Revolute Joint: Which was is UP? Clockwise or counterclockwise?

[RogerInHawaii]

When you create a Revolute Joint how does it determine where the zero angle is (towards the left, the right, up, down?) and how does it determine whether the positive rotation is clockwise of counterclockwise?

[jhackney1972 · Accepted solution]

The results I find are using simple Pin and Hole Extrusions:

If model was created with a negative extrusion, the Rotation is Counter-Clockwise and 0 degrees is East, facing the model front.

If the model is created with a positive extrusion, the Rotation is Clockwise and 0 degrees is also East, facing the model front.

Probably other modeling situations will give different results.  I would suggest that if it is that important to you, keep a log as you model and determine the pattern for yourself.

[RogerInHawaii]

Thank you for the info.

[MichaelT_123]

Aloha Mr. RogerInHawaii,

When you look at the clock from the front and then from the back you will discover that the same clock rotates in the opposite direction!  The concept 'left/right'  is the artificial convention, some would say the tradition. In mathematics, it is simply the sign of the variable and as common topologies are symmetrical it is also purely contextual. I am not sure if the answer you have accepted will contribute or constrict your understanding of geometrical concepts.

Regarding the 'left/right ' abstraction as 'embedded'  in F360 read the documentation, watch videos about joints creations and their contextual directions.

Sincerely

MichaelT