Named Plane

Assign names to specific planes. When using Selection, simply recall the name of a plane on which relevant nodes and elements are located. Named planes also come in handy for Activity.

Named Plane helps the user visualize and maneuver complex 3D structures. Models can be handled by 2D unit frames or by sections in the in/output processes.

From the Main Menu select Structure > UCS/Plan > Named Plane.

To assign or add a new plane name

Enter the following items and click :

Plane Name: Name of the assigned plane

Plane Type: Select the method of plane assignment

3 Points: Select 3 points on the plane to be defined. Enter the GCS coordinates of the 3 points or consecutively click the 3 points in the Model Window.

X - Y Plane: Select a desired plane parallel to the GCS X-Y plane. Enter the GCS Z-axis coordinate of the relevant plane or click a point on the relevant plane in the Model Window.

X - Z Plane: Select a desired plane parallel to the GCS X-Z plane. Enter the GCS Y-axis coordinate of the relevant plane or click a point on the relevant plane in the Model Window.

Y - Z Plane: Select a desired plane parallel to the GCS Y-Z plane. Enter the GCS X-axis coordinate of the relevant plane or click a point on the relevant plane in the Model Window.

Tolerance: Specify a tolerance within which 2 planes are considered to be the same plane. The distance (tolerance) is a perpendicular distance to the relevant plane.

To modify the setting of a previously assigned plane name

Select the relevant plane from the plane name list and click .

To delete a previously assigned plane name

Select the relevant plane from the plane name list and click .

Note
Named Plane can be effectively used provided that the nodes and elements of interest exist on a defined plane.
When the desired entities are not on the same plane such as bent frames or Outrigger Trusses, it is more effective to use "Group".