Curves GordonSurface/en

Description
The Curves GordonSurface creates a surface that skins a network of curves. This tool is part of the external workbench called Curves.



Usage

 * 1) A Gordon surface requires a network of lines or curves that create a support network for the surface.
 * 2) * The surface will be "tented" between and over these lines.
 * 3) In the example above the blue lines (or ribs) represent the shape of the surface at different points along surface.
 * 4) * These can be thought of as cross sections along the surface. Or, like supports that the surface will "tent" over.
 * 5) The yellow lines represent the extent and shape of the surface between the cross sections ("ribs") defined by the blue lines.
 * 6) These lines (blue & yellow) can be created in sketches.
 * 7) * The sketches containing the blue ribs would typically have a placement offset.
 * 8) ** Each "rib" is in a separate sketch.
 * 9) * The sketches containing the extent/shape (yellow) lines will typically reference external geometry from the "rib" sketches for accurate positioning.
 * 10) These need to be created before the next step.
 * 11) Switch to the [[Image:Curves_workbench_icon.svg|24px]] Curves workbench (install from [[Image:AddonManager.svg|24px]] Addon Manager is necessary, if not previously installed)
 * 12) Now select all the lines of that will define the surface.
 * 13) The order of selection defines the stitching or tenting order.
 * 14) Use multi-select to select all lines defining the surface. (Left click while holding the Ctrl key.)
 * 15) Select the ribs first, in order. (In the example above, select the blue lines from left to right. or right to left.)
 * 16) Continue to hold the Ctrl key and select the extent lines. (Yellow lines in the example above.)
 * 17) To invoke the command, do one of the following:
 * 18) * Press the [[Image:Curves_GordonSurface.svg|24px]] button
 * 19) * Use the

Properties

 * : Can be used to adjust the placement of the resulting Gordon surface. See: Placement
 * Note: The Placement properties do not adjust the placement of the curves/lines used to create the surface, only the surface.
 * : User specified label (name) for the surface. (Default: Gordon)
 * : Defines the output type. (Default: Surface, Options: Surface, Wireframe)
 * : (Default: 80)
 * : User selected lines that are used to create the Gordon surface.
 * : 3D tolerance (Default: 0.01)
 * : Number of samples in the U direction. (Default: 16)
 * This value is used to determine density of the mesh when the Output property is set to Wireframe.
 * : Number of samples in the V direction. (Default: 16)
 * This value is used to determine density of the mesh when the Output property is set to Wireframe.
 * Gordon surface in wire frame mode, U=16, V=16

Limitations
TODO