Getting acquainted with the GSM Radial Bend command

In the following step-by-step example you will use the GSM Radial Bend command to modify the shape of the solid contained in file "GRB_Sample_TwoModes.e3" and shown in the illustration below:



using the two modes available in the Perpendicular drop-down list under More Options:

You will see how the shape is modified when you change the Perpendicular drop-down list from one mode to the other, and, in addition, what happens if you modify the constraints along the first cutting line from Fixed to Rotation. For a detailed description of the two methods, we strongly recommend that you read "Using the GSM Radial Bend command and its different methods".
To begin with, open file "GRB_Sample_TwoModes.e3" and start the GSM Radial Bend command.

1 Make sure the Perpendicular drop-down list under More Options is set to Axis of revolution. If it is not, select Axis of revolution.
2 In the Axis of revolution drop-down list, select Line. Then click on the axis shown in the following illustration:

3 In the Bend line drop-down list, choose Line. Select the line which defines the radial bending direction.

4 Make sure the Entities drop-down list (under Entities to Be Modified) is set to Solid (and if it isn't, select the Solid item).
To create a solid which will retain an associativity link to its base entities, so that if you modify such entities the solid will be updated accordingly, select the Associative Mode check box.

5 Select the solid. Three handles are displayed:
  • The one corresponding to 2nd Length enables you to modify the length of the bending line
  • The ones corresponding to Angle and Length enable you to perform the bending in a polar reference system with its origin in the endpoint of the bending line.
6 Drag the Length handle to the new position you want, or set the Length value. Repeat the operation with different values to appreciate the change
7 Now drag the 2nd Length handle or set the 2nd Length value.



Finally, change the Length value again to obtain the following shape.

8 Now, change the mode. In the Perpendicular drop-down list under More Options select Bend line.

9 Try now to appreciate the change when you modify the Angle.



10 Under More Options, First, change the Status to Rotation and see what happens (the side profile is much more like a straight line than when the Status was set to Fixed. See "Constraints along the first cutting line" for further details).

11 Now, suppose you set the Perpendicular drop-down list to Axis of revolution again and leave the Status under More Options, First, set to Rotation

Tips and Tricks