SpaceCAD Main Window

The Main Window in SpaceCAD 7 is the primary interface where users design, visualize, and modify their model rockets. It supports interactive editing using a click-and-point interface and provides detailed information about each rocket element. This documentation focuses on the key features and interactions within the main window, using the Alpha III example rocket as a reference.

Key Sections and Features:

1. Rocket Element Tree (Left Panel)

• Displays a hierarchical list of all elements in the rocket design.
• Elements are organized by stages (e.g., Stage 1), allowing users to quickly navigate through different sections of the rocket.
• Elements listed include:
  • Nose cone
  • Body tube
  • Engine mount tube
  • Fins, etc.
• Interactivity: Clicking on any element in this list will:
  • Highlight it in the main design area.
  • Display its detailed information in the right-hand properties panel.

2. Main Design Area (Center Panel)

• Provides a visual representation of the rocket in different views (2D view, side view, top view, and bottom view).
• Interaction with Design Elements:
  • Users can click on individual elements within the rocket diagram to select and modify them.
  • The selected element is highlighted, and its properties appear in the right-hand panel.
• View Controls:
  • Toggle between 2D, side view (3D), top view (3D), and bottom view (3D) views to observe and edit the rocket from different perspectives.

3. Properties Panel (Right Panel)

• Displays detailed information about the currently selected element (e.g., the nose cone in the image provided).
• Key Fields and Controls:
  • Edit: Opens the element editor dialog to further customize the selected part.
  • Print: Allows the user to print element details, useful for documentation.
  • Element Details:
    • Weight, dimensions, material, and other critical specs.
    • Center of Gravity (CG) and Center of Pressure (CP) values, which are crucial for the rocket’s stability.
  • Customization Options:
    • Fix weight and Fixed CG position checkboxes allow for precise control of the element’s placement.
    • 2D and 3D Color selectors for visual customization.

4. Rocket Overview (Bottom Panel)

• Summarizes key data about the entire rocket design:
  • Stability: Displays if the rocket is stable, based on its CG and CP (currently shown as stable, with 1.7 calibers).
  • Dimensions: Rocket length, maximum diameter, propellant weight, etc.
  • Weight Data: Includes empty, liftoff, and burnout weights.
  • Flight Readiness Review:
    • Engine: Indicates whether an engine has been properly configured.
    • Recovery: Confirms that recovery methods (e.g., parachutes) are set.

5. Toolbar (Top Panel)

• Provides essential functions to manage the rocket design, such as:
  • Save, Save As, Open, and New.
  • Print Options:
    • Datasheet: Prints a detailed summary of the entire rocket.
    • Partlist: Prints a list of all elements and their specifications.
    • Parachute Pattern: Prints a template for building a parachute.
  • Refresh: Updates the display and recalculates the rocket’s stability and other parameters.
  • Flight Prediction: Prepares the rocket for a simulated flight analysis.

Example Workflow:

1. Editing the Nose Cone:

   • Select the Nose Cone in the left element tree or by clicking it in the main design area.
   • View the properties on the right panel, where details such as weight, material, and color can be adjusted.
   • Click Edit to open a dialog for more specific customization (covered in future documentation).

2. Reviewing Rocket Stability:

   • Monitor the stability section in the bottom panel, ensuring the CG and CP are appropriately aligned.
   • Adjust element properties (like moving the nose cone forward or backward) to improve rocket stability if needed.