Create Geometry - Vertex

Figure 1.


You can load geometry from a CAD program into the graphical user interface and use it to create the flow model. The geometry is also useful for visualizing what the chambers and elements represent in the flow model. Use the File > Load CAD Model function to read geometry in IGES or STEP format.

A vertex (point or 0D CAD element) is useful for placing flow chambers. Use the flow chambers to create flow elements.

Select one of the following methods to use the vertex to locate a flow chamber:
  1. Create the chamber and vertex simultaneously. From the Create Vertex window, select Create chamber.
  2. Press Shift while dragging a chamber from the Element Library. The vertices are automatically displayed, and the chamber can be snapped to a vertex.
  3. Use Geometry > Flow from Geometry > Chambers to create chambers on vertices.
Follow these steps to move an existing chamber or thermal node (Tnode) to an existing vertex:
  1. Select the chamber (or Tnode) to be moved.
  2. Press the “V” key to display the existing vertices in the model.
  3. Select the vertex for the chamber (or Tnode) location.

Create Vertex Methods

  1. From the Create Vertex dialog, next to vertex creation method, click Create to create the vertices.
    Note: Define the Options before clicking Create.
  2. Select Create chamber to create chambers and the vertex simultaneously.
  3. Select the Chamber Type before clicking Create.
    Figure 2.


  4. Use one of the following methods to create a vertex:
    Create at all arc centers
    Creates a vertex at every arc center, with an arc radius between the Arc Radius Limits, specified under Options.
    Create at selected arc centers
    Creates a vertex at the selected arc centers. Click Create; the geometry changes color to indicate that curves are ready to be selected.
    Create at selection
    Creates a vertex on a curve at the location where the curve is selected.
    Create vertices on curve
    Creates evenly spaced vertices on the selected curve. The number of vertices depends on the number in the Divide By field under Options. For example, Divide by 2 places three vertices on the curve, separated by the curve length divided by 2.
    Create on middle of curve
    Creates one vertex on the selected curve. The vertex is at 50% of the arc length of the curve.

    To end the selection mode for options two through five above, close the window or click Create again.

  5. Additional options include:
    Create chamber
    Select to create a chamber and vertex, or leave unchecked to only create a vertex.
    The Chamber Type option controls the type of chamber created.
    Show/Hide Vertices
    Select to display existing vertices, or leave unchecked to hide them.
    Note: During the creation process, existing vertices are displayed, even if the option is not selected.
    Arc Radius Limits
    Controls the arcs used to create vertices for the Create at all arc centers option.
    Divide By
    Controls the number of evenly spaced vertices that are created on a curve for the Create vertices on curve option.