Curve

A curve graphic is created by positioning a 3D curve entity (Cartesian or parametric curve) in a reference frame (marker). The reference frame can be an explicit marker or can be implicitly defined using a body-point-orientation method.

  1. If the Graphics panel is not currently displayed, select the desired graphic by clicking on it in the Project Browser or in the modeling window.
    The Graphics panel is automatically displayed.
  2. Click the Parent drop-down menu and choose the method to specify a reference frame.
    If Marker is chosen:
    1. Click the Marker collector and select an existing marker in the modeling window or the Model Tree.
      The curve will belong to the marker's parent body.
    2. Click the Curve collector and select the 3D Cartesian curve associated with the graphic.
    If Body/Point is chosen:
    1. Click the Body collector and select a body from the modeling window, or double click the Body collector to open the Model Tree (from which the desired body can be selected).
    2. Click the Curve collector and select the 3D Cartesian curve associated with the graphic.
    3. Click the Point collector (under Origin) and select a point from the modeling window, or double click the Point collector to open the Model Tree (from which the desired point can be selected).
    4. Use the orientation options to orient the coordinate system.
Tip:
  • Clicking [DC] allows you to view the direction cosines' matrix for a coordinate system.
  • The curve graphic is created using the X,Y, and Z data provided in the 3D curve (Cartesian or parametric) with respect to the selected reference frame.
  • This curve graphic can be used to define 2D rigid to rigid contact or higher pair constraints such as point to curve or curve to curve constraint.