Curious to know if SU will allow me somewhere to enter the equation
x^2 + 4x + 4 to create a parabolic curve that i then can turn into a solid.
My goal is to create a bowl shape that the curve of the inside of the bowl follows this eqation. Then my second goal is to create just the line of the curve itself.
thank you 
Matt
SU has a scripting API using Ruby that allows you to use equations to generate geometry…
there are a few ‘extensions’ or ‘plugins’ that provide the means to simply add the equation into an input field…
john
awesome. What are some good ones to use?
thanks
You can use the U-V PolyGen plugin to create a parabola (among other curves).
Hmm, i may have to try this. I hope i can choose certain parameters so that i can control where the focus of it is. This is a physics lab project and a calculus project that i am showing my students.
Ill try this one and in case, are there any others i should try?
thanks
While the plugin is designed to plot 3D (x,y,z) in terms of the parametric inputs (u,v), you can use it to generate 2D curves. Three things to note: (1) the plugin is designed to work in inches (2) the curve is made of of a number of straight segments controlled by the number of steps (3) the functions to define x, y, and z must be entered in Ruby consistent syntax.
For example, these inputs:
produce this curve:
This can be rotated about its axis to produce a bowl shape:
nice. i am going to download it and try it. I have several different equations i want to try out for this project haha.
Basically, when i am done, i will have printed my own satellite dish and be able to place a sending/receiving unit at the focus. Then i will be able to collect data or place a MIC there to demonstrate how the focus works.
Thanks for helping me with this:)
EDIT:
Wait a minute, did you design this plug in?
I also found your parabula with focus plugin.
Out of curiosity, which equation are you using for that?
is it y=(x^2)/4f
the reason i ask, I would want to put the focal length based off of the width/diameter of the parabolic. IE i use 101.6mm as my x value, and some given y value, i can find the focus and then input that into your plugin.
Or, is the plugin taking the given x value(width/2) and the given focal length, then solving for y
Thanks
The plugin uses the height and width to first calculate the focal point:
p = w**2 / 16.0 / h
Then the y values are given by:
y = x**2 / 4.0 / p
Hope this helps.
BTW, the plugin is a text file that you can open in any text editor if you’re curious about how it works.
that does help alot actually. I just checked it with my math using the following and then i used your utility and it was spot on. I LOVE IT THAT PLUGIN !!!
I used: y=((50.8)^2)/4(50.8) to get a y value of 12.7. I then put into your awesome plugin, width 101.6, focal 50.8 and then generated it and it gave me 12.7 for height:) so happy right now haha
I love math and engineering.