16.3. 3-D Annotation
3-D text and graphics annotations are assigned XYZ coordinates and exist in 3-D space. When you apply
3-D annotation, you choose from one of the following anchor locations:
- Nodes
- Elements
- Key Points
- Lines
- Areas
- Volumes
- All
- At XYZ
- On View
Because 3-D annotation is applied in relation to the XYZ coordinates of the anchor, you can transform
your model, and the annotation will maintain the spatial relationship with the model. This works within
reason, and there are instances where changing the perspective or the size of the model will change
the apparent relationship between the annotation and the model. The overall 3-D dimensions of your
model are defined by a bounding box. If portions of your model's bounding box lie outside of the visible
area of your graphics window (if you are zoomed in on a specific area of your model), it can affect the
placement of your 3-D annotations. Zooming out will usually overcome this problem. Unlike 2-D annota-
tion, 3-D annotation is valid for the global Cartesian (CSYS,0) coordinate system only.
3-D annotation functions are accessed through the GUI at Utility Menu> PlotCtrls> Annotation>
Create 3D Annotation. Every annotation function performed from the GUI places one or more under-
lying ANSYS command(s) in the log file. This allows you to accurat ely reproduce the display if the log
file is later submitted for batch input.
The following annotation primitives are available from the 3-D annotation dialog box:
- Text
- Lines
- Areas
- Symbols
- Arrows
An Options setting is also available. You use the Options setting to copy, move, resize or delete existing
annotations.
16.4. 3-D Query Annotation
With Query Annotation, you can retrieve model information directly from the database and apply it to
the model. The ANSYS Model and Results Query Pickers provide a “Generate 3-D Anno” check box that
enables the annotation function. You can obtain basic model information, results data and even simple
geometric/loading information (force per unit area, angle between lines, etc.) by graphically picking
the desired items. Like standard 3-D Annotation, you use the Options setting to copy, move, resize or
delete 3-D Query Annotations. As with standard 3-D Annotation, 3-D Query Annotation is valid for the
Cartesian (CSYS,0) coordinate system only. See Graphical Picking in the Operations Guide for more in-
formation on Query Annotation.
Release 15.0 - © SAS IP, Inc. All rights reserved. - Contains proprietary and confidential information3-D Query Annotation