Performing an Iso-Curvature Analysis

This task explains how to create an isoparametric analysis curve. This command provides the capability to create an analysis feature lying on a set of surfaces that displays the curvature according to the isoparametrics of a surface.

Open the IsoCurvature.CATPart document.

  1. Click the Iso-Curvature Analysis icon .
    The Iso-Curvature Analysis dialog box is displayed.

You can define the following options:

  • Elements: Elements used for the calculation of the iso-curvature analysis.
  • Distribution: Distribution of the iso curves.
    • Direction:
      • Along U: All iso curves are displayed parallel to the U direction of each selected surface element.
      • Along V: All iso curves are displayed parallel to the V direction of each selected surface element.
      • Along U & V: All iso curves are displayed parallel to both the U and V directions of each selected surface element.

    • Number U or V: Number of iso-curvature lines to be displayed in the direction for both U and V directions.

      Hint: If only one iso curve per direction is displayed, you can use the point manipulator to move the iso curve.
    • Range: When switched on, the number of iso curves displayed is within the range specified.
      • Start U or V: The iso-parametric position of the 1st iso curve in the direction for both U and V can be specified.
      • End U or V: If the number of iso curves entered is greater than 1, a parameter range can be specified in which the curves will be displayed. The number of curves are equally spaced between the parameter start and end values.

        Direction: Along U
        Range Start: 0.5

        		 Direction: Along V
        Range Start: 0.5

        		 Direction: Along U & V
        Range Start: 0.5

        		 Direction: Along V, Number U: 6
        Range Start: 0.3, End 0.8
  • Options:
    • Basic Surface: Computes the analysis on the basic surface in case of faces.
  • Display: Parameters controlling the display of the spikes depending upon the 'Scale' value.
    • Curvature: The spikes normal to each analysis curve will display the curvatures (1/r). The longer the spike length the smaller the curvature will be.
    • Radius: The spikes normal to each analysis curve will display the curvature radii (r). The longer the spike length the larger the curvature will be.

    • Density: Discretization grid of equally distributed curvature spikes as they are displayed across the total length of the iso curve.

      Density = 10
      		 Density = 40
    • Scale: Display scale factor for the curvature spikes.

      Scale = 50
      		 Scale = 3
  • Options
    • Min/Max: Displays local minimum and local maximum radii values of the computed iso curves.
    • Invert: Inverts the normal direction of the curvature spikes.
    • Comb: Selection of a color for the iso-curvature lines and comb for either U or V direction.

    • Envelope: Selection of a color for the envelope that encompasses the iso-curvature comb in either U or V direction. This envelope can be turned on or off.