To Analyze a Surface

Click Inspect tab Analysis panel Surface .

(Optional) Under Definition, enter a custom name for the analysis.

From the drop-down menu, select the type of curvature calculation you want to perform:

• Gaussian. Displays a gradient representing the product of curvature; curvature in the u direction of the surface multiplied by curvature in the v direction of the surface. Gaussian analysis is useful for inspecting such shapes as a coil, torus, or a sweep along a spline path.
• Mean Curvature. Displays a gradient representing the mean curvature of the u and v surface curvature values. Mean curvature analysis is useful for inspecting such shapes as a cone or many of the surfaces which can be generated using the loft feature.
• Max Curvature. Displays a gradient representing the greater of u or v surface curvature values. Max curvature analysis is useful for locating areas of high or low curvature in a part or surface.

Set the curvature ratio range to analyze:

• Minimum Curvature Ratio. Sets the value that maps the start (blue end) of the color gradient. Click the arrow to select from the list.
• Maximum Curvature Ratio. Sets the value that maps the end (green end) of the color gradient. Click the arrow to select from the list.
• Auto Range. Sets the minimum and maximum curvature ratio such that the analysis display uses the whole range of colors. This means the minimum ratio is set to the smallest value found on the selected faces, and the maximum ratio is set to the largest value found on the selected faces.

(Optional) Select Gradient to display the analysis results as a gradient () rather than as discrete color bands ().

Specify the Display Quality.

Display Quality determines the resolution or quality of the gradient or color bands. The default of 0% produces the coarsest results. Lower settings result in fewer facets and a more jagged display. Higher settings result in more facets and smoother transitions, but can increase the time to display the analysis

Under Selection, specify the geometry you want to analyze and, if necessary, select that geometry in the graphics window:

• All. In the Part environment, selects all geometry in the part, including the entire part and any surface features (quilts). In the Construction environment, selects all solid bodies and surface bodies.
• Faces. Lets you select faces in a solid or surface body.
• Quilts. Lets you select surface features and faces.
• Groups. (Construction environment only.) Selects faces in the selected construction groups.

Click OK to analyze. Or, click Apply to analyze and keep the dialog box open, and then continue to change settings and revise the analysis as needed.