In this first example, we will use only one surface, but modelling hulls with multiple surfaces is a simple extension of the techniques that follow. The number of surfaces available in Maxsurf Pro is limited only by the memory configuration of your computer. However, in the other versions, the maximum number is fixed.
A design begins with one of the standard surfaces (or an existing design). You then modify the shape of the surface's four edges, followed by its interior. The longitudinal edges are best modelled before the transverse edges, and it is generally best to form the edges in the horizontal plane (the Plan view) prior to the vertical plane (the Profile view). Having defined the edges you may then go on to manipulate internal points in the net to create the required surface shape, this is best done in the Body Plan view.
The control point net is made up of longitudinal rows and transverse columns. Columns of control points may be added and deleted in the Plan and Profile views, while rows of control points may be added and deleted in the Body Plan view.
The addition of control points increases the density of the control point net and the local control of the surface shape. Increasing the number of control point rows enables greater control of the transverse curvature and is useful for hulls, which have complex section shapes; increasing the number of control point columns, enables greater control of the longitudinal curvature of the hull.
This section contains:
· Setting your Frame of Reference