Specifying an Axis

Some commands require a specified axis (such as webcut with a cylinder) and it is sometimes advantageous to view an axis before modifying geometry. An axis is simply a vector with a specified origin. The following options determine an axis specification:

Last

Last

The last option recalls the last axis used in an axis command. The last axis does not carry over from CUBIT session to CUBIT session.

Specify a direction and a location

Direction {options} [Origin [Location] {options}] [Length <val>] [Angle <val>]

To specify an axis simply specify a vector (a direction) and an origin (a location). Notice that the command requires the axis direction first because the origin defaults to 0 0 0 when not specified. An example of specifying an axis to draw a location using the swing command is as follows:

draw location 1 0 0 swing about axis direction z ang 45

Figure 1 - Swinging a point about the z-axis

The location 1 0 0 was swung 45 degrees about an axis defined by a vector in the z direction and an origin at 0 0 0.

Specify a surface

Surface <id>

If a surface is specified, it must be a cone type surface. The axis of the cone surface is used. If a non-cone type surface is specified, an error will result.

Specify a curve

Curve <id>

If a curve is specified, it must be an arc, helix, or spline of constant curvature. All other curve types will result in an error.

Option to revolve an axis about an axis

[Revolve [About] Axis {options} Angle <val>]

To revolve one axis around another use the revolve keyword. The following example revolves the first axis (defined by the y-axis and origin) around the second axis (defined by the z-axis and origin) by 45 degrees and draws the result.

draw axis direction y revolve axis direction z angle 45

Figure 2 - Revolving an axis about another axis

Previewing an Axis

Sometimes it is helpful to preview an axis before using it in a command. An axis may be previewed using the Draw command. The options for previewing an axis are the same as the ones described above.

Draw Axis {options}