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Autos

ship
For WindowsTM

Users Guide
Release 8

Autoship Systems Corporation


Suite 312 - 611 Alexander Street
Vancouver BC V6A 1E1 Canada
Copyright 2004 Autoship Systems Corporation
Windows TM is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation
AutoCAD is a trademark of Autodesk, Inc.

Information contained in this document is subject to change without further notice.


No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, or by any
means, electronic of mechanical, for any purpose, without the express permission
of Autoship Systems Corporation.

Copyright 2004 Autoship Systems Corporation. All right reserved


Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation. AutoCAD is a trademark of
Autodesk Inc. All other product names are trademarks, registered trademarks, or
service marks of their respective owners. Autoship Systems Corporation cannot
attest to the accuracy of this information. In addition, terms suspected of being
trademarks, registered trademarks, or service marks have been appropriately capitalized. Use of a term in this book should not be regarded as a validity of any trademark, registered trademarks, or service mark.

Autoship Systems Corporation


Suite 312
611 Alexander Street
Vancouver, B.C. V6A 1E1 Canada
Tel: (604) 254-4171
Fax: (604) 254-5171
www.autoship.com

Table of Contents
Introduction

Introduction to Autoship/Autoyacht

What's in This Guide?

What's New

Contact Information

System Requirements

Installation Instructions

System Initialization - Wise Installation Wizard

Autoship Setup Program

Hardware Lock Installation

Windows 95, Local Station


Windows NT/2000/XP, Local Station
Hardware Lock Installation, Network System

Getting Started

11

Starting and Exiting Autoship

11

References and Help Resources

12

Updating Autoship

14

Tutorials - Introduction

15

Tutorial 1- Chine Hull Planing Boat

17

Designing a Deck Edge


Creating the Chine Curve
Creating a Curve to Represent the Centreline
Ensuring Fairness Along the Stem
Creating the Bottom as a Developable Surface

Creating the Topsides as a Ruled Surface


Seeing the Results
Adding Flair to the Topsides
Generating Offsets
Obtaining Hydrostatics

Tutorial 2 - Round Bilge Hull

Creating the Midship Section


Generating the Forebody Surface
Controlling Bow Rounding
Controlling Shape and Fairness
Controlling Flat-of-Side
Generating the Aftbody Shape
Adding a Bow Thruster
Adding a forward deck with Camber and Sheer
Adding an Aft Deck with Camber and Sheer
Creating a group of the entire vessel
Material Properties

Tutorial 3 - Asymmetric Hull Catamaran


Designing the Outboard Hull
Creating the Outboard Hull Surface
Ensuring fairness at the forward-lower corner of the surface.
Generating the Inboard Hull Half
Designing a Tunnel and Fillet Panel
Moving the Hull to its Correct Position
Creating the Tunnel Surface
Adding an Upper Deck
Adding a Pilot House
Starboard and Port Side

ii

47

87

Tutorial 4 - Pocket Cruiser

111

Creating the Hull


Shaping the Hull
Instant Hydrostatics
Group
Running Instant Hydrostatics

Adding the Transom


The Keel
The Deck
The Cabin
Groups

Tutorial 5 - Ro-Ro Carrier

Midship Section
The Hull Forward
The Bow Bulb
The Hull Aft
The Stern Bulb

Tutorial 6 - Oil Rig

125

139

Pontoon
The Column
The Cross Beams and Diagonals
The Deck Assembly
Assembling One Quarter of the Rig
Assembling an Autohydro model

Appendix

153

iii

Introduction

Introduction
Introduction to Autoship/Autoyacht
This chapter contains the following topics:

What's in this Guide


Welcome to Autoship Systems Corporation
What's New in 8.2
Contact Information - for Technical Assistance
Contact Information - Head Office

What's in This Guide?


The purpose of this guide is to assist users in installing, starting, running, and
using Autoship Pro/Autoship/Autoyacht (for convenience, only the term "Autoship"
will be used).
Once the program is running, the fully online and context sensitive help system is
the primary source of assistance and reference.
This printed guide specifies the system requirements needed to run Autoship,
gives instructions for installing and starting the program, and outlines the range of
available online and printed help resources. The section entitled Tutorials contains six step-by-step exercises that introduce the basics of designing and modelling with Autoship.
Users upgrading from previous versions of Autoship will want to review the
"What's New" section of this user guide, and the sections "Whats New in 8.1" and
"What's New in 8.2" of online help; for more details on program changes and bug
fixes, see the History.doc and Readme.doc files.
Both this guide and the online help system (Autoship Help) cover all features
within Autoship Pro. For a list of differences between Autoship Pro, Autoship Standard, and Autoyacht versions, see the Introduction section of Autoship Help.

Introduction

Welcome to Autoship Systems Corporation


Since its founding in 1980, Autoship Systems Corporation ("ASC") has become
the world's leading PC software developer for the naval architecture and marine
shipping industries.
Our mission is to provide quality software solutions for the marine industry. Autoship Systems Corporation is the foremost supplier of marine design and construction programs worldwide, with over a thousands of installations in more than 50
countries and an international network of Autoship dealers. Our roots are in providing CAD/CAM products for the ship/boat design market, where ASC was the
first to deliver a ship design tool on a PC platform, first to develop a Windowsbased ship design tool, and was a leader in using the industry-standard Nurbs 3-D
hull modeling tool. Recently ASC broadened its product lines and services, which
now include on-board stability and stowage planning software for ship owners and
marine cargo handlers.
Autoship Systems' success is derived from building upon continuous leadingedge innovation, unsurpassed quality, and a strong tradition of responding to our
customer's needs. This tradition of success is continued with the new functionality
found in this latest release of the Autoship program.

Introduction

What's New
What's New in 8.2
Functions, Features and Tools
For detailed information on functions, features, and tools that are new or modified
in Autoship release 8.2, please go to section labeled "What's New in 8.2" in the
Autoship Online Help System. See also the History.doc and the Readme.doc files
(found in \Program Files\ASC\Autoship\Docs) for a listing of fixed bugs.

Autoship Help - The Online Help System


Autoship Help, provided with this release, is a fully online context sensitive help
system integrated into the Autoship program. There are two main ways to access
Autoship Help:
1. Run Autoship Help
Click the Help menu in Autoship, and then select Autoship Help.
2. Context Sensitive Help
To open the help system directly to the section you need, place the mouse
pointer over the part of the screen you need help for, and press F1. You
can also use the help buttons in the dialogue boxes: both will activate the
help system, which will display the highest level of help contained for the
desired topic. Navigate from there to more specific information using any of
these methods:
the system of links to related topics
the Table of Contents, provided on the left of the help screen
the Index tab at the top of the help screen
the Search tool tab at the top of the help screen

Contact Information

Contact Information
There are two main ways to contact Autoship Systems Corporation:
Contact our technical support department for technical assistance.
For other inquiries, contact our head office.

Technical Support:
Our technical support department is available for direct telephone inquiries on
weekdays from 08:00 to 17:00 Pacific Standard Time. You can also fax or email
questions at any time:
Tel:
Fax:
Email:

(+1) 604 254 4171 (Extension 104)


(+1) 604 254 5171
[email protected]

Contacting Autoship's Head Office:


If you would like more information about Autoship Systems Corporation and our
products, please do not hesitate to contact us at:
Tel:
Fax:

(+1) 604 254 4171


(+1) 604 254 5171
Autoship Systems Corporation
Suite 312, 611 Alexander Street
Vancouver BC, Canada V6A 1E1

Email:
Web Site:

[email protected]
www.autoship.com

System Requirements

System Requirements
The following table shows the minimum and recommended system requirements
for running Autoship:
Operating System

Windows 98
Windows NT4 SP6a or later
Windows 2000
Windows XP Professional SP1

Processor

Pentium

Memory

256

Video

1024 X 768 with True Color

Hard Disk

100 MB Free

* Operation is possible at 256 colors, but for rendering to function


correctly 32k colors or more are needed.

Installation Instructions

Installation Instructions

System Initialization - Wise Installation Wizard


1. Install your hardware lock on the parallel port of your machine; installing
the lock will not prevent you connecting other devices to this port.
2. Place the CD in your computer.
3. In most cases an "autorun" feature will start the installation program
automatically; if it doesn't, then access the disk via either Windows
Explorer or the Start/Run commands, and double-click the Setup 32 file.
4. A screen will open, listing all the applications available on the disk. Click
the application you want to install. Note that if you do not have both a
hardware lock and an authorization disk pertaining to the application, you
will only be able to run the software in "Demo" mode.
5. A small dialogue will appear, asking you if you have an authorization
disk. If you do, click Yes. Note that if you do not have both an Authorization Disk, and a hardware lock, you will only be able to operate your software in "Demo" mode.
6. The Wise Installation Wizard will open, and will show a small dialogue
informing you that your system will be initialized to accept ASC software.
Click OK.
7. You will be asked if you wish to copy to your machine the lock driver files
appropriate to your Windows version. In most cases it is advisable to
click "Yes" .
8. Next you will be asked to specify the location for the lock drivers to be
stored; accept the default or indicate a different location. Click OK.

Installation Instructions

9. A warning message will appear, notifying you that Setup will attempt to
install the lock driver. It is advisable that you check to ensure your hardware lock is installed correctly; if it is not, then the program will only run in
Demo mode.

Autoship Setup Program


10. The Autoship Setup program will now start. An information message will
appear first. Ensure all other Windows programs are closed, and click
Next.
11. Accept the default installation location, or use the Browse feature to
specify another location.
12. A dialogue will appear that asks if you want to create backup copies of all
files replaced during installation. Clicking "Yes" means that, if you uninstall the software, you can "roll back" to a previous condition. If you click
"No", then you can uninstall but will not be able to roll back to a previous
state.
13. Follow the remaining instructions

Hardware Lock Installation

Hardware Lock Installation


Description
The hardware lock is a small electronic device that is connected to the parallel
port of your computer. (Note: If you have a network hardware lock, only one lock is
used for all computers on the network. See below for details.) You need the hardware lock in order for Autoship to run in normal operating mode. Otherwise, the
program will only run in demo mode. Keep the lock in a safe place when not in
use. As outlined in the Licensing Agreement, you are exclusively responsible for
the hardware lock. You may be required to purchase an additional software
license if the hardware lock is lost or stolen.
Precautions
Before beginning the installation, close all running programs.
Only network locks may be daisy-chained. For a local station installation, a
single lock may be configured for all the programs the user is authorized to
use - consult your dealer.
Certain local printers may interfere with the operation of the lock. If this is
the case, try a different printer driver, or install another parallel port.
On some laptop computers it may be neccessary to enter the System BIOS
and permanently enable parallel port.
Windows 95, Local Station
1. Connect the hardware lock to the parallel port.
2. If you had a printer connected to the same parallel port, connect the
printer to the free end of the lock.
3. Install Autoship as discussed above.

Hardware Lock Installation

Windows NT/2000/XP, Local Station


1. If the Autoship installation program detects a Windows NT Window
2000 or Windows XP operating system, you will be prompted: "Would
you like to copy the NT lock driver files to your computer?" You must
respond "Yes", unless you have previously installed the NT lock driver
(The NT lock driver is required so your NT operating system can communicate with the parallel port). You will then be asked where you
want to copy the NT lock driver files to.
2. Continue with the installation of Autoship as discussed above.
Hardware Lock Installation, Network System
If you have purchased a network lock, you will have received a separate floppy
named "Network Lock Driver".
2. Connect the network lock onto the parallel port on any one of the computers in your network.
3. The Network Lock Driver floppy contains 3 directories:
\DOS (for Windows 3.11)
\NW (for NetWare)
\Win32 (for Windows 95 and Windows NT/2000/XP)
Each directory contains a readme.txt file. Follow the directions appropriate for your operating system.
4. Install Autoship onto each station on your network from which it will be
run, following the installation instructions above.

Hardware Lock Installation

10

Getting Started

Getting Started
Introduction
This chapter contains sections that detail:

Starting Autoship
Using Autoship and accessing the context-sensitive Help system
Exiting Autoship
Upgrading Autoship

Starting and Exiting Autoship


To start Autoship, go to Start - Programs - Autoship and click the Autoship icon.
To become familiar with the main screens, features, and organization of Autoship,
point at any active window, dialogue, or feature on the screen and press F1. The
highest-level of available Help information will appear for the feature you selected,
and will contain links to more detailed information.
To exit Autoship, go to File - Exit. Be sure to save any changes made to your
project files before closing down the program.

11

Getting Started

References and Help Resources


This section describes the help resources available to Autoship users. Autoship
Help (the online help system) is the primary resource, and it can be accessed at
any time.

How to Access Online Help


Run Autoship Help
Click the Help menu in Autoship, and then select Autoship Help.
Context Sensitive Help
To open the help system directly to the section you need, place the mouse pointer
over the part of the screen you need help for, and press F1. You can also use the
help buttons in the dialogue boxes: both will activate the help system, which will
display the highest level of help contained for the desired topic. Navigate from
there to more specific information using any of these methods:
the system of links to related topics
the Table of Contents, provided on the left of the help screen
the Index tab at the top of help screen
the Search tool tab at the top of the help screen

Types of Help Available


Online Familiarization and Overview
The onlne help section entitled Introduction to Autoship gives an overview of
the software. Reviewing the table of contents will provide a good introduction to the functional organization of the Autoship program.
Index and search utilities are also available within the Help system.
Program Reference: Context-Sensitive Help
Autoship includes context sensitivity in the main screen (see "How to Access
Oneline Help" above).

12

Getting Started

Detailed information on the software's features, and how to use them, is


available in the "User Interface" section of the help system. The help system
can be accessed by using the Help Menu in the main screen menu bar, or by
using context sensitive help (see "How to Access Online Help" above).
The Basic Functions section in the Help system explains how to perform
many of the basic operations involved in using Autoship.
Online Technical References
The following technical and theoretical references are provided in the Help
system:
Basic Concepts - Autoship as a surface modeler, Nurbs .vs. polygonal models.
Technical Reference - theoretical basis and detailed explanations of
the functions performed on surface models by Autoship code.
Tutorials
The tutorials in this guide are a series of increasingly challenging step-by-step
projects that help develop the skills needed to use Autoship as a design tool. It is
assumed that users are already familiar with the main screens and tools of the
system, and know how to use the Help system to answer basic questions. Example tutorial files are found in \Program Files\ASC\Autoship\Tutorials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Within the online help system is a list of the most frequently asked questions
regarding the use of Autoship, with the answers provided by Autoship Systems
Corporation's technical support department.
Contact Information - Technical Assistance
Technical assistance is available as outlined in "Contact Information" on page 4.
Further Training
For advanced and complex projects, you should take an Autoship training course.
Contact Autoship Systems, or your Autoship dealer for schedules and locations of
upcoming courses, or for customized training.

13

Getting Started

Where to Find Help Resources


There is a complete range of Help resources available to assist users at all levels:

Help Found Online - The Autoship/Autoyacht Help System


General Familiarization and Overview
What's New in 8.1 and 8.2. These sections contain information about the
program features added in releases 8.1 and 8.2, with links to the full documentation.
Program Reference - context-sensitive online Help containing specific
information on how to use Autoship tools, interface, features, and basic
functions.
Technical references - help with the purpose, details, and theory behind
key concepts and features in Autoship.

Help Found in Print - This User Guide


Getting Started - Installation and Familiarization information.
Detailed Tutorials (in this User Guide).
Note that this guide is also available in .pdf format on your Autoship/Autoyacht program CD.

Contacts and Technical Assistance


Autoship System Corporation's technical assistance via telephone, email
or fax.
Autoship System Corporation's instructional courses on the Autoship program.

Updating Autoship
When you update Autoship, the installation procedure is the same as for a new
installation. All necessary program files are updated. No data you have saved will
be adversely affected by updating the installation.
14

Tutorials

Tutorials
Introduction
This chapter takes you through six tutorials: Chined Hull Planing Boat; Round
Bilge Hull; Asymmetric Hull Catamaran; Pocket Cruiser; Ro-Ro Carrier; and Oil
Rig. Completed examples of these tutorial projects are found in \Program
Files\ASC\Autoship\Tutorials. It is suggested that you first create a new folder to
contain the tutorial projects you will construct (we suggest the filename MYTUTS).
We recommend that Autoship Pro and Standard users do these tutorials in the
order that they are presented, as the sophistication of the design methods
increases accordingly. Autoyacht users should begin with tutorial one; however,
because Autoyacht does not support developable surfaces, take care to create
the bottom using a ruled surface. Tutorials 2,5, and 6 cannot be constructed in
Autoyacht due to the size of the vessels.
With Autoship there are always, generally, several ways to accomplish a given
task. Often the best approach will be determined by the requirements of subsequent steps. In these tutorials, we have not attempted to show the only, or the best
way to deal with a certain aspect of the model, but instead have undertaken to
provide a broad base of approaches from which the knowledgeable user can
choose the one best suited for their particular circumstances.
Note: When more information is required than is available in these tutorials,
access Autoship Help through one of these three methods:
press F1 and help will appear for the window, dialogue, or feature currently active on the screen
use the Help menu in the Menu Bar
use the Help buttons provided in the dialogues

15

Tutorials

16

Tutorial 1

Tutorial 1- Chine Hull Planing Boat


3m

1.9 m
10 m

Figure 1-1 Chine Hull Planing Boat

1.1 Introduction - Chine Hull Planing Boat


In Tutorial 1, you will:
Design a deck edge
Design a chine
Design a centerline
Create the bottom panel as a developable surface
Create the side panel as a ruled surface
Add a cylindrical transom
Obtain offsets
Obtain hydrostatics
Tutorial 1 shows how to create a hull using developable and ruled surfaces and
demonstrates how to create and fit a cylindrical transom. It also introduces the
idea of attaching the end of a curve to a point and discusses the topic of tangency
at the end of a curve. In addition, it shows how to obtain offsets and hydrostatics.
17

Tutorials

1.2 Starting Out


The model we've constructed, TUT1.PR3, is a very simple, little planing hull. You
may want to review this model before continuing.
To begin:
1. Select File-New.
2. Select Settings-Units, choose Meters and Tonnes, and click OK.
3. Select Settings-Preferences.
4. Click the Coordinate System button.
5. Click the Naval /Aircraft (US) radio button. This orients the coordinate
system so that aft, starboard, and up are positive directions; while forward, port, and down are negative directions.
6. Click OK in the Coordinate System dialogue and click OK again in the
Preferences dialogue.
7. Select File-Save. In the Project Info dialogue, under Name, type a
descriptive message for the project (for example, 10m Planing Hull).
Notice that under Details, 0 objects have been defined. Click OK.
8. In the Save Project dialogue box that appears, type MYTUT1.PR3 for the
File Name. Save the project in your new directory called MYTUTS.
9. Click OK.

1.3 Designing a Deck Edge


This exercise introduces two concepts; First working to reference points, and second curve colours.
i) In some instances, you may want to have several curves end at the same
location. Attaching the ends of the curves to a common point accomplishes
this purpose.
18

Tutorial 1

ii) Autoship provides the ability to assign colours to curves. In these tutorials,
we'll adopt the convention that 'design' curves will be yellow, 'construction'
curves will be blue and intersection curves will be purple. All other curves
will remain red - the default colour.
To create a Reference Point at the Forward End of the Deck:
1. Click the Create Mode button, which places Autoship in Create mode.
2. Click the Create Point button.
3. In the Create Point dialogue, select the Free tab, type the following information, and click OK.
Field

Entry

Point Name

Deckfor

Location

L = A0.3; T = 0; V = 0.9

4. Hold down the Shift key and click the Zoom Extents button to zoom out
in all views. (See Figure 1-2.)

point Deckfor

Figure 1-2: The point Deckfor.


(Note that the "x" is the point Deckfor, while the "+" is it's "base point".)

19

Tutorials
To create a curve to represent the deck edge from bow to stern:
1. Click the Create Mode button.
2. Click the Create Curve button.
3. Below 'Curve Name', click the red bar labelled 'Colour'. In the AutoCAD
Colour dialogue, under 'Standard Colours', select the yellow box and click
OK.
4. In the Create Curve dialogue, select the Free tab, type the following information and click OK.
Field

Entry

Curve Name

Deck Edge

Parameters

Control Points = 5; Max Degree = 3

End 1

L = 1; T = 1.5; V = 0.8c

End 2

L = 9; T = 1.5; V = 0.8

5. Hold down the Shift key and click the Zoom Extents button.
(See Figure 1-3.)

Figure 1-3: The Curve Deck Edge

20

Tutorial 1

To attach the forward end of curve Deck Edge to reference point Deck
for Curve:
1. With the curve Deck Edge selected, (check the Object display box at the
top right of the screen) click the Edit Mode button. Ensure that you are
working with control points rather than edit points: click the Control/Edit
Points button and see the button change; for edit points, the points show
on the curve in the button; for control points, they do not. On the main
screen, control points are indicated by a circle at each vertex, edit points
are indicated by a square.
2. Select the first vertex (vertex 0). Watch the 'Vert' readout at the left of the
screen to ensure vertex 0 is selected.
3. Click the Attach button.
4. In the Attach Curve dialogue, Under Action, pick Attach to Point, under
Attach to point, select Deckfor and click OK. (See Figure 1-4.)

Figure 1-4: Attaching Curve Deck Edge to Point Deckfor

Note: we could have attached End 1 of the curve Deck Edge to the
point Deckfor in the Create Curve dialogue. However, we wanted this
curve to have shape and if we had made the attachment in the dialogue then the curve would have been a straight line between Deckfor
and the aft coordinates: 9a, 1.5, 0.8.
21

Tutorials

1.4 Creating the Chine Curve


We will create the chine in a multi-step process: first, we will create the point
Chinefor to represent the forward-most point of the chine; then we will copy the
deck edge; next we will move the copy to the correct position; and then we will
attach the forward end of the chine curve to the point Chinefor; and finally, we will
re-shape the Deck Edge and Chine curves.
To create a Reference Point for the forward end of the chine:
1. Click the Create Mode button.
2. Click the Create Point button.
3. In the Create Point dialogue, select the Free tab, type the following information, and click OK. (See Figure 1-5.)
Field

Entry

Point Name

Chinefor

Location

L = 1; T =0; V = 0

Point Chinefor

Figure 1-5: Reference Point at the Forward End of the Chine

22

Tutorial 1

To copy the Deck Edge curve to use as the Chine:


1. Click the S Side button to better see the objects of interest.
2. Select the curve Deck Edge.
3. Hold down the Shift key and click the Clone button to copy the Deck
Edge curve. Note the new curve is yellow.
4. In the Copy dialogue , under Name for Copy change the name to Chine
and click OK.
To move the curve Chine:
1. Make sure that the curve Chine is selected. (If it isn't, press the Spacebar
repeatedly until the Object display box at the top-right of the screen shows
Chine.)
2. Right-click the Move button.
3. In the Move Selection dialogue, for V enter -1.3 and click OK. (See
figure 1-6.)

Deck Edge curve

point Chinefor

Chine curve

Figure 1-6: Chine Curve Moved Down


23

Tutorials
To attach the curve Chine to the point Chinefor:
1. Switch to Edit mode.
4. Select vertex 0 of the curve Chine, by clicking on that vertex. Watch the
'Vert' readout at the left of the screen to ensure vertex 0 is selected.
5. Click the Attach button.
6. In the Attach Curve dialogue, Under Action, pick Attach to Point, under
Attach to point, select Chinefor and click OK.
To move the curve Chine inboard 0.3m:
1. Click the Top view button.
2. Switch to Select mode.
3. With the Chine curve selected, right-click the Move button. In the Move
Selection dialogue, for T enter P0.3 and click OK. (See Figure 1-7.)
Note: since the forward end of the Chine is attached to Chinefor, the curve
will change shape when it is moved.

Figure 1-7: Chine and Deck Edge Curves

24

Tutorial 1

To edit the Deck Edge Curve:


1. Select the curve Deck Edge.
2. Switch to Edit mode.
3. Ensure Control Point mode is selected.
4. Move vertex 1 to L = 1.5A and vertex 2 to L = 4A by selecting each point
and using the arrow keys on the keyboard. Watch the readout at the left of
the screen to ensure the correct coordinates are obtained. Press Return
to 'anchor' the vertex at the intended position.
5. Suppose the chine had to pass through the points L=2.25, T=.8 and
L=4.8, T=1.175, here's an easy way to set that up: Right-click the Edit
mode button. The Curve Editor dialogue shows the positions of the edit
points on the curve. Set point 1 to L=2.25, T=.8 and point 2 to L=4.8,
T=1.175 and click 'Fit'. Click the 'x' in the top right to close the dialogue.

Figure 1-8: Deck Edge and Chine Filled Out

6. You may wish to switch to S Side view and edit the shape of the Chine
curve by moving the vertices up or down.

25

Tutorials

1.5 Creating a Curve to Represent the Centreline


To create a curve:
1. Click the S Side view button.
2. Click the Create Mode button.
3. Click the Create Curve button.
4. In the Create Curve dialogue, select the Free tab, type the following information, and click OK. (See Figure 1-9.)
Field

Entry

Curve Name
End 1L = 1; T = 0; V = -1

Centreline
End 2L = 9; T = 0; V = -1

Colour

Yellow

5. Following the method described previously, attach Vertex 0 of curve


Centreline to the point Chinefor.

Figure 1-9: Centreline Curve

26

Tutorial 1

1.6 Ensuring Fairness Along the Stem


This design calls for the stem section below the chine to fair smoothly into the
straight stem section above the chine. Currently, the Centreline curve defines the
stem below the chine and the straight stem is a line drawn from the forward end of
the Deck Edge curve to the forward end of the Chine curve. In Autoship, the end
of a curve lies at the same position as the end control point, and is tangent to a
straight line drawn from the end control point to the next control point. Therefore,
by re-positioning the second control point of the Centreline curve, we can ensure
the stem section below the chine is tangent to the straight stem above the chine.
To achieve this, the second control point could be located anywhere below the
chine on the extension of the straight stem line.
To position the vertex:
1. With the curve Centreline selected, and in S Side view, make sure you
are in Control Point mode.
2. Select vertex 1.
Note: We have calculated the intersection of the straight stem line with
V = -1 (the current height of vertex 1) to be at L = 1.83A
3. Move the control point forward to L = 1.83A by clicking in the L coordinate
box near the upper left of the screen, typing 1.83A and Enter.
4. Adjust the curvature of the fore foot by moving vertex 2 of the Centreline
directly forward. (See Figure 1-10.)
Tip: use the left-right arrow keys on the keyboard to avoid moving the
vertex up or down.

27

Tutorials

vertex 2

vertex 1

Figure 1-10: Fairing the Stem

1.7 Creating the Bottom as a Developable Surface


We will create the bottom panel as a developable surface. Developable surfaces are favoured when working with sheet material, such as aluminum or plywood, as the surface may be easily formed. In Autoship, a developable surface
is created from two curves, however, as it is dependant upon those two curves it
is only editable by editing the curves. A developable surface is updated after
editing the curves by selecting the surface and clicking on the Edit - Regenerate
menu option.
To create a developable surface:
1. Click the Create mode button.
2. Click the Create Surface button.
3. In the Create Surface dialogue, select the Develop tab, type the following
information, and click OK:

28

Tutorial 1

Note for Autoyacht Users: Autoyacht cannot create developable surfaces. If you are an Autoyacht user, click the Ruled tab
.

Field

Entry

Surface Name

Bottom

Curves

Chine Centreline

Tolerance

0.0005

Start Options

Straight

End Options

Extrapolate Curvature

Spread fan Tips

Check

Note: Start Options governs the beginning edge of the surface (r = 0),
End Options governs the ending edge (r = 1). "Straight" causes the
edge of the surface to be a straight line between the ends of the two
curves. "Extrapolate Curvature" creates the surface as if it extended
beyond the end of the curves but truncates it at the ends of the curves,
thus creating a curved edge.
4. Click the Mesh button to see the ruling lines. (See Figure 1-11.)

Figure 1-11: Bottom Surface, Profile View

29

Tutorials

1.8 Creating the Topsides as a Ruled Surface


Ruled and developable surfaces are similar, but not identical. Both surfaces are
created by constructing a series of ruling lines between two curves. The rows of
the surface are derived from the ruling lines. For a ruled surface, the ruling lines
connect a given parameter value on one curve to the same parameter value on
the other curve. The arrangement of the ruling lines on a developable surface
depend on the relative shape of the two curves and are determined by extensive
calculation. Since developable surfaces are merely sections of cones and cylinders linked together, the shape can be manufactured from sheet material with just
simple straight-line bending. A ruled surface usually has compound curvature,
which means the material must be plastically deformed to manufacture the shape.
To create a ruled surface:
1. In Create mode, click the Create Surface button.
2. In the Create Surface dialogue, select the Rule tab, type the following
infor mation, and click OK.
Field

Entry

Surface Name

Topsides

Curves

Deck Edge
Chine

3. Click the Mesh button to see the ruling lines. (See Figure 1-12.)

30

Tutorial 1

Figure 1-12: Topside Surface, Profile View


(Note the visibility of the Bottom surface has been turned off.)

1.9 Seeing the Results


1. Click the Mesh button to turn off the surface mesh.
2. Right-click the Contours button to open the Contours dialogue .
3. Set stations, waterlines, and buttocks appropriate to your model and
click OK.
Tip: Click the Stations radio button, set Station Spacing to 1, click the
Group button, set Last to 10 and Step to 1 and click OK. Click the Buttocks
radio button, click the Group button, set Last to 2 and Step to .5 and click
OK. Click the Waterlines radio button, click the Group button and click OK.
4. Click the 4 View button.
5. With both surfaces selected, click the Contours button.

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Tutorials
6. Experiment with modifying the lines by moving the two reference points
Deckfor and Chinefor and editing the shape of the curve Chine to see
how they affect the two surface panels. Remember to update each surface by selecting it and then clicking on Edit - Regenerate.

1.10 Adding Flair to the Topsides


In this exercise we will add another column of vertices to the Topside surface so
that we can introduce some flair at the forward end.
To add another column of control points and fair the shape:
1. Turn off the contours by clicking on the Contours button.
2. Select the surface Topsides, and in Edit mode, pick the upper column of
control points.
Note: The rows and columns of a surface may not be oriented the way
you expect. For ruled and developed surfaces, the rows always match the
curves used, thus the columns are oriented the opposite way. For columns, the Rows / Columns button should show vertical lines.
3. Click the Add Row or Column button (make sure you are working with
columns, not rows).
4. Insert a column at a proportion of .35. (This percentage works out well for
the flair shape.)
5. In the top view, move the second vertex (Row 1, Col 1), and perhaps the
third also, aft and inboard slightly. (See figure 1-13.)

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Tutorial 1

Figure 1-13: Editing Column 1 of Topside Surface

6. View the results by turning on the contours.


You will notice that the stations display as straight lines rather than curves.
This is because the curvature and resolution of the surface Topsides are
still at the low values that a ruled surface is created with.
7. Go to the Attributes dialogue (Edit - Attributes menu) and, for the surface Topsides, set the CDeg to 2 and CRes to 20.
Note: if you move the Col 1 vertex at the stem to develop curvature in the
stem, you will destroy the smooth transition of the stem to the fairbody. If a
curved stem is desired, you will have to calculate a new position for vertex
1 of the curve Centreline based on the relative positions of surface Topsides Col 1 and Col 2 vertices at the stem, move the vertex and then
regenerate the Bottom surface.
8. Turn off contours and switch to Select mode to begin the next exercise.

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Tutorials

1.11 Adding a Transom


This exercise introduces the Arc curve type. The arc will be extruded to form a
cylindrical transom which will then moved into position and trimmed off at the
hull. This transom will have a 4m radius and be raked aft 9 degrees.
To create the 4m radius curve:
1. In Create Mode, click the Create Curve button.
2. In the Create Curve dialogue, select the Arc tab, type the following
information, and click OK: (see figure 1-14.)
Field

Entry

Name

Transom Shap

Plane

Top

Centre

L = 0, T = 0, V = 0

Angles

Start = 0
End = 25

Semi Axes

Circular checked
Radius = 4

Colour

Blue

Note: we estimated that an angle of 25 degrees would produce a curve


slightly wider than the half-breadth of the hull.

34

Tutorial 1

Figure 1-14: Transom Shape Curve

To create the transom surface:


1. In Create Mode, click the Create Surface button.
2. In the Create Surface dialogue, select the Extrude tab, type the following
information, and click OK: (see figure 1-15.)

Field

Entry

Surface Name

Transom

Curve

Transom Shape

Vector

L = 0, T = 0, V = 2

Column Mesh

Number = 2
Max Degree = 1

Note: we could have created the transom at the intended rake angle by
specifying an "L" component for Vector. However, this would not have
resulted in a true cylindrical surface.

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Tutorials
3. Click the S Side view button.

Figure 1-15: The Transom Surface

To rotate the Transom surface:


1. Select the Transom surface.
2. Right-click the Rotate button.
3. In the Rotate dialogue, type the following information and click OK:
(See Figure 1-16.)

36

Field

Entry

Axis

Transverse

Angle

Centre

L = 0, T = 0, V = 0

Tutorial 1

Figure 1-16: The Transom Surface Rotated

To reposition the Transom surface:


1. With the Transom surface selected, click the Move button.
2. Drag the Transom surface to a position at the aft of the vessel where it
extends above the Topside surface and below the Bottom surface, and
then release the mouse button.
Tip: Remember that the displacement of the object originates at it's base
point - which in this case is at the origin. (See figures 1-17 and 1-18.)

37

Tutorials

Figure 1-17: Moving the Transom Surface

Figure 1-18: The Transom Surface Repositioned

In order to trim the transom to the hull, we must obtain the curves describing the
intersection of the Transom with both the Topside and Bottom, and then revise
these curves to produce a single curve with which to trim the transom.

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Tutorial 1

To generate the intersection curves:


1. Select both the Transom surface and the Topsides surface.
2. Click the Surf-Surf Intersect button.
3. In the Surf-Surf Intersect dialogue, ensure that the correct surfaces Topsides and Transom - are displayed, enter a meaningful tolerance, i.e.
0.0005m and click OK.
This process will generate two intersection curves - one embedded on the
Transom surface, the other embedded on the Topsides surface. We
should rename them using more meaningful names.
We will use a naming convention for intersection curves: the curve name
will contain the two surface names separated by a "-", the first surface
name will be the surface the curve is embedded on. Thus Topsides Int1
should be renamed to Transom-Topsides and Transom Int1 should
become Topsides-Transom.
4. Select Edit - Attributes, to call up the Attributes dialogue. Click the
curves button within that dialogue.
Click the name Topsides Int1 and then click the Properties button.
5. Rename Topsides Int1 to Transom-Topsides.
6. Click the bar beside "Colour', pick Purple and click OK.
7. Click OK.
8. Similarly, rename Transom Int1 to Topsides-Transom and set it's colour
to purple, then click OK.
9. Select both the Transom surface and the Bottom surface.
10. Click the Surf-Surf Intersect button.
11. In the Surf-Surf Intersect dialogue, ensure the surfaces Bottom and Transom are selected, enter a meaningful tolerance, i.e. 0.0005m and click OK.
39

Tutorials
12. Rename the curve Transom Int1 to Bottom-Transom and set it's colour to
purple.
13. Rename the curve Bottom Int1 to Transom-Bottom and set it's colour
to purple.
To revise the intersection curves:
1. In the Attributes dialogue, with Curves selected, click the None Visible
button, and then click in the Vis. column for Transom-Bottom and Transom-Topsides to turn on their visibility. Click OK.
2. At the main screen, click the Show Surfaces button to turn off the visibility
of surfaces.
3. Click the Show Points button to turn off the visibility of points.
4. Switch to Front view.
5. Select the curve Transom-Bottom and switch to Edit mode.
6. Click the Join Curves button.
7. In the Join Curves dialogue, under New Name rename the curve to
Transom Trim, under Join Transom-Bottom + select the curve Transom-Topsides, un-check Keep Originals, set the colour to light blue
and click OK.
In order to use the new curve Transom Trim to trim the Transom surface, it
must be a "closed" curve. This means both ends of the curve must either
contact a surface edge or be positioned at the same location. In the
absence of a deck surface with which to obtain an intersection curve to
trim off the top of the Transom surface, we will extend the top of the curve
Transom Trim to the centerline edge of the surface.
8. Switch to Edit mode.
9. Click the upper-most vertex. Ensure you have selected the end vertex
by pressing the F4 key a few times and watching the Vert display at the
40

Tutorial 1

left of the screen - when the number does not change, the end vertex is
selected.
10. Insert another vertex at the same location as the end vertex: press the F3
key once and then click the Add Control Pt button. In the Insert dialogue,
set Proportion to 1 and click OK.
11. Press the F4 key to move to the new end vertex.
12. Move the new end vertex to the centreline: click in the T coordinate box at
the upper left of the screen, type 0 and Enter.
13. If necessary, use the arrow keys on the keyboard to move the vertex up or
down to cause the upper portion of the curve to be horizontal.
14. Switch to Select mode. (see figure 1-19)

Figure 1-19: Revised Transom Trim Curve

41

Tutorials
To trim the Transom surface:
1. Turn on the visibility of surfaces by clicking on the Show Surfaces button.
2. Select the surface Transom.
3. Click the Trim button.
4. In the Trim Surface Transom dialogue, under Available Curves select
Transom Trim and click OK. Answer Yes to the appropriate Keep this
Domain? prompt and No to the other.
To trim the Topsides surface:
1. Click the 4 View button.
2. Select the surface Topsides.
3. Click the Trim Surface button.
4. In the Trim Surface Topsides dialogue, under Available Curves select
Topsides-Transom and click OK. Answer Yes to the appropriate Keep
this Domain? prompt and No to the other.
To trim the Bottom surface:
5. Select the surface Bottom.
6. Click the Trim Surface button.
7. In the Trim Surface Bottom dialogue, under Available Curves select Bottom-Transom and click OK. Answer Yes to the appropriate Keep this
Domain? prompt and No to the other.

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Tutorial 1

8. Create a group of the three surfaces:


a. Select the three surfaces - select one, and then while holding down
the shift key, select the others - you must click the white outline of the
surface. Note that the object box at the top of the screen displays
"Multiple Select".
b. Select Arrange - Group.
c. In the New Group dialogue, enter a name for this group. For now,
ignore the other settings in the dialogue.
9. View the contours (Contours button).
10. View the rendering (View - Render menu option) Note, the Para view must
be visible for rendering to appear.

1.12 Generating Offsets


In Autoship, you can obtain offsets for both surfaces and curves. In this exercise,
we will add the centreline, chine and deck edge curves to the group just created
and then obtain offsets for the entire group.

To add curves to the group:


1. With the group just created selected, click the button showing Group in
the top right corner of the screen to go the the Group Editor.
2. Add the Centreline curve: under Objects, click the Curve radio button;
from the pick list below that, select Centreline; click the Add button.
3. Add the Chine and Deck Edge curves the same way and click OK.

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Tutorials
To obtain an Offsets report:
1. Click the Report - Create - Offsets menu option. At the Offset Table dia
logue, set a meaningful tolerance and click OK.
2. The Report Editor will appear and show the offsets table. Note that the first
three tables indicate station, buttock and waterline locations. The fourth
table shows curves. The fifth table shows heights and the sixth table shows
half-breadths at the currently defined stations, buttocks and waterlines.
When you are done viewing the report, click anywhere on the main screen,
or click the "X" button at the top right of the report editor to return to the main
screen.

1.13 Obtaining Hydrostatics


Autoship offers two type of hydrostatics. The Instant Hydrostatics option displays hydrostatic values in a "floating" screen and is for use while fairing surfaces. The Report method produces a full hydrostatics report in the report editor.
To obtain Instant Hydrostatics:
1. Click the small H button at the left of the screen to open the Instant Hydrostatics window.
2. In the Instant Hydrostatic window that appears, click the Group button.
3. In the Choose Hydrostatics Group dialogue that appears, select the group
you last created and click OK. (Note that you must actually click the
name.)
4. In the Instant Hydrostatic window, click the Update button.
Note: the Depth box shows the "default" depth value originally entered
with the Project Info when setting up the project. This is the distance from
the origin to the waterline. You can type a different value in the Depth box,
or restore the default by clicking on the R button to the right of Depth. The
44

Tutorial 1

Update button calculates the hydrostatics for this depth. Alternately, you
can type in values for Mass and LCG and click the S button to the right of
Mass to have Autoship find the depth and trim corresponding to the given
mass and LCG and then show the hydrostatics for that waterline.
5. Click the small H button near the lower left of the screen to close the
Instant Hydrostatics window.
To obtain a Hydrostatics Report
1. Select the group you last created.
2. Click the Reports - Create - Hydrostatics menu option.
3. In the Hydro Parameters dialogue that appears, set the depth to -.4 and
click OK.
4. The Report Editor will open up and display the hydrostatics just calculated. Re-size the report window to full size by clicking in the middle box
in the upper right corner. The scroll bar at the right can be used to shift the
report up or down.
5. When finished, click the Clear Report button (the "x" button) near the
upper left corner and answer No at the save changes prompt. This will
erase this report.
Note: a new report is appeneded to the bottom of the existing report.
Clearing the report ensures you will see the next report immediately upon
opening the report editor.
6. Click either the "-" button or the "X" button at the upper right to return to
the Autoship main screen.

45

Tutorials

Figure 1-20: Chine Hull Planing Boat

1.14 Summary
You have been shown how to create two types of surfaces-the developable
and ruled surfaces-and you have seen how these surfaces depend upon
curves. You have also worked with embedded curves and have explored the
uses of reference points for attachments. And you have also seen how to
obtain offsets and hydrostatics.

46

Tutorial 2

Tutorial 2 - Round Bilge Hull

28m

18m
240m

Figure 2-1: Round Bilge Hull

2.1 Introduction - Round Bilge Hull


The project in Tutorial 2 is a general cargo vessel of radius-bilge design. It also
has a bulbous bow with thruster and a faired-in stern bulb.
Tutorial 1 demonstrated how to create a hull using developable and ruled surfaces and how to create and fit a cylindrical transom. It also outlined various
uses for curves, introduced the idea of attaching the end of a curve to a point
and discussed the topic of tangency at the end of a curve. In addition, it demonstrated how to obtain offsets and hydrostatics.
Tutorial 2 introduces additional methods of creating and refining curves and surfaces. It demonstrates two methods for forming a hull shape: by extruding a surface from a midship section and by lofting a surface through given sections; and
one method to create and fit a deck.

47

Tutorials
The learning objectives in Tutorial 2 are to:
Create a midship section with a radius bilge.
Generate a forebody shape as an surface extruded from the midship
section.
Develop the bow rounding.
Work with shape and fairness.
Control flat of side.
Generate the aftbody shape as a surface lofted from curves.
Add a bow thruster by projecting a curve.
Add a bow thruster by surf-surf intersection.
Add a deck with camber and shear.
The model we have constructed, TUT2.PR3, has the following particulars:
overall length:
breadth:
depth:
bilge radius:
origin:

25m
6m
3m
1m
under keel amidships

You may want to review this model before continuing.

48

Tutorial 2

2.2 Starting Out


To create a new project:
1. Select File - New to prepare Autoship for a new project.
2. Select Settings - Units. Pick Meters and Tonnes, and click OK.
3. Select Settings - Preferences.
4. Click the Coordinate System button.
5. Pick Naval/Aircraft (US). This orients the coordinate system so that aft,
starboard, and up are positive directions while forward, port, and down are
negative directions.
6. Click OK in the Coordinate System dialogue box and click OK again in the
Preferences dialogue box.
7. Select File - Save As. In the Save Project dialogue box that appears, type
MYTUT2.PR3 for the File Name. Save the project in your new directory
called MYTUTS.
8. In the Project Info dialogue box, under Name, type a descriptive message
for the project, such as "Tutorial 2". Note the Design Depth box at the bottom of the dialogue - this is to provide a starting point for the Instant
Hydrostatics calculations. Set Design Depth to 11. Click OK.

49

Tutorials

2.3 Creating the Midship Section


In this exercise you will learn how to create and form curves by creating a midbody curve and matching it to a circle. You will also learn how to create a surface by extruding the midbody curve forward to form the forward half of the hull.
To form the Midbody Curve:
1. Click the Create Mode button.
2. Click the Create Curve button.
3. In the Create Curve dialogue box that appears, select the Free tab to create a free curve.
4. Type the following information and click OK when you have finished.
Field

Entry

Curve Name

Midship Curve

Parameters

Control Pts = 3
MaxDegree = 2

End 1

L = 0, T = 0, V = 0

End 2

L = 0, T = 14, V = 18
(the values of max beam and
depth)

Colour

Set to Yellow

Note: For this model, the longitudinal origin is at midships. We will create the
midship curve at L = 0, thus positioning it at midships. This first step will also
set up the basis for the model's coordinate system.
Your screen should look like Figure 2-2.

50

Tutorial 1

Figure 2-2: Midship Curve

To form the basic hullshape at midships:


1. Click the Front view button at the left of the screen.
2. If the Midship Curve is not selected (when selected, the object's name
appears in the Object box at the top, right of the screen) select it by pointing at it with the mouse and clicking the left mouse button.
3. Click the Edit Mode button. This places the program in Edit mode and
displays the vertices that make up the curve.
Ensure that you are working with control points rather than edit points.
Click the Control/Edit Points button and see the button change. For edit
points, the points show on the curve in the button; for control points, they
do not. On the main screen, control points are indicated by a circle at each
vertex, edit points are indicated by a square.
4. Select the middle vertex and drag it to max beam and to the baseline.
Watch the LTV readout at the lower left of the screen. Release the mouse
button when the vertex is at T = S14 and V = 0 and press Enter. See Figure 2-3.

51

Tutorials
Tip: To position the vertex easily, switch to Grid Mode and set the Snap to
1: click the Grid button to turn Snap off and turn Grid on, increase snap by
10 times by pressing the "+" key or the up arrow at the right of the snap
value, decrease with the "-" key or the down arrow.

Figure 2-3: Front View of Midship Curve

Note: Select a point by clicking on it. Drag a vertex by pointing at the


selected vertex, holding the left mouse button down, pulling the vertex to
the intended position, then releasing the mouse button and pressing Enter.
You can also move a vertex by selecting it, re-positioning the cursor with
the arrow keys on the keyboard and then pressing Enter.
4. Make the middle vertex into a knuckle point: with the middle vertex
selected, click the Toggle Corner button. Note that the vertex changes to
green in color.

52

Tutorial 2

To form a radius corner:


1. While still in Edit Mode, with the middle vertex selected, click the Radius
Corner button.
2. In the Fillet dialogue box, specify a radius of 1.0, and click OK.

New knuckle vertices

Figure 2-4: Midship Curve With Two New Vertices as Knuckles

Note: This turns the selected corner vertex back into a regular vertex and
adds two new vertices as knuckle points. (See Figure 2-4.) A surface
extruded from this curve would have two knuckle lines (rows) along its
entire length and so would be difficult to work with. We will remove the
knuckle points while retaining the radius.
To make a Bilge Circle template:
1. First, with the middle vertex selected, note the weight ("W") value at the
left. Normal vertices are set to 1. This vertex has been set to .707 by the
radius routine.
2. Click the Create Mode button.

53

Tutorials
3. Click the Create Curve button.
4. In the Create Curve dialogue box that appears, select the Arc tab,
type the following information and click OK when you are finished.
(See Figure 2-5.)
Field

Entry

Curve Name

Bilge Circle

Plane

Front

Centre

T = S2
V=1

Semi-Axes

Circular - checked
Radius = 1.0

angles

Start = 0
End = 360

5. Zoom in on the Bilge Circle curve: click the zoom button, point above and
to the left of the top of the curve, hold the mouse button down and drag a
'zoom box' diagonally to below and to the right of the bottom of the curve
and then release the mouse button
6. Go to Edit - Attributes and set Midship Curve CRes to 150.

Figure 2-5: Bilge Circle Template

54

Tutorial 2

To match the Midship Curve to the Bilge Circle Template:


1. Select Midship Curve. (Press the space-bar to scroll through the
objects, watch the Object Box at the top, right of the screen.)
2. Switch to Edit Mode.
3. Make sure Control Points, not Edit points are selected.
4. Insert a new vertex after vertex 1: click vertex 1. Look at the 'Vert' display at the lower left of the screen to make sure you have the correct
vertex.
5. Click the Add Control Pt button.
6. In the Insert dialogue box, select Refine and click OK. Refine inserts
another vertex without chaning the shape of the curve.
To form the Midship Shape: In order to avoid having longitudinal knuckles in the
hull shape, we must remove the knuckle points in the Midship Curve.
1. Select vertex 1 and click the Corner button.
2. Select vertex 4 and click the Corner button. This turns the two knuckle
points into regular points.
3. Use the arrow keys on the keyboard to move the lower points (vertices 1
and 2) transversely and the upper points (vertices 3 and 4) vertically until
the bilge radius portion of the midship curve is the same shape as the
template curve. You may have to adjust the snap value in order to move
the vertex by small distances. (See Figure 2-6.) Remember to press Enter
when you have finished positioning each vertex.
Tip: Note that vertex 2 is .4142 outboard of the centre of the bildge radius.
Set the snap value to .4142 and move vertex 1 inboard one snap and vertex 4 upwards one snap.

55

Tutorials

Vertex 4

Vertex 2

Vertex 0

Vertex 3
Vertex 1

Figure 2-6: Matching the Midship Curve to the Template

Note: Visualize straight-line segments between the vertices. The curve


generated is tangent to these straight line segments and contacts the halfway point of the segment. The fillet operation creates an exact circular arc
while the matching operation creates a parabolic approximation.

2.4 Generating the Forebody Surface


This exercise introduces the extrusion surface type. The extrusion method creates a surface by advancing a given curve along a straight path, thus sweeping
out the surface. We will extrude the midship curve to create a surface that will
become the forward part of the hull.
To create the surface:
1. Click the Create Mode button.
2. Click the Create Surface button.

56

Tutorial 2

In the Create Surface dialogue box, select the Extrude tab, type the following information, and click OK:
Field

Entry

Surface Name

Foreship

Curve

Midship Curve

Vector

L=F120 (the entire forebody length from midship)

Col Mesh

Number = 3, Max Degree = 2

Note: This creates a surface with three columns, as specified, and six
rows copied from the six vertices on Midship Curve. (See Figure 2-7.)
4. Click the Para view button. Rotate the view with the scroll bars at the right
and bottom to get a good look at the surface.
5. Click the Edit Mode button.

Figure 2-7: The Foreship Surface

57

Tutorials
To close the Forward End (i.e. start to form the bow):
1. Ensure you are working with columns by clicking the Rows/Columns
button, if necessary - rows appear as horizontal lines and columns as
vertical lines.
2. Select the column at the forward end (furthest from the circle template): click its top control point. The readout at the left of the screen
should display Row 5, Col 2.
3. Click the Isolate button to isolate only the forward-most column.
4. Click the Front view button.
5. Reposition the top control point (verterx 5) of the forward-most column at
the centreline by typing 0 in the T coordinate box in the coordinate boxes
at the top left of the screen, and then hitting Enter. (See Figure 2-8.)

Vertex 5

Figure 2-8: Top Vertex Moved to Centreline

58

Tutorial 2

7. With the topmost vertex selected, click the Straighten button and then click
the vertex at the baseline/centreline. This will move all the vertices in
between the two vertices you selected to the centreline. (See Figure 2-9.)

Forward
column

Figure 2-9: Forward Column Straightened

8.Click the Top view button to see the effect. (See Figure 2-10.)

Figure 2-10: Top View

59

Tutorials
To form the Stem:
1. Click the S Side view button. (Make sure Foreship is still selected and you
are in Edit Mode.)
2. Click the Control/Edit Points button to switch to Edit Point mode.
3. Zoom in on the forward end of Foreship.
4. Select the bottom vertex. Then, watch the Row display at the bottom of
the screen and press the F4 key repeatedly to switch to the next vertex up
the column. Note the position of each vertex, as several are in the same
position. Press the F3 key to switch to the next vertex down the column.
5. Move the edit points longitudinally and vertically until you get the desired
bow profile. You can drag the vertices with the mouse, or move them with
the arrow keys on the keyboard. You may have to reduce the Snap value
to have the vertex move by a small enough distance. Remember to press
Enter after positioning each vertex. (See Figure 2-11.)

Figure 2-11: Side View

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6. Ensure that the bottom of the bulb fairs smoothly into the flat bottom by
switching to Control Point Mode and positioning the Row 0 and Row 1
vertices at V = 0.
7. Change back to displaying all columns by clicking the Isolate button.
8. Select File - Save and save your work so far.

2.5 Controlling Bow Rounding


In this exercise, we will round out the bow (in plan view) by adding another column
of vertices and then use this column in conjunction with the column at the centreline to form the bow radius and also to ensure tangency across the centreline.
To add a new column to the Stem:
1. Select the middle column (Col 1) by clicking on one of it's vertices. (To
do this, Foreship must be selected and you must be in Edit Mode with
Isolate off.)
2. Click the Add Row or Column button. (Make sure you are working
with columns, not rows.)
Note: The Add Row/Column button is not activated when a vertex at the
'ending' edge of a surface is selected (i.e. row 5.) You must be on any
other vertex in the column to have the Add Row/Column button activated.
3. In the Insert dialogue box, select Proportional Interpolation and specify
a proportion of 1 and click OK. (This places the control points of the new
column at the same location as those of the "next" column - the column at
centreline. You can see this by toggling between Control Point Mode and
Edit Point Mode.) (See Figure 2-12.)

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New column

Figure 2-12: New Column Added

4. With column 2 selected, click the Lock button.


5. In the Surface CP Locking dialogue box, select Relative to Next, check
the Longitudinal and Vertical check boxes and click OK. Note that the
vertices change to purple to indicate that they are locked - none of these
vertices can be moved longitudinally or vertically - only transversely.
Note: At it's edges, a surface is tangent to the straight line drawn between
the edge control point and the next point inside the surface. Having the
vertices on the new column exactly outboard of the vertices on the centreline column forces the forward edge of the surface to meet the centreline
at 90 degrees when viewed from above.
To form the shape:
1. Click the 4 View button and then in the Front view window.
2. Switch to Edit Points Mode.
3. Click the Surface Mesh button.

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4. Working only on the new column in the Front view, move the vertices
away from the centreline to create the necessary rounding. Remember
that these points are on the surface. Tangency is ensured across the bow
because these points can only be moved transversely. See Figure 2-13.
5. Switch to Select mode to better see the result.

Figure 2-13: Creating Bow Rounding

2.6 Controlling Shape and Fairness


This exercise examines some of the functions and tools used for fairing.
To fair the shape of Foreship:
1. Turn off Surface Mesh.
2. Switch to Edit mode.
3. Select the column ahead of the midship column (Col 1).
4. Click the Add Row or Column button.
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5. In the Insert dialogue box that appears, select Proportional Interpolation and specify a proportion of 0.75. Click OK.
6. Select Settings - Contours. To help visualize the surface, we will now set
some stations, waterlines and buttocks.
7. In the Contours dialogue box:
Set stations as follows: check that Location of Sta.0 is set to 0 (midship)
and Station Spacing is set at 1m. Click the Stations radio button, click
Group, set Last to 120F, Step to 10 and click OK. This will create a group
of stations from 120F to 0 at every 10m.
Set buttocks: Click the Buttocks radio button, click the Group button, and
set First to 0, Last to 12, and Step to 1, and then click OK. This creates
buttocks from 0 to 12s at every metre.
Set Waterlines at 0 to 12 at a Step of 1. When you are done, click OK.
8. Click the Contours button to make all contours visible. You can see all
contours in all views by checking the setting Setting - Preferences - Display Contours in All Views.
9. In Front, S Side and Top views, fair the shape by modifying the control (or
edit) points on the column you just inserted until you achieve the forward
shape that you want.
Tip: To maintain what will be the flat of side, do not move the vertices of
columns 0 or 1 transversely or vertically.

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Autoship's fairing tools consist of the Porcupine Plot, the Curvature Window and
Gaussian, Mean and Absolute Curvature.
To get a porcupine plot, when viewing Edit points, click the Curvature/
Normals button on the Display toolbar. It is best to use this feature with
the Isolate button on. The porcupine plot displays the curvature of the
row or column as a series of spines radiating from the row or column.
The length of the spine indicates the relative curvature along the row or
column. Note the setting Settings - Invert Curvature Display which
plots the spines as 1/curvature, thus showing the relative 'straightness'
along the row or column.
The Curvature window is turned on and off from the View - Curvature
Window menu option. It plots the relative curvature along the row or
column as a function of row/column length. Vertex positions are shown
as vertical tick marks. This window can be re-sized and moved.
Gaussian Curvature, Mean Curvature and Absoloute Curvature are
found under the View menu. A rendered image will appear in the Para
view window. These options display the curvature as a color plot. Mean
curvature shows the average of row curvature and column curvature
and is best used for seeing the relative curvature across the surface.
Gaussian Curvature is the product of row curvature and column curvature and is good for an indication of "buildability" - the more white (flat or
single curvature) appearing, the easier the surface is to construct. Note
the setting Settings - Preferences - Curvature Display - Color Compression Index which sets the scaling factor for curvature-to-visiblespectrum for the color plot.
Refer to the on-line help for details about using these fairing tools.
9. To see the results of your work, click the Para view button and rotate to
the desired view. Then Select View - Render to render the surface.
(See Figure 2-14.)

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Figure 2-14: Rendered View of the Hull

2.7 Controlling Flat-of-Side


A flat-of-side for the foreship section is most easily accomplished with the
aftmost three columns. In our model, Column 0 is located at midship, column
1 will become a knuckle line and so define the forward end of the flat-of-side,
and column 2, further forward, will be used to ensure the curved side blends
smoothly into the flat side. If the rows of control points passing through these
three columns are always in a straight line then the surface will be tangent
and fair at the knuckle column.
To control Flat-of-Side:
1. Click View - Render to return to normal view, if necessary.
2. Click the S Side button.
3. Select the Foreship surface and switch to Edit Mode by double-clicking on
the outline of surface Foreship.
4. Ensure that you are in Column mode and turn off Isolate, if necessary.
5. Select Column 1 and click the Toggle Corner button.

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6. In Top and Side views, move the vertices longitudinally (but not transversely or vertically) until they are at the correct location to define the forward end, or tangency, of the flat-of-side. Do not worry about getting the
locations exact - you can move them again later. (See figure 2-15).

Column 1

Figure 2-15: Editing Column 1 to Define the Flat -of-Side.

Note: To ensure the vertices move longitudinally only, use the arrow keys
on the keyboard or turn on Ortho and drag the vertices. When using Ortho,
also use Snap or Grid.
Now we will add another column ahead of the knuckle column to ensure tangency across the knuckle column:
1. With Column 1 selected, click the Add button.
2. Specify a proportion of 0 and click OK. Remember, Add is not accessible
if the end vertex of the column is selected.
3. Select the top vertex of column 2 and click the Isolate button. (This vertex
is suprimposed on the top vertex of column 1. When you click superimposed vertices, the one with the lowest number is selected. You may
have to use the F3, F4 and F5, F6 keys to select the correct one.)

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4. We are going to drag this entire column forward. To be sure we won't
move it up or down, toggle on Ortho.
5. In Side view, drag the entire column forward by pointing at the top vertex
in column 2 and, while holding the left mouse button down, move the cursor some distance forward, then hold down the Shift key and release the
mouse button.
Note: To ensure flatness and tangency, the rows of control points passing
through column 0, 1 and 2 must form a straight line. This is easiest to
arrange by making the rows run purely longitudinal - no change in T or V in this region.
6. In Side, Top and Front view, arrange the points of column 2 and 3 to fair in
the forward sections. Remember to not move column 2 vertices transversely or vertically. (Figure 2-16.)

Figure 2-16: Fairing the Forward Sections

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2.8 Generating the Aftbody Shape


You could generate the aft body as you did the foreship. However, we suggest
another method: a lofted surface. A lofted surface is generated from a set of
curves by linking like-numbered parameter values on the curves.
We will create the aft hull shape by lofting a surface between two curves: the
midship curve and one we will create to describe the aft profile. Later, we'll add
more columns to fill and form the shape.
Creating an aft profile curve:
1. Click the Create Mode button.
2. Click the Create Curve button.
3. In the Create Curve dialogue box, select the Free tab, type the following
and click OK:
Field

Entry

Curve Name

Stern Curve

Parameters

Control Points = 8; Max Degree = 2

End 1

the centreline-baseline at the aft end of the


vessel (L=100A, T=0, V=0)

End 2

the top of the transom at centreline


(L=120A, T=0, V=U18)

Colour

Yellow

5. Click the S Side button, go to Edit mode and click Grid.


6. Zoom in on the curve: click the zoom button, point above and to the left of
the top of the curve, hold the mouse button down and drag a 'zoom box'
diagonally to below and to the right of the bottom of the curve and then
release the button.

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7. Drag the control points to form the aft profile. For tangency along the centreline, position vertex 1 at V=0. Be careful to not move the topmost or
bottom-most points. Refer to Figure 2-17.
8. In Front view (or Back view) move vertices six and seven outboard to form
the transom. Refer to Figure 2-17.
Note: To form the shape easier, you may want to toggle the vertex at the
bottom of the transom (vertex 5) to a corner.

Figure 2-17: Creating the Stern Curve

To create the Aft Hull Surface:


1. Click the Create Mode button.
2. Click the Create Surface button.
3. In the Create Surface dialogue, name the surface Aftship and select the
Loft tab.
4. Under Method, select the True Loft radial button.

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5. In the Available Curves list box, click Midship Curve and then the Add
button, and then Stern Curve and Add again.
6. Click OK.
The Aftship surface has only two columns - the forward edge at Midship curve and
the aft edge at Stern curve. Consequently, the highest that row Max Degree can
be is 1 (maximum = the number of columns minus 1), so there is no curvature in
the longitudinal direction. Also, these two columns are shaped the same as the
curves they were derived from but are not connected to the curves in any way. To
keep the shape of the columns the same as the curves, we must not move any of
the vertices of these columns.
Note: If you set vertex 5 to be a corner then Aftship has a knuckle row (the
diagonal line) corresponding to the corner.
To add additional columns to the Aft Hull Surface:
1. Click the Edit Mode button.
2. In the S Side view, select the column at the forward end of the Aftship surface and click the Add button. (Make sure you are in Column mode, not
Row mode and do not have the top vertex selected.)
3. Specify a proportion of 0 and Click OK to create another column at the
same position as the forward column.
4. Click the Isolate button to work on the new column (Col 1) without interference from the column that was copied. (Check that Col 1 is selected.)
5. Select the top vertex and pull it straight aft to roughly where you want the
flat-of-side to end and then hold down the Shift key and release the
mouse button. Be careful to not move the vertex vertically: watch the cursor coordinates and compare the cursor's vertical value to the vertex's
vertical coordinate. The job will be easier if you turn on Ortho.

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6. Click the Corner button to turn column 1 into a knuckle. This makes column 1 become the end of the flat of side.
7. In both S Side view and Top view, modify column 1 to form the aft end of
the flat-of-side. Remember to move the vertices longitudinally only.
8. With Column 1 selected in Edit mode, click the Add button.
9. Specify a proportion of 0 and click OK.
10. Move the Column 2 vertices directly aft to ensure tangency at the flat of
side. Don't move them transversly or vertically.
In Top view the surface appears as straight lines (not curved). This is
because the Row Max Degree is only 1. We'll attend to that now.
11. Select Edit - Attributes.
12. In the Attributes dialogue box, set CDeg for Aftship to 3 and CRes to 20.
Also, set RRes to 60 to allow better display of the surface shape. Click OK.
13. To help in fairing, go to Settings - Contours and add another group of stations from 0 to 120a at Step 10.
14. Turn on the contours by clicking on the Contours button. (See Figure 2-18.)
The goal in fairing a surface is to get the rows and columns to flow as smooth
lines. Start with the Control Points to be sure the basic mesh is smooth, then
progress to smoothing out the Edit Points. Fine tune the vertex positions by looking at the Mean Curvature. If necessary, add another column or two ahead of the
aftmost column to aid in fairing. You can also add more rows, however be aware
that you might adversely affect the shape at midship.

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Figure 2-18: Aftship Surface

Because of the knuckle in the Stern Curve, the surface Aftship was created
with a knuckle row. You may find it easier to fair the Aftship surface if you
turn the knuckle row (Row 7) into a non-knuckle: select the row and click the
Toggle Corner button. However, if you turn the knuckle off, you will notice the
aft edge of the surface no longer follows the Stern Curve. The easy solution
is to fair the surface and then turn the row into a knucle line again. You
should then make sure that the knuckle line is not causing an unwanted
chine by positioning the knuckle vertex on a straight line between it's neighbours. To do this, straighten the portion of the column which includes the two
vertices on either side of the knuckle vertex: in column mode, click the vertex below the knuckle vertex, then click the Straighten button and then on
the vertex above the knuckle vertex. You should repeat the straightening
operation in one other view to make sure the knuckle vertex lies on a straight
line between it's neighbours. (See figure 2-19.)

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Knuckle vertex
Straighten
this
section

Figure 2-19: Straightening Across the Knuckle Line

2.9 Adding a Bow Thruster


This exercise demonstrates how to project a curve onto a surface and shows one
possible use for a projected curve. We will create two curves * a template curve
and its projection onto the hull * and then rule a surface between them to create
the thruster.
To create the template curve:
1. Click the Create Mode button and the Create Curve button.
2. Select the Arc tab, enter the following and click OK.

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Field

Entry

Curve Name

Circle

Plane Start: 0*;


End: 360*

Side

Centre

On the centreline, at an appropriate position for


the bowthruster
(we used: 108F, 0T and 3U)

Angles

Start: 0*; End: 360*

Semi Axes

Radius: An appropriate radius,


we used: 1.1 m
Circular: Checked

3. Change to S Side view and zoom in on the area around the forward part
of Foreship. (See Figure 2-20.)

Figure 2-20: Circle Curve

If you would like to re-position the curve, do the following


1. Ensure that the Circle curve is selected and click the Set Base Point button.
2. Click near the centre of the Circle curve. This will move the base point
from 0,0,0 to the location just clicked on.

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3. Click the Move button.
4. When you move the cursor into the view, you will see a "rubber band"
originating from the curve's "base point". Position the bilge circle at the
new location and click the left mouse button. Note that the base point has
moved also.
Note: We moved the base point first to avoid confusion: because the rubber band originates from the base point and the base point was at the origin, then the base point would not have appeared in the current zoom, so
the rubber band would have started from somewhere off the screen. The
rubber band indicates the relative displacement of the curve - the curve
will move by this amount from it's current location, not to the position indicated by the cursor.
To project the Circle curve onto the hull surface:
Projecting the Circle curve onto the hull surface produces a new curve that is
embedded on the hull. An embedded curve will adapt itself to any changes in the
host surface.
1. Switch to Para view.
2. In Create Mode, click the Create Curve button.
3. Select the Projected tab, enter the following and click OK:

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Field

Entry

Curve Name

Thruster Curve

Projection

Side

Type

Source Curve

Circle

Host

Foreship

Acceptable Tolerance

0.001

Colour

Light Blue

Tutorial 2

4. Zoom in on the forward end of the hull to see the result.


Note: A type 1 projected curve is non-editable and can be altered only by
editing the source curve. A type 2 projected curve is a separate, editable
curve that is embedded on the surface. Either type can be updated to
adapt to changes of the source curve by selecting the curve and clicking
on Edit - Regenerate Object.

Thruster Curve

Circle

Figure 2-21: Circle Projected onto Foreship Surface

Use Thruster Curve to cut the thruster opening in the hull:


1. Select the Foreship surface.
2. Click the Trim button. In the Trim Surface Foreship dialogue box, pick
Thruster Curve and click OK. The program will show various trim options
and prompt you with "Keep this domain". Answer No to the option not
wanted, and Yes to the option wanted.
4. Select Foreship and View - Render. (See Figure 2-22.)

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Figure 2-22: Rendered Trimmed Foreship Surface

To create the Tunnel as a Ruled Surface:


1. Turn off Render by selecting View - Render again.
2. In Create mode, click the Create Surface button.
3. Select the Rule tab.
4. In the Create Surface dialogue, type the following and click OK:
Field

Entry

Surface Name

Thruster

Curves

Circle; Thruster Curve

5. Select View - Render to see the result.

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Note: If the surface Thruster appears as a tie, or hourglass, then you must
change the direction of one of the curves and regenerate the surface. The
direction of a curve is shown by a small arrow near the beginning of the
curve when in Select mode. The arrows on both curves should point the
same direction. To change the direction of a curve, select the curve, then in
Edit mode click the Reverse Ends button. Then update the Thruster surface
by selecting it and clicking on Edit - Regenerate Object. Note that if you
reverse the embedded curve used to trim the surface, you will have to re-do
the trim operation.
6. In Select mode, select both the new Thruster surface and the Foreship
surface. (Select one, and then while holding down the Shift key, select the
other - you must click the outline of the surface.) Note that the object box
at the top of the screen displays "Multiple Select".
7. Select Arrange - Group.
8. In the New Group dialogue, change the name to Hull Fwd and click OK.
Note the Make Comps Invisible checkbox. If checked, the visibility of the
two surfaces will be turned off in the Attributes dialogue.
9. If it is not selected, select the new group Hull Fwd and select ViewRender to see the result. (See Figure 2-23.)

Figure 2-23: Rendered Hull Fwd Group

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2.10 Adding a forward deck with Camber and Sheer


This exercise introduces the camber curve type, the sweep surface type and
trimming one surface to another. Autoship can create parabolic camber curves,
or you can design your own camber curve. In this exercise, we will use a parabolic curve. In it's simplest form, a sweep surface advances one curve (the pattern curve) along another curve (the guide curve), thus "sweeping out" a
surface. We will sweep a camber curve along a sheer at centreline curve to create the forward deck, obtain the intersection with the hull and then trim the deck
at that intersection.
1. Turn off render by clicking on View - Render, switch to Para view and
click the Zoom Extents button.
To create the parabolic Camber Curve (the pattern curve):
1. Click the Create Mode button and the Create Curve button.
2. Click the Camber tab.
3. Enter the following and click OK:
Field

Entry

Curve Name

Deck Camber

Projection

Front

Dimensions

Half : radio button selected


Breadth A value slightly larger than the
vessel's half-breadth, we used 14.1m
Height: For a 1:50 camber, use .28

Colour

Bright Green

Look closely under the midship curve to see the Deck Camber curve - it
starts at 0,0,0.

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To create the sheer Curve (the guide curve):


1. Click the Create Mode button and the Create Curve button.
2. Click the Free tab.
3. Enter the following and click OK:
Field

Entry

Curve Name

Fwd Sheer at Centreline

Parameters

Control Points = 4; Max Degree = 3

End 1

L = 0, T = 0, V = U18

End 2

L = F120, T = 0, V =U18

Colour

Bright Green

4. If you wish to create some sheer in the deck, switch to Edit mode and SSide view and move the aft three vertices downwards to form a smooth
curve.
To create the deck surface:
1. Click the Create Mode and Create Surface.
2. Click the Sweep tab.
3. Enter the following and click OK:
Field

Entry

Surface Name

Foredeck

Pattern Curves

In the upper box, pick Deck Camber

Guide Curves

In the upper box, pick Fwd Sheer at


Centreline

Options

Parallel: Checked

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Note: Parallel will maintain the original upright orientation of the camber
curve as it sweeps out the surface, just as deck beams would be placed. If
Parallel was not checked, the relationship between the two curves would be
maintained, thus, in order to keep perpendicular to the guide curve as the
guide curve bends due to sheer, the pattern curve would rotate (in side view)
as it was swept along the guide curve.
4. View the surface in 4-view to see the camber and sheer. It may help to
turn on the Mesh. (See figure 2-24.)

Figure 2-24: The Foredeck Surface

To trim the deck surface:


1. Select Foredeck and Foreship.
Note: If the Make Comps Invisible checkbox was checked when you created the group HullFwd, the visibility of the Foreship surface will be turned
off so you will not be able to select it from the main screen. To turn on its
visibility, go to the Attributes dialogue and check the Vis. column for the
surface Foreship.

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2. Click the Surf-Surf Intersect button. (If the button is greyed out, see Note
above.) In the Surf-Surf Intersect dialogue box, make sure the two surfaces shown are Foredeck and Foreship, set the tolerance to 0.005m, set
the colours of the curves to purple and click OK.
This will create two curves which describe the intersection of the Foreship
and Foredeck; one curve, Foreship Int1, is embedded on the Foreship
surface, the other curve, Foredeck Int1, is embedded on the Foredeck
surface. To avoid future confusion, we suggest you rename the curves
using the following convention: rename SurfA Int1 to SurfB-SurfA, and
SurfB Int1 to SurfA-SurfB, where the first name indicates the surface the
curve is embedded on, the "-" is reserved to indicate an intersection
curve, and the second-named surface is the surface intersected with.
3. Rename curve Foreship Int1 to Foredeck-Foreship: click Edit Attributes, click the name Foreship Int1 and then click the Properties button. In the Curve Properties dialogue, under Name, type Foredeck-Foreship and click OK.
4. Similarly, rename Foredeck Int1 to Foreship-Foredeck.
5. Select the surface Foredeck.
6. Click the Trim Surface button.
7. In the Trim Surface Foredeck dialogue, select the curve ForedeckForeship and click OK. Answer Yes at the appropriate trim option and
No to the others.
8. Select the surface Foreship.
9. Click the Trim Surface button.
10. In the Trim Foreship Surface dialogue, select both of the curves ForeshipForedeck and Foreship-Thruster Curve and click OK. Answer Yes at the
appropriate trim option shown and No to the others. (See figure 2-25.)

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Figure 2-25: Trimmed Foreship and Foredeck

2.11 Adding an Aft Deck with Camber and Sheer


Use the same procedure to create the surface Aftdeck. In our example, we kept
the Aft Sheer at Centreline curve horizontal.

2.12 Creating a group of the entire vessel


To create the group:
1. Select one of the surfaces you have created.
2. Click the Arrange - Group menu option.
3. In the New Group dialogue, type the name Main and click OK.
4. With the group Main selected, click the button now marked Group in the
upper right-of-centre of the screen to open the Group Editor dialogue.
5. In the Group Editor dialogue, under Objects - Select, click the Surface
radio button.

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6. In the pick box directly below that, pick one of the other surfaces.
7. Click the Add button. The selected surface will be added to the object list.
8. Add the remaing three surfaces the same way.
9. Click in the Stbd + Port check box to have all the selected surfaces mirrored to the other side of the vessel.
10. Exit the Group Editor dialogue.
11. Switch to Para view and render the group. (See figure 2-26.)

Figure 2-26: Rendered group Main

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2.13 Material Properties


In this section, we will work a little with material properties:
1. Select the group Main.
2. Click the Properties button (currently labelled Group' at the top of the
screen
3. In the Group Editor dialouge, in the list at left select the surface Aftdeck.
4. In the Material frame, click the Edit Material.. button.
5. In the Material dialogue, at the list at left pick Steel, under Effectiveness,
pick Thin Shell, set Thick to 0.015 and click OK.
6. In the Material frame, click the Apply to All button.
7. Click OK.
8. With group Main selected, pick the Report - Create - Weights and Areas
menu option.
9. Open the report window and view the results.

2.14 Summary
This completes the second tutorial. The first and second tutorials introduced various tools used for constructing a model, and described how to use the building
blocks of the system * objects * by creating and using simple curves and surfaces.
Tutorial three completes this introduction to hull design with Autoship. In tutorial
three, hull design is accomplished using extrusion, mirroring surfaces, integrating
panels, and by using ruled and swept surfaces.

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Tutorial 3 - Asymmetric Hull Catamaran

3 .0 m

20m

12m
3m

Figure 3-1: Asymmetric Catamaran

3.1 Introduction - Asymmetric Hull Catamaran


In Tutorial 3 we show how to:
Design the outboard half of the hull by extrusion
Generate the inboard half of the hull by modifying a mirrored copy of the
outboard half
Design the tunnel as an integration of several panels
Fit a deck between a centerline and a deck edge curve
Construct a pilot house using a ruled and a swept surface
We have constructed this model as TUT3.PR3. You may want to review it
before continuing.

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3.2 Starting Out


To begin:
1. Select File - New.
2. Select Settings - Units.
3. In the Units dialogue, select Meters and Tonnes and click OK.
4. Select Settings - Preferences.
5. In the Preferences dialogue, click the Coordinate System button.
6. In the Coordinate System dialogue, click the Naval / Aircraft (US) radio
button and click OK.
7. Click OK in the Preferences dialogue.
8. Click File - Save As.
9. In the Save Project dialogue, save the project as TUT3 in the MYTUTS
directory.
10. In the Project Info dialogue, type a description such as 20m Catamaran,
and click OK.

3.3 Designing the Outboard Hull


The outboard half of the hull will be constructed by extruding a simple crosssection curve.
To create the cross-section curve:
1. In Create Mode, click the Create Curve button.
2. In the Create Curve dialogue, type the following information, and click OK:

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Tutorial 3

Field

Entry

Curve Name

Section

Tab

Free

Parameters

Number = 4, Max. Degree = 2

End 1

L = 0; T = 1.6; V = 3

End 2

L = 0; T = 0; V = 0

3. Switch from Snap to Grid mode (value of 0.1) by clicking on the Snap button at the top left of the screen.
Note: By using Grid instead of Snap, you can easily re-position vertices to
rounded, or even value, co-ordinates. Snap causes the vertex to jump relative to its initial position. Grid jumps to an absolute position as defined by
a grid with an interval equal to the Snap setting.
4. In Front view, add another vertex and use the Toggle Corner button to
form a chine flat and then reposition the vertices to form the hull section at
midship, as depicted in Figure 3-2.

Figure 3-2: Section Curve


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3.4 (a) - Creating the Outboard Hull Surface


To create the outboard hull surface:
1. In Create Mode, select Create Surface.
2. In the Create Surface dialogue, type the following information, and click OK:
Field

Entry

Name

Hullout

Tab

Extrude

Curve

Section

Vector

L: 20F

Column Mesh

Number: 4; MaxDegree: 3

3. Switch to Edit mode and Column mode, select the forward column, and
then click the Isolate button.
4. In Front view, move the topmost vertex to the centreline: select vertex 0 click
in the T cooridinate box at the top left of the screen, type 0 and hit Enter.
5. With the topmost vertex selected, click the Straighten button and then
click the lowest vertex to straighten all the vertices to the centerline.
6. In Side view, move the points longitudinally to give the desired bow profile.
7. In Side, Top and Front view, form the hull to achieve the shape you want
for the outboard half of the hull. Try to set the top edge of the hull around
midship at T = 1.6. We will be trimming off the top edge of the hull, so do
not bother to shape it in profile. You should also position the forward-most
vertices of both chines at the same location. (See Figure 3-3.)
Note: We added another column forward to give us better control over the
bow shape.

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Figure 3-3: Outboard Hull Surface

3.4.(b) - Ensuring fairness at the forward-lower corner of the


surface.
In Tutorial 2, special emphasis was placed on positioning the vertices at the forward end of the centreline curve to ensure that the stem below the chine blended
smoothly into the stem above the chine. A similar situation exists on the surface
Hullout at the corner where the forward edge meets the lower edge. Currently, this
corner is at the aft end of the curved-forefoot. In order to make the forward edge
transition smoothly into the bottom edge, we must position the corner vertex and
it's closest neighbouring vertices on the forward edge and bottom edge on a
straight line. An easy method would be to position all three vertices at V = 0. However, we will outline a more general method.
1. With Hullout selected, in Edit mode, and Column mode, with Control
Points selected, click the vertex at the bottom column immediately aft of
the stem column (Row 4, Col 3 in our model) and write down the L and V
coordinates. (See figure 3-4.)
2. Click the vertex at the bottom of the stem column (Row 4, Col 4 in our
model) and write down the L coordinate. (See figure 3-4.)

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3. Click the next vertex above the bottom of the stem (Row 3, Col 4 in our
model) and write down the L and V coordinates. (See figure 3-4.)

Row 3, Col 4

Row 4, Col 3

Row 4, Col 4

Figure 3-4: Control Points at Stem

4. Create a new curve using the Free tab. Set Control Pts to 3. For End 1,
type in the first set of coordinates you wrote down. For End 2, type in the
last set of coordinate you wrote down.
5. With the new curve selected, switch to Edit mode, and Edit Points, if
necessary, and select the middle vertex.
6. Set the middle vertex to the L coordinate you wrote down for the corner of
Hullout: click in the L coordinate box at the upper left of the screen to highlight the L value, type the new coordinate and hit Enter.
7. Straighten the entire curve: select one of the end vertices, click the
Straighten button and click the vertex at the other end of the curve.
8. Copy the V coordinate of the middle vertex of the curve to the corner
vertex of the Hullout surface: select the middle vertex, click in the V
coordinate box, hold down the Ctrl key and press the C key (this copies the coordinate to the "clipboard). Switch to Select mode, select the
Hullout surface, switch to Edit mode and select the vertex at the corner where the forward edge meets the bottom edge (Row 4, Col 4).
Click in the V coordinate box, hold down the Ctrl key and press the V
key (this pastes the value from the "clipboard) and hit Enter.
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9. Go to the Attributes dialogue and turn off the visibility of the curve used
for this straighten process.
This effectively straightens the forward-lower corner of the surface Hullout. Note
that if you move either of the three vertices used for the straightening operation,
then you will have to re-do the straightening operation.

3.5 Generating the Inboard Hull Half


To have both sides of the hull match up properly at the centerline, we will copy
the outboard half of the hull and then mirror it to create the inboard half, and
then rework the inboard shape.
To copy and mirror the outboard half of the hull:
1. In Select Mode, select Hullout.
2. Copy the outboard hull: hold down the Shift key and click the Clone
(Shift - Copy) button.
3. In the Copy dialogue, rename Copy of Hullout to Hullin and, click OK.
4. With Hullin selected, in Front view, click the Flip Horizontal button.
5. If both chines end at the same location at the stem, then in Edit mode and
Row mode, select one of the knuckle lines (rows) and click the Delete Row
or Column button to remove it. If you did not position the forward-most vertices of both chines at the same location, then you cannot delete either
chine as it will change the profile of the stem.
6. To decrease the breadth of Hullin, use the scale function: In Select Mode,
right-click the Scale button. Set the transverse scale to 0.875 and click OK.
Tip: Before scaling Hullin, make sure that it's Base Point is located at T =
0: with Hullin selected, in Select mode, right-click the Set Base Point button. Set the T value to 0, if it is not already.
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7. Edit the shape as you see fit. Take care to not move any of the vertices at
the centerline, otherwise the two halves of the hull will not match. (See
Figure 3-5.)
In order to have the same shape for the bow profile on Hullin as on Hullout,
the distribution of vertices must be the same. This means the second vertex
from the top must be a corner vertex and must not move from it's original
position. And since this vertex must be a corner vertex, then the entire row
must be a knuckle row. If you do not want to have a chine at that row, then
the columns must be straigtened across the corner vertices, as follows:
8. In Edit mode, switch to Column mode, click the Isolate button and switch
to Edit Points, if necessary.
9. Using the aftmost column as an example, in Front view, click the vertex
immediately above the chine vertex (the chine vertex is the green one), then
click the Straighten button, then click the vertex immediately below the
chine vertex. Repeat this straightening procedure in S Side view.
10. Repeat this procedure for the other columns.
Straighening across the chine will effectively cause the chine to disappear.
Note that if you edit the shape of the surface after straightening, you will
have to re-do the straighten operation
.

Figure 3-5: Mirrored Inboard Half of the Hull

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3.6 Designing a Tunnel and Fillet Panel


First, we will move the hull to its correct position. Next, we will create a tunnel by
extruding a surface from a centerline curve. Then, we will construct a fillet panel
between the tunnel and the inboard hull side using the Blend surface type.
3.6.(a) - Moving the Hull to its Correct Position
At this point, the hull centerline is at T = 0. It is to be moved to 4.0 starboard.
1. In Select mode, select both the surfaces Hullin and Hullout.
2. Right-click the Move button.
3. In the Move dialogue, set the T value to 4 and click OK.
Now Hullin and Hullout are at centred at 4m to starboard while the boat's centerline is at T=0.
3.6.(b) - Creating the Tunnel Surface
1. Create a new curve:
Field

Entry

Curve Name

Tunnel Shape

Tab

Free

End 1
End 2

L=F20; T=0; V=U3.0


L=0; T=0; V=U1.9

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2. Switch to S Side view and reshape the curve as indicated in figure 3-6.

Figure 3-6: Tunnel Shape Curve

To create the surface Tunnel:


1. Create a new surface: (See Figure 3-7.)
Field

Entry

Surface Name

Tunnel

Tab

Extrude

Curve

Tunnel Shape

Vector

L = 0; T = S4.0; V = 0

Figure 3-7:The Tunnel Surface

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To create a smooth corner between the Tunnel and Hullin, we will create a fillet
panel using the Blend surface type. For this design, this fillet panel will have a
0.25m radius over most of it's length but will taper to 0 at the forward end. Two
surfaces to be "blended" must have congruent edges, such as at a chine or at a
trimmed intersection. Therefore, to blend the Hullin and the Tunnel, we must first
obtain the intersection of the Tunnel and Hullin surface and then trim the surfaces
to the intersection.
To obtain the intersection:
1. Switch to 4 View.
2. Select both the Tunnel and Hullin surfaces.
3. Click the Surf-Surf Intersect button.
4. In the Surf-Surf dialogue, verify the surface names and click OK.
5. In the Attributes dialogue, rename the curve Hullin Int1 to Tunnel-Hullin
and Tunnel Int1 to Hullin-Tunnel.
To trim the surfaces:
1. Select the Hullin surface
2. Click the Trim Surface button.
3. In the Trim Surface Hullin dialogue, pick the curve Hullin-Tunnel and
click OK.
4. Answer Yes to the appropriate Keep this Domain prompt and No to the rest.
5. Repeat steps 1 to 4 for the surface Tunnel.

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To create the fillet panel
1. Create a surface:
Field

Entry

Surface Name

Fillet

Tab

Blend

Surfaces

Tunnel
Hullin

Radii Variation

Cubic

Radii

1 = 0.25
2 = 0.25
3 = 0.25
4=0

Type

Fillet

Tolerance

0.001

2. The intersection of the two surfaces will be highlighted and you will be
promted with Blend here? Answer Yes if the indicated path is correct.
(See Figure 3-8.)

Figure 3-8: Fillet Panel

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A Blend surface operation creates one surface and two curves. The surface fits
between the two curves, but is not joined to either of them. One of the curves is
embedded on one surface and the other curve is embedded on the other surface.
These curves can be used to trim the surfaces being filleted to the junction with
the fillet panel. We will now re-trim the Tunnel surface at it's junction with the Fillet
and then re-trim the Hullin surface at it's junction with the Fillet.
To re-trim the surfaces:
1. Select the Hullin surface.
2. Click the Trim button.
3. In the Trim Surface Hullin dialogue, de-select the curve Hullin-Tunnel,
select the curve Fillet 0 and click OK. (If you had selected the two surfaces
in the reverse order when generating the Blend surface, then the curve
embedded on Hullin would be named Fillet 1.)
4. Answer Yes to the appropriate Keep this Domain prompt and No to the rest.
5. Repeat this operation for the Tunnel surface.
Note: If the surface trim does not seem to take effect, the likely cause is
that the trimming curve is not "closed". A closed curve means that either
both ends of the curve contact an edge of the surface or the curve begins
and ends the same location. If you encounter a case where the surface
trim does not work, first check the location of each end of the trimming
curve and, if necessary make adjustments to close the curve.
6. Save the project: click File - Save.

3.7 Adding an Upper Deck


The upper deck appears to be a relatively simple shape, however it has some
complex restrictions. This surface will have three columns: an inboard one
along the centreline, an outboard one along the surface Hullout, and a middle
one exactly half way in between. To ensure tangency across the centreline,

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the vertices on the middle column must be positioned at the same height as
the centreline column. To ensure proper control of the shape, the rows must
be perfectly transverse. To ensure easy control of the shape, we must limit the
number of rows to a manageable number, say five or six. We will employ a
few tricks to accomplish this.
To create the Deck Edge curve:
1. Create a new curve:
Field

Entry

CurveName

Deck edge

Tab

Embedded

Host

Surface radio button selected


Hullout

End 1
End 2

R = 0; c = 0
R = 0; c = 1

This will create a curve which runs diagonally across the surface.
2. In Edit mode, re-shape the curve to describe the deck edge. Make sure both
ends of the curve contact an edge of the Hullout surface. (See Figure 3-9.)

Figure 3-9: Embedded Curve on Hullout

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Tutorial 3

To create a temporary curve:


1. Create a new curve by matching the Deck Edge:
Field

Entry

Curve Name

Temp

Tab

Match

Type

Free

Source Curve

Deck Edge

Note: Copying an embedded curve produces another embedded curve. A


Match curve does not have the restriction of being only embedded.
2. In S Side view, shape this curve to represent the profile of the deck centreline. Do not move the vertices longitudinally or transversely. You might find it
advantageous to use the Porcupine plot to see the curvature: click the Curvature button. Since this curve is so flat, try inverting the curvature by clicking on Setings - Invert Curvature Display. This displays the relative
straightness, rather than the relative curvature. (See Figure 3-10.)

Figure 3-10: The Temp Curve

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To create a Centreline curve:
1. Create a new curve by copying the Temp curve: with Temp selected, hold
down the Shift key and click the Clone (Shift - Copy) button. In the Copy
dialogue, name the new curve Centreline.
2. Move the entire curve to the centreline: with Centreline selected, click the
Scale button and for the T value type 0 and then hit Enter. You may wish to
view the result by switching to Top view or 4 View.
To create the Deck:
1. Create a new surface:
Field

Entry

Name

Deck

Tab

Rule

Curves

Centerline
Temp

Column Mesh

Number: 3
Max Degree: 2

2. Attach the outboard edge to the curve Deck Edge: switch to Edit mode,
select the outboard column (Col 2), click the Attach button and in the Attach
Surface dialogue, under Action click Attach to Curve and under Attach To
select Deck Edge and then click OK. (See figure 3-11.)

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Figure 3-11: Deck Surface

To clean up:
1. Detach the outboard edge of the deck: with Col 2 selected, click the Detach
button.
2. Delete the curve Temp: select the curve Temp, and click the Delete
button.
3. Trim the Hullout surface off at the Deck Edge curve: select the surface Hullout, click the Trim Surface button, in the Trim Suface Hullout dialogue
select the curve Deck Edge and click OK. Answer Yes to the appropriate
Keep This Domain prompt and No to the others.
Notes: The shortcut to positioning the middle column exactly half-way
between the edges is to hve the program insert it. The trick to setting the vertices on the middle column to the same height as the centreline column is to
start with a surface in which the rows are transverse and horizontal. The
best way to set up a surface in which the rows are transverse is to create a
ruled surface between two curves that have the same number of vertices
placed in identical longitudinal positions. The best way to obtain two curves
with the same number of vertices placed in identical longitudinal positions is
to copy one to create the other.

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Because the Deck Edge curve is attached, a ruled surface generated from
it would have hundreds of rows. A ruled surface generated from two free
curves usually has only five or six rows.
Often, attaching the edge of a surface to a curve disrupts the arrangement
of the vertices on the edge being attached. Because the Deck surface
was generated from a copy of the Deck Edge curve, attach the edge of
Deck to Deck Edge did not distrupt the arrangement of the edge vertices.

3.8 Adding a Pilot House


We will create the house front and sides by ruling a surface between a curve
embedded on the deck and a free curve some distance above the deck. The top
will be created as a swept surface.
To create the Housefront surface:
1. In Top view, create a new curve
Field

Entry

Curve Name

Housebot

Tab

Embedded

Host

Surface radio button selected Deck

Parameters

Number: 4; Max. Degree: 2

End 1

r = 0; c = 0

End 2

r = 1; c = 1

2. Modify this curve to represent the lower edge of your pilot house. (See figure 3-12.) To ensure tangency across the centreline, keep vertex 2 at the
same longitudinal position as vertex 3 (the centreline vertex.)
3. Create another curve, Housetop Brow, as a free curve with 4 Control Pts
and MaxDegree 2.
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Tutorial 3

Tip: for easy editing, set End 2 to a different L value than End 1.
4. In Top and S Side view, form Housetop Brow as the upper edge of the
house side. (See Figure 3-12.)

Housetop Brow curve

Housebot curve

Figure 3-12: Housebot and Housetop Brow Curves

5. Create the surface Housefront: (See Figure 3-16.)


Field

Entry

Surface Name

Housefront

Tab

Rule

Curves

Housetop Brow
Housebot

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Figure 3-16: Housefront Surface

To create the Housetop surface:


First, we will copy the Housetop Brow curve and reshape it to form the profile of
the house top at the centreline. Next, we will create a new curve which describes
the shape of the house top at the aft end. Finally, we will sweep this second curve
between the Housebrow curve and the curve at centreline to produce the house
top surface.
1. Copy the Housetop Brow curve: select Housetop Brow, hold down the
Shift key and click the Clone (Shift - Copy) button. In the Copy dialogue,
name the new curve Housetop Centre.
2. Set Housetop Centre to the centreline: right-click the Scale button. In the
Scale dialogue, set T to 0 and click OK.
3. In S Side view, edit the heights of the vertices to form the profile at centreline. Do not move vertex 3, and try not to move the vertices longitudinally.
4. Switch to Front view.
5. Click the Create mode button and then the Draw Curve button.

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6. Clickce at the aft end of the curve Housetop Centre; then click at a position
just above and inboard of the aft end of the curve Housetop Brow. Try to
click at the same height as the where you clicked on Housetop Centre.
7. Click the aft end of the curve Housetop Brow; then right-click anywhere in
the view window.
8. In the Curve Parameters dialogue, name the curve Housetop Shape,
set Maximum Degree to 2, click the Control Points radio button and
click OK.
9. If necessary, switch to Edit mode and modify the shape. (See figure 3-14.)

H o u s e to p S h a p e
c u rv e

Figure 3-14: Housetop Shape Curve10.

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10. Create a new surface: (See Figure 3-15).
Field

Entry

Surface Name

Housetop

Tab

Sweep

Pattern Curves

Housetop Shape

Guide Curves

Housetop Centre
Housetop Brow

Options

Scaled: checked

Figure 3-15: Housetop Surface

3.9 Starboard and Port Side


We will complete the catamaran by creating a group, Main, which contains all the
surfaces we have created, and then set the group to mirror the assembly.
1. Create a group, Main, of the seven surfaces Hullout, Hullin, Tunnel, Fillet,
Deck, Housefront, and Housetop: in Select mode, select as many of the
surfaces as you can, then click Arrange - Group, in the New Group dialogue, set the name to Main and click OK.
2. With Main selected, click Edit-Attributes.

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3. In the Attributes dialogue box, click the Group Editor button.


4. In the Group Editor dialogue box, include the remaining surfaces in the
group: click the Surface radio button, then select one of the remaining surfaces from the pick box, then click the Add button. Repeat for the remaining
surfaces.
5. Click the Stbd + Port check box and click OK.
6. Click OK at the Attributes dialogue.
7. Save the project: click File - Save.
8. Render the group. (See Figure 3-16.)

Figure 3-16: Rendered Catamaran

3.10 Summary
In Tutorials 1 to 3, you have been shown a number of ways to create and edit
ships and boats. These tutorials are intended to be an introduction to Autoship.
They do not describe the definitive methods for producing hulls. Using what you
have learned in these tutorials, you should experiment with the program to
develop the best methods for working with your particular type of vessel.
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Tutorial 4

Tutorial 4 - Pocket Cruiser

4.75 ft

5 ft

24 ft
Figure 4-1: Pocket Cruiser

4.1 Introduction - Pocket Cruiser


In Tutorial 4, what we will design is a small, heavy displacement cruising yacht.
This tutorial goes beyond the basic hull lines and completes the superstructure as
well. The shell is built up much as a real boat would be constructed. First the hull
is created, and then the transom, keel, deck, and cabin are added. You can add
the mast, rigging, and sails later, but they are not included as part of this tutorial.
The model we have constructed, TUT4.PR3, has these dimensions:
Displacement: 4.0LT
LOA: 24ft
Beam: 9.5f
We suggest that you examine TUT4.PR3 before reading further.

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4.2 Starting Out


To begin:
1. Select File - New.
2. Select Settings - Units and set the units to Feet and Pounds.
3. Select Settings - Preferences.
4. Click the Coordinate System button.
5. Click the Naval /Aircraft (US) radio button.
6. Click OK in the Coordinate System dialogue and click OK again in the
Preferences dialogue.
7. Click File - Save As. Click OK. In the Save Project dialogue, type
TUT4.PR3, and specify the MYTUTS directory to store this project in. In
the Project Info dialogue field, type a descriptive message for the project
and click OK.

4.3 Creating the Hull


1. Create a new surface:

112

Field

Entry

Name

Hull

Tab

Dimensions

Size

L = 24, T = 4.25, V = 5

Column Mesh

Number: 4; MaxDegree: 3

Row Mesh

Number: 4; MaxDegree: 2

Tutorial 4

Note: The number of rows and columns is based on previous experience.


However, since you can easily add or delete rows or columns, you can start
with fewer if you wish.

4.4 Shaping the Hull


To shape the bow:
1. Hold down the Shift key and click the Zoom Extents button to zoom out in
all four views.
2. With Hull selected, switch to Edit Mode and change to Column mode
if necessary.
3. Select the top vertex on the bow column (Col 0), and click the Isolate
button.
4. Set this vertex to the centreline: type 0 in the T coordinate box, and click
Enter.
5. In Front view, straighten the whole column to the centreline: with the
top vertex selected, click the Straighten button and then click the lowest vertex.
6. In S Side view, shape the bow profile by editing column 0 by eye. It's best to
work with the control points. (See figure 4-2.)
Tip: It is easiest to edit the shape of a row or column with Isolate on, but
you may find it beneficial to toggle between Isolate and non-Isolate during
the next few steps.

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Figure 4-2: Editing the Bow Profile

Note: in order to avoid a knuckle at the bottom of the stem in profile view,
the vertices of Col 0/Row 1, Col 0/Row 0 and Col 1/Row 0 should all lie on
a straight line. You can position them fairly close by eye, or draw a free,
straight curve to use as a template, or use a hand calculator to find the
exact position of one vertex based upon the postions of the other two.
Refer to Tutorials 2 nd 3 for a further explanation.
7. Change to Rows, select Row 0 and form the fairbody shape.
8. Switch to Top view and shape the sheer line (Row 3, in our model.)
9. Switch to S Side view and shape Row 3 to get a pleasing sheer line.
Experiment with using the Planar button to force the sheer into a plane:
select the vertex on either Column 1 or 2 and click the Planar button.
The Planar routine calculates a plane based upon the positions of the two
end vertices and the currently selected vertex and then adjusts the
heights of the remaining surface-edge vertices to lie on that plane.
10. Switch to Front view and re-shape column 3 to form the aft end of the
hull. In steps 7, 8 and 9, you positioned the bottom and top vertices in profile, so you should not move them now.

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Note: we will be adding a transom as a separate surface, so the hull must


extend aft of where the transom corner will be. Do not worry about the profile
at the aft end of the hull.
11. Also in Front view, re-shape columns 1 and 2 to form the shape in the
mid-body. (See figure 4-3.)

Figure 4-3: The Hull Surface

4.5 Instant Hydrostatics


4.5(a) - Group
At this point, it is time to think about displacement. We will use the instant hydrostatics feature. This routine works only on a group, so we must create a group.
To create a group:
1. With the Hull surface selected, in Select mode, click the Arrange - Group
menu item. Rename the group to Main, un-check the Make Comps Invisible
check box and click OK.

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4.5.(b) - Running Instant Hydrostatics
1. Click the small H button near the lower left of the view window to open the
Instant Hydrostatics window.
2. In the Instant Hydrostatics window, click the Group button.
3. In the Choose Hydrostatics Group dialogue, select Main from the pick list
and click OK.
4. In the Instant Hydrostatics window, note the Depth display in the lower left
corner.
5. Click the Update button.
Note: If the Invalid Parameters message appears, the likely cause is that the
hull is not actually sitting in the water at the specified Depth. Set the Depth to
a higher value and click Update again. We are aiming for 4.0 LT displacement. It is not very likely that the displacement at the draft you have set is
exactly 4.0 LT, however we can get Autoship to find the draft corresponding
to 4.0 LT.
6. Near the bottom centre of the Instant Hydrostatics window, set the Mass to
4.0 and click the S button. After a brief calculation, new results will appear.
The Depth value now displayed is the amount you need to shift the hull vertically to hit the target displacement at the design waterline.
7. On the main screen, select the Hull surface.
8. Right-click the Move button. In the Move Selection dialogue, set the V value
to the opposite of that shown for Depth in the Instant Hydrostatics window,
i.e. if Depth is U.041, set the V to D.041. Click OK.
9. Click the small H button to close the Instant Hydrostatics window.
Note: If the value shown for Trim in the Instant Hydrostatics window is
very large (> 1 degree) then it may take a few iterations of step 8 to hit
the target draft.

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4.6 Adding the Transom

We will create a cylindrical surface, Transom, by extruding a curve, Transom


Shape. Then we will move the Transom to its correct position and intersect it with
the Hull. The top of the transom will be defined by an embedded curve, Transom
Top. The surface will them be trimmed off at a combination of the curves Transom
Top and Transom-Hull intersection.
To create the cylinderical transom:
1. Create a new curve:
Field

Entry

Name

Transom Shape

Tab

Arc

Plane

Top

Semi-Axes

Circular check box checked


Radius = 30

Center

Somewhere 30 ft ahead of the


transom

Angles

0 and 10*

2. Create a new surface named Transom by extruding the Transom Shape


curve upward by 5 feet.
3. Right-click the Rotate button.
4. In the dialogue box, specify a Transverse axis and an angle of 15*, and
then click OK.
5. In S Side view, move the transom so that it intersects the hull. You may find
the transom easier to move if you re-position the base-point closer to the
transom.
6. Select the Hull and Transom surfaces.
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Tutorials
7. Click the Surf-Surf Intersect button, set the tolerance to 0.1 in. and
click OK.
8. This generates two intersection curves: Transom Int1 (embedded on
Hull) and Hull Int1 (embedded on Transom). Rename Transom Int1 to
Hull-Transom, and Hull Int1 to Transom-Hull.
9. Trim Hull off at the intersection with the transom: select the Hull surface,
click the Trim Surface button, in the Trim Surface Hull dialogue, select the
curve Hull-Transom and click OK. Answer Yes at the appropriates Keep
This Domain prompt and No to the others.
We cannot yet trim the transom surface as we do not have a curve which completely describes where to trim the surface.
To establish the top of the transom:
1. In Create mode, click the Create Point button.
2. In the Create Point dialogue, type the following information, and click OK:
Field

Entry

Name

Transom Corner

Tab

Embedded

Host

Curve radio button selected


Transom-Hull

3. Working in Front view, move the point Transom Corner to the top end of the
curve Transom-Hull.
Tip: pull the point up above the end of the curve and it will jump back to
the end of the curve.
4. Create an embedded curve, Transom Top, embedded on the surface
Transom and having 3 vertices.

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5. Attach the outboard end of Transom Top to the point Transom Corner.
6. In Front view, edit Transom Top to the desired shape of the transom at
deck level. You should position the middle control point at the same height
as the vertex at centreline in order to maintain tangency across the centreline. (See Figure 4-4.)

Transom Top
curve

Hull outline

Figure 4-4: Transom Top Curve

To trim off the excess transom:


1. In Edit mode, with the outboard vertex of Transom Top selected, click the
Join Curves button. In the Join Curves dialogue, name the new curve
Transom Trim, pick Transom-Hull and click OK.
2. Select the surface Transom and click the Trim Surface button, in the Trim
Surface Transom dialogue, select the curve Transom-Hull and click OK.

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Answer Yes at the appropriates Keep This Domain prompt and No to the
others.

4.7 The Keel


To create the keel, we will first layout the bottom of the keel with a free
curve, then the top with a curve embedded in the hull, and finally create
the keel as a ruled surface between these two curves.
1. Create a free curve, Keel Bottom, at V = -4, to establish a 4 ft draft. We
specified 4 vertices and degree 2 and put the two ends at L = 22 and L = 9.
2. In Top view, edit the curve to the desired shape.
You could have used a foil curve, but a true foil shape is not desirable for
such a long keel.
3. Create an embedded curve, Keel Top, with 4 vertices and degree 2,
embedded on the surface Hull, and edit it to the desired shape.
4. Create a ruled surface, Keel, between the curves Keel Top and Keel
Bottom.
If the surface is "twisted" (it's outline looks like a bow tie), it is because the
two curves run in opposite directions. To fix this, select one of the curves, go
to edit mode and click the Reverse Ends button. Then select the Keel surface and click Edit - Regenerate Object.
5. Add another column at the same location as the bottom column.
6. Select the bottom column, switch to Isolate and straighten the bottom column between the forward-most and aft-most vertices. Pick a vertex near the
middle of the column and switch to Rows to check your work.

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4.8 The Deck


We will construct the deck from edge curves. We already have Transom Top. We
need to create Deck CL, Deck Fwd and Deck Edge.
To create Deck CL:
1. Create a point, Deck at Bow, embedded on the surface Hull, and move it to
the top of the stem.
2. Create a point, Transom Top at Center, embedded on the curve Transom
Trim, and move it to the top of the transom at the centerline.
3. Create a new curve:
Field

Entry

Name

Deck CL

Tab

Free

End 1

select: Deck at Bow


check: Attach to point

End 2

select: Transom Top at Center


check: Attach to point

To create the curve Deck Fwd:


1. Create a free curve, Deck Fwd, as a degenerate curve: check the Degen.
(Point) check box in the Create Curve dialogue.
Note: A degenerate curve is a curve that is condensed to a single point all of its vertices are forced to lie at a given point in space.
2. Attach Deck Fwd to the point Deck at Bow.

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To create the curve Deck Edge:
1. Create a curve:
Field

Entry

Name

Deck Edge

Tab

Surf Row/Col

Type

Embedded

Axis

Row

Parameter

Host Surface

Hull

To create the Deck surface:


1. Create a new surface:
Field

Entry

Surface Name

Deck

Tab

Dimensions

Size

L = 24; T = 5; V = 0

Column Mesh

Number: 3; MaxDegree: 2

Row Mesh

Number: 3; MaxDegree: 2

2. Move it roughly into place.


3. Attach the four edges of the surface Deck to the following curves:
Col 0
Col 2
Row 0
Row 2

Deck Fwd
Transom Top
Deck CL
Deck Edge

Note that you may need to drag some of the vertices past the appropriate corners
in order to pull the surface into the correct shape.

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This exercise has established a rather complex chain of dependencies. The hull
depends on the transom and two curves embedded on it. The keel and the deck
both depend on the hull. The keel also depends on the curve Bottom of Keel. To
check what an object's dependents are, select the object and click the Information
(I) button on the lower left of the screen.

4.9 The Cabin


By now you should have a good feel for some of the things you can do with Autoship. By using the Information button and Attributes, you should be able to figure
out how the cabin was created in AS7TUT4.PR3.

4.10 Groups
Groups provide a way of putting together the parts for viewing, calculating weight
and volume, and exporting to Autohydro and Autobuild.
1. Create a group, Main, which includes all the surfaces made in this tutorial.
Render the Main group to see your vessel.
2. Mirror the Main Group by selecting Edit - Attributes and in the Group Editor, click the name Main, click Stbd + Port and then click OK. The result is a
complete boat.
3. After creating the Main group, make a copy of this Group and call it Heeled
15. Then, with the group Heeled 15 selected, right-click the Rotate button.
Type 15 degrees and click OK. The result is the boat heeled over 15
degrees. This lets you look at heeled waterlines and even see Heeled Buttocks! Try Quick Hydrostatics on this group.
Remember to save your work.

4.11 Summary
This concludes Tutorial 4. If you have done all four tutorials, you have now seen
many different ways to design a hull in Autoship. With a little practice, you should
be able to design your own hull quickly and easily.
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124

Tutorial 5

Tutorial 5 - Ro-Ro Carrier

13.5 m

140 m
12.1 m

Figure 5-1: Ro-Ro Hull

5.1 Introduction - Ro-Ro Carrier


TUT5.PR3 is intended as a ro-ro vessel. To create a voluminous hull, this design
features a vertical panel running from bow to stern which joins the formed lower
portion of the hull along a knuckle line. The hull also has a bulbous bow and a
stern bulb.
Tutorial 5 shows one way to generate such a hull form. Take a look at the
TUT5.PR3 file before continuing. The hull is composed of four surfaces and the
bow and stern bulbs are added as separate surfaces.
Remember that this tutorial is for guidance only, and that with experience and skill
you will be able to develop more suitable design techniques for your own work.

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5.2 Starting Out


To begin:
1. Create a New project.
2. Set units to Meters and Tonnes.
3. Select Settings - Preferences.
4. Click the Coordinate System button.
5. Click the Naval /Aircraft (US) radio button.
6. Save the file.

5.3 Midship Section


As in Tutorial 1, we will extrude a midship curve to generate the hull:
1. Create a Free curve, Midship Section, with 3 control points and
degree 2, having End 1 at L = 55F, T = 12.1S, V = 6.3U and End 2
at L = 55F, T = 0, V = 0.
2. Select the middle control point and position it at V = 0 and about T = 10.
Change it to a knuckle (Toggle Corner button), and then apply a fillet
(Radius Corner button). We used a 3.0m fillet. (See figure 5-2.)

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Figure 5-2: Midship Section Curve, Front View

You could generate a hull surface by simply extruding this curve forward or aft
from amidships. However, the resulting surface would have two knuckles or
chines, one just above and one inboard of the vertex you used to generate the
radius. To avoid this problem, we will copy the curve Midship Section and edit out
the knuckles while using Midship Section as a template:
3. Copy the curve Midship Section to Midship: with the curve Midship Section
selected, click the Clone (Shift -Copy) button, name the curve Midship.
4. Switch to Edit mode and in Front view zoom in on the bilge radius area.
5. Select vertex 1 and click the Toggle Corner button.
6. Select vertex 3 and click the Toggle Corner button.
7. Using the arrow keys on the keyboard, move vertex 3 inboard until the
shape of the lower portion of the curve Midship roughly matches Midship
Section. Try to keep track of how far the vertex is moved.
8. Using the arrow keys on the keyboard, move vertex 1 up by the same
amount vertex 3 was moved inboard. Straighten the curve between vertex 0
and vertex 2.
9. Repeat steps 7 and 8 until the shape of the curve Midship matches the
curve Midship Section. (See figure 5-3.)
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Figure 5-3: Midship Curve, Front View

5.4 The Hull Forward


It is fairly common to design a shape using surfaces that fit to each other along
their original, untrimmed edges. In order to ensure that the two edges match without gaps, there are special considerations that must be taken into account. One
method of fitting the edges together is to use the Attach routine. However, this has
two shortcomings: the two surface edges may "wobble" and leave minute gaps;
and the attached edge definition is not supported in the IGES file type - thus the
fitted edges cannot be exported as an IGES file. Another method is to use the
Match routine. This will match the surface edge to the object indicated within a set
tolerance, but may also add extra vertices, thus making the surface more difficult
to fair. The only way to absolutely guarantee that the two surface edges are identical is for the edges to be identical in degree of curvature, number of vertices and
position of vertices.
There are tricks to use to construct a shape from multiple surfaces that ensure
that the edges match properly. We will experiment with them in the forward portion
of the hull.
First, we will create the surface Hull Forward Upper as a ruled surface between
two curves: Deck Edge Fwd and Knuckle Fwd.

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To create the curve Deck Edge Fwd:


1. Create a Free curve, Deck Edge Fwd, with 3 control points and degree 2,
having End 1 at L = 55 F, T = 12.1S and V = 13.5 and End 2 at L = 137.5 F,
T = 0 and V = 13.5.
2. In Top view, move vertex 1 to L = 137.5F and T = 12.1S.
3. Insert another vertex between vertex 1 and vertex 2 and move this vertex
longitudinally to form the bow rounding. We suggest you keep the shape
of this curve simple so that this edge-matching method will be easier to
understand. (See figure 5-4.)

Figure 5-4: Deck Edge Fwd Curve, Top View

To create the curve Knuckle Fwd:


1. Copy the curve Deck Edge Fwd, name the new curve Knuckle Fwd.
2. Move Knuckle Fwd downward 2m.
3. In S Side view, edit Knuckle Fwd to the desired shape. Adjust the vertices
in the vertical direction only. You may find it advantageous to add a control
point or two. Be sure that the vertex 0 is at L= F55, T = 12.1S, V = U6.3
and that vertex 1 is at T = 12.1S, V = U6.3 so that Knuckle Fwd connects
with Midship. (See figure 5-5).

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Figure 5-5: Knuckle Fwd Curve, S Side View

To create the surface Hull Forward Upper:


1. Create a new surface, Hull Fwd Upper, by extruding the curve Knuckle
Fwd upwards by 2m.
2. Attach the upper column of Hull Fwd Upper to the curve Deck Edge Fwd to
position the top edge of the surface, and then undo the attachment.
Note: Extruding the surface from the curve Knuckle Fwd ensures the bottom
edge of the surface matches the curve Knuckle Fwd.
We will now create the surface Hull Fwd Lower by sweeping the curve Midship
forwards along the curve Knuckle Fwd. This will create a surface that is identical
at the aft end to the Midship Curve and identical at the top edge to both the curve
Knuckle Fwd and bottom edge of the surface Hull Fwd Upper. The forward edge
will be matched to a template curve, Stem.

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To create the curve Stem:


1. Create a Free curve, Stem, with 5 control points and degree 2 having End 1
at L = 137.5 F, T = 0 and V = 11.5 and End 2 at L = 130F, T = 0 and V = 0.
2. Edit the shape as shown in figure 5-6.

Figure 5-6: Stem Curve, S Side View

To create Hull Fwd Lower:


1. Create a Sweep surface, Hull Fwd Lower, for the Pattern Curve use
Midship, for the Guide Curve use Knuckle Fwd and check the Parallel
check box.
2. Zoom in on the forward end and drag the vertices of the forward-most column (col 4) into a close match to the curve Stem. You may find it easier with
Isolate on. Be sure to position all the vertices at the centreline.
3. Use the Match feature to match the shape of column 4 to the curve Stem:
click the Attach button, in the Attach Surface dialogue, pick Match, specify
the curve Midship and click OK.

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Note: The Match operation works well in this instance because the columns
of surface Hull Fwd Lower have five vertices and the curve Stem also has
five vertices.
3. Use Straighten to move all the vertices of the bottom row to the centreline.
Note that you will have to move the vertex on column 3 aft.
4. Edit the shape of column 2 and 3 to achieve the shape desired. Do not
move the vertices in the top row or else the top edge will no longer match
the curve Knuckle Fwd.
Note: In Body view, the control points on columns 0 and 1 must be kept
identical to ensure the forward portion of the hull will match up with the aft
portion of the hull at midships.
5. If desired, add another row inboard of the row at centreline and convert it
to a corner or knuckle row to define the flat bottom.

5.5 The Bow Bulb


We will create the bulbous bow as a separate surface and then trim it to the Hull
Forward Lower surface.
To create the Bulb at the bow:
1. In Front view, Draw a curve, Bulb Section, to represent the sectional
shape of the bulb. Use 3 vertices, degree 2 and make it approximately
4m high by 2m wide. Make sure the two end vertices are at T = 0
(Refer to Tutorial 3, Creating the Housetop Surface for instruction on
how to Draw a curve) (See figure 5-7).

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Figure 5-7: The Curve Bulb Section

2. Create a new surface, Bulb Fwd, by extruding the curve Bulb Shape longitudinally. We specified a length of 20m, 3 columns and degree 2.
3. Move the surface into position.
4. Close the forward end of the shape: add another column at the same
location as the forward-most column and set all of it's vertices to the same
vertical coordinate. We uses 2.5. Make sure they are all at T = 0.
5. In S Side view, shape the top, bottom and forward edges by eye. Insert
other columns as needed. The forward-most two columns define a
smoothly closed shape. If you move any of the vertices on either of these
column longitudinally you will distort the front end of the bulb.
6. In Top view, shape the middle row.
7. Ensure tangency across the top: add another row at the same position as
the top-most row and move it's vertices outboard a little. Use these vertices to alter the sectional shape.
8. Ensure tangency across the bottom: add another row at the same position
as the bottom-most row and move it's vertices outboard a little. Use these
vertices to alter the sectional shape.

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Tip: Keep the aft-most vertex of this row at T = 0 to obtain a more usable
intersection with the hull.
To fit the Bulb:
1. Select both Hull Fwd Lower and Bulb Fwd.
2. Click the Surf-Surf Intersect button to generate the intersection curves.
Note: You may find an additional set of intersection curves positioned along
the centreline, or the intersection curves may extend along the centreline at
the bottom. These portions are not needed, so they can be deleted.
3. Rename Bulb Int1 to Hull Fwd Lower-Bulb Fwd and Hull Forward Lower
Int1 to Bulb Fwd-Hull Fwd Lower.
4. Select Bulb Fwd and click the Trim Surface button.
5. In the Trim Surface Bulb Fwd dialogue, select the curve Bulb Fwd-Hull
Forward Lower and click OK. Answer Yes to the appropriate Keep this
Domain prompt and No to the others.
To create the trimmed Hull Forward Lower:
1. Using the same method as 3 and 4 above, trim Hull Forward Lower at the
intersection with the Bulb. You may have to re-work the aft end of the
intersection curve to obtain a closed curve.
2. Select View-Render to see your work in perspective.

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5.6 The Hull Aft


A similar procedure could be followed to design the stern section. However, we
will introduce another method which can be used to build up the hull shape from
curves while ensuring the different parts match where they join. In this method,
the hull will be defined with a single surface, yet constructed from more than two
curves.
To create the curve Deck Edge Aft:
1. Create a Free curve, Deck Edge Aft, with 3 control points and degree 2,
having End 1 at L = 55 F, T = 12.1S and V = 13.5 and End 2 at L = 2.5 A,
T = 12.1 and V = 13.5.
To create the curve Knuckle Aft:
1. Copy the curve Deck Edge Aft, name the new curve Knuckle Aft.
2. Move Knuckle Fwd downward 6m.
3. In S Side view, in Edit mode, click the middle control point and add another
control point using the Refine option. Edit Knuckle Aft to the desired shape.
Adjust the vertices in the vertical direction only. Be sure that both the forward-most vertex and the next one aft is at V = U6.3 so that Knuckle Aft
connects smoothly with Knuckle Fwd. (See figure 5-8).
Deck Edge Aft

Knuckle Aft

Knuckle Fwd

Figure 5-8: Deck Edge Aft and Knuckle Aft Curves


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To create the curve Knuckle Aft:
1. Create a Free curve, Centreline Aft, with 6 control points and degree 2,
having End 1 at L = 55 F, T = 0 and V = 0 and End 2 at L = 2.5 A, T = 0
and V = 5.
2. Arrange the vertices as shown in figure 5-9.

Figure 5-9: Centreline Aft Curve

To create the surface Hull Aft:


1. Create a Sweep surface, Hull Aft, using Midship as the Pattern Curve and
Centreline Aft as the Guide Curve, check the Parallel checkbox.
You will notice that the surface is created below and to the port of the curve
Centreline Aft. Remember that a Sweep surface sweeps the first end of the
Pattern curve along the first Guide curve. In this case, the first end of the
curve Midship is up at the knuckle line - not at the baseline. In this case,
there is an easy fix:
2. Select the curve Midship and go to Edit mode.
3. Click the Reverse Ends button.
4. Select the surface Hull Aft.
5. Select the Edit - Regenerate Object menu option.
This will re-construct the surface in the originally intended manner. Now, we
must form the surface.

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6. Attach the upper edge of the surface to the curve Knuckle Aft: switch to Edit
mode, select the upper-most row (Row 4), click the Attach button, pick
Attach to Curve, and for Attach to pick Knuckle Aft.
7. Move the aft-most two contol points of Row 3 downwards so that they lie
below the curve Knuckle Aft. Try to position them so Row 3 is smooth.
8. In Front view, check each column of control points to make sure there are no
bumps or hollows. Turn on the surface mesh and inspect it in each view to
make sure it has a "smooth flow".
Now we continue to build the Hull Aft surface higher.
9. Add another row at the same position as the top-most row (Row 4): select
Row 3, click the Add Row or Column button and for Proportion, input 1.
10. Select the new top-most row, (Row 5). You may find it easier to locate Row 5
by toggling to Edit points.
11. Detach Row 5 and then Attach it to the curve Deck Edge Aft.
12. Turn Row 4 into a corner: select Row 4 and click the Toggle Corner
button.
This completes the Aft Hull surface. You have now seen two ways to construct a
large surface from several curves, and assure that the overall shape is contiguous
and smooth.

5.7 The Stern Bulb


We will create the stern bulb in three steps:
1. Define the lower profile of the stern bulb by creating a curve called Stern
Bulb Profile in side view. See Figure 5-10.

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Figure 5-10: Curve Stern Bulb Profile

2. Create a surface, Bulb Aft, as a type Rotate surface; pick Longitudinal for
Axis and specify an angle of 180 for Rotation.
Tip: move Stern Bulb Profile's base point to the height of the centreline of
the bulb - by default, the surface of rotation is be created by revolving the
curve about it's base point.
3. If the Bulb Aft is not already in the correct position, re-position it and then
intersect it with Hull Aft. Remember to rename the intersection curves.
4. Trim both the Bulb Aft and Hull Aft.

5.7 Summary
This concludes Tutorial 5. Have a good look at the project to get an idea of how
the groups are constructed. If you want to test the hydrostatics, the design draft
is 5.4 m.

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Tutorial 6

Tutorial 6 - Oil Rig


66m

28m

104m

Figure 6-1: Oil Rig

6.1 Introduction - Oil Rig


Autoship can be used to create accurate models of large, complex structures
which are not boats or ships. This oil rig is one such example. This model was created by constructing one quarter of the structure and then copying, mirroring, and
grouping it to form the rest of the structure. In this way, you can create a model
from a minimum number of individual components.
This tutorial also shows how to export a complex structure to Autohydro.
TUT6.PR3 and this tutorial show one way to construct a model for such a
structure.

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6.2 Starting Out

To begin:
1. Click File - New to initialize Autoship.
2. Set units to Meters and Tonnes.
3. Set the coordinate system to Naval /Aircraft (US).
Our approach for the construction of this rig will be to create the elements needed
for one quarter of the structure and then assemble them into a group. Then, by
using copy and mirror operations upon the group, we will produce the entire
model that will be used for visual purposes. Finally, we will re-assemble the basic
elements to produce a different model of the same structure which can be
exported to Autohydro.

6.3 Pontoon
First, we will create two curves, Midship and Waterline and then sweep Midship
along Waterline to create a surface that represents the aft, forward one-eighth of
one pontoon. Then, through a series of clone and mirror operations, we will create
the aft half of one pontoon.
To create the curve Midship:
1. Create a new curve, Midship, with 3 Control Pts and Max Degree 2 having
End 1 at 0, 5, 0 and End 2 at 0, 0, 5.
2. Move the middle Control Point (not Edit Point) to 0, 5, 5, toggle it to a corner
and then use the Radius Corner button to form a Radius of 1.0.

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To create the curve Waterline:


1. Create a new curve, Waterline, with 3 Control Pts and Max Degree 2
having End 1 at 0, 5, 0 and End 2 at 50, 0, 0.
2. Move the middle Control Point to 50, 5, 0 and then toggle it to a corner
and then use the Radius Corner button to form a Radius of 5.0.

Figure 6-2: The Curves Midship and Waterline in Para View

To create half of the upper aft portion of the pontoon:


1. Create a Sweep surface, Upper Surf, by sweeping the curve Midship along
the curve Waterline.
To create half of the lower aft portion of the pontoon:
1. With the surface Upper Surf selected, click the Clone button. In the New
Group dialogue, give the name Lower Clone.
2. Click in the S Side view window, if it is not the currently selected view.
3. With Lower Clone selected, click the Flip Vertical button.

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To create the other half of the aft portion of the pontoon:
1. Select both Upper Surf and Lower Clone and click the Clone button. In the
New Group dialogue, give the name Port Clone.
2. Click the Front view window.
3. With Port Clone selected, click the Flip Horizontal button.
To create the half of the the pontoon:
1. Create a group, Pontoon Half, consisting of Upper Surf, Lower Clone and
Port Clone.
2. Move Pontoon Half 33.0m to starboard. (Tip: right-click the Move button.)

6.4 The Column


We will create one column and copy it to produce the others. The column will be
constructed in two parts: the lower and the upper part.
To create the cone (lower part):
1. Create a Rectangle type curve, Cone Bottom to represent the bottom
of the cone. We set Plane to Top; Centre at 42.0, 0.0, 5.0, specified
Square and a Height of 7.5. You can round the corners of the bottom
curve if you like.
2. Apply a 0.5m radius at each corner.
3. Create an Arc type curve, Cone Top, to represent the top of the cone and
the bottom of the cylinder. We set Plane to Top; Centre at 42.0, 0.0, 10.0,
specified Circular and a Radius of 3.0.

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4. In Top view, compare the arrows at the beginning of Cone Bottom and Cone
Top to ensure that both curves start at the same relative location - aft or forward, and that both curves point the same way.
5. Create a Develop surface, Cone between Cone Bottom and Cone Top.
To create the cylinder (upper part):
1. Create an Extrude surface, Cylinder, by extruding the curve Cone Top 18m
vertically.

6.5 The Cross Beams and Diagonals


We will create one cross beam and one diagonal and copy them to produce
the others.
To create a cross beam:
1. Create an Arc curve, Cross Beam Template. We set Plane to Side; Centre
at 42.0, 0.0, 7.5, specified Circular and a Radius of 2.0.
2. Create an Extrude surface, Cross Beam, by extruding the curve Cross
Beam Template 33m to port.
3. Obtain the Surf-Surf intersection curves of Cross Beam and Cone and trim
off Cross Beam at the intersection.
To create a diagonal:
1. Create a curve, Diagonal Axis to represent the axis, or centreline of the
diagonal tube. We set Control Pts to 2, Max Degree to 1, End 1 to 42.0, 0.0,
5.0 and End 2 to 42.0, P33.33, 28.23.

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Note: we will need to trim off the top of the Diagonal and so need to extend it
past where it will be trimmed at L = 42.0, T = 33.0P, V = 28.0. In this case,
we chose to extend the curve 10%, or T = 0 + (1.1 x 33.0P) = 33.33P and V
= 5U + (1.1 x (28.0U - 5.0U)) = 28.23U. (The 5U is the V at End 1.)
2. Create a Tube Sweep surface, Diagonal using the curve Diagonal Axis.
We set Radius to 1.0.
3. Obtain the Surf-Surf intersection curves of Diagonal and Cross Beam.
Note that Diagonal penetrates Cross Beam twice, so there will be more
than one intersection curve generated. To avoid later confusion, delete the
unnecessary curve(s).
4. Create a Dimensions type surface, Temp, with L = 6, T = -4 and V = -4,
Column Mesh: Number 2, Max Degree 1; Row Mesh: Number 3, Max
Degree 1.
5. Move Temp by 39.0A, 29.0P, 28.0U.
Note: We want to move the centre of the surface (L = 3.0, T = P4.0, V = 0)
to L = 42.0, T = P33.0, V = 28.0. Hence the displacement is L = (42.0 - 3.0)
= 39.0, T = (P33.0 - P4.0) = P29.0, V = (28.0 - 0) = 28.0.
6. Obtain the intersection of Temp and Diagonal and rename the curves.
7. Trim Diagonal off at the intersection with Cross Beam and the intersection
with Temp. You may wish to delete the curve embedded on Temp and the
surface Temp.
To create multiples of the columns, cross beams and diagonals:
1. Create a group, Column & Bracing, which contains the surfaces Cone,
Cylinder, Cross Beam and Diagonal.
2. Clone the group Column & Bracing, name it Column & Bracing 2 and
move it 28.0m forward.
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3. Move Column & Bracing 33.0m to starboard. Note that Column and Bracing
2 also moves, since it is a clone. (Refer to figure 6-3.)

Figure 6-3: Groups Column & Bracing and Column & Bracing 2 in Para View.

6.6 The Deck Assembly


The deck assembly includes two parts: the horizontal deck and the vertical surface, Deck Skirt. As with the pontoons, columns and braces, we will create one
quarter of each structure and use that to produce to entire structure.
To create the vertical surface Deck Skirt:
1. Create a curve, Deck Edge, using the Draw Curve option, that represents
the outer edge of one quarter of the deck. (Once you have drawn the curve,
click the right mouse button, name the curve Deck Edge, and set Maximum
Degree to 1, and Method to Control Points. See the Autoship Reference
Manual for more details.) Refer to figure 6-4.

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Figure 6-4: The Curve Deck Edge in Top View

2. Toggle vertices 1,2, 3,4 and 5 into corners.


3. In the Attributes dialogue, set the degree to 2 and resolution to 40.
4. Apply a radius of 1.5m at vertices 2, 3 and 4.
5. Move the curve Deck Edge upwards 28.25m.
6. Create an Extrude surface, Deck Skirt, by extruding the curve Deck Edge
downward by 3.0m.
To create the horizontal surface deck:
1. Create a curve, Deck Template, having End 1 at 0, 0, 28 and End 2 at
60, 0, 28.
2. Create and Extrude type surface, Deck, by extruding Deck Template 50.0m
to starboard.
3. Obtain the intersection of Deck with Deck Skirt and trim off Deck to that
intersection.

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4. Create a group, Deck Quarter, containing the trimmed surface Deck and
the surface Deck Skirt.

6.7 Assembling One Quarter of the Rig


All the components needed to make up one-quarter of the rig have been created.
We will now assemble the components into one quarter of the rig and copy and
mirror the quarter to produce the entire rig.
1. Create a group, Quarter, containing the group Pontoon Half, Column &
Bracing, Column & Bracing 2 and Deck Quarter.
2. Clone the group Quarter, and name the new group Quarter 2.
3. In the S Side view, with Quarter 2 selected, click the Flip Horizontal button.
4. Make another group, Main, which contains Quarter and Quarter 2.
5. With Main selected, in the Group Editor dialogue, click the Stbd + Port button.
Your oil rig is complete!

6.8 Assembling an Autohydro model


Autohydro models are comprised of parts and components. A component simply
describes an enclosed volume in space. A Part is composed of a component, or a
set of components, and is assigned specific attributes, thereby creating a complex
volume with specific behaviour. An important attribute is the side designation whether the part should exist only on the port side or the starboard side, or be mirrored across the centreline.
Autoship exports a selected group to Autohydro as a single-part model, and each
object contained in the group is exported as a component of the single part.
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Tutorials
Therefore, it is important that each object contained in the group defines a single,
enclosed volume. Further, the "side" of the part will be determined by the group: If
the Stbd + Port check box for the group is turned on, then the part will be a centreline part, otherwise it will be a starboard part.
Consequently, we need to construct a different model in which each object contained in the export group describes a single volume. We could construct half of
the model and have it mirrored across the centreline, but then we would not have
access to the individual pontoons or columns in case we wished to fit tanks inside
them. Instead, we will model each volume separately: our model will consist of
separate components that describe:

Each entire pontoon (2 components)


Each vertical column (8 components)
Each cross beam (4 components)
Each diagonal (8 components)

We will not bother with the deck structure.


Tip: To make it easier to visualize the following operations, we suggest you
go to the Attributes dialogue and turn off the visibility of all groups except for
Pontoon Half.
To create the pontoon components:
1. Create a clone, Pontoon Half 2, of the group Pontoon Half and flip it to the
other side of L = 0.
2. Create a group, Pontoon.S, which contains the group Pontoon Half and
Pontoon Half 2.
3. Create a clone, Pontoon.P, of the group Pontoon.S, and flip it to the other
side of T = 0.

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To create the column components:


1. Create a group, Column 1.S, containing the surface Cone and the surface
Cylinder and move 33.0m to starboard. Move it's base point to T = 0.
2. Create a clone, Column 2.S, of the group Column 1.S and move it 28.0m
forward.
3. Create a clone, Column 3.S, of the group Column 2.S and move it 28.0m
forward.
4. Create a clone, Column 4.S, of the group Column 3.S and move it 28.0m
forward.
5. Create a clone, Column 1.P, of Column 1.S and flip it to the other side of the
centerline.
6. Create a clone, Column 2.P, of Column 2.S and flip it to the other side of the
centerline.
7. Create a clone, Column 3.P, of Column 3.S and flip it to the other side of the
centerline.
8. Create a clone, Column 4.P, of Column 4.S and flip it to the other side of the
centerline.
To create the cross beam components:
1. Create a clone, Cross Beam Clone, of the surface Cross Beam and move it
33.0m to starboard.
2. Create a group, Cross Beam 1, of Cross Beam Clone and in the Group Editor, check the Stbd + Port checkbox.
3. Create a clone, Cross Beam 2, of Cross Beam 1 and move it 28.0m
forward.

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4. Create a clone, Cross Beam 3, of Cross Beam 2 and move it 28.0m
forward.
5. Create a clone, Cross Beam 4, of Cross Beam 3 and move it 28.0m
forward.
To create the diagonal components:
1. Create a clone, Diagonal 1.S, of the surface Diagonal and move it 33.0m to
starboard. Move it's base point to T = 0.
2. Create a clone, Diagonal 2.S, of the group Diagonal 1.S and move it 28.0m
forward.
3. Create a clone, Diagonal 3.S, of the group Diagonal 2.S and move it 28.0m
forward.
4. Create a clone, Diagonal 4.S, of the group Diagonal 3.S and move it 28.0m
forward.
5. Create a clone, Diagonal 1.P, of Diagonal 1.S and flip it to the other side of
the centerline.
6. Create a clone, Diagonal 2.P, of Diagonal 2.S and flip it to the other side of
the centerline.
7. Create a clone, Diagonal 3.P, of Diagonal 3.S and flip it to the other side of
the centerline.
8. Create a clone, Diagonal 4.P, of Diagonal 4.S and flip it to the other side of
the centerline.
To create the export group:
1. Create a group, Autohydro, which contains all the groups/clones you have
formed in this section except for Pontoon Half 2. Do not check the Stbd +
Port checkbox.

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2. With the group Autohydro selected, click the File - Export - Autohydro
menu option.
3. In the Export Autohydro file dialogue, give a name and indicate a directory
to store the file in and click OK.
4. At the prompt "User Defined Sections?", click No.
5. At the prompt "Name for GF1 part", click OK.
6. Start Modelmaker, load the file just written and experiment with the
various views.
Note: You may notice that some of the components are not defined
with many sections. This is because you answered No to the prompt
"User Defined Sections". To improve the definition, in Autoship open
the Contours dialogue and set up a series of stations that provides
coverage over the entire length of the pontoons (~3m interval) while
being more dense around the columns, cross beams and diagonals
and at the ends of the pontoons (~.3m interval).

6.9 Summary
This finishes tutorial 6 - the last of the tutorials. You have now explored many
of the important features of Autoship and have experimented with various
different methods of constructing a model. You have probably realized by
now that Autoship is a very powerful program and that there is a lot to learn.
As with many things, the only way to learn Autoship is to work with it, and
that will take time. One option to shorten the time is to take a training course.
The best option, however, is to experiment and seek help when things go
wrong. Good luck and have fun!

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Appendix
Auto3D Module

Auto3D is a specialized module for working with Autoship DRA files created in the
Autoship DOS version, or Autoyacht (DOS), as well as Autoship for Windows. You
can perform the following functions:

Rendering

Auto3D shows solid (or shaded) views of


models. You can also use it to produce a
rotating slide show of your Autoship model.

Plotter Output

Auto3D generates output for plotters,


either directly or to a file.

CAD Output

Auto3D generates output to various CAD


programs

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Appendix

Running Auto3D

To run Auto3D, double-click the Auto3D button in the Autoship program group.
The main display appears:

Figure 1: The Auto3D main Display

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Auto3D Module

The File Menu


The file menu is used for importing and exporting files, and to print files.

The File menu contains the following items:

Load File

Load an initial DRA file.

Append File

Add another DRA file to the initial file.

Save DRA

Save DRA file.

CAD Out

Export the model to a variety of CAD formats.

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Appendix
Print

Print the model on the screen.

Printer Setup

Bring up the Windows Printer Setup dialogue box.

Plot

Bring up the Plotter Preview dialogue box to set up


for a plot.

Plotter Setup

Bring up the Plotter Setup dialogue box for configuring Auto3D for your plotter.

Exit

Exit Auto3D.

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To plot a view:
Before plotting a view, select File-Plotter Setup and ensure the configuration settings are correct for your plotter.
Then select File-Plot.
In the Plotter Preview dialogue box that appears, specify how the view is
drawn.
When all the settings are correct, click OK.
To export to a CAD program:
Select File-CAD Out.
In the CAD Exchange dialogue box that appears, select the type of
exchange and the destination to send the file to. If you just want a typical
lines plan of Body, Plan and Profile, use the 2D exchange, with a file for
each view, as it is the fastest and easiest method.

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Appendix

The Edit Menu


The Edit menu is used to copy views of the model or its parts to the clipboard for
use in graphics programs. It is also used to scale the model or move the origin.

Copy Wireframe

Copy the wire mesh view of the model into the clipboard, for use with graphics programs.

Copy Hide

Copy the wire mesh view into the clipboard, with the
hidden lines removed, for use with graphics programs.

Copy Render

Copy the rendered view of the model into the clipboard, for use with graphics programs.

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Auto3D Module

Scale

Scale the model longitudinally, transversely and/or


vertically.

Move Origin

Move the origin by a specified amount. (The numbers you specify are always added to the origin, so if
you want to move the model forward, you must type
in negative numbers.)

Compress

Compress DRA files that become unmanageably


large

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Appendix

The View Menu


The View menu is used to control the way the model is viewed, or rendered. Rendering produces a shaded image of your vessel. If the DRA file was created with
Autoship for Windows, and if the surface mesh was turned on, then after you load
it into Auto3D you can render it by selecting View-Render. The shading depends
on the light source you selected with View-Light Source.

Light Source

Set the direction of the light source for rendering.

Hide

Toggle between showing and removing hidden lines.

Render

Generate a solid representation of the model

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Auto3D Module

The Settings Menu


The Settings menu sets user preferences.

Units

Set the units being used for the model.

Page Margins

Set up the page margins for the printed page


and select the specific printer to use.

Font

Set the font style and point size

Background

Set the background colour for the screen.

Colours to Show

Select which colours will show in the drawing.


Note that each line type is associated with one
colour.

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Appendix
Switch Sides At

For Body view only, specify where to switch


from showing contours on one side of the centreline, to showing contours on the other side.
Typically, the mid-point of the model.

Spin Setup

Create a slide show of 13 rotational views of


your model. Specify the rotation angle and the
length of time each view remains on the
screen.

Perspective View

Vary the distance from which you see the 3D


view of the model.

Callibrate Print/Plot

Scale the model to fit the plotter or printer.

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Auto3D Module

The Side Icon Box

The Side Icon Box contains tools for controlling the way your model appears and
for manipulating your model.

Zoom-In

Zoom in within current view.

No Zoom

Return the view to its full extent.

Mirror

When selected, shows both sides of the


model.

Perspective

Perspective view of the model.

Spin

If Spin Setup is defined, starts the slide


show of your model.

1View

Show single view of model.

4Views

Show four views of the model.


Note: Double-clicking in 1 View changes to 4
Views. Double-clicking in 4 Views changes
to 1 View.

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Appendix
Single View

Select a view to show for single view.

Tilt

Shows the amount of tilt in the current view.


(Use the bottom bar controls to tilt your
model.)

Rotate

Shows the amount of rotation in the current


view. (Use the side bar controls to rotate.)

Wires/Faces

Select whether to show wires or surface


faces for the model.
Note: Only models exported from Autoship
for Windows with mesh selected will have
faces enabled.

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Notes

165

Copyright 2004 Autoship Systems Corporation


TM

Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation


AutoCAD is a trademark of Autodesk, Inc.

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