3D Modeler - CAESAR II - Help

CAESAR II Users Guide

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English
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CAESAR II
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CAESAR II Version
13

When you start CAESAR II and start the piping input processor, the software automatically displays a graphic representation of the model to the right of the Classic Piping Input dialog box. To increase the window space available for graphics you can hide the Classic Piping Input dialog box by clicking . The initial view for a job that has never been plotted displays according to the configuration defaults. These defaults include:

  • A rendered view - restraints shown

  • XYZ compass - isometric view

  • Tees and nozzles highlighted - orthographic projection

The plotting begins by displaying the model in centerline/single line mode to speed up the process. Then all the elements are rendered one-by-one. Later, the restraints and other relevant items are added.

The model is fully operational while it is being drawn. You can apply any available option to the model at any time. The status bar at the bottom displays the drawing progress in the form of Drawing element X of Y. When the plot operation is complete, the status message changes to Ready.

When you hover the cursor over a button, the name of the button and a short description of the functionality displays in the status bar at the bottom of the view window.

There are several methods of accomplishing nearly every command in the Input Plot utility. You can access commands by clicking buttons, by selecting menu items, or by using hot keys.

Center Line View - Displays model data in single line mode. This often makes the view clearer. In this mode, restraints and other element information items display. Display the volume or double line plot by clicking the corresponding button. Press V to switch among the views in the following order: Shaded View (rendered mode) / Two Line Mode / Center Line View.

Shaded View - Displays the model as shaded 3D shapes. Restraints and other element information items display.

Silhouette - Displays the model as a silhouette. Restraints and other element information items display.

Hidden Line Wire Frame - Displays the model as a wire frame with hidden lines removed. Restraints and other element information items display.

Wire Frame - Displays the model as a wire frame. Restraints and other element information items display.

Translucent - Displays the model as translucent 3D shapes. Restraints and other element information items display.

Front - Displays the model from the front. Alternatively, press Z.

Back - Displays the model from the back. Alternatively, press Shift + Z.

Top - Displays the model from the top. Alternatively, press Y.

Bottom - Displays the model from the bottom. Alternatively, press Shift + Y.

Left - Displays the model from the left. Alternatively, press X.

Right - Displays the model from the right. Alternatively, press Shift + X.

Southeast ISO View - Displays the model isometrically from the southeast. Alternatively, press F10.

Node Numbers - Turns the display of node numbers on or off. Alternatively, press N. Click the down arrow to display node numbers for a specific element, such as for only restraints or only anchors. Select Names Only to display only the node names on the model, and not the node numbers.

Length - Turns the display of element lengths on or off. Alternatively, press L.

Select Element - Select a single element in the model. Hover over an element in the model to display information about that element. Press Ctrl when you select to add or remove elements from the selection.

Select Group - Select a group of elements in the model by dragging a window around them. You can add elements to the selection by pressing Ctrl while dragging the window. Remove elements from the selection by pressing Shift while dragging the window.

Perspective - Displays the model in perspective mode.

Orthographic - Displays the model in orthographic mode.

You can turn off the display of node numbers (for restraints, hangers, and anchors) for a clearer view. The size of boundary condition symbols (such as restraints, anchors, and hangers) is relative to the pipe size outer diameter. You can change the size of these symbols clicking the black arrow to the right of the relevant button and selecting a size from the list.

You can adjust the color of the node numbers, lengths, elements, boundary conditions, and so on by clicking Change Display Options . For more information, see Configuring 3D Graphics.

Reset - Returns the model returns to its default state as defined by the configuration. Any elements hidden by the Range command are restored.

Zoom - Increases or decreases the magnification of the model. Move the cursor up or down holding the left mouse button. Release the mouse button to stop the zoom. Alternatively, press + and - to zoom in and out. You can change the zoom level of the model while in another command by rotating the mouse wheel.

Zoom to Window - Changes the magnification of the model to fit an area that you specify. Click one corner of the area and then while holding the mouse button, stretch a box diagonally to the opposite corner of the area

Zoom to Selection - Fits the selected element in the view.

Zoom to Extents - Fits the entire model in the view.

Orbit - Rotates the model interactively. Rotate the model using the mouse or the arrow keys on the keyboard. To use the mouse, click the left mouse button on the model to start a bounding box. Hold the left mouse button and move the mouse to the other end of the bounding box. Release the mouse button to update the view. If the bounding box is not visible, check the corresponding box on the User Options tab of the Plot Configuration dialog box. For more information, see Configuring 3D Graphics. During rotation, the model may in centerline mode, or some of the geometry details may disappear or become distorted. This is to improve the display speed. The actual conversion depends on the size and complexity of the model. After the rotation is complete, the model returns to its original state.

Pan - Pans the model. The cursor changes to a hand. Move the cursor while holding down the left mouse button. You can also pan the view while another command is active by holding the center mouse button (or wheel) down while moving the mouse.

Walk Through - Explores the model with a setup similar to a virtual reality application. This command produces the effect of walking towards the model. For more information, see Walking Through the Model.

Load CADWorx Model - Displays the model in CADWorx.