EXPLODE_PARTS Separating ("Exploding") Parts

EXPLODE_PARTS Separating (“Exploding”) Parts

"Exploding" a part is done by applying a [dx,dy,dz] vector to all nodes of that part, which has the effect of moving it bodily to a new location. By default no explosion vectors are set, but you can define, modify and cancel vectors for any part(s) at will. The figure below left shows an unexploded, and below right, an exploded dummy model:

This figure shows the basic "Explosion" control panel in its initial state. In this example no explosion vectors have been defined yet, as can be seen in the status feedback area.

DEFINE Defining explicit explosion vectors for a <list> of parts

If you know exactly which parts you want to "explode", and by how much, use DEFINE. This requires you to define a <list> of parts, using the standard selection panel, then for each part it gives you the explosion vector definition panel shown in the following figure:

For each part you can define: dx , dy , dz Explicit vectors; AUTOMATIC Let D3PLOT calculate vectors (based on vector from model C.of.G to part C.of.G). SET TO ZERO Reset all 3 vectors to zero. Factors... Provides a simple way to factor the current vectors by known %age amounts.

You can use the definition methods above in any order: for example use AUTOMATIC to get an initial estimate, then Factor them, or modify them by hand. The vectors are only stored when you give the DONE command. The vectors you define will take effect the next time you issue a plotting command.

AUTOMATIC Automatically generated vectors for a <list> of parts Typing in vectors for a long list of parts can get tedious, so it is possible to get D3PLOT to generate vectors for you automatically. These are based on the vector from a defined position (by default the centre of the model) to the centre of gravity (C.of.G) of each part, multiplied by a known factor. This figure shows the AUTOMATIC vector definition panel. You define the centre from which vectors are calculated from one of: CENTROID Model centre of gravity NODE Nodal coordinate ORIGIN Coordinate [0,0,0] MATL C.of.G of a part Pt used Type in a coordinate Then define a (non-zero!) Distance , or apply a %age factor to the existing value.

When you have defined the centre of explosion correctly press APPLY , and you will be asked to define a <list> of parts to which to apply vectors. Vectors for each part will be calculated based on the distance from the part C.of.G to the centre defined here, factored in proportion to the Distance value. The vectors generated are not usually ideal, but they provide a good starting point from which they can be "tweaked" to give the required image.