Mechanical APDL Basic Analysis Guide - Ansys

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 annotation, 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 underlying ANSYS
command(s) in the log file. This allows you to accurately 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 information on Query Annotation.
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16.4. 3-D Query Annotation
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