The following graphical manipulators are available, which allow you to modify the
definition of section cuts, as well as translate or rotate sections anywhere in 3D
space.
Single Direction/Arrow Manipulator
The Single Direction/Arrow manipulator is available for X-Axis, Y-Axis, Z-Axis section cuts
only. Figure 1.
The graphical manipulator is created at the node specified for the Base (if specified), or
at the base coordinates entered. The position of the manipulator on the gridline grid
determines the grid values (X, Y).
The arrow can be left-clicked and dragged freely along a straight line that is parallel to
the direction of the normal to the section cut. As the arrow is dragged, a thin line is
drawn representing the base point's path and a number is displayed showing the amount of
movement in the single direction. In addition, the base coordinates reported in the Section
Cut panel automatically update upon release of the mouse button after dragging. The arrow
base location on the plane can only be changed using the Base functionality in the Section
Cut panel (node selector or coordinate table).
Three Directional Manipulator
The Three Directional manipulator is available for N1,N2,N3 and Normal to screen section
cuts. This manipulator allows free rotations and translations in a 3D space for relocating
and reorienting cross sections. Figure 2.
The center point of the manipulator can be dragged freely anywhere in space. The section
cut is dragged in its normal direction, while the manipulator is moved on the plane of the
section based on the movement of the mouse. Each arrow can be freely dragged along a
straight line; only the manipulator's location on the section plane will change unless an
arrow normal to the section is the one being dragged. The arc handle connecting arrows can
also be grabbed to allow rotation of the arrows and section cut around the normal to the
plane. In addition, the square handles connecting arrows can be freely dragged in space to
modify the location of the section cut. Moving the manipulator in the plane of the section
will not affect the location of the section cut itself, simply the base location of the
manipulator.
Note: The item that is selected to be dragged (arrow, arc handle, or square
handle) will temporarily change color.
