Creating Openings Using a Sketch

This task explains creation of openings using the sketch method. In the example below, an opening with several contours will be created on a longitudinal stiffener.  

 

 

 

 

1. Click the Opening button to display the Opening dialog box.

  2. CATEGORY: Select a category by clicking on the down arrow. The last 10 categories you selected will be displayed. If the category you want is not visible then select More to display the class browser and make your selection.  The categories available to you depends on what your administrator has added. NOTE: 'Functional Opening' is a high level function. It is best to use a more specific category, such as access hole or lightening hole, or other categories that your administrator may have added.
  3. NAME: The application can assign a name to the object you are creating using the object naming function if you check the Automatic checkbox. If you want to assign your own name then uncheck the box and enter a name.
  4. The Applied To field shows the object to which the opening will be applied. You can click in the field and select a different object. Openings can be applied to plates, stiffeners, or stiffeners on free edge.
  5. METHOD: Select Sketch for applying the opening.

If the object on which the opening is to be placed is planar then it will be pre-selected as the sketch support. If it is curved then you will have to select a planar surface or plane to define the sketch support.

2D VIEW ORIENTATION: The orientation of the object when it opens in the Sketcher can be controlled by settings in the file ShipStructureMoldedConventions.xml.

  6. Click on the Sketcher button to open the Sketcher and make your opening using one of the tools.

To learn about the Sketcher you need to see Sketcher documentation. However, as a suggestion, one method you could follow is to place one contour on the stiffener. You can draw a contour, or place it using the menubar command Insert - Profile - Predefined Profile.

Size the contour you have placed, then place as many as you require. You can place several instances using the menubar command Insert - Operation - Transformation - Translate. Or you can use the standard Copy-Paste operation. Click the Exit Workbench button to return to the 3D representation. You will be able to preview the openings you have placed when you exit the Sketcher workbench. The image below shows several openings created in a longitudinal stiffener.

Note:

  • A contour must be closed.
  • If you draw more than one contour while you are in the Opening command, all sketches will be included in one opening entry in the specifications tree. If you want more than one opening then you must launch the command again.
  7. Click OK in the Opening dialog box to create the opening.