LINES

The lines of a project represent the structure of the object you want to simulate: they define the outline of all the parts composing it. Clicking on tab "Lines" it is possible to modify the lines of the project.


It is also possible to import lines directly from a DXF file through "Import" command of "File" menu. To correctly import it is important to:



Commands

If you wish to create or modify lines, you can use the following commands:

Create a simple line; click on first point an then on second point.

Create a line strip; click on every point of the strip and right click or double click to terminate.

Create a rectangle; click on first corner and then on second corner.

Create an arch. There are three modes:

1- click on first and second point and then define radius by moving the mouse;

2 - hold down the CTRL (CMD on Mac) key, click on the center of the circle and, while still holding down CTRL (CMD on Mac), click on a second point to define the radius of the circle to create;

3 - hold down the CTRL (CMD on Mac) key, click on the center of the circle, release the SHIFT key and click on two points to define the arc.

Create a layered structure.

Cut a line. Holding down CTRL (CMD on Mac) key, it is possible to remove the vertex in common between two parallel lines clicking on it.

Remove a line.

Move lines; first you must select vertices by clicking on them (hold down CTRL (CMD on Mac) key to add to selection) or by dragging a selection rectangle.



Construction axes

When this feature is available, construction axes can be used as a helper when handling geometry: they can be used as snap positions. Please use the following commands to create and modify them:



Create an horizontal axis.



Create a vertical axis.



Delete axes.



Delete all the axes from the project.



Move axes.



Groups

When available, this feature can be extremely useful to handle complex projects by grouping parts of them. Groups are managed through the following commands:



Group selected vertices. When used, selected vertices are linked together and can only be moved as a whole. If there are areas within the newly created group, they will be moved together with the group.



Ungroup selected group.

If you wish to modify vertices within a group you simply have to double click on a group's vertex; pressing ESC you'll return to parent level. Please note that groups can be nested (i.e. a group can contain groups).

Flow direction hints

This software needs to know which is the global direction of heat flow in order to apply several algorithms:

Heat flow direction hint can be set by choosing one of the following options:

From top to bottom.

From bottom to top.

From right to left.

From left to right.

Cavities flow direction

When available, certain kind of cavities require heat flow direction specification. This direction is absolute and not relative to screen:



Horizontal flow direction.



Upward flow direction.



Downward flow direction.



Automatic flow direction detection, depending also on gravity vector (see below).

Gravity vector

In certain situations, you'll be asked to choose which is heat flow the gravity direction respect to screen. This setting is important especially for cavities.