3D curve: environment and functionalities

Introduction

A 3D curve has two graphic representation environments :

Representation on a 3D graph (by default) that permits to have a global view of the 3D curve appearance.
Representation on a 2D graph that permits to have a more accurate representation of the 3D curve appearance for a more refined analysis of the values.

The 3D graph representation that permits to visualize the curve in three dimensions is presented below.

Element	Function
Legend button	Permits to hide/display the legend (the scale of color gradation)
Meshes button	Permits to hide/display the meshes of the curve
Scale button	Permits to hide/display the gradings on the axes
Go to 2D graph button	Permits to pass to the representation on a 2D graph of the 3D curve
Switch axis	Permits to switch the two axes in abscissas
List of formulas	Permits to display another quantity, if the 3D curve comprises several quantities
Representation modes	Permits to choose the mode of graphic representation of the 3D curve (surface, sticks, wall, …)
Predefined positions	Permits to position the curve depending on predefined views (plan XY, plan XZ, plan YZ,…)
Color scale	Permits to change the colors of the gradation
Axis manager	Permits to modify the minimal and maximal limits of each of the axes in abscissa.

Note: the representation on a 3D graph of a 3D Curve has the same functions of zoom, motion and rotation as the standard geometric view.

The representation on a 2D graph of a 3D curve has an environment based on the same environment of the 2D curves.

Nevertheless, there are the own functions of this 2D graph environment of a 3D curve. They are presented and described below.

Element	Function
Tools bar	Similar to the 2D curve environment
Curves management	Similar to the 2D curve environment
Management of the selection of displayed curves	Permits to choose between two modes of selection: Multiple selection (checked): possibility of superposing several curves for the different values of the parameter 2 Mono selection (unchecked): only one curve for one value of the parameter 2 Note : in multiple selection, there are two buttons permitting to select/deselect all the values of the parameter 2
List of values of 2^nd parameter	Permits to: Visualize the list of values of the parameter 2 Choose the curve to display in mono selection, checking the desired value of the parameter 2 Choose the curves to display in multiple selection, checking the desired values of the parameter 2
Go to 3D graph button	Permits to pass to the representation of the 3D curve on a 3D graph
Change abscissa button	Permits to change the parameter in abscissa Parameter 2 passes in abscissa and the values of parameter 1 are listed in the right window, which permits to display one or more curves in function of the parameter 2 for one or more values of the parameter 1