Beam References

The geometric entities that you use for your beam define the location and direction of the beam X axis. Select one of the following reference types on the Beam Definition dialog box to define the location of your beam on your model:

• Point-Point—Create a beam between two points or vertices, or any combination of the two. The positive direction of the beam goes from the first selected point to the second.

• Point-Surface (Projection)—Create a beam between a point or vertex and a surface. The positive direction of the beam goes from the point to the surface.

• Point-Edge (Projection)—Create a beam between a point or vertex and an edge. The positive direction of the beam goes from the point to the edge.

For the location of the beam end positioned on the surface/edge, the software selects the spot that is closest to the first point of the beam. If you need to position the beam at a particular place on the surface/edge, use the Point-Point option and create a datum point along the surface/edge.

• Point-Point Pairs—Create multiple point-to-point beams with the same characteristics. You can select multiple points, or vertices, or both for this reference type. This option is not available when you edit a beam definition.

• Chain (feature/pattern of points)—Create a beam that runs along a sequence of points. The selected reference must consist of at least two points.

• Edge(s)/Curve(s)—This is the default reference type. Create a beam that runs along an edge or a curve. Select single edges or curves or intent chains and intent curves with which to associate a beam. To indicate the direction of a beam, Creo Parametric displays a purple arrow at the center of each selected edge or curve. To invert the direction of an already-selected edge or curve beam, click on it again and the software redraws the arrow.

If you select a curve that is not straight, the beam X axis lies along the length of and tangent to the curve. The Y direction is in the plane of the curve. If you select a vector direction for the Y direction that is not within the plane of the curve, Creo Simulate chooses the closest direction within the plane, or perpendicular to the plane.

• single point or vertex

• point feature (includes one or more single points)

• pattern of point features

The software treats the beams you create from point features or patterns of points as single entities. You cannot specify different properties for different beams created from the same point feature or pattern of point features.