This function simulates reflection model illuminated by several tubular light sources that are parallel distributed on one plane. The formed zebra strips on the model surface are used to visualize the smoothness of the surface.

Function Control Window is shown in Figure 5.4.1. After entering this function, light strips are automatically shown on the model surface. The initial light source plane is the global X-Y plane. The reference point of the plane is located on the positive Z-axis direction at the center of the model. Light source width and spacing are automatically set according to the model size. The user may adjust the number, direction, width and spacing of light source to achieve different zebraing effect. The display result is shown in Figure 5.4.2. Light strips are distributed more straightforward and even on the smooth region of the model. In the curved region of the model, light strips are deflected and are distributed unevenly. The degree of deflection is in direct proportion to the local curvature variation in the model. A non-smooth or non-uniform light strip usually indicates a surface defect in the part. A dynamic display of the light strips moving across the part will help the user to detect surface defects. Figure 5.4.3 shows a surface defect detected by a light strip. Once the surface defect is found, the user should use the Stoning function to investigate the magnitude of the defect.

   

Figure 5.4.1  Face Reflection Control Window

1.       LIGHT SOURCE PARAMETERS

l  ORIENTATION

Set the axial direction for light source. There are three options: X, Y and User Defined. The default setting is X. X and Y indicate that the axis direction of the light tube is set at global X and Y direction. After selecting User Defined, the user may drag the mouse up and down to rotate the light tube in its plane. Left click or right click the mouse to confirm the result and exit.

l  NO. OF STRIPS

Set the number of strips. The default number is 10.

l  STRIP WIDTH

Set the strip width.

l  SPACING

Set the strip spacing.

Figure 5.4.2  Face Reflection Result

Figure 5.4.3  Surface deflect detected from light strip

2.       STRIP CONTROL

l  AUTO FILL

Select this function to automatically reset the width and spacing of the light tubes according to the current model size and light tube plane position to make strips evenly distributed on the model face.

l  SHOW LIGHT STRIP

Select this function to re-plot the current examination result.

l  MOVE LIGHT STRIP

This function allows the user to drag the mouse to move the light strip. Left click or right click the mouse to confirm the result and exit.

l  CHANGE LIGHT DIRECTION

This function allows the user to adjust the direction of the light source plane. The light source plane will dynamically rotate about the model center by moving the cursor up and down, and the rotation axis is the axis of the light source. Left click or right click the mouse to confirm the result and exit. If the main part of the model is not located on the global X-Y plane, the user may use this function to adjust the light source plane to a desirable position.

l  REVERSE CONTRAST

Select this function to reverse the color of the light and shade region.

l  CRISP EDGE

Select this function to crisp edge the light strip. This option is only available when the number of light sources is set equal to or less than 14.

3.       FRAME

List all the frames information of the current model. If the user clicks one frame, the program will re-plot the current model and reflection result according to the model in this frame.

4.       EXIT

Exit the function.