Create a section of a surface of revolution with the Surfaces > Revolve tool by specifying five points. This type of surface (called Barrel surface) is useful for modeling vehicle side windows.
To create a barrel surface, you first select three points to define an arc of revolution. You then select two more points which, along with a third point located on the first arc, define a second arc, the barrel curve. The barrel curve is revolved along the arc of revolution, using the specified axis.
1: arc of revolution; 2: barrel curve; 3: axis of revolution
Build a Barrel surface
- Choose Surfaces > Revolve
- Set Surface type to Side Glass, then set Mode to Barrel.
- Select three points to define an arc of revolution. The points must be planar but can be located either on geometry or in space. If you click geometry, the point automatically snaps to it.
The arc is drawn as a green line with arrow manipulators on both ends. If you do not see the arc, change the axis of revolution in the control window. The axis cannot be in the same plane as the arc of revolution.
- Select two more points to specify the ends of the barrel curve. Along with a third point located on the arc of revolution, these inputs define a second arc which gets revolved along the arc of revolution.
The Barrel surface is built. The axis of revolution is drawn in blue.
- Do one of the following:
- Adjust the parameters in the control window. You can specify the Curve degree (U degree of the barrel surface), Degree (V degree of the barrel surface), number of spans, and segments (in V direction).
- Use the arrow manipulators on the first arc (or the Start/End angle sliders) to modify the angle of revolution. Note: Be careful to grab the arrows and not the end points.
- Use the arrow manipulators on the second arc (or the Curve start/Curve end angle sliders) to modify the extent of the barrel curve. Note: Be careful to grab the arrows and not the end points.
- Move any of the five input points to modify the surface.
- Move the end points of the axis of revolution, or the whole axis. Note: Moving the axis removes the two input points on the arc of revolution. To return to point editing mode, click the Edit Points button in the view.
Like other revolve surfaces, Barrel surfaces have history and update when options and constructors are modified.