3D Position from a P-line

Wherever a Design element or p-point can be used for position, a p-line can also be used. However, a p-line is a line in a given direction between two points, and does not define a single position.

In order to use p-line for position, it is necessary to specify a distance along that p-line. The syntax is based on that in the design:

PPLINe word OF element_identifier STart

PPLINe word OF element_identifier ENd

The start and end of a p-line are the points at which the p-line crosses the two end-cutting planes of a Section. These are proportional distances 0.0 and 1.0 respectively. The start and end of the neutral axis are coincident with the points defined by the POSS and POSE attributes of the Section.

PPLINe word OF element_identifier units_value

The syntax defines an absolute distance from the start of the p-line.

PPLINe word OF element_identifier PROPortion value

The syntax defines a proportional distance along the p-line from its start.

PPLINe word OF element_identifier

When no p-line position is stated explicitly the default value for proportional distance is used. The default can be altered by using the PKDI SETD command. Refer to P-line Distance for further information. The initial value is 0.5, meaning the mid-point of the p-line.