2.6. Profile

The profile defines the shape of the (back of the) bow in unbraced state.

profile
Figure 9. Profile segments in the model tree

If the Profile category in the model tree is selected, the buttons (list add, list remove, list move up, list move down) can be used to add, remove and reorder segments of different types that make up the profile curve (e.g. lines, arcs and more). The properties of each segment depend on its type and are explained below. The resulting shape of the profile curve is shown in the Graph panel.

profile plot
Figure 10. Profile curve
Note
The profile curve always starts at (0, 0) and with a horizontal angle. Any offsets in the actual bow can be achieved with the parameters in Section 2.3.

Line Segments

The line segment is simply a straight line. Its only editable property is the length of the line.

segment line
Figure 11. Line segment properties

Arc Segments

The arc segment describes a circular arc with given length and radius.

Note
The radius can be positive or negative, which makes the arc curve into different directions. It can also be zero, in this case the arc turns into a straight line.
segment arc
Figure 12. Arc segment properties

Spiral Segments

The spiral segment describes an Euler spiral, a curve that linearly transitions between two curvatures. It is therefore well suited for making smooth transitions between arcs of different radius or lines and arcs. It is defined by a starting radius, and end radius and a length.

Note
As with the arc segment, the start and end radiuses can be positive, negative or zero.
segment spiral
Figure 13. Spiral segment properties

Spline Segments

The spline segment interpolates a table of (x, y) values with a cubic spline. The values are relative to the starting point of the segment/the end point of the previous segment.

segment spline
Figure 14. Spline segment properties