Use this method to create a face with constant conic cross-sections between the two path curves.  The cross-sections are defined by a constant radius R and a conic ratio CR as shown above.  Refer to the figure at the top of this page.

 

A brief operational sequence is provided below.

 

1. Select the Constant Method and then select the 1st and 2nd path curves.  You can use wireframe geometry, face edges, a sketch or a curve list.

2. Enter the constant radius.  You can enter a variable name or right-click and choose additional input options such as a dimension value or an expression.

3. Multiple solutions will be displayed.  Enter the solution number.

 

 

 

Use this method to create a face with variable radii cross-sections between the two path curves.  You will be asked to select a spine curve with radius attributes.  

 

Use the Add Radius option to add radius attributes at desired locations along the spine curve before continuing.  The radius attributes will determine the variable radius of the face.

 

A brief operational sequence is provided below.

 

1. Select the Variable Method and then select the 1st and 2nd path curves.  You can use wireframe geometry, face edges, a sketch or a curve list. 

2. Select the spine curve with radius attributes. A start tag is automatically placed at the end of the curve nearest where the curve is selected.

3. Multiple solutions will be displayed.  Enter the solution number.

 

Optional Inputs (Method = Variable)

 

Add Radius

Use this option to add a radius attribute to a point on the spine curve to control the radius of the face as it moves along the path curves.  Select the curve, point and enter the radius.  This option is used with the Variable method above.

 

You can use the Radius locally flat option to mark the radius as "flat."  Radius transitions between "flat" attributes are forced to be linear.  Use the Delete Radius option below to remove an attribute.  The attribute symbol "Rn" is placed at the point on the curve.

 

 

Delete Radius

Use this option to delete a radius attribute at a point on the spine curve.  This will remove the constraint on the face at that point as it move along the path curves.

 

 

 

Use this method to create a circular face between the two path curves (i.e., rails) whose radius is defined implicitly by a center curve.  A brief operational sequence is provided below.

 

1. Select the Center Method and then select the 1st and 2nd path curves.  You can use wireframe geometry, face edges, a sketch or a curve list. 

2. Select center curve.  A start tag is automatically placed at the end of the curve nearest where the curve is selected.

3. Multiple solutions will be displayed.  Enter the solution number.

 

 

 

 

Use this method to create a circular face between two path curves (i.e., rails) whose radius is defined implicitly by a middle curve.  A brief operational sequence is provided below.

 

1. Select the Middle Method and then select the 1st and 2nd path curves.  You can use wireframe geometry, face edges, a sketch or a curve list. 

2. Select the middle curve.  A start tag is automatically placed at the end of the curve nearest where the curve is selected.

 

 

 

 

Spine

The face is created by moving an infinite plane normal to and from the start to the end of a spine curve.

 

In the Conic Bi Rail Face command shown in this figure, the conic curves at each cross-section along the spine curve, which vary based on the creation method, are joined to form the face.  

 

The face is only created where the infinite plane intersects the spine curve and both path curves.  The Circular Bi-Rail Face is constructed in a similar manner with this option.

 

 

Add/Delete Radius

Refer to the Variable Method above.

 

 

 

• Any time a curve is requested for input during this command, you can right-click and select Make Curve List from the Input Options Menu. This will allow you to make a parametric list of existing curves to use as input.