A cut plane is used to visualize results on a plane cut through the three dimensional model. Results are viewed on the cut plane as well as on the 2D Dynamic window. The cut plane may be defined in several ways depending on the application. These options are reviewed here in detail.

Figure 59  Manage Cut Planes window

Show Cut Plane

If toggled ON, the cut plane will be displayed.

Show whole elements

If turned on, the elements at the borders of the cut plane will be displayed.

Method

By Coefficients

Defines the cut plane by the equation of the normal vector. The equation is of the form: Ax + By + Cz + D = 0.

After entering in the coefficient values, press "Enter" on the keyboard to create the cut plane.

Ax

Enter the coefficient A of the equation.

By

Enter the coefficient B of the equation.

Cz

Enter the coefficient C of the equation.

D

Enter the coefficient D of the equation.

By Point and Normal

pt

Enter the Global Cartesian coordinates in the X, Y, and Z direction.

NX

Enter the X component of a unit vector normal to the desired cut plane.

NY

Enter the Y component of a unit vector normal to the desired cut plane.

NZ

Enter the Z component of a unit vector normal to the desired cut plane.

Reset Normal

Resets the plane normal to the X, Y, or Z Global Cartesian coordinate direction.

By Corner Points

Creates a cut plane passing through the given three points. You can enter the Cartesian coordinates of Pt1, Pt2, and Pt3 points.

By 3 Points

You can select any three points in the GUI using the left mouse button to define a cut plane.

Move or Rotate

You can interactively move a previously defined cut plane while holding the left mouse button down. Once you get to the desired location, release the mouse button. Use the middle mouse button to rotate the cut plane about the normal axis. When you get the desired orientation, release the mouse button. To end the interactive movement of the cut plane, click on the right mouse.

Middle X plane

This will put the cut plane at the middle of the geometry in the X-direction.

Middle Y plane

This will put the cut plane at the middle of the geometry in the Y-direction.

Middle Z plane

This will put the cut plane at the middle of the geometry in the Z-direction.

Fraction value

Select the location of the plane by changing the fraction value.

Display back plane

If turned ON, the back plane will be displayed.

Draw plane normal

If turned ON, the normal direction of the plane will be displayed.

Draw plane border

If turned ON, the border of the back plane will be displayed.

Color

Displays the color of the back plane. To select a different color, click on the color bar and select a color from the menu that appears.

Create mesh subset

This will create a mesh subset of cut plane elements.