Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Unigraphics NX8 Mesh Surface
Unigraphics NX8 Mesh Surface
Mesh Surface
View a topic
Ruled surface
Section Surface
Through Curves
N-Sided Surface overview
Through Curve Mesh
1. Ruled surface
Use the Ruled command to create a body between two sections, where the ruled shape is a linear
transition between the sections.
A section can consist of single or multiple objects, and each object can be a curve, a solid edge, or a solid
face.
Modeling
Toolbar
Menu
InsertMesh SurfaceRuled
1.1.
This example shows how to create a surface between circular and rectangular sections.
Mesh Surface
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
and select
Mesh Surface
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
1.2.
Specify
Origin
Curve
Lets you specify the origin curve for the selected section string.
Alignment
Controls the shape of the feature by defining how NX spaces the isoparametric curves of
the new surface along the sections.
Alignment
Isoparametric curves are generated along the U and V parameters on a face. For more
information see **Unsatisfied xref title**.
When the Preserve Shape check box is selected, you can use only the Parameter and By
Mesh Surface
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
Specify Point
option is available to let you realign the points or add new
ones. You can also click Reset to restore the default alignment points.
When the Preserve Shape check box is cleared, the following additional methods are also
available.
Arc Length Spaces isoparametric curve connection points at equal arc length
intervals along the defining sections. NX uses the entire length of each curve.
Distance Spaces points along each section at equal distances in a specified
direction. This results in isoparametric curves that all lie in planes perpendicular to
the specified direction vector.
Specify Vector
options are available to let you specify the direction in
which the isoparametric curves must be spaced.
Angle Spaces the points along each curve at equal angles around a specified
axis line. This results in isoparametric curves which all lie in planes containing the
axis line.
Specify Vector
and Specify Point
options are available in the
Axis group to let you specify the direction and location of the axis.
Spine Curve Places the points at the intersections of the selected sections and
planes perpendicular to a selected spine curve. The extent of the resulting body is
based on the limits of this spine curve.
Select Spine Curve
Spine curves that are all, or in part, perpendicular to the defining sections are
Mesh Surface
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
invalid, because the intersection between the section planes and the defining
curves is nonexistent, or poorly defined.
For more information on alignment options, see Alignment methods.
Settings
Lets you specify either a sheet body or a solid body for the ruled feature.
Body Type
Solid
Sheet
To get a solid body, the section strings must form closed loops.
Preserves sharp corners by forcing a tolerance value of 0.0, overriding the default of
approximating the output surface.
Preserve
Shape
When you clear this check box, the G0 (Position) value is used and any sharp corners in
the section strings are smoothened, but with a small radius of curvature.
Note This options is available for all alignment methods, but you can use this option only
when Alignment is set to Parameter or By Points.
G0 (Position) Lets you specify a maximum distance between the input geometry and the resulting body.
2. Through Curves
Use the Through Curves command to create a body through multiple sections where the shape changes
to pass through each section. A section can consist of a single object or multiple objects, and each object
can be any combination of curves, and solid edges, or a solid face.
You can do the following:
The Through Curves command is similar to the Ruled command. With Through Curves, you can use
more than two sections and you can specify tangency or curvature constraints at the start and end sections.
Mesh Surface
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
Modeling
Toolbar
SurfaceThrough Curves
Menu
2.1.
This example shows how to create a basic Through Curves surface through six sections. Each section
consists of two tangent curves.
For this example, on the Selection bar, from the Curve Rule list, Tangent Curves is selected.
3. Select a curve and click the middle mouse button to complete the selection of the first section.
For this example, the first curve at the upper end is selected.
Since you selected Tangent Curves as your selection rule, two tangent curves are added to your
model and displayed as Section 1 in the List box.
4. Select additional curves and add as a new section.
For this example, each set of tangent curves is selected and added as a new section.
Mesh Surface
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
Note To avoid twisting and to ensure that each section points in the same direction, select the top
curve at the upper end.
5. Click OK or Apply to create the Through Curves surface.
The surface is created using the default options in the Alignment and Output Surface Options
groups.
For this example, the default Parameter alignment method is used.
Mesh Surface
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
9. On the View toolbar, set the Rendering Style Drop-Down list to Shaded with Edges.
10. Click OK to update the surface.
2.2.
This example shows how to create a surface that connects two sheet bodies, is tangent continuous with
the two sets of faces, and passes through the line between the two sheets.
or choose Insert.Mesh
For this example, on the Selection bar, from the Curve Rule list, Tangent Curves is selected.
3. Select the sections.
Mesh Surface
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
For this example, the three sections are selected in the order shown, near their left ends, using the
middle mouse button after you select each section.
becomes available.
to define the first section and select the faces of the lower sheet
becomes available.
Mesh Surface
to define the last section and select the faces of the upper sheet
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
10
option.
Mesh Surface
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
11
Tip To return to the previous rendering style, on the View toolbar, set the Rendering Style
Drop-Down list to Shaded with Edges.
2.3.
Sections
Lets you select section strings.
Select Curve
or Point
Lets you change the origin curve in a closed loop.
Specify
Origin Curve
List
, Move Down
or Remove
Continuity
Apply to All
Applies the continuity constraint selected for one section, to the first and last sections.
First Section / Lets you select constraining faces and specify continuity for the selected section.
Last Section
You can specify G0 (Position), G1 (Tangent) or G2 (Curvature) continuity.
Select Face
is available for G1 (Tangent) and G2 (Curvature) to let you select one
or more continuity constraint faces.
Unconstrained Through Curves surface G2 constrained Through Curves surface to both
(green)
sets of faces
Mesh Surface
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
Flow
Direction
12
Not available when all Continuity options are set to G0 (Position). This option applies
only to models that use a constraint surface.
Specifies the flow direction in relation to the constraint surface.
Alignment
Alignment list Controls the shape of the feature by defining how NX spaces the isoparametric curves of
the new surface along the sections.
Isoparametric curves are generated along the U and V parameters on a face. For more
information see **Unsatisfied xref title**.
Arc Length Spaces isoparametric curve connection points at equal arc length
intervals along the sections. NX uses the entire length of each curve.
Distance Spaces points along each section at equal distances in a specified
direction. This results in isoparametric curves that all lie in planes perpendicular to
the specified direction vector.
Specify Vector options
and
are available to let you specify the direction
in which the isoparametric curves must be placed.
Mesh Surface
Angle Spaces the points along each curve at equal angles around a specified
axis line. This results in isoparametric curves which all lie in planes containing the
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
13
axis line.
Specify Vector options
and
and Specify Point options
and
are
available in the Axis group to let you specify the direction and location of the axis.
Spine Curve Places the points at the intersections of the selected sections and
planes perpendicular to a selected spine curve. The extent of the resulting body is
based on the limits of this spine curve.
Select Spine Curve option
Closed in V
Single Creates a single patch. The maximum number of sections is 25 and the
degree in the V direction is one less than the number of strings selected.
Multiple Creates multiple patches.
Match String
Closes the feature between the first and last sections along columns in the V direction.
If the sections you select are closed and this check box is selected, and the Body Type
option is set to Body, NX creates a solid body.
For multiple patches, the closed status of the body along rows (U direction) is based on
the closed status of the sections. If the sections you select are all closed, the body
generated is closed in the U direction.
Mesh Surface
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
14
Construction Lets you specify the construction method to create the surface.
Normal Creates a curve mesh surface using the standard procedures. Creates a
body or surface with a greater number of patches when compared with the other
Construction options.
Spline Points Creates a body using the points and tangent values at the points
for the input curves.
The curves are temporarily reparameterized through their defining points and
retain any user-defined tangent values. These temporary curves are then used to
create the body. This creates a simpler body with fewer patches.
Note The selected curves must be single B-curves with the same number of
defining points.
Lets you specify either a sheet body or a solid body for the through curves feature.
Solid
Sheet
Mesh Surface
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
15
Available only when Construction in the Output Surface Options group is set to
Normal.
Constructs a high-quality surface by redefining the degree or segments of the sections. If
the sections have poor knot placement or there are differences in degree between them,
the output surface may be more complex than necessary, or the isoparameter lines may be
too wavy. This could produce incorrect highlighting and prevent continuity between
surfaces.
Tolerance
Specifies the tolerance values for the Continuity options to control the accuracy of the
rebuilt surface in relation to the input curves.
2.4.
Alignment methods
Alignment methods are available in many NX commands. They allow you to control how the feature
flows from one section to another.
Following is a list of the methods. Not all are available in all commands.
Mesh Surface
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
16
Parameter Spaces the isoparametric curve connection points at equal parameter intervals
along the sections. NX uses the entire length of each curve. Parameter values vary according to
curvature; the tighter the curvature, the closer is the interval.
The following graphic shows the grid display of how the isoparametric lines are spaced when you
use the Parameter alignment method.
Arc Length Spaces isoparametric curve connection points at equal arc length intervals along
the defining sections. NX uses the entire length of each curve.
The following graphic shows how the entire section length is divided into equal arc length
segments to align.
By Points Aligns points between sections of different shapes. NX places alignment points and
their alignment lines along the sections. You can add, delete, and move the points to preserve
sharp corners or otherwise refine the surface shape.
The following graphics shows a surface that transitions from a circular section to a rectangular one.
Mesh Surface
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
17
This method gives you more control over the alignment, letting you control the specific alignment
of points in each section.
Tip It is recommended that you include alignment points at sharp corners. If you do not, NX
creates high-curvature, smoothed corner bodies to approximate them, and any subsequent
feature operations performed on the corners or faces, such as blends, shells, or Boolean
operations, may fail due to the curvature.
Distance Spaces points along each section at equal distances in a specified direction. This
results in isoparametric curves that all lie in planes perpendicular to the specified direction vector.
The defining curves determine the extents of the body, the body continues until it reaches the end
of one of the defining curves.
You can specify the direction in which the isoparametric curves are spaced. Internally, NX
constructs planes which are intersected with each of the defining curves to obtain the points
needed for the isoparametric curves.
Angle Spaces the points along each curve at equal angles around a specified axis line. This
results in isoparametric curves which all lie in planes containing the axis line. The extents of the
body are determined by the defining curves, the body continues until it reaches the end of one of
the defining curves.
Spine Curve Places the points at the intersections of the sections and planes perpendicular to
the selected spine curve. The extent of the resulting body is based on the limits of this spine curve.
The following graphic shows the spine curve selected in yellow. Note that the surface does not
extend till the entire length of the sections, but is limited by the length of the single curve selected.
Mesh Surface
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
18
Note Spine curves which are all, or in part, perpendicular to the sections are invalid because the
intersection between the planes and the sections would be nonexistent or poorly defined.
Spline Points Creates a surface using points and tangent values for the input curves. The new
surface is required to pass through the points that define the input curves, and not the curves
themselves. This changes the curve parameters and creates a smooth surface. When the curve
parameters are changed, the tangent values remain the same.
Note For this method, sections must be single B-curves each with the same number of defining
points.
Mesh Surface
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
19
Constrain the new surface to be G0, G1, or G2 continuous with adjacent faces.
Control cross curve parameterization with a set of spine curves.
Locate the surface near the primary curves or cross curves, or at an average between the two sets.
Modeling
Toolbar
Menu
, or choose InsertMesh
2. Select a curve for the first primary set and click the middle mouse button or Add New Set
For this example, the curve at the top is selected.
Mesh Surface
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
20
3. On the Selection bar, enable Snap Point and set it to End Point.
4. Select a point as the second primary set.
For this example, the end point of the curve is selected as shown.
Note You must select the primary and cross sets in consecutive order, moving from one side to the
other.
5. Click the middle mouse button twice to complete the selection of primary curves.
6. Select the sets of cross curves and click the middle mouse button or Add New Set
set.
after each
As you select each set of cross curves, the preview is updated to display the surface.
Mesh Surface
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
21
or choose InsertMesh
d. Select the second primary set and click the middle mouse button or Add New Set
complete the selection.
Mesh Surface
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
to
22
e. Select the third primary set and click the middle mouse button or Add New Set
complete the selection.
to
Note Ensure that all the vectors point in the same direction.
3. Select the cross curves.
For this example, do the following:
a. On the Selection bar, set the Curve rule to Single Curve.
b. In the Cross Curves group, click Select Curve
.
c. Select the curve on the left as the first cross set and click the middle mouse button or Add
New Set
d. Select the curve on the right as the second cross set and click the middle mouse button or
Add New Set
Mesh Surface
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
23
Note Ensure that all the vectors point in the same direction.
4. In the Continuity group, select a continuity constraint and specify the constraint faces.
For this example, do the following:
a. Select the Apply to All check box.
b. From the First Primary list, select G1 (Tangent).
Select Face
Mesh Surface
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
24
Note You can set any of the Continuity options to G1 (Tangent) as you have selected the Apply
to All check box.
5. In the Output Surface Options group, ensure that Emphasis is set to the required value.
For this example, it is set to Both.
6. In the Settings group, ensure that Rebuild is set to the required value.
For this example, it is set to None.
7. Click OK or Apply to create the mesh surface.
3.3.
Primary Curves
Lets you select sets of primary section consisting of curves, edges or points.
Mesh Surface
25
You can select a point for the first and last sets only.
Note You must select the sets in consecutive order, from one side to the other, and they
must point in the same direction.
Lets you change the origin curve when you select a closed loop of curves.
Specify
Origin Curve
Cross Curves
Lets you select sets of cross section consisting of curves or edges.
If all the selected primary sections are closed loops, you can select the same curves for
Select Curves the first and last set of cross to create a closed body.
Continuity
Lets you select constraining faces at the First Primary and/or Last Primary sections, and First Cross
and Last Cross sections, and specify continuity. You can constrain the mesh surface along common
edges or at the interior of the faces.
Apply to All
Applies the same continuity setting to the first and last sections.
First Primary Lets you set continuity constraints for the first and last primary sections, and cross
sections to control the accuracy of the surface in relation to the input curves.
Last Primary
G0 (Position) Position continuous tolerance. Defaults to the Distance
Tolerance
First Cross
G1 (Tangent) Tangent continuous tolerance. Defaults to the Angle
Tolerance.
Last Cross
G2 (Curvature) Curvature continuous tolerance. Defaults to 0.1 or 10 per
cent of the relative tolerance.
If you select the Apply to All check box, one selection updates all settings.
Appears when you set the continuity for any section to either G1 (Tangent) or G2
(Curvature).
Select Face
Spine
Available only if the first and last primary sections are planar.
Select Curve
Lets you select a spine to control the parameterization of the cross sections.
A spine can improve surface smoothness by forcing U parameter lines to be
perpendicular to the spine.
The spine must be:
Mesh Surface
26
Specifies that the surface passes through either the primary curves, or cross curves, or an
average of the two.
Note This option applies only if a primary and cross curve pair do not intersect.
Mesh Surface
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
27
Normal Builds a curve mesh surface using the standard procedures. Creates a
surface with a greater number of patches when compared with the other methods.
Spline Points Creates a surface using the points and tangent values at the
points for the input curves.
The curves are temporarily reparameterized through their defining points
(retaining any user-defined tangent values). These temporary curves are then used
to create the surface. This creates a simpler surface with fewer patches.
Note The selected curves must be single B-curves with the same number of
defining points.
Simple Creates the surface with or without specifying constraints. This builds
the simplest surface possible, in both patches and math. The sections must have
similar, simple math.
You can select a template curve for the primary sections, and one for the cross
sections. If you do not select templates, NX selects them for you. The generating
curves are refit to reflect the degree and segmentation of the template. If the
template curve has corners, or is more than one curve, the resulting surface is split
into multiple faces.
Note
o
o
Lets you select a template curve for the primary and cross sections. You can select the
same curve for both directions.
When you select a template, NX tries to refit the generating curves to reflect the degree
and segmentation of the template and builds the surface directly from the refitted curves.
Settings
Body Type
Lets you specify either a sheet body or a solid body for the through curve mesh feature.
Solid
Sheet
Available only when Construction in the Output Surface Options group is set to
Normal.
Constructs a high-quality surface by redefining the degree and/or segments of the
primary and cross sections.
Mesh Surface
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
28
If the sections have poor knot placement or there are differences in degree between them,
the output surface may be more complex than necessary, or the isoparameter lines may
be too wavy. This could create incorrect highlighting and prevent continuity between
surfaces. Using Rebuild options, you can make the required changes and build the
surface again.
Note The same options are available in the Primary tab, and the Cross tab.
Tolerance
Specifies the tolerance values for the intersection and continuity options to control the
accuracy of the rebuilt surface in relation to the input curves.
Intersection Specifies the maximum acceptable distance between nonintersecting sets of primary and cross sections. NX displays an error message and
highlights the incorrect section pairs for up to a maximum of four pairs.
The value must be greater than zero.
The remaining continuity options are the same as the ones in the Continuity
group.
4. Section Surface
Use the Section Surface command to create surfaces through sections of curves or edges using conic
construction methods.
Section features are created from a series of conic curves which are calculated by sectioning the specified
curves and faces. The calculated section curves are then swept to create the body.
The following graphic shows the Five-Point type of section surface used to create the surface of a wing.
Mesh Surface
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
29
SurfaceSection Surface
InsertMesh Surface Section
Menu
4.1.
Start guide
End guide
Slope control
You can control the shape of the section surface using the following:
Mesh Surface
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
30
Start and end slope curves or edges whose shape controls the slope of the section surface from the
selected start and end guides.
Start and end faces whose shape controls the slope of the section surface from its selected start or
end guide.
Start face
End face
A single apex curve or edge whose shape controls the slope of the section surface from both its
selected start and end guides.
Apex curve
Spine curve
When you create a section surface, a spine curve is necessary to control the orientation of the calculated
sectioning planes. A spine curve can reduce distortions caused by uneven distribution of the parameters
on the guide curves.
Mesh Surface
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
31
A simple spine leads to a simple arrangement of U parameter curves, and reduces the risk of selfintersection or overly complex surfaces.
The examples shows the U parameter curves of section surfaces resulting when a line is selected as the
spine curve and when an arc is selected as a spine curve.
Spine Curve
Section Surface
Note
Rho values
Rho is a scalar value that controls the fullness of each conic section.
Apex curve
Start edge curve
End edge curve
The height or fullness of the section (distance D1) is calculated by the value entered for rho using this
formula:
rho = D1/D2
A small value of rho (near zero) produces a very flat conic. A large value of rho (near 1) produces a more
pointed conic.
When the U Degree is set to Conic, rho values between 0.0001 and 0.9999 are allowed.
Mesh Surface
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
32
When the U Degree is set to Cubic or Quintic, the maximum rho value allowed is 0.75.
4.2.
Ends-Apex-Shoulder
Creates a section surface that starts on the first guide curve, passes through an interior shoulder curve, and
ends on the end guide curve.
The slope at each end is defined by an apex curve.
A spine curve determines the orientation of the calculated sectioning planes.
Start guide
End guide
Apex curve
Shoulder curve
Spine curve
Preview surface
Ends-Slope-Shoulder
Creates a section surface that starts on the first guide curve, passes through an interior shoulder curve, and
ends on the end guide curve.
The slope is defined at the start and end by two independent slope control curves.
A spine curve determines the orientation of the calculated sectioning planes.
Start guide
End guide
Start slope curve
End slope curve
Shoulder curve
Spine curve
Preview surface
Fillet-Shoulder
Mesh Surface
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
33
Creates a section surface that forms a smooth blend between two respective curves that lie on two bodies.
The surface starts on the first guide curve, and is tangent to the first body. It ends on the second guide
curve, is tangent to the second body, and passes through the shoulder curve.
A spine curve determines the orientation of the calculated sectioning planes.
Start guide
End guide
Start face
End face
Shoulder curve
Spine curve
Preview surface
Ends-Apex-Rho
Creates a section surface that starts on the start guide curve and ends on the end guide curve.
The slope at each end is defined by a selected apex curve. The fullness of each conic section is controlled
by a rho value.
A spine curve determines the orientation of the calculated sectioning planes
Start guide
End guide
Apex curve
Spine curve
Preview surface
Ends-Slope-Rho
Creates a section surface that starts on the start guide curve and ends on the end guide curve.
The slope is defined at the start and end by two independent slope control curves. The fullness of each
conic section is controlled by the corresponding rho value.
A spine curve determines the orientation of the calculated sectioning planes.
Mesh Surface
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
34
Start guide
End guide
Start slope curve
End slope curve
Spine curve
Preview surface
Fillet-Rho
Creates a section surface that forms a smooth blend between two respective curves that lie on two bodies.
The fullness of each conic section is controlled by the corresponding rho value.
A spine curve determines the orientation of the calculated sectioning planes
Start guide
End guide
Start Face
End Face
Spine curve
Preview surface
Ends-Apex-Hilite
Creates a section surface that starts on the start guide curve, ends on the end guide curve, and is tangent to
a line calculated with the highlight curves.
The slope at each end is defined by an apex curve.
A spine curve determines the orientation of the calculated sectioning planes.
Mesh Surface
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
35
Start guide
End guide
Apex curve
Start highlight curve
End highlight curve
Spine curve
Calculated tangent line and highlight curve endpoints
Preview surface
Ends-Slope-Hilite
Creates a section surface that starts on the start guide curve, ends on the end guide curve, and is tangent to
a line calculated with the highlight curves.
The slope is defined at the start and end by two independent slope control curves.
A spine curve determines the orientation of the calculated sectioning planes.
Start guide
End guide
Start slope curve
End slope curve
Start highlight curve
End highlight curve
Spine curve
Calculated tangent line and highlight curve endpoints
Preview surface
Fillet-Hilite
Creates a section surface that forms a smooth blend between the respective start and guide curves, which
lies on two bodies, and are tangent to a line calculated using the highlight curves.
Mesh Surface
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
36
Mesh Surface
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
37
Mesh Surface
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
38
Mesh Surface
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
39
Start guide
Start face
Spine curve
Endpoints (typical)
Radius angle law
Preview surface
Circle
Creates a full circular section surface from the start guide curve. The radius is defined by a law, and a
spine curve determines the orientation of the calculated sectioning planes. You can also specify an
optional second orientation curve.
The radius can be zero at either or both ends of the surface, but it cannot be zero elsewhere.
Start guide
Orientation guide (optional)
Spine curve
Radius law
Review surface
Circle Tangent
Creates a circular section surface that is tangent to a face using a start guide curve, a tangent face, and a
law to define the radius of the surface.
You can select multiple faces.
You can create the surface in either the fillet arc or the cover arc direction.
Start guide
Start face (tangent face for the start of slope control)
Spine curve
Preview surface
Mesh Surface
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
40
Ends-Slope-Cubic
Creates an S-shaped section surface that forms a smooth cubic blend between a start guide curve and an
end guide curve.
The slope is defined at the start and end by two independent slope control curves.
A spine curve determines the orientation of the calculated sectioning planes.
Start guide
End guide
Start slope curve
End slope curve
Spine curve
Preview surface
Fillet-Bridge
Creates a section surface forming a bridge between two curves on two sets of faces.
You can control the shape of the fillet-bridge surface by doing the folloiwng:
Use the Section Control Continuity options to change the shape by matching tangents (G1),
curvatures (G2), or flow (G3) at the ends of the fillet-bridge section. You can make further
adjustments to the shape using the Depth and Skew options until you get the shape you want.
Select a spline whose general form determines the shape of the fillet-bridge surface.
Start guide
End guide
Start face
End face
Mesh Surface
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
41
Start shape curve (optional)
Spine curve
Preview surface
Linear-Tangent
Creates a linear section surface tangent to one or more faces. The surface is created by selecting a tangent
face, a starting curve, and a spine.
Start guide
Start face
Spine curve
Preview surface
4.3.
This example shows how to create a section surface that passes through a start guide curve, and end guide
curve, and a shoulder curve. The slopes at the start and end are defined by two slope control curves.
Mesh Surface
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
42
option in the Guides group is active.
Start guide
End guide
7. In the graphics window, select a curve which controls the slope of the section surface from the
selected start guide.
8. Click the middle mouse button.
The Select Ends Slope Curve
option is active.
9. In the graphics window, select a curve which controls the slope of the section surface from the
selected end guide.
11. In the graphics window, select an interior curve through which the surface must pass.
Mesh Surface
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
43
Shoulder curve
13. In the graphics window, select the spine curve to define the orientation of the sectioning planes.
A preview of the section surface is displayed.
Spine curve
Preview surface
14. (Optional) You can do the following to adjust the shape of the section surface:
o
4.4.
option.
This example shows how to create surface that forms a smooth blend between two curves that lie
respectively on two bodies.
Mesh Surface
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
44
The surface:
1.
Section Surface.
2.
In the Section Surface dialog box, from the Type list, select
Fillet-Shoulder.
3.
Start guide
End guide
4.
Start face
End face
5.
Shoulder curve
6.
Spine curve
Mesh Surface
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
4.5.
45
This example shows how to create a surface that starts at the upper edge of the surface on the left and
ends at the upper edge of the surface on the right.
The resulting surface is tangent to the two existing surfaces. An existing rectangle is used to define the
limit of the new surface.
1.
Section Surface.
2.
In the Section Surface dialog box, from the Type
list, select Fillet-Hilite.
3.
Start guide
End guide
4.
Start face
End face
Mesh Surface
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
46
5.
6.
Spine curve
4.6.
This example shows how to create a section surface that starts on the start guide curve, passes through
three interior guide curves, and ends on the end guide curve.
A spine curve determines the orientation of the calculated sectioning planes.
1.
Section Surface.
2.
In the Section Surface dialog box, from the
Type list, select Five-Point.
Mesh Surface
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
47
3.
Start guide
End guide
4.
Interior guide 1
Interior guide 2
Interior guide 3
5.
Spine curve
4.7.
This example shows how to create a surface with circular sections of a specified radius.
The surface is created in a counterclockwise direction from the spine direction, from the start guide curve
to the end guide curve.
1.
Section Surface.
2.
In the Section Surface dialog box, from the Type list,
select Two Point Radius.
Mesh Surface
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
48
3.
Start guide
4.
End guide
5.
6.
7.
Mesh Surface
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
4.8.
49
Type
Specifies the method used to create a section surface.
The available options that appear in the Section Surface dialog box depend on
the Type you select from the list.
Note For more information about the input parameters that control the resulting
section surface, see Types of section surfaces.
Ends-Apex-Shoulder
Creates a section surface that starts on the first guide curve, passes
through an interior shoulder curve, and ends on the end guide curve.
Ends-Slope-Shoulder
Type list
Creates a section surface that starts on the first guide curve, passes
through an interior shoulder curve, and ends on the end guide curve.
Fillet-Shoulder
Creates a section surface that forms a smooth blend between two curves
that lie on two respective bodies.
Ends-Apex-Rho
Creates a section surface that starts on the start guide curve and ends on
the end guide curve.
Ends-Slope-Rho
Creates a section surface that starts on the start guide curve and ends on
the end guide curve.
Mesh Surface
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
50
Fillet Rho
Creates a section surface that forms a smooth blend between two curves
that lie on two respective bodies.
Ends-Apex-Hilite
Creates a section surface that starts on the start guide curve, ends on the
end guide curve, and is tangent to a line calculated with the highlight
curves.
Ends-Slope-Hilite
Creates a section surface that starts on the start guide curve, ends on the
end guide curve, and is tangent to a line calculated with the highlight
curves.
Fillet-Hilite
Creates a section surface that forms a smooth blend between the start
and guide curves, which lies on two respective bodies, and are tangent to
a line calculated with the highlight curves.
Four-Point-Slope
Creates a section surface that starts on the start guide curve, passes
through two interior curves, and ends on the end guide curve.
Five-Point
Creates a section surface using five existing curves as control curves.
Three-Point-Arc
Creates a section surface from a start guide curve, passing through an
interior guide curve, and ending on an end guide curve.
Two-Point-Radius
Creates a surface with circular sections of a specified radius.
End-Slope-Arc
Creates a section surface that starts on the start guide curve and ends on
Mesh Surface
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
51
Lets you select one or more connected edges or curves as the section guide to
specify where the surface creation flow begins.
Slope Control
Controls the shape of the section surface from either or both the start or end edges, from a single apex
curve, or from the start or end faces.
You can select curves or edges at either end without regard for directional sense.
Mesh Surface
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
52
Lets you select a curve or edge whose shape controls the slope of the section
surface from the selected start or end guide respectively.
Lets you select a single curve or edge whose shape controls the slope of the
section surface from both its selected start and end guides.
Select Apex Curve
Lets you select a face whose shape controls the slope of the section surface
from its selected start or end guide.
Select Start Face /
Select End Face
Reverse Direction
is available.
Section Control
Controls how the sections in a section surface are defined. Depending on the Type you choose, these
options can range from a curve, edge, or face selection, to the defining of laws.
For detailed Section Control option information, see Section Surface Section Control options.
Spine Curve
Controls the orientation of the calculated sectioning planes.
Lets you select a curve or edge that defines the spine curve of the section
surface.
Note
Select Spine Curve
The end you select for the spine curve determines the direction of
the surface.
A spine curve works best when it is normal to the guide curves,
and approximately parallel with the starting and ending curves.
Reverses the direction of the spine curve and consequently, the section surface.
Reverse Direction
Settings
Lets you control the shape of the sections in the U direction, set rebuild and tolerance options, and create
an apex curve.
For detailed information on the Settings group, see Section Surface Settings options.
4.9.
Section Control
Available when Type is set to Ends-Apex-Shoulder, Ends-Slope-Shoulder, or EndsSlope-Shoulder.
Select
Shoulder
Mesh Surface
Lets you select an interior curve or edge through which the surface passes on its sweep
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
53
Select Start
Highlight
Curve / Select
End
Highlight
Curve
Lets you select a curve or edge that is used as the start or end highlight curve.
Highlight is a method to control the peak of a section surface. The section surface is
tangent to an internally calculated surface defined by the start and end highlight curves.
Slope is controlled either by selected slope curves or faces.
Appears when Type is set to: Ends-Apex-Rho, Ends-Slope-Rho, Fillet-Rho, Circle
Tangent, or Fillet Bridge.
Specifies an additional method to control the section surface, apart from the input curves.
Type
Ends-Apex-Rho, Rho
Ends-Slope-Rho,
and Fillet Rho
Available options
Least Tension
Section
Method
Fillet-Bridge
Circle Tangent
For more details and additional shape control options that are not
shown here, see Section Surface Section Control options.
Fillet Arc
Defines the orientation of the section surface to the tangent
face in the fillet arc direction.
Mesh Surface
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
54
Cover Arc
Defines the orientation of the section surface to the tangent
face in the cover arc direction.
Lets you specify a rho value for the sections in the surface by defining a law.
For more information, see Rho values.
Radius Law
Angle Law
Lets you define a law that specifies an angle value for the sections in the surface.
Specifies the type of law to use when creating the section surface.
Law Type
Depending on the Law Type you select, different options appear to let you define that
law.
For more information, see Law Types.
Lets you specify a value for the law you are defining. For a rho law this would be a
numeric value. For a radius or angle law this would be a value in degrees.
Value
If the Law Type requires multiple values, Start and End boxes appear instead of a
Value box.
Cycles through multiple results when multiple results are possible for the section surface
based on the selected objects and option sets.
Show
Alternate
Solutions
Start guide
Mesh Surface
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
55
Controls the shape of the sections in the U direction (perpendicular to the spine curve).
Section surface
Spine curve
Conic surface sheet with edge curves drawn in the U
direction
Conic
U Degree
Produces a true and exact conic shape with no reversals in curvature. Acceptable
rho values range between 0.0001 and 0.9999. Parameterization can be very
nonuniform.
Note The Conic option does not work for Ends-Slope-Rho and Ends-SlopeCubic section types. If you choose Conic with one of these section types,
NX ignores the setting and uses Cubic instead.
Cubic
Produces roughly the same shape as with the Conic option, but with a better surface
parameterization. Flow lines are distributed more evenly along the entire curve, but
without producing exact conic shapes.
Quintic
Produces surfaces that are degree 5 and C2 (curvature continuous) between patches.
Controls the degree and shape of the section in the V direction (parallel to the spine curve).
Note Input curves with poor knot placement or differing degrees create complex surfaces
of poor continuity.
None
Does not redefine degree and knot points of the input curves.
V Degree
Rebuild
Mesh Surface
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
56
Knots are inserted as required to achieve the G0, G1, and G2 tolerance
settings.
Auto Fit
Optimizes the surface in the V direction by specifying the maximum number of
degrees and the number of segments of the input curves.
NX attempts to build the surface without segments until the maximum degree is
reached. If the tolerance cannot be met with the maximum degree, segments are
added up to the number defined for maximum segments.
Maximum Degree
Specifies the maximum number of degrees to use when redefining the input curves
in the V direction.
Maximum Segments
Specifies the maximum number of knot points to use when redefining the input
curves in the V direction.
The default settings are taken from the Advanced Rebuild Options.
Sets tolerances for surface continuity, letting you control the accuracy of the surface in
relation to the input curves. The surface will not deviate from the input curves greater than
the values specified for these tolerances.
G0 (Position)
Position continuous tolerance. Defaults to the Distance Tolerance.
G1 (Tangent)
Tangent continuous tolerance. Defaults to the Angle Tolerance.
Tolerance
G2 (Curvature)
Curvature continuous tolerance. Defaults to 0.1 or 10% of the relative tolerance.
The construction of the body involves an approximation process, which is controlled by the
distance tolerance that you specify.
The distance tolerance is the maximum allowable distance between a procedure defined
conic body and the approximation constructed by the software.
Note Ensure that you use a valid deviation tolerance value. If the value is too small, the
resulting body contains many more patches than is necessary, or the software may
not be able to construct a body that meets the input tolerance.
Mesh Surface
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
57
This can be helpful when diagnosing problems, because the apex curve can reveal surface
discontinuities that can occur when using separate slope controls.
Note If the selected Type requires you to specify an apex curve as input, the Create Apex
Curve option is ignored.
The following graphic shows a sheet body created using the Ends-Slope-Rho type, with
Create Apex Curve selected.
Start guide curve
End guide curve
Start slope curve
End slope curve
Spine curve
Software generated apex curve
Note To completely define the section surface, you must specify enough data to meet the
five conditions required to define a conic (such as, 3 points and 2 slopes, or 2 points,
2 slopes, and a rho value).
Section Method
Creates the sections based on setting continuity constraints for either ends of
the fillet-bridge, where they meet the selected start and end faces. After an
initial fillet-bridge section preview appears, you can change its depth, skew
and continuity. You cannot do this when you select the Inherit Shape
method.
Inherit Shape
Creates the sections so they are tangent continuous to the selected start and
end faces. The general shape is inherited from one (or if needed, two) curves
specified with the Shape Curves options.
Continuity
Mesh Surface
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
58
Sets the level of continuity where the sections meet the start faces and end faces.
G1 (Tangent)
The sections are tangent continuous to the respective face sets, and are
smoothly connected with up to one differentiation.
G2 (Curvature)
The sections are curvature continuous to the respective face sets, and are
smoothly connected with up to two differentiations.
G3 (Flow)
The sections are G3 continuous to the respective face sets, and are smoothly
connected with up to three differentiations. They may have a higher degree
of freedom of shape and represent a more complex section in the V
direction.
Appears when Section Method is set to Continuity.
Control Region
Localizes the effects of the Depth and Skew sliders on the section surface.
Entire
Affects the entire section surface.
Start
Affects only the section surface area near the start face.
End
Depth and Skew
Affects only the section surface area near the end face.
Depth
Controls how much the curvature of the sections affects the fillet-bridge surface.
The value is a percentage of the curvature effect. Works similarly to the Depth
option in Bridge Curve.
Move the slider to change the shape of the sections in the fillet-bridge. The greater
the value, the more pronounced is the curvature of the section. The lower the value,
the flatter the section. The default value is 50.
Skew
Controls the location on the fillet-bridge surface of the maximum curvature (or
reversal of curvature). The value represents the percentage of the distance along the
bridge from start to end. Works similarly to the Skew option in Bridge Curve.
Shape Curves
Mesh Surface
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
59
Lets you select a curve or edge that defines the general shape of the section surface,
from the start face or end face respectively.
Spine Curve
Required if Section Method is set to Continuity, but optional if Section Method is
set to Inherit Shape.
Select Spine Curve Lets you select a curve or edge that defines the spine curve of the section surface.
Appears when Section Method is set to Continuity.
Lets you separately specify the flow direction for both the Start Face and the End
Face options.
Not Specified
Makes the flow direction from the Start Face or End Face straight through
to the other side.
Start Flow
Direction/ End
Flow Direction
Perpendicular
Makes the flow direction from the Start Face or End Face perpendicular to
the base edge used to specify the fillet-bridge.
Iso Line U
Makes the flow direction of the Start Face or End Face follow the U curve
of the base surface used to specify the fillet-bridge.
Iso Line V
Makes the flow direction from Start Face or End Face follow the V curve
of the base surface used to specify the fillet-bridge.
Build a surface with an unrestricted number of curves or edges that form a simple, open or closed
loop, and assign continuity to outside faces.
Remove holes or gaps in surfaces that are not four-sided.
Specify the constrain faces and interior curves to modify the shape of the N-sided surface.
Control the sharpness of the center point of the N-sided surface, while maintaining continuity
constraints.
Mesh Surface
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
60
The following graphic shows different ways used to fill the void area
in a group of faces.
The command is useful for designers, stylists, and product designers who want to smoothly patch gaps
between surfaces without having to trim, untrim, or change edges of the outside surfaces.
Where do I find it?
Application
Toolbar
SurfaceN-sided Surface
Menu
5.1.
This example shows how to create a trimmed N-sided surface to close the gap in the corner of a sheet
body. You will define the UV orientation of the surface by specifying a rectangle.
1. Orient the WCS so that the XC-YC plane is approximately parallel to the opening.
Mesh Surface
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
61
Note that the surface curves a little to follow the continuity of the constrain face.
Mesh Surface
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
62
Tip To improve performance, clear the Preview check box when you select multiple constraint
faces.
9. In the Shape Control group, ensure that the Constraint, Continuity option is set to G1
(Tangent).
10. In the Settings group, select the Trim to Boundary check box.
The preview shows the area outside the outer loop of the surface is trimmed.
11. Click OK or Apply.
Tip If the resulting corner surface contains any unwanted bulges, first create a bridge curve
between existing faces and select it as an interior curve in the UV Orientation group.
Mesh Surface
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
5.2.
63
In this example, a triangular N-sided surface is created to close the gap in the sheet body.
Mesh Surface
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
64
5. In the Shape Control group, under Constraint, ensure that Flow Direction is set to Not
Specified and Continuity is set to G1 (Tangent).
6. In the Settings group, select the Merge Faces if Possible check box.
7. Click OK.
5.3.
Type
Type list
Lets you specify the type of N-sided surface you can create.
Trimmed Creates a single surface covering the entire region within a closed loop
of selected curves or edges.
Outer Loop
Mesh Surface
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
65
Lets you select a closed loop of curves or edges to serve as a boundary for construction of
the N-sided surface.
Select
Curve
The closed loop represents the profile of the boundary for the new surface, and can consist
of any number of curves or edges.
Note If you select adjacent curves or edges that are tangent continuous, you may have bad
surfaces, particularly when you create a Trimmed type of the N-sided surface.
Constraint Faces
Lets you select faces to add tangency and curvature constraints to the new surface.
Selecting a constraint face automatically matches the position, tangency and curvature of the
Select Face surface with that face.
When the constraint face is selected, the N-sided surface
constraint face
.
is flat.
Type-specific options
Trimmed
UV Orientation
Lets you specify the direction for the new surface as it is built. If you do not specify
UV orientation, NX generates the surface automatically.
Spine
Defines the V orientation of the new surface using a spine curve. The U
directional isoparametric lines of the new surface are oriented perpendicular
to the selected spine curve.
o
Select Curve
Lets you select the spine curve.
Vector
Defines the V orientation of the new surface using a vector. The UV
Mesh Surface
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
66
orientation of the new N-sided surface follows the given vector direction.
o
Specify Vector
Lets you specify the direction.
Area
Lets you create a new surface connecting the boundary curves.
Interior Curves
o
Select Curve
Lets you specify the boundary curves. The new surface is created by
creating sheet bodies between the connected boundary curves.
o
List
Lists the specified sets of interior curves.
Define Rectangle
o
Mesh Surface
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
67
Lets you control the continuity and flatness of the new surface.
Center Control
Available for:
o
o
Lets you control the flatness of the surface around the center point.
The Center Flat slider is available to let you move the surface up or down.
Drag the slider to change the center point. The default value is 50 which
represents the mid or flat position. When you drag the slider left or right of
the mid point, the outward starting angle from the center point changes.
When the slider is at the mid point, the outward starting angle from the center
point is 180 degrees.
Constraint
Lets you set the Continuity of the N-sided surface to match with the selected
constraint faces.
G0 (Position) and G1 (Tangent) options are available.
Settings
Trim to Boundary Trims the surface to the specified boundary curves or edges.
Triangular Shape Control
Lets you change the shape of the new surface.
Center Control Specifies the position and tilting option for the center
point.
o Position Lets you change the position of the center point.
X, Y, Z, and Center Flat sliders are available.
Drag the X, Y and Z sliders to move the position of the center point
of the surface. Drag the Center Flat slider to make the center point
sharper or smoother.
Mesh Surface
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
68
The default value of the X, Y and Z sliders is 50 that represents the
mid, or flat position, and the default value of the Center Flat slider is
100.
Tilting Lets you change the tilt of the plane where the center point
lies.
X, Y and Center Flat sliders are available.
When you drag the X or Y sliders, the plane normal of the center
point is tilted in the direction indicated. The center point position does
not change.
Mesh Surface
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
69
Top view shows that the center point has not moved.
Flow Direction
Specifies the flow direction of the curves used to create the resulting N-sided
Surface.
Not Specified
Makes the UV parameterization of the resulting sheet equidistant towards the
center-point.
Perpendicular
Makes the V directional isoparametric lines of the resulting surface start from
the outside edge in the direction perpendicular to the edge. Available only if
all the curves or edges in the loop are at least tangent continuous.
Adjacent Edges
Makes the V directional isoparametric lines of the resulting surface follow
the side edges of constraining faces.
Constraint Faces
Lets you set the continuity of the N-sided surface with the selected constraint face.
G0 (Position), G1 (Position) and G2 (Curvature) options are available.
Settings
Merge Faces if Possible
Mesh Surface
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
70
G1
(Tangent)
Mc lc
Mesh Surface ................................................................................................................................................................ 1
1.
2.
3.
4.
1.2.
2.2.
2.3.
2.4.
3.2.
3.3.
4.2.
4.3.
4.4.
4.5.
4.6.
4.7.
4.8.
Mesh Surface
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)
5.
71
4.10.
4.11.
5.2.
5.3.
Mesh Surface
drive24ward (meslab.org/mes)