This page describes parameters to set when creating a Parabolic Surface.
The Parabolic Surface is basically driven by three parameters:
An axis system comprising an origin, optical and orientation axis.
A focal
A size
Figure 1. Top view of a Parabolic Surface and associated settings
Axis System
The origin point represents the focus point (the point giving the position of the source).
The Axis refers to the optical axis of the surface. This axis is used to define the direction of the surface revolution axis.
Note:
The focus does not necessarily belongs to this Axis. In this case, the revolution axis of the surface is defined by the direction of Axis and by the Focus.
The Orientation fixes the
orientation of the surface around the optical Axis. The orientation is usually but not necessarily defined on a plane normal to
the Axis. When the orientation is defined on a plane that is not normal to the Axis,
orientation is projected onto the defined plane,
3D view of Parabolic Surface
Axis System
Focal
The focal length represents the distance between the top and the focus of the parabolic surface.
