Introduction to Surfacing
© 2022, ASCENT - Center for Technical Knowledge® 1–5
1.3 Surfacing Terminology
The following terms are commonly used in surfacing:
• Curvature
• Curvature Continuity
• Inflection point
• Geometrical set
Curvature
The curvature of a surface or curve is equal to the inverse of the
radius at any point on the surface. Therefore, a smaller radius
results in a greater curvature. An example is shown in
Figure 1–4.
Figure 1–4
These tools are
discussed in more depth
later.
To detect changes in curvature, you can use a combination of
curve and surface analysis tools.
When designing surfaces with curvature, keep the following
information in mind:
• The curvature for a straight line is zero.
• The curvature for a true arc is constant at all points along the
curve.
• The curvature of a spline is constantly changing.
Curvature
Continuity
Curvature Continuity refers to how two curves or two surfaces
meet. An edge is generated where two surfaces meet and a
vertex is generated where two curves meet. Continuity between
entities plays an important role in the appearance of a surface.
R40, C=0.025
R25, C=0.04
Sample
provided
by
ASCENT
for
review
only
All
copying
and
reuse
strictly
forbidden.
