Array of breps along a curve

Is there a way to select a Brep Geometry, then have GH use that source to place it along a curve, at the GH-based division points, remaining true to the planarity of the line (i.e. orientating it's insertion or centroid point properly on the curve)?

Sort of an array, but something like the sphere 3D which can be placed on nodes, points, or division points, etc.

Thinking for use in a chain link on a parametric line, to avoid drawing each time it changes.

Thx

Attachments:

LINKS1.pdf, 216 KB

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Florian Frank on December 19, 2012 at 2:12am

Hi Michael,

you can divide the curve and cunstruct planes on those divisionpoints aligned each to the next point of this division. So further you can rotate each others plane normal 90 degrees et voila you have your chain.

Hope this is what you're searching for.

Cheers FF

Attachments:

chain.gh, 8 KB

Permalink Reply by Michael Roberts on December 19, 2012 at 11:46am

Thx Florian:

Very nice. This would certainly perform the intent. It looks as though you are building the chain from start, which is also cool.

Do you think that it's possible just to do the same with a referenced brep only? Therefore, the chain link is already made, referenced in Rhino, and then it's a matter of duplicating and alternating flat and vertical versions along refenenced curves. I tried to fit it into your sketch, but failed miserably.

In this case, I suspect that the referenced brep can be identified by it's volumne centroid. I believe that you understand the list and offset, rotation much better, so I believe it's just a matter of replicating a referenced shape.

I'll keep trying with it! Cheers!

Attachments:

Anchor Chain R1.pdf, 229 KB
Mods1.png, 326 KB

Permalink Reply by Florian Frank on December 19, 2012 at 3:48pm

mh ya it should be possible, but obviously a lot more work. you have to get sure that it always fits with the next piece...which needs stretching on this brep in the middle part, so that the actual diameter of the chain element is not affected by the stretching...

the rest is just a matter of orienting and setting the reference points at the ref brep first.

Why do you need a referenced brep? Is it any special element?

Best FF

Permalink Reply by Michael Roberts on December 20, 2012 at 12:17pm

There are special elements that need to be referenced or those that know will discount it, however, as you can see, the effect of your links beyond the initial starting ones make the image very workable! Gotta love the power of RHino3D/GH/Flamingo etc!

RSS