Description
Separate a vector into normal and tangent components under a supplied unit-normal convention.
A vector is an ordered set of components in a chosen basis. Its norm measures magnitude, while dot products, projections, and coordinate transformations describe different relationships. Component order, angle units, normalization, and numerical tolerances determine the meaning of a computed result.
Separate a vector into normal and tangent components under a supplied unit-normal convention.
When to use this tool
Use Vector Normal Tangent Component Pair when you need the particular coordinate operation, derivative, residual, or domain check under a known basis convention.
How to use the tool and how it works
- Enter vector, normal. Keep parallel arrays aligned. Use the units and conventions below.
- Run the tool. Correct any format, range, or cross-field input error before interpreting the output.
- Read normalComponent, tangentComponent. Use the output convention below.
Require aligned nonempty vector and normal arrays with abs(dot(normal,normal)-1)<=1e-12. Set normalComponent=normal*dot(vector,normal) and tangentComponent=vector-normalComponent.1
| Input field | Meaning and units | Accepted input |
|---|---|---|
| vector | Vector | Required. Array of Finite number.; maximum items 256. |
| normal | Normal | Required. Array of Finite number.; maximum items 256. |
| Output field | Interpretation | Returned shape |
|---|---|---|
| normalComponent | Normal Component | Required. Array of Finite number.; maximum items 256. |
| tangentComponent | Tangent Component | Required. Array of Finite number.; maximum items 256. |
{
"input": {
"vector": [
3,
4
],
"normal": [
1,
0
]
},
"output": {
"normalComponent": [
3,
0
],
"tangentComponent": [
0,
4
]
}
}Limitations and assumptions
- The tolerance is on squared normal length and the normal is not renormalized. Components share vector units; no tangent plane location or coordinate-frame orientation is inferred.
- The field tables state structural bounds; the mechanics also specify cross-field constraints. Malformed inputs and unsupported domains cause errors. A successful false flag, empty branch value, or zero placeholder has the meaning stated above and is distinct from an input error.
- Numeric calculations use binary floating point unless exact decimal-integer arithmetic is explicitly stated. No hidden measurement tolerance or decimal rounding is added; nonfinite or out-of-contract results are rejected. Signed zero is exported as zero.
Alternative or Complementary methods
Choose a complete vector or matrix operation when a single component or residual is insufficient. For sensitive near-zero or near-singular cases, inspect numerical conditioning and use an appropriate precision and tolerance.
References
Similar or alternative tools
- Vector: Vector Two Component Normal Pair
Return both oriented unit planar normals of a nonzero two-component vector under a Cartesian y-up convention.
- Vector Tangent Normal Basis Orientation
Classify the orientation of a supplied planar tangent/normal pair from its determinant sign.