ellipsoid

Creates a new ellipsoid.

Syntax

• ellipsoid([a[, f[, d[, α]]]])

  • a is a three-dimensional real vector

  • f is a three-dimensional real vector

  • d is a three-dimensional real vector

  • α is a real number

Description

ellipsoid() creates the ellipsoid (x/1)² + (y/2)² + (z/3)² = 1.

ellipsoid(a, f, d, α) creates the ellipsoid obtained from the unit sphere by translating it by a, scaling it by diag(f), aligning it with d, and rotating it an amount α about its axis.

Hence,

• a specifies the position of the ellipsoid’s centre.

• f = (s, t, u) specifies the half-axis lengths s, t, and u of the ellipsoid.

• d specifies the axis of the ellipsoid corresponding to the half axis with length u.

• α specifies the rotation of the ellipsoid about this axis.

If omitted, a defaults to ❨0, 0, 0❩, f to ❨1, 2, 3❩, d to ❨0, 0, 1❩, and α to 0.

The object is shown in the current scene and a reference to the object is returned.

The AdjustVisual function can be used to adjust the appearance of the ellipsoid. See Visual settings for a list of applicable settings.

Examples

ellipsoid()

ellipsoid(❨5, 5, 0❩, ❨2, 2, 8❩)

ellipsoid(❨5, 5, 0❩, ❨2, 2, 8❩, ❨1, 2, 0❩)

See also

• cone

• cylinder

• solid

• sphere