Curvature

Curvature Type

Choose the method of calculating curvature on the surface:

• Mean – Average the two principal curvatures at each point on the surface.

• Gaussian – Multiply the two principal curvatures at each point on the surface.

• Principal Min/Principal Max – Use the minimum or maximum curvature values (that is, the curvature of the steepest or flattest curves that pass through each point).

Mean or Gaussian curvature is most useful for detecting surface irregularities. Principal Min or Max curvature is most useful for detecting inflection points.

Curvature Value

Enter the curvature value for the iso-curvature lines you want to create.

The Curvature tool creates curves-on-surface along these lines of constant curvature.

Subdivisions

The quality of the curve-on-surface projection, from 1 to 6. The higher the value, the more precise the result. Use low values for draft quality, use higher values for final results.

Control Options

Auto Update

Update the curves-on-surface as you change the values in the Curvature window.

Create History

Save the history of the new curves-on-surface for later editing. If you turn Create History on, you can modify the surfaces and the curves-on-surface update.

Buttons

Update

When Auto Update is off, use this button to update the curves on surface to correspond to the current options.

Undo All

Undo all the changes made by the tool and return to the original surface.

Next

Finish creating curves-on-surface on the current surface and prompt for a new surface to evaluate.

To create curves-on-surface along lines of constant curvature

1. Pick the surfaces on which you want to create curves-on-surface.

2. Shift-select the Curvature tool.

   The Curvature control window opens.

3. Click the Go button.

   Curves-on-surface are created.

4. Set the following options in the control window:

   • The Curvature Type.
   • The Curvature Value at which you want to create curves on surface. For example, enter 0 to create curves-on-surface along inflection lines.
   • Set the Subdivision option from 1 to 6. The higher the number, the more precise the result. Use low values for draft quality, use higher values for final results.

   The curves-on-surface update as the option values are modified.

   

   If Auto Update is off, click Update to create the curves-on-surface.

5. Click on additional surfaces to evaluate them, or deselect active surfaces.

6. Click the Undo All button in the control window to remove the curves-on-surface.