Twisting Flat Bar challenge

Tim Neumann
Tim Neumann
in 3D Modeling

Trying to do this with latest Brics Mech. but failing miserably. The intent is to create a flat bar section that's bent 90 degrees with a 6" radius. No problem except it has stay in contact with the tank outer diameter - twisting so to speak. Look at the drawings/snap shots maybe someone can give some nice tips please? The actual model is attached too if you dare to try it.

TWISTING-FLATBAR-1.pdf
TWISTING-FLATBAR-2.pdf
Screenshot 2026-03-12 152744.png
251034-3D-LAYOUT.dwg

Comments

  • Virgil
    Virgil

    Hello.

    There is no special command or function to achieve the required task.

    One way of working could be to create a loft.
    There are two drawbacks:

    • The result is approximative.
    • The result is not parametric.

    The loft could use the two existing sections.
    One of them needs to be redrawn as polyline.

    Further, some guides would be needed, to make sure the resulting solid wraps around the cylinder.

    The guides can be created as splines.

    If you want to experiment with this approach, I attached the model where I tested it.

    251034-3d-layout_mod.dwg

  • Tim Neumann
    Tim Neumann

    Virgil, thanks so much! That's exactly what I was trying to do and it doesn't have to be parametric. Could you please outline the steps you took? I see the splines but they're straight, I don't understand how you got it to revolve.

  • ALANH
    ALANH

    I don't use BIM but in terms of a solid can be made by over extruding a shape based on cylinder centerline and at 90, then subtract an inner and outer shape should give you the object. I think this was curved at back.

    AlanH.png

  • Jerryfiedler
    Jerryfiedler

    Here is another way. I think is fits well, of course not an exact fit.

    Draw a rectangular polyline on the end of the existing stiffener ring. Add a diagonal to easily get the center of rect.

    Draw another rect poly at the top of the new piece along with the diagonal. To establish the end of the new curved piece I used the location as defined by @Virgil work lines.

    Draw a chord between the two centers and establish the center of the arc of the new piece. I tried to locate the center by offsetting from the chord 6/(sqr 2) units but for some reason the final extruded piece does not have a 6 unit radius. Oh well, just my first try.

    Extrude the rect poly on the end of main stiffener along the path of the new arc.

    251034-3d-layout_mod-2.dwg

  • Patrik Sparrman
    Patrik Sparrman

    Also check TCONNECT. Sweep the profile in the plane .

    tconnect the inner surface and trim outside with a dummy pipe

    File not trimmed

    251034-3d-layout_mod3.dwg

  • Tim Neumann
    Tim Neumann

    Thanks Patrik for the tip, will give it a try.