Paths: about
Definition
A path is a line support, on which the user can evaluate a spatial quantity.
Use
A path is used to plot 2D spatial curves.
Geometric shapes
The path can be as follows:
- rectilinear (straight segment)
- curvilinear (arc of circle, helicoïdal line)
Mesh
The mesh of a path is based on a user-defined discretization: computation points are regularly spaced on the line of the support.
Types of path
Types of path are as follows:
| Type of path | Shape of path | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| path defined by two points |
straight segment / arc of circle helicoïdal line |
two points * (graphical or numerical capture) |
| arc defined by three points | arc of circle |
three points * (graphical or numerical capture) |
| arc defined by center, radius and angles | arc of circle |
center coordinates, radius, starting angle and ending angle |
| parametrized path |
straight segment / arc of circle helicoïdal line |
parameter functions |
Note: * To capture points, the user may lean on one of the methods presented in the table below.
Parameter setting
The user can use geometric parameters to define the path by the numerical mode.