Creating Isoparametric Curves on Surfaces

You can create an isoparametric curve on a surface. Because the curve and its supporting surface are associated, any changes to the surface will result in the automatic update of the curve.

Important:

You can edit an existing isoparametric curve using the context menu from the Isoparameter.n object command ( tree or geometrical object), and selecting the Definition context menu command:

  • You can change the curve support by selecting the Support field in the Isoparametric Curve dialog box that appears, then the new support.
  • You can modify the curve parameters in the same way as during its creation.

Before you begin: Open an existing 3D shape.
  1. From the Shape section of the action bar, click Isoparametric Curve .

    • Support defines the isoparametric curve support, you can:
      • Select any existing surface as support.
      • Right-click in the Support box to create the surface or select multiple surfaces using the stacked commands from the context menu.
    • Point defines the isoparametric curve point.
      • Indicate the point by clicking at the desired location on the support.
      • Right-click the Point box to create the point using the staked commands from the context menu.
    • Direction defines the isoparametric curve direction.
      • Select the direction by clicking a geometrical element.
      • Right-click the Direction box to create the direction using the staked commands from context menu.
    • Swapped Cells displays the cell where the isoparametric propagation direction has been swapped from the nearest isoparametric propagation direction to the farthest isoparametric propagation direction. This functionality makes sense in case of multiple surfaces support.

      Swapped Cells List: Displays the list of swapped cells in a dialog box.

  2. Select Join.1 as curve support.


    The Point field is highlighted in the Isoparametric Curve dialog box. The isoparametric curve is previewed on the surface when you move the cursor.

  3. Click to indicate where to create the isoparametric curve.
    • The isoparametric curve is pre-created, a handle is displayed. In case of multiple surfaces support, the selected surface is the reference cell.
    • You can move along the curve using the arrows of handle. In case of multiple surfaces support you can only move the handle inside the reference cell.


    A context menu is available when you right-click the handle:

    • Edit: This option allows you to define the isoparametric curve according to its parameters.
    • Keep this point: This option allows you to create the point where you clicked.
    • Swap UV: This option allows you to swap U and V parameter values. This option is also available in the Isoparametric curve dialog box when you click the Swap UV
  4. Select Swap UV from the context menu.
    The isoparametric curve parameters are swapped.

  5. Re-select Swap UV from the context menu.
  6. Select Keep this point from the context menu.
    The point is created.

    The Point and Direction fields are filled according to the selection in the Isoparametric Curve dialog box. Point and Direction are editable from the Isoparametric Curve dialog box using icons at the right of each field:
    • Point: Click this icon to edit the point.
    • Line: Click this icon to edit the line.
  7. Select Edit from the context menu.
    The Tuner dialog box appears.
  8. Select Relative check box in the Tuner dialog box.
    The relative origin of the curve is displayed on the curve support.

    The Tuner dialog box is modified:
    • True Length option is displayed.
    • Reset Origin button is displayed.
  9. Click Reset Origin in the Tuner dialog box.
    The relative origin of the curve is reset from the curve point.

    The Tuner dialog box displays the new origin values.
  10. Click Close in the Tuner dialog box.
  11. Select the surface as shown.


    The isoparametric propagation direction has been swapped from the nearest isoparametric propagation direction to the farthest isoparametric propagation direction in the selected cell.

    The selected surface has been added to the Swapped Cells field.
  12. Click Swapped Cells List
    The Swapped Cells List dialog box appears. You can Remove or Replace the selected elements inside this dialog box.
  13. Click Close in the Swapped Cells List dialog box.
  14. Click OK in the Isoparametric curve dialog box.
    The isoparametric curve is created.

    The Isoparameter.1 object is created in the tree.

    A point and line have been created:

    • The point corresponds to the cursor location when you define the curve.
    • The line corresponds to the curve orientation when you define the curve.

    The Swap UV parameter contains the information indicating that the curve has been swapped.