Macro Airfoil Import & Scale

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File:Text-x-python Macro Airfoil Import & Scale

Description
Trace the perimeter of a Airfoil from a .dat file.

Macro version: 1.5 , 2.0 and 2.1
Author: quick61
Author
quick61
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Macro Version
1.5 , 2.0 and 2.1
Date last modified
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This Macro, when run, will first provide the user with a file browser to locate and select a .dat airfoil text file. Once selected, a chord length is entered and upon pressing the OK button, a properly scaled airfoil is produced. There are two versions provided here. Version 1.5 should work on FreeCAD versions, 0.13 stable as well as all 0.14 versions. Version 2 should only be used with FreeCAD versions equal to or greater than 0.14 3077 and will work best with versions built with OCE/OCC versions 6.7 or greater.

See also Common Airfoil Data Import


How To Use - Version 1.5

Select The File

Running the Macro will first present the user with a file browser that will allow you to select the desired airfoil .dat file. Browse to where you have saved the airfoil file, select it and press Open.

File browser window for importing .dat airfoil files
File browser window for importing .dat airfoil files

Enter Chord Length

Once the airfoil file has been selected, a new dialog will appear asking for a chord length. Any length may be entered, in millimeters. Once your desired length is entered, the Macro will produce a Draft Wire (DWire) following the points described in the previously selected .dat airfoil file at the scale you entered for the chord length.

Chord length dialog for import and scale macro v1.5
Chord length dialog for import and scale macro v1.5

The Airfoil, properly scaled, should now be ready for use in your project.

How To Use - Version 2

File selection is the same as version 1.5. With version 2 you now have the choice to either have the resulting airfoil made with a Draft Wire (DWire) or a Basic Spline (BSpline). As with version 1.5, you enter the desired chord length. Additionally you can now select which type of foil you want. Simply click on the BSpline radio button or leave as is for for the default DWire.

Version 2 Airfoil Import and scale dialog with choice of DWire or BSpline
Version 2 Airfoil Import and scale dialog with choice of DWire or BSpline

Editing The Default Selection

If you primarily wish to have your imported and scaled airfoils made with BSplines rather than DWires, the Marco may be edited to default to the Bspline. This is done by editing the line -

##exampleCode##

self.radio1.setChecked(True)
  

- and changing it to -

##exampleCode##

self.radio2.setChecked(True)
  

A note on this is included within the text of the macro.

The Macros

Version 1.5

{{Code|code=

  1. # # #
  2. AIRFOIL IMPORT & SCALE v1.5
  3. Imports and scales an Airfoil in the fo