Field Lines how to rebuild and make Periodic?

by Chris Ingram

Apr 14, 2013

Hi all,

I have a question about the field lines component.

I would like to know if there is a way to make the field lines periodic- so that they can be defined as enclosed areas. 

Currently the field lines loosely follow the same geometry but seem to spiral outwards making them difficult to use and control unless modifying each curve individually thereby becoming non-parametric.

I was thinking that I need to start the field evaluation, extend it until it creates nearly a loop - and then shatter it - if it comes back to within for example 10m of the start point, divide the curve and then interpolate the division points.

Seems long winded - or am i missing something very simple?

any ideas?

Many thanks,

Chris

  • up

    David Rutten

    How are you making the field lines?

    --

    David Rutten

    david@mcneel.com

    Poprad, Slovakia

    2

    Apr 14, 2013

    • up

      Chris Ingram

      In reality -the accuracy of the overall field lines is not the definitive objective of the definition I am working on. Rather I am using field elements to inform the master planning of a community in a theoretical thesis project.
      Individual dwellings will be informed by the field in their alignment and community buildings represent the origin of the charges around which the dwellings are built.
      The reason I am seeking periodic curves that approximate the field is for both functional and aesthetic purposes in terms of planning, rather than rigidly scientific application of the mathematical field condition.
      The periodic curves can then define enclosure, or assigned space use.
      The field components are pretty fundamental to the work, it has been a great addition to grasshopper IMO despite seemingly not yet being widely utilised!
      Thank you very much for the explanation. Hopefully I can work something up and post my results soon.
      2

      Apr 14, 2013

      • up

        Mike Garcia

        You should look into the flowlines plug in for grasshopper. Its pretty cool and it can do something similar to what you mentioned below.

        http://www.food4rhino.com/project/flowl

        1

        May 21, 2013