User Guide
User Guide
User Guide

Measure Volume

Use it!

(3D only) Used to measure the volume enclosed by an element or a set of elements and to analyze mass properties. The element(s) must completely enclose a volume; if a volume is not enclosed, a message appears in the status bar.

Tool SettingEffect
Tolerance

For curves, sets the maximum percentage of the distance between the true curve and the approximation used to measure. A low Tolerance makes the measurement more accurate but increases calculation time.

Mass Properties

If on, the Mass Properties window displays the mass property analysis for the measured volume.

Display Centroid

If on, a graphic crosshair that represents the center of mass for the measured element(s) is displayed.

Orient Normals

If on, the normal directions of all the selected surfaces are automatically changed to point outward. (The Change Normal Direction tool is used to manually change the surface normal direction for a surface.

To measure volume
  1. (Optional) Select the bounding element(s).
    Since only solid cones and solids of projection or revolution can completely enclose a volume by themselves, it is usually necessary to select multiple elements.
    see footnote 25

  2. Select the Measure Volume tool.
    If an element(s) were selected (step 1), the volume is displayed in the status bar.
    If Mass Properties is on, the mass properties analysis is displayed in the Mass Properties window. Otherwise, continue with step 3.

  3. Identify the element.

  4. Accept the element.
    The volume is displayed in the status bar.
    If Mass Properties is on, the mass properties analysis is displayed in the Mass Properties window.

Key-in: MEASURE VOLUME