Creating Extremum Elements

You can create extremum elements (points, edges, or faces), that is elements at the minimum or maximum distance on a curve, a surface, or a pad, according to given directions.

This task shows you how to:

Before you begin: Create a 3D shape containing a curve or a surface.

Create an Extremum Point on a Curve

You can create extremum point on a curve according to given directions.

  1. Click Extremum in the Wireframe toolbar (Points sub-toolbar).

    The Extremum Definition dialog box appears.



  2. In the Element box, select a curve.

  3. In the Direction box, select the direction into which the extremum point must be identified.



  4. Click OK.

    The point (identified as Extremum.xxx) is added to the specification tree.



Create an Extremum Point on a Surface

You can create extremum point on a surface according to given directions.

  1. Click Extremum .

    The Extremum Definition dialog box appears.

  2. In the Element box, select a surface.



  3. In the Direction box, select the direction into which the extremum must be identified.



    If you click OK, the extremum face is created.



    Important: Giving only one direction is not always enough. You need to give a second, and possibly a third direction depending on the expected result (face, edge or point) to indicate to the system in which direction you want to create the extremum element. These directions must not be identical.

  4. In the Direction 2 box, select a second direction.



    If you click OK, the extremum edge is created.



  5. In the Direction 3 box, select a third direction.



  6. Click OK.

    The point (identified as Extremum.xxx) is added to the specification tree.



Note: About the Min and Max options:

  • Max: according to a given direction the highest point on the curve is created
  • Min: according to the same direction the lowest point on the curve is created