Variable thickness refers to a surface or object where the thickness changes across its extent, typically increasing or decreasing linearly. It's used to model tapered shapes.
In essence, variable thickness means the dimension perpendicular to a surface is not constant; it changes from one point to another. This change can be gradual and uniform, or it can be more complex depending on the specific application and how it's defined.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
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Linear Variation: Often, variable thickness implies a linear change. Think of a wedge shape where one end is thicker than the other, with the thickness decreasing uniformly along its length. This is the most common interpretation in many modeling contexts.
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Tapered Surfaces: Variable thickness is frequently used to represent tapered surfaces or objects. Tapering is the process of gradually reducing the thickness or diameter of an object.
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Defining Variable Thickness: To accurately define variable thickness, especially in modeling or design software, you usually need to specify the thickness at multiple points. As the provided reference states, a minimum of three points may be required to linearly interpolate the thickness between them.
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Examples:
- A tapered beam in structural engineering, designed to be thicker where the load is greatest.
- A lens where the thickness varies to achieve specific optical properties.
- The blade of a knife, where the thickness thins towards the cutting edge.
- The wing of an airplane, where the profile and therefore thickness changes along the span.
Therefore, the term "variable thickness" denotes a situation where the distance between two surfaces defining an object's dimension is not constant, but changes in a predictable (often linear) way. This characteristic is vital for modeling tapered shapes and other objects where a uniform thickness is not desired.
