 1with parameters of Height=3.0, Radius=0.25, along X axis.
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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.
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Creating Solid Sphere
This form is used to create a solid sphere with user input a point, radius, and optional reference coordinate
frame. It also provides an option to perform boolean operation with the input target solid using the created
sphere as the tool solid.
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Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Creates Solid Sphere 1 at [0 0 0] with a Radius of 1.0 along the Z axis.
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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.
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Creating Solid Cone
This form is used to create a solid cone with user input a point, base radius, top radius, height, optional
thickness, and optional reference coordinate frame. It also provides an option to perform boolean
operation with the input target solid using the created cone as the tool solid.
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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
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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.
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Creating Solid Torus
This form is used to create a solid torus with user input a point, major radius, minor radius, and optional
reference coordinate frame. It also provides an option to perform boolean operation with the input target
solid using the created torus as the tool solid.
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Creating Solid Primitives
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
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.
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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.
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Solid Boolean operation during primitive creation
This form is used to perform a Solid boolean operation on an existing solid during the creation of a new
primitive solid. This is a child form of the parent Create,Solid,Primitive form.
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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
327 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Solid Primitives
Creating Solids from Surfaces (Surface Method)
Creating Solids from Two Surfaces
The Surface method with the 2 Surface option, creates solids between two surfaces or solid faces.
Solid Surface Method With 2 Surface Option Example
Creates Solid 1 using the Create/Surface/2 Surface option. The solid is created between Surfaces 2 and 3.
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Solid Surface Method With 2 Surface Option Example
Creates Solid 1 using the Create/Surface/2 Surface option. The solid is created between Surface 2 and a
surface defined by Curves 5 and 6, using the Surface select menu icon listed below.
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Creating Solids from Three Surfaces (Surface Method)
The Surface method with the 3 Surface option creates solids that pass through three existing surfaces or
solid faces.
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331 Chapter 4: Create Actions
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
Solid Surface Method With 3 Surface Option Example
Creates Solid 2 using the Create/Surface/3 Surface option. The solid is created between a face of Solid
1, Surface 2 and a surface defined by Curves 5 and 6 by using the Surface select menu icon listed below.
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Creating Solids from Four Surfaces (Surface Method)
The Surface method using the 4 Surface option creates solids that pass through four existing surfaces or
solid faces.
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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
Solid Surface Method With 4 Surface Option Example
Creates Solid 2 using the Create/Surface/4 Surface option. The solid is created between a face of Solid
1, Surface 2, a surface defined by Curves 5 and 6 and Surface 3.
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Creating Solids with the N Surface Option
The Surface method using the N-Surfaces option creates solids that pass through any number of existing
surfaces or solid faces.
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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
Solid Surface Method with N-Surfaces Option Example
Creates Solid1 using the Create/Surface/N-Surfaces option. The solid is created between Surfaces 2, 7,
8, 9 and 10.
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Creating a Boundary Representation (B-rep) Solid
The B-rep method creates boundary represented solids by specifying a list of surfaces or solid faces that
form a closed topologically congruent volume. B-rep solids can only be meshed with Patrans TetMesh.
For more information, see Gliding Solids, 347.
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Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Topology
B-rep Solid
Building B-rep Solids
Solid B-rep Method Example
Creates Solid 1 using the Create/Solid/B-rep method which is created from Surfaces 2, 3, 4, and 8 through
14. Notice that since Delete Original Surfaces is pressed in, the surfaces are deleted.
339 Chapter 4: Create Actions
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Creating a Decomposed Solid
The Decompose method creates solids from two opposing solid faces by choosing four vertex locations
on each face and then a solid is created from the two decomposed faces.
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Tip: 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
Solid Decompose Method with Face 1 Option Example
Creates Solid 2 by selecting four points on solid face Solid 1.6 and four points on solid face Solid 1.5.
341 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Solid Primitives
Solid Decompose Method with Face 2 Option Example
Creates Solid 2 by selecting four points on solid face Solid 1.6 and four points on solid face Solid 1.5.
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Creating Solids from Faces
The Face method creates a solid from five or six surfaces or solid faces which define the solids exterior
faces. The surfaces or faces can be in any order and they can have any parametric orientation, but they
must define a valid exterior of a solid.
343 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Solid Primitives
Tip: 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
Solid Face Method With 6 Faces Example
Creates Solid 1 using the Create/Face method which is created from Surfaces 2 through 7. The option is
set to 6 Face.
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Solid Face Method With 5 Faces Example
Creates Solid 1 using the Create/Face method which is created from Surfaces 1 through 5. The option is
set to 5 Face.
345 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Solid Primitives
Creating Solids from Vertices (Vertex Method)
The Vertex method creates parametric tri-cubic solids by specifying a list of eight point locations that
represent the eight vertices of the new solid. The point locations can be points, vertices, nodes or other
point locations provided on the Point select menu.
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Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Topology
Parametric Cubic Geometry
PATRAN 2 Neutral File Support For Parametric Cubic Geometry
Solid Vertex Method Example
Creates Solid 2 using the Create/Vertex method which is created from Points 12 through 15 and Nodes
34, 44, 254 and 264.
347 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Solid Primitives
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.
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Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Topology
Matrix of Geometry Types Created
Solid Glide Method Example
Creates Solid 1 using the Create/Glide method which is created from Curve 5 for the Director Curve and
Surface 2 for the Base Surface. The scale is set to 0.25 and Fixed Glide is pressed in.
349 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Solid Primitives
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Feature Recognition (Pre-release)
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.
Overview of the Feature Recognition Modules
The feature recognition technology integrated in Patran is centered around two modules:
351 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Feature Recognition (Pre-release)
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.
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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.
353 Chapter 4: Create Actions
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Recognize Feature Hole Interactive
Recognizes circular features from the selected Solid Face or Edge . It can recognize circular holes that
are blind or through. The dependency relations between different holes are also recognized.
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Recognize Feature Blend Automatic
Recognizes transition features such as Blend features from the selected Solid. It can recognize constant
radius and variable radius blends. The dependency relations between different blends are also
recognized. Automatic recognition by default recognizes blends with chaining.
355 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Feature Recognition (Pre-release)
Recognize Feature Blend Interactive
Recognizes transition features such as Blend features from the selected Solid Face. It can recognize
constant radius and variable radius blends. The dependency relations between different blends are also
recognized.
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Recognize Feature Chamfer Automatic
Recognizes transition features such as Chamfer features from the selected Solid. The dependency
relations between different chamfers are also recognized.
357 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Feature Recognition (Pre-release)
Recognize Feature Chamfer Interactive
Recognizes transition features such as Chamfer features from the selected Solid Face. The dependency
relations between different chamfers are also recognized.
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Edit Hole Feature
Edit the Hole Feature Parameters. The radius and depth parameters for a blind hole or the radius of a
through hole can be edited.
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Feature Recognition (Pre-release)
Edit Hole Feature
Edit the four selected holes by changing the radius values from 4 and 5 to 8.
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Edit Hole Feature
The four selected hole radii changed from values from 4 and 5 to 8.
361 Chapter 4: Create Actions
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Edit Hole Feature using Radius Constraint
Edit the Hole Feature Parameters using a Radius Constraint. The radius and depth parameters for a blind
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hole or the radius of a through hole can be edited.edited.
Edit Hole Feature Using Radius Constraint
Edit the four selected holes by changing the radius values and depth from 3 and 15 to 5 and 5 respectively.
363 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Feature Recognition (Pre-release)
Edit Hole Feature Using Radius Constraint
The four selected holes radii and depths changed from 3 and 15 to 5 and 5 respectively.
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Edit Blend Feature
Edit the Blend Feature Parameters. The radius R1 and radius R2 parameters for a Constant Radius or a
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Variable Radius blend can be edited.
Edit Blend Feature
Edit the four selected blends by changing the R1 and R2 radii from 4 and 4 to 3 and 6 respectively.
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Edit Blend Feature
The four selected blends R1 and R2 radii changed from 4 and 4 to 3 and 6 respectively.
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Feature Recognition (Pre-release)
Edit Blend Feature using Radius Constraint
Edit the Blend Feature Parameters using a Radius Constraint. The radius R1 and Radius R2 parameters
for a Constant Radius or Variable Radius Blend can be edited.
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Edit Blend Feature Using Radius Constraint
Edit the four selected blends by changing the R1 and R2 radii from 5 and 5 to 10 and 10 respectively.
369 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Feature Recognition (Pre-release)
Edit Blend Feature Using Radius Constraint
The four selected blends R1 and R2 radii changed from 5 and 5 to 10 and 10 respectively.
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Edit Chamfer Feature
Edit the Chamfer Feature Parameters. The height H1 and height H2 parameters for a chamfer can be
edited.
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Feature Recognition (Pre-release)
Edit Chamfer Feature
Edit the three selected Chamfers by changing the H1 and H2 heights from 3 and 3 to 5 and 5 respectively.
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Edit Chamfer Feature
The three selected Chamfers H1 and H2 heights changed from 3 and 3 to 5 and 5 respectively.
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Edit Chamfer Feature using Height Constraint
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Edit the Chamfer Feature Parameters using a Height Constraint. The height H1 and height H2 parameters
for a chamfer can be edited.
Edit Chamfer Feature Using Height Constraint
Edit the three selected chamfers by changing the H1 and H2 heights from 2 and 2 to 4 and 4 respectively.
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Feature Recognition (Pre-release)
Edit Chamfer Feature Using Height Constraint
The three selected chamfers H1 and H2 heights changed from 2 and 2 to 4 and 4 respectively.
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Edit Feature Parameters
The Edit Feature Parameters form allows the feature name and parameters to be displayed and modified
for alteration of a model.
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Feature Recognition (Pre-release)
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.
Show Hole Feature
Show the Hole Feature Parameters. The radius and depth parameters and the number of faces for each
hole is displayed.
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Show Hole Feature using Radius Constraint
Show the Hole Feature Parameters using a Radius Constraint. The radius and depth parameters and the
number of faces for each hole is displayed.
379 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Feature Recognition (Pre-release)
Show Blend Feature
Show the Blend Feature Parameters. The radius R1 and radius R2 parameters and the number of faces
for each blend is displayed.
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Show Blend Feature using Radius Constraint
Show the Blend Feature Parameters using a Radius Constraint. The radius R1 and Radius R2 parameters
and the number of faces for each blend is displayed.
381 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Feature Recognition (Pre-release)
Show Chamfer Feature
Show the Chamfer Feature Parameters. The height H1 and height H2 parameters and the number of faces
for each chamfer is displayed.
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Show Chamfer Feature using Height Constraint
Show the Chamfer Feature Parameters using a Height Constraint. The height H1 and Height H2
parameters and the number of faces for each chamfer is displayed.
383 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Feature Recognition (Pre-release)
Show Feature Information
The Show Feature Information form allows the parameters of a feature to be displayed.
The spreadsheet shows the following information for each feature selected:
Feature Name
Parameter Name 1 and value
Parameter Name 2 and value
Number of Faces
Picking a spreadsheet cell will highlight the feature in the Patran secondary highlight color
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Delete Hole Feature
Delete Hole Features.
385 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Feature Recognition (Pre-release)
Delete Hole Feature using Radius Constraint
Delete Hole Features using a Radius Constraint.
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Delete Blend Feature
Delete Blend Features.
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Feature Recognition (Pre-release)
Delete Blend Feature using Radius Constraint
Delete Blend Features using a Radius Constraint.
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Delete Chamfer Feature using Height Constraint
Delete Chamfer Features using a Height Constraint.
389 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Feature Recognition (Pre-release)
Delete Chamfer Feature
Delete Chamfer Features.
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Delete Any Feature
Delete any features in the model.
391 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Feature Recognition (Pre-release)
Clear Feature
Clear features from the feature modeler derived from a solid without deleting the associated geometry.
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393 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Coordinate Frames
Creating Coordinate Frames
Creating Coordinate Frames Using the 3Point Method
The 3Point method creates a rectangular, cylindrical or spherical coordinate frame by specifying three
point locations. The point locations can be points, vertices, nodes or other point locations provided on the
Point select menu. For more information, see Overview of Create Methods For Coordinate Frames.
More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Topology
Coordinate Frame Definitions
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Coordinate Frame 3Point Method Example
Creates a cylindrical coordinate frame, Coord 100, using the Create/3Point method. Its origin is located
at [0,0,0]; a point on its Z axis is at [0,0,1]; and a point on the R-Z plane is at [0,0,1]. The coordinate
values are expressed within the global coordinate frame, Coord 0.
Coordinate Frame 3Point Method Example
Creates a cylindrical coordinate frame, Coord 200. Its origin is located at Point 8; a point on its Z axis is
at [x8 y8 2] (which is at the X and Y coordinates of Point 8 and at Z=2); and a point on the R-Z plane is
at Point 6.
395 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Coordinate Frames
Creating Coordinate Frames Using the Axis Method
The Axis method creates a rectangular, cylindrical or spherical coordinate frame by specifying three
point locations for the coordinate frames origin, at the first, second or third axis and on one of the
remaining two axes. The point locations can be points, vertices, nodes or other point locations provided
on the Point select menu. See Overview of Create Methods For Coordinate Frames.
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Creating Coordinate Frames
396
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Topology
Coordinate Frame Definitions
Coordinate Frame Axis Method Example
Creates a rectangular coordinate frame, Coord 100, using the Create/Axis method. Its definition is
expressed within the rectangular coordinate frame, Coord 0; its origin is located at [0,0,0]; a point on its
X axis is at Point 20; and a point on its Y axis is at Point 12.
397 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Coordinate Frames
Creating Coordinate Frames Using the Euler Method
The Euler method creates a rectangular, cylindrical or spherical coordinate frame through three specified
rotations about the axes of an existing coordinate frame. See Overview of Create Methods For Coordinate
Frames.
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Creating Coordinate Frames
398
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Topology
Coordinate Frame Definitions
399 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Coordinate Frames
Coordinate Frame Euler Method Example
Creates a spherical coordinate frame, Coord 200, using the Create/Euler method. Its definition is
expressed within the rectangular coordinate frame, Coord 100; its origin is located at Point 14 and it is
rotated 45 degrees about Coord 100s X axis.
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Rotation Parameters Subordinate Form Example
The Rotation Parameters subordinate form appears when the Rotation Parameters button is pressed on
the Geometry Application Create/Coord/Euler form. See Creating Coordinate Frames Using the Euler
Method.
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.
401 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Coordinate Frames
Creating Coordinate Frames Using the Normal Method
The Normal method creates a rectangular, cylindrical or spherical coordinate frame with its origin at a
point location on a specified surface or solid face, and its axis 3 direction normal to the surface or face.
The coordinate frames axis 1 direction can be aligned with the surfaces or faces parametric
direction, and its axis 2 direction will be aligned with the direction or visa versa. See Overview of
Create Methods For Coordinate Frames for more information.
You can plot the parametric and directions by pressing the Parametric Direction button on the
Geometric Properties form under the Display/Display Properties/Geometric menu.
1
2
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Creating Coordinate Frames
402
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Topology
Coordinate Frame Definitions
Display>Named Attributes (p. 400) in the Patran Reference Manual
Coordinate Frame Normal Method Example
Creates a rectangular coordinate frame, Coord 1, using the Create/Normal method whose Z axis is normal
to Surface 2 and its origin is at Point 16. Notice that Coord 1s X and Y axis are aligned with Surface 2s
and directions.
1
2
403 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Coordinate Frames
Coordinate Frame Normal Method On a Face Example
Creates rectangular coordinate frame, Coord 2 at Point 17, whose Z axis is normal to the top face of Solid
1.
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404
Creating Coordinate Frames Using the 2 Vector Method
The 2 Vector method creates a rectangular, cylindrical or spherical coordinate frame with its origin at the
designated location. Two of the through coordinate frame axes are defined using existing vectors; their
directions are imposed at the selected origin and the new coordinate frame is then created.
405 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Coordinate Frames
Creating Coordinate Frames Using the View Vector Method
The View Vector method creates a rectangular, cylindrical, or spherical coordinate frame at the
designated origin, using the Euler angles that define the current model orientation within the graphics
viewport.
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406
407 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Planes
Creating Planes
Creating Planes with the Point-Vector Method
The Point-Vector method creates planes at a point and normal to a vector.
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Topology
Coordinate Frame Definitions
Point-Vector Method Example
Creates a plane at a point and normal to a vector.
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Creating Planes with the Vector Normal Method
The Vector Normal method creates Planes whose normal is in the direction of the specified vector and
crosses the vector at a specified offset.
409 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Planes
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Topology
Coordinate Frame Definitions
Vector Normal Option Example
Creates a plane from Vector 1. The normal of the plane is parallel to the Vector.
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410
Creating Planes with the Curve Normal Method
Creating Planes with the Curve Normal Method - Point Option
The Point on Curve method using the Point option creates Planes normal to a tangent vector of a point
along a curve. The plane centroid will be the point location on the curve.
411 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Planes
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Topology
Coordinate Frame Definitions
Point Option Example
Creates a plane whose normal is parallel to the tangent of Curve 1 on the location where Point 3 is
projected on the curve.
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Creating Planes with the Curve Normal Method-Parametric Option
The Point on Curve method using the Parametric option creates Planes that are normal to a specified
curve at a parametric position along the curve. The plane centroid will be the parametric position along
the curve.
413 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Planes
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Topology
Coordinate Frame Definitions
Parametric Option Example
Creates a plane on Curve 1 at the specified parametric location. Its normal is parallel to the tangent of
Curve 1 at that location.
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414
Creating Planes with the Plane Normal Method
The Plane Normal method creates a plane normal to an existing plane. The line defined by the projection
of the new plane onto the existing plane is defined by selecting a vector; this vector is projected normally
onto the existing plane. The new planes normal direction is defined by the vector cross product of the
existing plane normal by the projected vector.
415 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Planes
Creating Planes with the Interpolate Method
Creating Planes with the Interpolate Method - Uniform Option
The Interpolate method creates Planes whose normals are in the direction of the curve tangents at the
interpolating points on the curve. Uniform option will space the planes along the curve based on the equal
arc lengths or equal parametric values upon the users choice.
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416
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Topology
Coordinate Frame Definitions
Plane Interpolate Example
Creates planes on curve 1 at the interpolating points. The planes normals are parallel to the tangents of
Curve 1 at each location.
417 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Planes
Creating Planes with the Interpolate Method - Nonuniform Option
The Interpolate method creates Planes whose normals are in the direction of the curve tangents at the
interpolating points on the curve. Nonuniform option will space the planes along the curve based on the
space ratio applied on the arc length or the parametric values upon the users choice.
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Creating Planes
418
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Topology
Coordinate Frame Definitions
Creating Planes with the Least Squares Method
Creating Planes with the Least Squares Method - Point Option
The Least Squares method using the Point option creates Planes that are a least squares fit to a set of
points that are not co-linear.
419 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Planes
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Topology
Coordinate Frame Definitions
Point Option Example
Creates a plane based on the least squares calculated from Point 1:4.
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420
Creating Planes with the Least Squares Method - Curve Option
The Least Squares method using the Curve option creates Planes that are a least squares fit to a non-linear
curve.
421 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Planes
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Topology
Coordinate Frame Definitions
Curve Option Example
Creates a plane based on the least squares calculated from Curve 1.
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422
Creating Planes with the Least Squares Method - Surface Option
The Least Squares method using the Surface option creates Planes that are a least squares fit to a surface.
423 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Planes
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Topology
Coordinate Frame Definitions
Surface Option Example
Creates a plane based on the least squares calculated from Surface 1.
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424
Creating Planes with the Offset Method
The Vector Normal method creates Planes whose normal is in the direction of the specified vector and
crosses the vector at a specified offset.
425 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Planes
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Topology
Coordinate Frame Definitions
Offset Method Example
Creates planes, which are parallel to Plane 1 but have a offset of 1.0 from each other.
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426
Creating Planes with the Surface Tangent Method
Creating Planes with the Surface Tangent Method - Point Option
The Tangent method using the Point option creates Planes that are tangent to a specified surface at a
specified point on the surface. The plane centroid will be the point location on the surface.
427 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Planes
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Topology
Coordinate Frame Definitions
Point Option Example
Creates a plane which is tangent to Surface 1 at Point 5.
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428
Creating Planes with the Surface Tangent Method - Parametric Option
The Tangent method using the Parametric option creates Planes that are tangent to a specified surface at
a parametric position on the surface. The plane centroid will be the tangent point on the surface.
429 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Planes
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Topology
Coordinate Frame Definitions
Parametric Option Example
Creates a plane which is tangent to Surface 1 at the specified parametric locations.
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430
Creating Planes with the 3 Points Method
The 3 Point method creates Planes which pass through three specified points that are not co-linear. The
plane centroid will be average of the first point.
431 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Planes
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Topology
Coordinate Frame Definitions
3 Points Method Example
Creates a plane from Point 1:3.
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432
433 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Vectors
Creating Vectors
Creating Vectors with the Magnitude Method
The Magnitude method creates Vectors from a specified vector magnitude, direction and base point. The
base point can be expressed by cartesian coordinates or by an existing vertex, node or other point location
provided by the Point select menu.
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Topology
Coordinate Frame Definitions
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
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434
Magnitude Example
Creates a vector based at point 1 and directing along the X axis. The vector has a magnitude of 1.0.
Creating Vectors with the Interpolate Method
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.
435 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Vectors
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Topology
Creating Vectors with the Intersect Method
The Intersect method creates Vectors from the intersections of pairs of Planes. The origins of the two
planes will be projected onto the intersection line to determine the base and tip of the resulting vector. If
the base and tip are not unique, the tip will be assumed.
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436
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Topology
Coordinate Frame Definitions
Intersect Example
Creates a vector along the intersection of Plane 1 and Plane 2.
437 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Vectors
Creating Vectors with the Normal Method
Creating Vectors with the Normal Method - Plane Option
The Normal method using the Plane option creates Vectors from normal vectors to a Plane; originating
at the plane and passing through a point. The tip point can be expressed by cartesian coordinates or by an
existing vertex, node or other point location provided by the Point select menu.
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438
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Topology
Coordinate Frame Definitions
Plane Option Example
Creates a vector which is directing along the normal of Plane 1.
439 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Vectors
Creating Vectors with the Normal Method - Surface Option
The Normal method using the Plane option creates Vectors from normal vectors to a Plane. The base
point can be expressed by cartesian coordinates or by an existing vertex, node or other point location
provided by the Point select menu.
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440
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Topology
Coordinate Frame Definitions
Surface Option Example
Creates a vector which is directing along the normal of Surface 1 at Point 5.
441 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Vectors
Creating Vectors with the Normal Method - Element Face Option
The Normal method using the Element Face option creates Vectors from normal vectors to an Element
Face. The base point of the vector will be the element face centroid by default, but a node on the element
face may also be specified.
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Creating Vectors
442
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Topology
Coordinate Frame Definitions
Element Face 2D Option Example
Creates a vector along the normal of the element face at Node 6.
443 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Vectors
Element Face 3D Option Example
Creates a vector along the normal of the element face at Node 2.
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Creating Vectors
444
Creating Vectors with the Product Method
The Product method creates vectors of the cross products of two existing vectors. The base point of the
created vector will be the base point of the first vector.
445 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Vectors
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Topology
Coordinate Frame Definitions
Product Example
Creates Vector 3, which is the cross product of Vector 1 and Vector 2.
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Creating Vectors
446
Creating Vectors with the 2 Point Method
The 2 Point method creates vectors between two existing point locations. The point locations can be
existing points, vertices, nodes, or other point locations provided on the Point select menu.
447 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating Vectors
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Topology
Coordinate Frame Definitions
2 Point Option Example
Creates a vector starting from Point 1 and ending at Point 2.
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Creating Vectors
448
449 Chapter 4: Create Actions
Creating P-Shapes
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.
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Creating P-Shapes
450
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.
451 Chapter 4: Create Actions
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.
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Creating P-Shapes
452
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.
453 Chapter 4: Create Actions
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.
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Creating P-Shapes
454
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.
455 Chapter 4: Create Actions
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.
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Creating P-Shapes
456
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.
457 Chapter 4: Create Actions
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.
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Creating P-Shapes
458
459 Chapter 4: Create Actions
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.
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Edit P-Shapes
460
Chapter 5: Delete Actions
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
5
Delete Actions
1
1
509 Chapter 6: Edit Actions
Editing Curves
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Topology
Connectivity
Display>Named Attributes (p. 400) in the Patran Reference Manual
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Editing Curves
510
Curve Reverse Method Example
This example reverses Curves 6, 7 and 8. Notice that the parametric direction is displayed for the curves.
Curve Reverse Method With Associated Elements Example
This example is the same as the previous example, except Curves 7, 8 and 9 have associated bar elements.
Although the node IDs are not reversed, Patran internally reverses the bar elements connectivities. For
example, for Bar 1 the nodes are stored as Nodes 2 and 1, instead of 1 and 2.
511 Chapter 6: Edit Actions
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.
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Editing Curves
512
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Topology
Curve Trim Method At a Point Example
Trims Curve 9 at Point 9, with Point 9 cursor selected in the Curve/Point List as end of the curve to
discard or trim off.
513 Chapter 6: Edit Actions
Editing Curves
Curve Trim Method At a Point Example
Trims Curve 9 at the intersection of Curves 9 and 10 by using the Point select menu icon listed below for
the Trim Point List. Point 8 is cursor selected for the Curve/Point List as the end of the curve to trim.
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Editing Curves
514
Trimming a Curve Using the Parametric Option
The Trim method using the Parametric option modifies an existing set of curves by trimming them at a
specified parametric coordinate location, where has a range of . You cannot trim existing
edges.
1
1
0
1
1 s s
515 Chapter 6: Edit Actions
Editing Curves
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Topology
Connectivity
Display>Named Attributes (p. 400) in the Patran Reference Manual
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Editing Curves
516
Curve Trim Method At a Parametric Location Example
Trims Curve 9 at , where Point 8 is cursor selected as the end of the curve to trim.
Curve Trim Method At a Parametric Location Example
This example is the same as the previous example, except Point 1 instead of Point 8 is cursor selected as
the end of the curve to trim in the Curve/Point List box.
1
u ( ) 0.75 =
517 Chapter 6: Edit Actions
Editing Curves
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Editing Surfaces
518
Editing Surfaces
Surface Break Options
Breaking a Surface With the Curve Option
The Break method with the Curve option creates two surfaces by breaking a surface or solid face at a
curve location.The curve location does not have to lie on the surface, but it must intersect on opposite
edges of the surface or face. The curve location can be a curve, an edge or other curve locations provided
on the Curve select menu.
519 Chapter 6: Edit Actions
Editing Surfaces
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Topology
Surface Break Method At a Curve Example
Breaks Surface 1 at Curve 3. Notice that Curve 3 does not lie on Surface 1. Instead, Patran projects the
curve break location on the surface. Also, Delete Original Surfaces is pressed in and Surface 1 is deleted.
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Editing Surfaces
520
Surface Break Method At Two Points Example
This example is the same as the previous example, except the curve break location is defined by Points
8 and 9 using the Curve select menu icon listed below.
521 Chapter 6: Edit Actions
Editing Surfaces
Surface Break Method At a Curve on a Face Example
Breaks a face of Solid 1 using the Surface select menu icon listed below, at the break location of Curve 1.
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Editing Surfaces
522
Breaking a Surface With the Surface Option
The Break method with the Surface option creates two surfaces by breaking a surface or solid face at a
surface location.The surface break location must intersect the surface or face on opposite edges. The
surface break location can be a surface or a solid face.
523 Chapter 6: Edit Actions
Editing Surfaces
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Topology
Surface Break Method At a Surface Example
Creates Surface 4 and 5 by breaking Surface 1 in half with the break location of Surface 3.
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Editing Surfaces
524
Breaking a Surface With the Plane Option
This method breaks a surface with a plane. The surface will be broken along its intersection with the
plane.
525 Chapter 6: Edit Actions
Editing Surfaces
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Topology
Breaking a Surface With the Plane Option Example
Creates Surfaces 3 and 4 by breaking Surface 2 in half with the break location of Plane 1.
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Editing Surfaces
526
Breaking a Surface With the Point Option
The Break method with the Point option creates two or four surfaces by breaking an existing surface or
solid face defined at a point location. If the point is on an edge, then two surfaces are created. If the point
is located on the interior, then four surfaces are created. The point location can be a point, a node, a
vertex, a curve/curve intersection or a curve/surface intersection.
527 Chapter 6: Edit Actions
Editing Surfaces
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Topology
Surface Break Method At a Point Example
Breaks Surface 1 into four Surfaces at Point 5. Notice that Delete Original Surfaces is pressed and
Surface 1 is deleted.
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Editing Surfaces
528
Surface Break Method At a Point Example
This example is the same as the previous example, except that the break location is at Point 4 instead of
Point 5, and Surfaces 2 and 3 are created instead of four surfaces.
529 Chapter 6: Edit Actions
Editing Surfaces
Surface Break Method At a Vertex Example
Breaks Surface 1 along the diagonal into Surfaces 2 and 3 at Point 1 which is located at the vertex of
Surface 1.
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Editing Surfaces
530
Breaking a Surface Using the 2 Point Option
The Break method using the 2 Point option creates two surfaces by breaking an existing surface or solid
face defined by two point locations. The point locations must lie on opposite edges of the surface or face.
The point locations can be points, nodes, vertices, curve/curve intersections, or curve/surface
intersections.
531 Chapter 6: Edit Actions
Editing Surfaces
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Topology
Surface Break Method At 2 Points Example
Breaks Surface 1 into Surfaces 2 and 3 defined by Point 5 and Node 1. Notice that Delete Original
Surfaces is pressed in and Surface 1 is deleted.
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Editing Surfaces
532
Breaking a Surface With the Parametric Option
The Break method with the Parametric option creates two surfaces from an existing surface or solid face.
The break location is defined at the surfaces or faces parametric or coordinate location, where
has a range of and has a range of .
1
2
1
0
1
1 s s
2
0
2
1 s s
533 Chapter 6: Edit Actions
Editing Surfaces
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Topology
Connectivity
Display>Named Attributes (p. 400) in the Patran Reference Manual
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Editing Surfaces
534
Surface Break Method At Parametric Location u=0.25 Example
Breaks Surface 1 into Surfaces 2 and 3 at . Notice that Delete Original Surfaces is pressed
and Surface 1 is deleted and that the parametric direction is displayed.
Surface Break Method At Parametric Location v=0.25 Example
This example is the same as the previous example, except that the break location is at .
1
u ( ) 0.25 =
2
v ( ) 0.25 =
535 Chapter 6: Edit Actions
Editing Surfaces
Surface Break Method On a Face At Parametric Location v=0.25 Example
Breaks a face of Solid 1 by using the Surface select menu icon listed below at .
2
v ( ) 0.25 =
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Editing Surfaces
536
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.
537 Chapter 6: Edit Actions
Editing Surfaces
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Topology
Parametric Cubic Geometry
Note: A parametric green surface is required for this operation to work.
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Editing Surfaces
538
Surface Blend Method Example
Blends Surfaces 1, 5, 3 and 4 with a default weight factor of 0.5 applied to all surface edges.
Surface Blend Method Example
Blends Surfaces 1 through 4 with a weighting factor of 1.0 applied to two edges (highlighted in the
Before picture).
539 Chapter 6: Edit Actions
Editing Surfaces
Disassembling Trimmed Surfaces
The Disassemble method operates on one or more trimmed surfaces and creates the parent surface that
has the same curvature as the trimmed surface. A trimmed surface can be created either by using the
Geometry Applications Create/Surface/Trim form or by using the Create/Surface/Planar Trim form.
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Editing Surfaces
540
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Trimmed Surfaces
Creating Trimmed Surfaces
541 Chapter 6: Edit Actions
Editing Surfaces
Surface Disassemble Method Example
Operates on Surface 2 which is a general trimmed surface. Surface 3 is the new parent surface. Notice
that new curves associated with Surface 2 are also created.
Surface Disassemble Method Example
Operates on Surface 1 which is a planar trimmed surface. Notice that the new parent surface, Surface 2,
is also planar and that new curves associated with Surface 1 are created.
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Editing Surfaces
542
Editing Edges from Surfaces
Removing Edges from Surfaces with Edge Option
With this form you can remove a given edge of a trimmed surface. This process differs from the vertex
removal function which was topological in nature. This operation is both topological and geometrical in
that the shape of the trimmed surface will be altered as well as the topology. The edges adjacent to the
543 Chapter 6: Edit Actions
Editing Surfaces
removed edge will be extended until they intersect. This intersection must take place within the domain
of the parent surface.
Removing Edges from Surfaces with Edge Length Option
With this form you can automatically remove all edges whose length is less than a specified value.
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Editing Surfaces
544
Adding Edges from Surfaces
With this form you can automatically add edges to a surface.
545 Chapter 6: Edit Actions
Editing Surfaces
Replacing Edges from Surfaces
With this form you can automatically replace edges on a specified surface with an existing curve.
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Editing Surfaces
546
Matching Surface Edges
Matching Surface Edges with the 2 Surface Option
The Edge Match method with the 2 Surface option recreates the second surface of a specified pair that
547 Chapter 6: Edit Actions
Editing Surfaces
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 and 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.
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Topology
Topological Congruency and Meshing
1
2
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Editing Surfaces
548
Surface Edge Match Method Example
Edits Surface 2 which is specified as the second surface of the pair and closes the gap between Surfaces
1 and 2.
Surface Edge Match Method Example
This example is the same as the previous example, except Surface 1 is specified as the second surface of
the surface pair.
549 Chapter 6: Edit Actions
Editing Surfaces
Matching Surface Edges with the Surface-Point Option
The Edge Match method with the Surface-Point option recreates a specified surface as a trimmed surface
that includes an additional cursor defined vertex point. This method is useful for correcting topologically
incongruent pairs of surfaces so that they are congruent before you mesh.
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Editing Surfaces
550
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Topology
Topological Congruency and Meshing
Surface Edge Match Method With Surface-Point Example
Recreates Surface 1 which was a parametric bi-cubic surface, into a trimmed surface which has the
vertices Points 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 so that Surface 1 is congruent with Surfaces 2 and 3. The additional vertex
551 Chapter 6: Edit Actions
Editing Surfaces
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.
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Editing Surfaces
552
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Extending a Surface With the 2 Surface Option Example
Extend surface 1 to the line of intersection of surface 2.
553 Chapter 6: Edit Actions
Editing Surfaces
Extending Surfaces to a Curve
This form is used to extend a surface to an intersecting curve.
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Editing Surfaces
554
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Extending a Surface to a Curve Example
Extend Surface 1 to the edge of Surface 2.
555 Chapter 6: Edit Actions
Editing Surfaces
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Extending Surfaces to a Plane
This form is used to extend a surface to an intersecting plane.
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Editing Surfaces
556
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Extending a Surface to a Plane Example
Extend Surface 1 to Plane 1.
557 Chapter 6: Edit Actions
Editing Surfaces
Extending Surfaces to a Point
This form is used to extend a surface to an intersecting point.
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Editing Surfaces
558
Extending a Surface to a Point Example
Extend Surface 1 to Point 1.
559 Chapter 6: Edit Actions
Editing Surfaces
Extending Surfaces to a Surface
This form is used to extend a surface to an intersecting surface.
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Editing Surfaces
560
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
561 Chapter 6: Edit Actions
Editing Surfaces
Extending a Surface to a Surface Example
Extend Surface 1 to the line of intersection of Surface 2 and break Surface 2 at the line of intersection to
create Surface 3 and 4, then delete Surface 2.
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Editing Surfaces
562
Extending Surfaces with the Percentage Option
This form is used to extend a surface by a percentage in the U and/or V parametric directions.
563 Chapter 6: Edit Actions
Editing Surfaces
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Extending a Surface With the Percentage Option Example
Extend Surface 1 by 100% in the U direction starting at U-Max = 1 and shrink Surface 1 by 50% in the
V direction starting at V-Max=1.
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Editing Surfaces
564
Extending Surfaces with the Fixed Length Option
This form is used to extend a surface by a fixed length.
565 Chapter 6: Edit Actions
Editing Surfaces
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Extending a Surface With the Fixed Length Option Example
Extend Surface 1 by a fixed length of 5.0 units in the X direction.
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Editing Surfaces
566
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.
567 Chapter 6: Edit Actions
Editing Surfaces
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Topology
Topological Congruency and Meshing
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Editing Surfaces
568
Reversing Surfaces
The Reverse method redefines the connectivity of an existing set of surfaces or solid faces by exchanging
the positive and directions of the surfaces or faces. You can plot the and directions for the
surfaces by pressing the Show Parametric Direction toggle on the Geometric Attributes form found under
the menu Display/Geometry.
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Topology
1
2
1
2
569 Chapter 6: Edit Actions
Editing Surfaces
Connectivity
Parametric Cubic Geometry
Showing Surface Attributes
Surface Reverse Method Example
Reverses the parametric and directions for Surface 1. Notice that the parametric directions are
displayed on the surfaces. Also, notice that Auto Execute is not on so that you can press the Draw Normal
Vectors button without executing the form.
1
2
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Editing Surfaces
570
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.
571 Chapter 6: Edit Actions
Editing Surfaces
Surface Sew Method Example
Edits surfaces 1 and 2 by closing the gap between edges which share common vertices.
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Editing Surfaces
572
Subtracting Surfaces
The Subtract method .
573 Chapter 6: Edit Actions
Editing Surfaces
Trimming Surfaces to an Edge
This form is used to trim a Surface with one of its edges and optionally delete the surface with the
smallest surface area after the trim.
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Editing Surfaces
574
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Trim Surface To Edge Example
Trim the sliver from surface 5 by selecting the surface edge surface 5.4.
575 Chapter 6: Edit Actions
Editing Surfaces
Adding a Fillet to a Surface
This form facilitates the creation of a fillet edge between two existing edges sharing a given vertex. This
operation, when successful will replace the input vertex with a new edge.
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Editing Surfaces
576
Adding a Hole to Surfaces
Adding a Hole to Surfaces with the Center Point Option
The Add Hole method using the Center Point option adds a circular hole to a Surface. The circular hole
is defined in the tangent plane of the supplied, manifolded center point.
577 Chapter 6: Edit Actions
Editing Surfaces
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Adding a Hole to a Surface with the Center Point Option Example
This will add nine circular holes to surface 1 using points 52:60. Warning messages will be generated for
the other points due to interference of holes at these points with surface edges.
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Editing Surfaces
578
Adding a Hole to Surfaces with the Project Vector Option
The Add Hole method using the Projection Vector option adds a circular hole to a Surface. The circular
hole is defined in the plane of the supplied vector and vector-projected onto the surface.
579 Chapter 6: Edit Actions
Editing Surfaces
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Adding a Hole to a Surface with the Project Vector Option codeindent10
This will add two holes to surface 6 using points 78 and 82 and the projection vector defined by the x
axis of Coordinate Frame 0.
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Editing Surfaces
580
Adding a Hole to Surfaces with the Inner Loop Option
The Add Hole method using the Inner Loop option adds a hole to a Surface. The hole is defined by the
supplied closed, chained curves which will define inner loops for the creation of a Trimmed Surface.
581 Chapter 6: Edit Actions
Editing Surfaces
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Adding a Hole to a Surface with the Inner Loop Option Example
This will add 5 new holes to surface 6 using curves 14, 15, 16, 29, and 30.
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Editing Surfaces
582
Removing a Hole from Trimmed Surfaces
The Remove Hole method removes a hole from a Trimmed Surface. The hole to remove can be any edge-
curves which are inner loops of a Trimmed Surface.
583 Chapter 6: Edit Actions
Editing Surfaces
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Removing a Hole from a Trimmed Surface Example
This will remove all the small inner loops from surface 4.
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Editing Surfaces
584
Adding a Vertex to Surfaces
The Add Vertex method adds a vertex to a surface. The point used to create a vertex can be any point
which is on the edge of the selected surface. If a hardpoint is converted to a surface vertex in the process
of adding a vertex to a surface, then this point(vertex) cannot be reassociated to the surface as a hardpoint.
585 Chapter 6: Edit Actions
Editing Surfaces
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Adding a Vertex to a Surface Example
This will add a vertex to surface 2 using point 3. The result is surface 2 becomes a trimmed surface with
five vertices.
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Editing Surfaces
586
Removing a Vertex from Trimmed Surfaces
The Remove Vertex method removes a vertex from a Trimmed Surface. The vertex to remove can be any
vertex of a Trimmed Surface with the exception that one vertex per loop must remain.
587 Chapter 6: Edit Actions
Editing Surfaces
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Removing a Vertex from a Trimmed Surface Example
This will remove vertex 3.4.2 from trimmed surface 3. The result is a parametric bicubic surface.
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
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589 Chapter 6: Edit Actions
Editing Solids
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
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Editing Solids
590
PATRAN 2 Neutral File Support For Parametric Cubic Geometry
Topology
Solid Break Method with the Point Option Example
Breaks Solid 1 into eight solids by referencing Point 9. Notice that Delete Original Surfaces is pressed
and Solid 1 is deleted.
591 Chapter 6: Edit Actions
Editing Solids
Solid Break Method with the Point Option Example
This example is similar to the previous example, except that the break point is on a face instead of inside
of Solid 1, and four solids are created instead of eight.
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Solid Break Method with the Point Option Example
This example is similar to the previous example, except that the break point is on an edge instead of on
a face of Solid 1, and two solids are created instead of four.
593 Chapter 6: Edit Actions
Editing Solids
Breaking Solids with the Parametric Option
The Break method with the Parametric option creates two, four or eight solids from an existing solid. The
break location is defined at the solids parametric , , and coordinate locations where has a
range of , has a range of and has a range of .
1
2
3
1
0
1
1 s s
2
0
2
1 s s
3
0
3
1 s s
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595 Chapter 6: Edit Actions
Editing Solids
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Topology
Connectivity
Display>Named Attributes (p. 400) in the Patran Reference Manual
Solid Break Method with the Parametric Option Example
Breaks Solid 1 into eight smaller solids at , , and . Notice that Delete Original
Surfaces is pressed and Surface 1 is deleted and that the parametric direction is displayed.
1
0.5 =
2
0.5 =
3
0.5 =
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Solid Break Method with the Parametric Option Example
This example is similar to the previous example, except instead of , and Surface 1 is
broken into four solids instead of eight.
1
0 =
1
0.5 =
597 Chapter 6: Edit Actions
Editing Solids
Solid Break Method with the Parametric Option Example
This example is similar to the first example, except and instead of and ,
and Surface 1 is broken into two solids instead of eight.
1
0 =
2
0 =
1
0.5 =
2
0.5 =
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Breaking Solids with the Curve Option
The Break method with the Curve option breaks an existing solid into two solids at a curve break location.
The curve location must completely lie on and bisect a face of the solid.
599 Chapter 6: Edit Actions
Editing Solids
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
PATRAN 2 Neutral File Support For Parametric Cubic Geometry
Topology
Solid Break Method with the Curve Option Example
Breaks Solids 2 and 3 into two solids each at Curve 1. Notice that Delete Original Solids is pressed and
Solid 1 is deleted.
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Breaking Solids with the Plane Option
The method breaks a solid with a plane. The solid will be broken along its intersection with the plane.
601 Chapter 6: Edit Actions
Editing Solids
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
PATRAN 2 Neutral File Support For Parametric Cubic Geometry
Topology
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
Editing Solids
602
Breaking a Solid with the Plane Option Example
Creates Solids 2 and 3 by breaking Solid 1 along its intersection with Plane 1. Notice that Delete Original
Solids is pressed and Solid 1 is deleted.
Breaking Solids with the Surface Option
The Break method with the Surface option breaks an existing solid into two smaller solids at a surface
break location. The surface break location must completely pass through the solid.
603 Chapter 6: Edit Actions
Editing Solids
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
PATRAN 2 Neutral File Support For Parametric Cubic Geometry
Topology
Solid Break Method with the Surface Option Example
Breaks Solid 1 into two solids at Surface 1. Notice that Delete Original Solids is pressed and Solid 1 is
deleted.
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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.
605 Chapter 6: Edit Actions
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.
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Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
PATRAN 2 Neutral File Support For Parametric Cubic Geometry
Topology
Parametric Cubic Geometry
Solid Blend Method Example
Creates Solids 4, 5 and 6 by blending Solids 1, 2 and 3. Notice that Delete Original Solids is pressed and
Solids 1, 2 and 3 are deleted.
607 Chapter 6: Edit Actions
Editing Solids
Solid Blend Method Example
This example is similar to the previous example, except that weighting factors, 1e6 and 1e-6, are used so
that Solids 1 and 3 dominate the slope.
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Disassembling B-rep Solids
The Disassemble method operates on one or more boundary represented (B-rep) solids and breaks them
into the original surfaces that composed each B-rep solid. A B-rep solid can be created by the Geometry
Applications Create/Solid/B-rep form.
609 Chapter 6: Edit Actions
Editing Solids
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
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Editing Solids
610
Disassemble a B-rep Solid Example
Disassemble solid 1 into its constituent surfaces and convert all possible surfaces into Simply Trimmed
surfaces (green). If Conver to Simply Trimmed toggle was OFF, the resulting surfaces would maintain
their original type; (magenta).
611 Chapter 6: Edit Actions
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.
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Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Solids
Building B-rep Solids
Creating a Boundary Representation (B-rep) Solid
613 Chapter 6: Edit Actions
Editing Solids
Refitting Solids with the To TriParametric 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.
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Solids
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Editing Solids
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Building B-rep Solids
Creating a Boundary Representation (B-rep) Solid
Refitting Solids with the To Parasolid 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.
615 Chapter 6: Edit Actions
Editing Solids
Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Solids
Building B-rep Solids
Creating a Boundary Representation (B-rep) Solid
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Reversing Solids
The Reverse method redefines the connectivity of an existing set of solids by exchanging the positive
and directions of the solids. Then, to maintain a positive parametric frame, Patran translates the
parametric origin up the original axis and then reverses the direction. You can plot the , and
directions for the solids by pressing the Show Parametric Direction toggle on the Geometric Attributes
form found under the menu Display/Geometry.
Solid Reverse Method Example
Reverses the parametric directions for Solid 1 (only the top half of Solid 1 is shown). Notice that the
parametric origin is relocated.
3
3
1
2
3
617 Chapter 6: Edit Actions
Editing Solids
Solid Boolean Operation Add
This form is used to perform a Solid boolean of Add.
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Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Solid Boolean Operation Add Example
Add Solids 2 and 3 to Solid 1.
619 Chapter 6: Edit Actions
Editing Solids
Solid Boolean Operation Subtract
This form is used to perform a Solid boolean operation of Subtract.
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Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Solid Boolean Operation Subtract Example
Subtract solids 2 and 3 from solid 1.
621 Chapter 6: Edit Actions
Editing Solids
Solid Boolean Operation Intersect
This form is used to perform a Solid boolean operation of Intersect.
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Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Solid Boolean Operation Intersect Example
Intersect solids 2 and 3 with solid
623 Chapter 6: Edit Actions
Editing Solids
Creating Solid Edge Blends
Creating Constant Radius Edge Blends from Solid Edges
This form is used to create a constant radius edge blend on an edge(s) of a solid.
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Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Creating Constant Radius Edge Blend from Solid Edges Example
Create an Edge Blend of Radius 0.25 on Solid 7 edges Solid 7.1.5 7.3.6 7.11.1 and 7.3.1.
625 Chapter 6: Edit Actions
Editing Solids
Creating Chamfer Edge Blend from Solid Edges
This form is used to create a constant angle chamfer on an edge(s) of a solid.
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Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Creating Chamfer Edge Blend from Solid Edges Example
Create Chamfers with offset of 0.02 and angle of 45 degrees on Solid 1 edges Solid 1.1.3 1.1.12 1.1.6
1.1.4 1.2.4 and 1.4.4.
627 Chapter 6: Edit Actions
Editing Solids
Imprinting Solid on Solid
This form is used to imprint solid bodies on solid bodies.
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Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Imprint Solid on Solid Example
Imprint Solid Cylinders 2 and 3 onto the faces of Solid Block 1. The Cylinders have been deleted to show
the results of the imprint.
629 Chapter 6: Edit Actions
Editing Solids
Solid Shell Operation
This form is used to create a void in a solid by shelling the selected faces.
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Tip: More Help:
Select Menu (p. 35) in the Patran Reference Manual
Solid Shell Operation Example
Shell solids 1t4 with a wall thickness=0.25 using faces solid 4.1 4.2 3.6 2.1 2.4 2.5 1.4 and 1.2.
631 Chapter 6: Edit Actions
Editing Solids
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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.
633 Chapter 6: Edit Actions
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.
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Editing Feature Parameters
The Edit,Feature,Parameters method displays the list of CAD features associated with the geometry
whose parameters can be edited to be used to regenerate the geometric model based on the new parameter
values.
635 Chapter 6: Edit Actions
Editing Features
Feature Parameter Definition
The Feature Parameter Definition form allows the parameters of a CAD feature to be displayed and
modified for regeneration of a CAD model.
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Chapter 7: Show Actions
Geometry Modeling - Reference Manual Part 2
7
Show Actions