Vector Creation Palette

Examples of each button's functionality can be viewed by clicking on the button.

Create vector

Creates a vector depending on the objects selected:

• If two points are selected, a vector is created from the first point selected to the second point selected.

• If a single point is selected, a vector is created using the information in the VX, VY, and VZ fields.

•  If nothing is selected, a point is created using the values in the X, Y, and Z fields of the points application, and a vector is created from this point using the values in the VX, VY, and VZ fields.

Reverse vector direction

If you wish to reverse the direction of any number of picked vectors, the Reverse vector direction button will do the action for you. The new vector will share the tail point of the picked vector as its tail point, but will point in the exact opposite direction of the picked vector.

Average vectors

If two or more vectors are picked, their average can be found simply by pressing the Average vectors button. This average is displayed in the VX, VY, VZ fields. The average vector may then be created by picking a point (to be the vector base) and then selecting the create vector button. If you pick two vectors that are in opposite directions of each other and of the same length (such as the original vector and the one created using the reverse vector direction button) you will get an error stating that you can not divide by zero.

Create vector tree/wheel

Pick a point and then select this button in order to generate a set of unit vectors extending from the point. The vectors will be spaced at 15 degree increments. The point may either be specified in the X, Y, and Z fields or by picking the desired point. The plane field determines whether the wheel will be generated in the XY, YZ, or XZ plane. This helps in the construction of curves.

Create vector from angle

Creates a vector in the plane specified by the plane field at the angle specified in the angle field.  If a point is selected, the vector is created at that point.  Otherwise, the values in the X, Y, and Z fields will be used.

Create tangent vectors

Creates vectors tangent to the selected object at the selected points:

• If a surface and any number of points on that surface are selected,  vectors are created tangent to the selected surface at each selected point.
• If a curve and any number of points on that curve are selected, vectors are created tangent to that curve at the selected points.

Create normal vectors

Creates a vector normal to the selected object:

• If a surface and any number of points on that surface are selected,  vectors are created normal to the selected surface at each selected point.
• If a curve, a vector, and any number of points on the curve are selected, vectors are created normal to the local curve tangent and the selected vector at each selected point.
• If two vectors are selected, a vector normal to both selected vectors is created at the tail of the first vector.
• If three points are selected, a normal vector is created at the centroid of the three points and the direction is computed using the right-hand rule.

Vector component fields

You can use the VX, VY, and VZ fields to input the components of a vector which is to be generated. If the inquire command is used, then the components of the last vector picked will appear in these fields.

VX Unit Vector

Creates a unit vector in the X-direction.

VY Unit Vector

Creates a unit vector in the Y-direction.

VZ Unit Vector

Creates a unit vector in the Z-direction.

Angle field

You can use the angle field along with the plane field to specify the direction of the vector created using the  create vector from angle command. The value of the field is measured in degrees.  This field is also used to specify the angle of rotation when using  in .

Plane field

You can determine the plane in which the vectors are to be generated by using the plane field.

---