M. To generate copies of geometry along an arc
To create copies of selected geometry along a arc about a global axis, use the following procedure.
-
Select the structure geometry (beams, plates, solids, etc.) that
you want to copy.
Tip: You do not need to select the nodes, as they will be copied along with the other model entities.
-
On the
Geometry ribbon tab, select the
Circular Repeat tool in the
Structure group.
The 3D Circular dialog opens.
- Select the global Axis of Rotation about which the copies will be generated.
-
Specify the
Total Angle of the arc.
This is measured in a positive (right-hand rule) direction about the selected Axis of Rotation between the original selection and the last copy.
-
Specify the
No. of Steps to generate.
The copies will be equally distributed about the specified arc.
-
Specify a center of rotation by either:
- typing a Node number. You may also click the Node Selection tool to graphically select a node.
- planar coordinates for an arbitrary point (i.e., not at a node)
Note: The axis of rotation for the circular copy will pass through this selected node or point, parallel to the selected global axis of rotation. - Optional:
Check the Assign REF JT option to orient the copies towards
the central axis of rotation.
- Optional:
Set the
Link Steps option to generate additional
members between copies.
You may also set the Open Base option, which will prevent links from being generated between nodes with the lowest Y coordinates (when Y is vertical/up).
- Optional: Set the Geometry Only option to generate only nodes, members, elements, etc. with no properties assigned.
-
Click
OK.
The new members are generated using the specified parameters.