Ansys DesignModeler – Offset Surface

Source: Ansys

The Offset function allows you to create a set of lines and arcs that are offset by an equal distance from an existing set of “straight” lines and “circular” arcs. The original set of lines and arcs must be connected in a simple end-to-end fashion and can form either an open or closed profile. You can either preselect the edges, or select them within the function and then choose the right mouse button option “End selection / Place offset“ when finished with the selection process.

Now, as you move the cursor around, its location is used to determine three things:

The first two are fairly clear, but the third is also very important. If portions of your selected curves would collapse out or cross over one another given the current offset side and distance, the cursor location determines which area of offset curves is kept. With large offset distances and collapsed areas, some unique results will occur if the cursor is placed in areas that should be removed. However, by placing the cursor in desired areas, you should find that this method of allowing you to select the desired offset area allows for the offset of many very complex shapes.

Also, remember that if the offset does not give you exactly what you want, you can easily use the Trim and Extend functions to make minor changes later.

To create the new curves, click the mouse when you are satisfied with what is displayed. You can then create additional offsets, or use the right mouse button to clear the selection or exit the function. Once you have created a set of offset curves, a single distance dimension between an original curve and its offset will control the spacing of all curves in the offset.

At this point, you cannot change the offset distance via a dimension to any value that would cause more curves to collapse out (for example, a radius that becomes zero or negative).

If you show the constraints in the Sketch detail view, you will see that multiple Equal Distance constraints have been created between the curves. This is what maintains the spacing.

In this tutorial, you will learn how to use Offset Surface tools in Ansys DesignModeler.