Work Surface

A work surface can be described as a type of design aid for Hull Modelling. The concept is inspired by the location defined view with symbolic representation in 2D Drawing.

By defining a location and depth, it will set the scene for modelling, for example, at a frame position or at a deck. By associating the 3D view with a work surface, it is possible to trigger symbolic representation.

A work surface has a defined volume, initially set up from the project envelope and the depth. When creating a work surface, several model types can be selected. All models of these types within the work surface volume will automatically be added to the 3D view. The model selection is saved in the work surface which allows the user to refresh the view from the settings in the work surface at a later point, for example when starting a new session of model.

The work surface can also be used to create an imprinted area arrangement which is a result of a space arrangement intersected with the work surface.

Symbolic representation in 3D view depicts the symbolic representation for location-defined view in 2D drawings. As a matter of fact, the same engine is partly used in Model as for Draw. Symbolic representation means that models will be represented with curve primitives rather than volume primitives. The curves are normally the intersection between the symbolic plane and the model. If the model is parallel (or close to parallel) to the symbolic plane, boundary curves or trace lines will be shown. If the model is not within the given depth, it will not be drawn at all. In general, if the model is partially outside the depth, the geometry outside the depth will be trimmed away, although there are some exceptions.

Note:
Not all models can be displayed symbolically and will therefore not be affected by this functionality, such as EQUI, STRU, PIPE, ROOM, HVAC or CWAY.

The following are examples of models that can be drawn symbolically:

• Spaces (SPMSPC), Areas (FNCARE), Surfaces (SRFSUR), UPANEL components: ISTIFF, IPLATE, IHOLE, INOTCH, ISEAM, ICTOUT, ICLIP

  Example 1 – A space arrangement drawn with ordinary (volume) representation:

  

  Example 2 - A space arrangement drawn with symbolic representation with a Work Surface defined at Y=0:

  

  If multiple 3D views are active, it is possible to associate each view with a work surface of its own. For example: one view at X=FR100, a second view at Y=0 and a third view at Z=LP40:

The association between the 3D view and the work surface is stored in the graphics settings drawlist and can therefore be saved and restored with the 3D view as other view settings. It is also possible to see and select the current work surface in the graphics settings drawlist). Refer to Graphics Settings Drawlist for further information.