4.3 Geometries

Adding geometries

CAD files can be imported into a measurement preparation by dragging and dropping the files into the window. Alternatively, the +CAD button can be used.

Supported CAD file types

Supported CAD file types include IGES, STEP and STL.

Flipping surface normals

When adding sensors and impacts to the surface of a geometry, it is desired to have them mate to the outer surface of the geometry. For certain solid models, the geometry is defined such that the normal of the outer surface points inside the geometry. This property can be modified by:

1. Right-clicking on the geometry and selecting Flip Normals, or;
2. Pressing F while a sensor or impact is being added (e.g. after pressing I)

Mirroring geometries

Many structures and systems exhibit symmetry about a specific axis. The geometry can be mirrored by right-clicking on the geometry and selecting the axis along which it will be moved.

Editing geometries

Geometries can be edited by right-clicking on the geometry in the 3D viewer and selecting Edit object or right-clicking on the geometry name in the Item Overview and selecting Edit Item. Here, the name and description of the geometry can be edited, and the geometry can be moved and rotated using actual coordinates. The color and transparency of the geometry can also be changed and the visibility toggled on/off.

The geometry can also be moved and rotated manually by right-clicking on the geometry in the 3D viewer and selecting Move. Move the geometry by clicking and dragging on an arrow, arc, or the origin of the local coordinate system axes.