HM-120-L Defining Planes and Vectors

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Estimated Time: 15 minutes

This lesson describes the methods you can use to specify a plane or vector before a command
function is performed. It also demonstrates how to use a plane and vector collector to define a
vector. The following information is included:

• Defining planes and vectors

• Using a plane and vector collector to define a direction

Panels Covered

• files

• translate

File Needed
• simple.hm

Defining Planes and Vectors Page 1 of 7

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Using a Plane and Vector Collector
It is often necessary to define vectors and planes when you create or modify a model. Plane and
vector collectors allow you to choose which method to use to specify the plane or vector
necessary for the command function. When you click the collector switch, a pop-up window
appears with options to select either local planes and vectors (N1, N2, N3) or global planes and
vectors (x-, y-, z-axis). An optional provision for a base point is provided so that you can specify a
parallel vector or plane.

Nodal Plane Collector. Global Plane Collector.

Vectors can be defined by:

• Selecting the x-, y-, or z-axis.

• Selecting two nodes (N1 and N2).

• Selecting three nodes (N1, N2, and N3). The vector is the normal of the plane defined by
the three nodes. N1 (or the base node, if selected) is the point on the plane through
which the vector passes.

• Selecting a model vector (i.e., arrows representing a local coordinate system vector or
load vector).
Planes can be defined by:

• Selecting the x-, y-, or z-axis and a base node. The base node locates a plane normal to
the chosen axis.

• Selecting two nodes (N1 and N2). The resulting plane is normal to the N1-N2 vector and
passes through N1 (or the base node, if selected).

• Selecting three nodes (N1, N2, N3). A parallel plane can be specified by selecting a base
point elsewhere in the model.

• Selecting a model vector (i.e., local coordinate system vectors or load vectors). The
resulting plane is normal to the vector.

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Before you begin this example:

1. Retrieve the simple.hm file:

− Select files on the main menu.

− Click file = two times (once to make the field active; a second time to display a
directory listing from which you can choose a file).

− Select the tutorial/simple.hm file.

− Click retrieve.

2. Click return to access the main menu.

Illustration of simple.hm.

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In this section, use the plane and vector input collector to translate a group of elements a
specified distance along a vector. The vector defines the direction in which the elements translate.

Use the plane and vector collector to define the direction:

1. Select translate on pg 3 of main menu.

2. Click the leftmost switch, , and select elems as the data type to be translated.

3. Pick the six elements on the right side of the model by clicking the element handles in the
center of the elements.

4. Define the vector direction:

− Click the plane and vector collector switch, , in the center of the panel.

− Select N1, N2, N3 (the nodal form of specifying a vector or plane) on the pop-up
window.

− Click N1 if it is not already surrounded by the graphic input cursor.

− Pick a node in the graphics area (see illustration for location of nodes).
A circle the same color as N1 appears around the node to show that it was selected.
HyperMesh automatically moves the graphic input cursor to N2.
− Pick a second node in the graphics area. HyperMesh automatically moves the
graphic input cursor to N3.

− Pick a third node.

Â
The vector is the normal of the plane defined by the three nodes. N1 (or the base node, if
selected) is the point on the plane through which the vector passes.

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Selected elements and N1, N2, N3.

5. Specify the distance:

− Click distance =.
The input cursor appears in the input field box, indicating that you can edit the value.
− Enter 50.0.

6. Click translate+ to translate the selected elements.

7. Click f on the permanent menu to fit the model on the screen.

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Once the elements have translated, try redefining the direction vector, the distance, selecting
more elements, or deselecting some elements. Use translate+ or translate- to move the
elements. Note that the input data you specify in the panel remains constant in each of the
translations unless you modify it.

 You can reject a node that you have selected by clicking the node or the corresponding
menu item, N1, N2, or N3 with the right mouse button.

Translated elements.

To exit HyperMesh:

1. Click return to access the main menu.

2. Click quit to end the HyperMesh session.

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Conclusion
This concludes the Defining Planes and Vectors lesson. You have completed exercises that
demonstrated how to:

• Use a plane and vector collector to define a direction

• Translate entities along a vector

Additional Resources
To learn more about: See:
Plane collectors Pages 47 - 56 in the HyperMesh User’s Manual.

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