How Can We Help?

Search for answers or browse our Knowledge Base.

Guides | Models | Validation | Blog

Print

Circle

The Circle refers to a circular loop.

Go to Draw > Circle in the main menu to display the Draw dialog box for the Circle. This dialog box has four pages: Circle, OrientationAttributes and Materials.

The Circle page

In the Circle page the geometrical parameters for the Circle can be set. There are two options: Center – Radius – Orientation and 3 Points.

The Center – Radius – Orientation option allows us entering the Circle by giving its Center, Radius, and axis, Figs. 1 and 2. The circle axis can be set in the Orientation page, Fig. 3.

Fig. 1: “Center – Radius – Orientation” option in the Circle page of the Draw dialog box.
Fig. 2: A Circle drawn using the “Center – Radius – Orientation” option.
Fig. 3: Orientation page in the Draw dialog box for the Circle.

If the 3 Points option is chosen, the Circle will be drawn starting from First Point, passing through Second Point and Third Point, and ending at First Point, Figs. 4 and 5. Thus, the circle starts and ends at the same point. The Orientation page will be invisible when the 3 Points option is chosen.

Fig. 4: “3 Points” option in the Circle page of the Draw dialog box.
Fig. 5: A Circle drawn using the “3 Points” option.

Once the geometrical parameters in the Circle and Orientation pages have been set, the Attributes > page can be selected, where the number of segments and cross-section can be set. The wire resistivity and coating can be set in the Materials > page.

The Orientation page

In the Orientation page the orientation for the Circle can be set. There is a box with two options: Angles and Vector, Fig. 3.

If Angles is selected, the circle axis can be defined by given an orthogonal direction to the rest plane of the circle. Thus, the Theta and Phi angles determine the axis direction in spherical coordinates.

If Vector is selected, the circle axis can be defined by given an orthogonal vector to the rest plane of the circle. Thus, the Nx, Ny, and Nz components of that vector determine the axis direction.

The circle can be rotated around its axis by given the Rotation Angle.

Table of Contents