Creating Curves on Database Entities

A curve created on a database entity (database curve, surface, or quilt) can be a segment that has a slope defined by a Catmull-Rom, Akima, or Bezier control algorithm. Please refer to the following exercises to see how these slopes are defined.

• Creating Catmull-Rom Curves
• Creating Akima Curves
• Creating Bezier Curves

There are two ways to create connectors on database entities: by hand and automated.

By Hand Curve Creation

1. Click on Curve on the toolbar.
2. Click Entity Type, Connector.
3. Click Segment Type, Curve on Database.
4. In the Segments, Curve Segment Options frame, toggle on Catmull-Rom, Akima, or Bezier.
5. Move the cursor over the Database Surface until it highlights.
6. Click on point A.
7. Click on point B.
8. Apply
9. OK

Automated Curve Creation

1. Select the Database Surface.
2. Click on Connectors on Database Entities on the toolbar.

There are now four connectors defining the four edges of the database surface. However, the connectors are not dimensioned.

3. Select all four connectors on the Database Surface.
4. Click in Dimension on the toolbar.
5. 10

Now the connectors are dimensioned. But you can also apply a Connector Dimension or Average Δs before creating the connectors by going to the Defaults tab.

Editing Control Points

There are two quick ways to edit a control point location before a connector is saved by using the Apply or OK commands. The first method simply requires that you move your cursor over the control point in the display window until it highlights in orange. Hold the left mouse button depressed while you move the point to a new location then release the left mouse button. The second method requires that you select the control point by holding the Ctrl key while left clicking on the point. The control point will become highlighted and the XYZ field in the Point Placement frame will update to contain its current coordinates; change the values and hit Enter to change the control point location.

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If you have questions about the steps outlined above or on any other meshing topic, please contact us via one of the following methods.

• Send a question using the Get Help form.
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• Email our support engineers at support@pointwise.com.