Centering Ring Dialog

The Edit Centering Ring Dialog in SpaceCAD 7 allows users to design and configure centering rings, which are key components used to keep internal tubes, like motor mounts, aligned within larger body tubes. Centering rings provide stability and structural support for these internal components. The dialog enables users to adjust material properties, thickness, and positioning. Additionally, SpaceCAD automatically detects intersecting elements (e.g., inside tubes) and adjusts the weight calculation based on these intersections, ensuring accurate design representation.

Key Fields and Features:

1. Centering Ring Name

• Editable field where users can specify the name of the centering ring.
• Example: “Forward Ring” or “Aft Centering Ring.”

2. 2D Color

• Allows users to assign a custom color to the centering ring for easy identification in the design view.
• Example: The centering ring is assigned a Custom Green color.

Material and Structural Properties:

3. Material

• Defines the material of the centering ring, such as paper, plastic, or metal.
• Change Button: Opens the material selection dialog, allowing users to select a material based on structural requirements and design needs.
• Example: Paper is a lightweight option, while plastic or metal provides more durability for high-power rockets.

4. Fix Weight and Fixed CG

• Fix Weight at: Users can manually set a fixed weight for the centering ring, overriding the calculated weight.
• Fixed CG Position at: Allows users to set the center of gravity (CG) for the centering ring to help balance the rocket’s overall design.

5. Thickness

• Defines the thickness of the centering ring, which affects its strength and overall weight.
• Example: A 6.3 mm thickness provides strong structural support to keep the motor mount centered within the rocket body.

Intersection Detection and Weight Calculation

SpaceCAD automatically detects when centering rings intersect with other elements (e.g., inside tubes), and the weight is calculated accordingly. Intersections can be viewed:

• In the main dialog when the centering ring is selected.
• When printing the element.
• When exporting the element as SVG for laser cutting.

This automatic detection ensures accurate weight distribution and structural integrity, especially when complex designs involve multiple intersecting elements.

Internal Element Positioning

Like other internal elements in the rocket, centering rings can be positioned relative to the rocket’s structure in four ways:

• Absolute Position: The exact distance from a reference point is set and does not change.
• Relative to Top of Owner: Adjusts the position relative to the top of the rocket element (e.g., body tube) that houses the centering ring.
• Relative to Middle of Owner: Positions the centering ring relative to the middle of the owning element.
• Relative to Back of Owner: Positions the centering ring relative to the back of the owner, ensuring that it remains correctly aligned, even if the body tube is resized.

6. Distance from Owner’s Top

• Specifies the distance between the top of the owning element and the centering ring.
• Example: The centering ring is positioned 139.7 mm from the top of the motor mount tube.

Additional Controls:

7. Preview Button

• Provides a real-time preview of the centering ring and its position within the rocket design. This allows users to visually confirm the placement before saving any changes.

8. OK and Cancel Buttons

• OK: Saves the configuration and applies the centering ring to the rocket design.
• Cancel: Closes the dialog without saving any changes.

Example Workflow:

1. Configuring a Forward Centering Ring:

   • Open the Edit Centering Ring Dialog and name the element “Forward Ring.”
   • Choose Paper as the material for a lightweight design.
   • Set the thickness to 6.3 mm for strong support within the motor mount.
   • Position the centering ring 139.7 mm from the top of the owner (e.g., motor mount tube) to ensure proper alignment.
   • Check for any intersections with other elements and ensure the weight is calculated accurately.
   • Click Preview to check the placement and click OK to apply the centering ring.

2. Designing a Heavy-Duty Aft Centering Ring:

   • Open the Edit Centering Ring Dialog and set the name to “Aft Centering Ring.”
   • Choose Plastic as the material for added durability, especially for high-power rockets.
   • Adjust the thickness to 8.0 mm to provide strong support near the engine mount.
   • Position the centering ring at the back of the owner to keep it securely aligned with the rocket’s motor mount.
   • Preview the ring’s placement before clicking OK.