The section plane is the U-V plane of the user defined local coordinate
system. The local coordinate system may be defined by selecting one, two, or
three nodes from the model. The program displays a Control Option window, as
shown in Figure
5.1.2. The program also displays the model with gray wire
frame.
Figure 5.1.2 Define Cut Plane
1.
ONE POINT
Enter an X, Y, Z coordinate to the text box under Coordinate manually, then click the Apply Input Value button, or select a node in graphic area by cursor to define the origin of the LCS. Select a global direction as the W axis of LCS, and click EXIT. The global direction may be X (Y or Z) axis, as listed in Figure 5.1.2. The local coordinate system will be defined at the first node with the W axes following the selected direction and U, V axes paralleling to the other two global axes.
2. TWO POINTS
Enter an X, Y, Z coordinate to the text box under Coordinate manually, then click the Apply Input Value button; or select the first node by cursor in graphic area to define the origin of the LCS and enter an X, Y, Z coordinate to the text box under Coordinate manually, and then click the Apply Input Value button; or select the second node in graphic area by cursor to define the local W-axis, then click EXIT. The local coordinate system will be defined at the first node with local W-axis paralleling to the vector connecting the first and second node.
3. THREE POINTS
Enter an X, Y, Z coordinate to the text box under Coordinate manually,
then click the Apply Input Value button; or select the first node by cursor in
graphic area to define the origin of the LCS and enter an X, Y, Z coordinate to
the text box under Coordinate manually, and then click the Apply Input Value
button; or select the second node in graphic area by cursor to define the local
U-axis and enter an X, Y, Z coordinate to the text box under Coordinate manually
and then click the Apply Input Value button, or select the third node in
graphic area by cursor to define the local U-V plane. The local V-axis and
W-axis will be obtained according to the right hand rule.
Once the local coordinate system is defined, the program will display the section lines in part color that represent the section cut of the model. The program will activate other options, as shown in Figure 5.1.3 for the user to change or operate the section line.
Figure 5.1.3 Section Cut Operation