CONSTRUCT SHAPE BOX [shape_name]box_definition [refcs][csname]

    

This command is used to define an orthogonal box shape with one of the following methods:

• Two points defining the diagonal of the box
• Four points defining one corner and three edge lengths
• One point defining a corner and three edge lengths
• The coordinates of a corner and three edge lengths

The 'box' shape is provided for use in FEMGEN to define intersection points, lines and surfaces. The box shape is for use in defining the outer limits of intersection lines and surfaces, consequently it cannot be the first shape to be used in in a 'GEOMETRY LINE INTERSECT' or 'GEOMETRY SURFACE INTERSECT' command.

shape_name = Name of the box (optional).

refcs = Reference axis type for the orientation of the box, either `GLOBAL' or `LOCAL'. This will override the currently active system. If `LOCAL' is specified then the name of an existing local coordinate system must be given. (Although just the name of the existing local system can be given.)

csname = Name of an existing local coordinate system as defined using CONSTRUCT COORDSYS.

pnam1 pnam2 = Two points defining a diagonal of the box. The resulting box will have its faces parallel to the global planes unless a local coordinate system is active.

box_definition Comments

pnam1 pnam2 pnam3 pnam4 Four points defining a corner of the box. The first two define the length and direction of the first edge, the third point defines the orientation and length of the second edge (measured normal to the first edge) and the fourth point defines the length of the third edge measured normal to the first edge.

pnam1 xlen ylen zlen One point defining a corner of a box and the length of the edges in the three axis directions. It is only necessary to give xlen when a cube is to be created. If a local axis system is given then the orientation of the box will be relative to this system; similarly if a local axis system is active then the orientation of the box will be relative to this system, unless the keyword GLOBAL is used.

box_definition Comments

x y z xlen ylen zlen Three coordinates defining the location of a corner of a box and the length of the edges in the three axis directions. It is only necessary to give xlen when a cube is to be created unless a coordinate system is explicitly named.If a local axis system is given then the orientation of the box will be relative to this system; similarly if a local axis system is active then the orientation of the box will be relative to this system, unless the keyword GLOBAL is used.

The 'box' shape is provided for use in FEMGEN to define intersection points, lines and surfaces. The box shape is for use in defining the outer limits of intersection lines and surfaces, consequently it cannot be the first shape to be used in in a 'GEOMETRY LINE INTERSECT' or 'GEOMETRY SURFACE INTERSECT' command.

 

Figure 2.43: Four points defining a box

Examples:

1.

CONSTRUCT SHAPE BOX BOX12 P13 P25

Creates a FEMGEN box called BOX12 whose diagonal is defined by P13 and P25 and has all faces parallel to the global planes.

2.

CONSTRUCT SHAPE BOX OUTER P11 P1 P10 P7

Creates a box called OUTER with a corner at P11, the length of the box is the distance between P11 and P1, the width is defined by P10 and the height is defined by P7.

3.

CONSTRUCT SHAPE BOX METAL P20 1.5 2 1.9

Creates a box called METAL that has a corner at P20 with edges 1.5, 2 and 1.9 in the X, Y and Z directions.

4.

CONSTRUCT SHAPE BOX .1 2.2 .5 1.5 2 3 CCSYS1

Creates an automatically named box with a corner at X=.1, Y=2.2, Z=1.5 and edges 1.5,2 and 3 long. This box is defined relative to the coordinate system CCSYS1.

See also the following commands

'CONSTRUCT NAME'
'CONSTRUCT SPACE CURS-SHPE'
'GEOMETRY SURFACE INTERSECT'
'GEOMETRY LINE INTERSECT'
'GEOMETRY POINT INTERSECT'
'MESHING SHAPE'
'UTILITY DELETE SHAPES'
'UTILITY TABULATE GEOMETRY SHAPES'
'VIEW SHAPE'