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    Helix

    Created On
    Updated On
    By:Tony Golden

    A Helix represents a circular helix in AN-SOF.

    Accessing the Helix Dialog Box

    To open the Helix dialog box:

    1. Navigate to Draw > Helix in the main menu.
    2. The dialog box contains four tabs: Helix, Orientation, Attributes, and Materials (Fig. 1).

    Helix Tab: Setting Geometrical Parameters

    Two options are available for defining the helix:

    1. Start – Radius – Pitch – Turns (Figs. 1, 2, and 3)
      • Define the helix by specifying the following:
        • Start Point: Starting coordinates (X1, Y1, Z1).
        • Radius or Diameter: The helix radius or diameter; entering one will automatically calculate the other.
        • Pitch (turn spacing) or Pitch Angle: The helix pitch or pitch angle; entering one will automatically calculate the other. A positive pitch results in a right-handed helix, while a negative pitch results in a left-handed helix.
        • Nr. of Turns or Length: The number of turns or the filar length; entering one will automatically calculate the other. The number of turns does not need to be an integer, allowing for fractional turns.
        • Height: The axial height from the starting point to the ending point. This value is calculated automatically and cannot be edited.
        • Orientation Tab Enabled: Sets the direction of the helix axis using spherical angles (Theta, Phi) or a vector (Nx, Ny, Nz). The “rotation angle” rotates the helix around its axis.
    2. Start – End – Radius – Turns (Figs. 4 and 5)
      • Define the helix by specifying the following:
        • Start Point: Starting coordinates (X1, Y1, Z1).
        • End Point: Ending coordinates (X2, Y2, Z2).
        • Radius: The helix radius.
        • Number of Turns: This must be an integer. A positive value results in a right-handed helix, while a negative value results in a left-handed helix.
        • Rotation Angle: Rotates the helix around its axis.
        • Height: The axial height from the starting point to the ending point. This value is calculated automatically and cannot be edited.

    Attributes Tab

    • Specify the Number of Segments and Cross-Section properties (refer to Wire Attributes).

    Materials Tab

    • Set the Resistivity and Coating properties of the wire (refer to Wire Materials).
    Fig. 1: Helix dialog box – “Start – Radius – Pitch – Turns” option selected in the Helix tab.
    Fig. 2: Orientation tab where the helix axis direction can be set.
    Fig. 3: Helix created using the “Start – Radius – Pitch – Turns” option (parameters from Figs. 1 and 2).
    Fig. 4: Draw Helix dialog box – “Start – End – Radius – Turns” option in Helix tab.
    Fig. 5: Helix created using “Start – End – Radius – Turns” option (parameters from Fig. 4).
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