SURFACE SPLIT

This function is used to split a selected surface into two surfaces using a specified line, as shown in Figure 5.2.19.

Figure 5.2.19  Split Surface

1.     Select the split direction. There are four options for the user to define the direction of the split surface.

Z-AXIS

Define Z-axis as the surface split direction.

VIEW DIR

Define the current view direction as the surface split direction.

SUR NORMAL

Define the surface normal of the selected surface as the surface split direction.

USER DEFINE

The user can define the surface split direction. Once this option is selected, the program will pop up a dialog box for the user to define direction vector. Refer to Section 5.1.4, SHORTEST CURVE for more information.

2.     Enter the TOL (gap tolerance) value. Gap tolerance is the allowable maximum gap between the adjacent surfaces. If the gap value between the adjacent surfaces is greater than gap tolerance, the adjacent surfaces are discontinuous.

3.     Click SELECT SURFACES to select surfaces to be split.

4.     Click SELECT LINE button to select the split line. If there is no split line, the user can select ADVANCED option to create a desired split line. Once the ADVANCED option is selected, the program will pop up a row of buttons to create spline, as shown in Figure 5.2.20. 

Figure 5.2.20  Create Split Line

Create the auxiliary straight line.

Create the auxiliary spline curve.

Connect two lines smoothly.

Edit line function.

Once one of the above functions is selected, the program will pop up the Create Line dialog box, as shown in Figure 5.2.21.

Figure 5.2.21  Create Spline dialog box

NODE: Create line by selecting nodes on the screen.

POINT: Create line by selecting points on the screen.

CURSOR ON ELEMENT: Create line by mouse clicking on locations on element.

CURSOR ON SURFACE: Create line by mouse clicking on locations on surface.

The user can also create spline line by using the combination of the above four methods. First, select one method and click Select button. Then select several points on the screen and choose another method. Finally, select some other points on the screen and click the middle mouse button to confirm the operation.