Create a network of curves

Create a network of intersecting curves to describe a surface.

• You can use any kind of curve (free curves, isoparametric curves, curves on surface, trim edges), of any parameterization and degree, rational or non-rational.
• Make sure the curves intersect.

  See Make curves intersect.

• The enclosed area of the network should have only three, four, or five sides.
• Remember the restrictions on the topology of regions. (See Understand curve networksfor more information.)
• Make sure the curves have smooth curvature.

  See Find curve problems using the curve curvature plot.

  Tip

  Remember that you do not need to describe the entire model with a single curve network. Try using several curve networks for different parts of the model.

Create a new curve network surface

1. Choose CrvNet Tools > New Network.
2. Pick all the curves you want to define the new surface. It doesn’t matter in what order you pick the curves.
3. Click Go.
   Tip

   The New network tool will let you create a curve network from invalid curves (for example, curves that do not intersect), but the actual surfaces will not build until you edit the curves to create a valid network.

   Note

   Use CrvNet Tools > Analyze Network to look for the problem that prevented the surfaces from building.