A coordinate frame can be created for calculator functions or for parts.
The two calculator functions VectorCylProjection and
VectorRectProjection use a Frame to designate the
projection coordinate system.
The remaining use of frames is for parts. By default, all parts are assigned to the same frame of reference. You can, however, create additional coordinate frames and assign parts to them. These frames (and the parts assigned to them) can be manipulated (rotated, translated, scaled) independently of other frames. Some examples of frame usage:
You wish to create a copy of a part and display a different variable on the copy. When you create the copy, a new frame is automatically created and the copy is assigned to it. The new frame can be translated away from the original to visualize both variables simultaneously.
You wish to create an animation of parts moving independently (for example, for an exploding view or to open a closed object with a hinged door). Each dynamic part is assigned to a new frame. During keyframe animation, the frames are manipulated independently to achieve the desired motion.
You have a dataset with rotational periodicity but the symmetry axis is not aligned with a major axis. A new frame is created and positioned such that one of its axes is aligned with the symmetry axis.
You have a dataset that makes correct positioning of EnSight tools difficult, for example, a duct not aligned with a major axis. Create a new frame and align one of the axes with the duct. Since tool positions are always specified with respect to the current frame, you can now use the Transformation Editor to accurately position tools along the axis of the duct.
In addition to position and orientation, frames have a number of display such as visibility, line width, and color. You can also specify the length of each axis separately and display a series of evenly spaced labels to use as a 3D measuring tool.
Frames are a powerful but complex feature of EnSight. Understanding the basics of frames is essential for proper use.
This article is divided into the following sections: