Axial Symmetry

Open the Axial Symmetry dialog that defines the axial symmetry for the selected structure nodes or elements, using either method:

• Click Edit menu > Edit > Axial Symmetry.
• Click .

To define axial symmetry, set the main parameters in the following fields of the Axial Symmetry dialog:

• Nodes - Defines the node numbering increment when defining new nodes.
• Elements - Defines the element numbering increment when defining new elements.
• Move - When selected, the selected nodes or elements are moved in the structure (origin nodes or elements change their location in the structure).
• Copy - When selected, new nodes or elements are created in a structure (origin nodes or elements remain the same).
• Drag - When selected, additional elements are created between the existing nodes and the nodes created during editing. The elements are numbered automatically.

Also, define the axis by setting parameters in the: Beginning and End fields, using either method:

• Graphic - (cursor changes its shape to a cross) - Point the cursor to either the point coordinates or the node defining the beginning of the symmetry axis. Point coordinates or the appropriate node number display automatically in the field.
• Manual - Enter either the coordinates for the beginning of the axis or the appropriate node number indicating the beginning of symmetry axis.

After you have defined the symmetry axis, the axial symmetry is created for the selected nodes or elements; or if no objects were selected, click Select in the context menu to select them. Robot remains in axial symmetry mode until the next command is selected or the <Esc> key is pressed.

When you have manually defined axis symmetry in the dialog, clicking Execute completes the action.

Note: You cannot define axial symmetry for structure elements or nodes until you select them.

After the Grid or Auto cursor mode is selected, the coordinates of the points defining the axis symmetry location are displayed in the Beginning and End fields. If the node cursor mode was selected, the numbers of the nodes defining the axis symmetry are displayed in the Beginning and End fields.

The Symmetry Axis field varies based on the cursor mode:

• Grid or Auto mode: Symmetry Axis (m, m, m)
• Node mode: Symmetry Axis

Depending on the view selected in Robot (2D or 3D), fields defining the axis symmetry have 2 or 3 coordinates.