Applying Properties

Material Properties

The Material Property is used to specify the index of refraction and the bulk absorption of an object.

FIGURE 4.1 - The Apply Properties Dialog Box - Material tab

The Material tab displays a series of buttons and dropdown boxes that allow you to:

•Select an existing material property from the Property Database.

•View the data for the selected property

•Apply the selected property to an object in the model.

Material Catalogs

The Material Properties are grouped into Catalogs. You can add more catalogs to make it easier to find properties that you want to apply.

The catalogs include manufacturer’s data, other data supplied with TracePro, and user-defined materials.

Applying Material Properties

A database exists containing predefined materials. You can choose among them or you can modify or add user-defined materials by using the Material Property editor. See “Material Properties” on page 3.5.

To apply material properties to an object in your model:

4.4	TracePro 5.0 User’s Manual

Material Properties

1.Select an object in your model. You can select an object by clicking it in the System Tree or in the model window.

2.Choose Define|Apply Properties and select the Material tab.

3.Select a catalog using the drop-down catalog list and select the name of the desired material using the drop-down name list.

4.Click Apply to apply the changes.

5.Check to be sure that the new property is clearly visible in the system tree.

Applying Birefringent Material Properties Expert

To apply birefringent material properties to an object in your model:

1.Select an object in your model. You can select an object by clicking it in the System Tree or in the model window.

2.Choose Define|Apply Properties and select the Material tab.

3.Select a catalog using the drop-down catalog list and select the name of the desired material using the drop-down name list.

4.For birefringent properties, you must also enter the Crystal Axis. The orientation of the crystal axis will be maintained relative to the object as the object is moved and rotated. See Figure 4.2.

5.Click Apply to apply the changes.

6.Check to be sure that the new property is visible in the system tree.

FIGURE 4.2 - Material tab for a Birefringent material

TracePro 5.0 User’s Manual

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