[pstricks] defining objects in pst3D-solides

[Zbigniew Nitecki]

I have two inter-related questions regarding pst3D-solides.

First, is it possible to define objects in this system which can be used in different contexts?
I am thinking of an alternative to object=new (say object=myobject) which is user-defined 
and can be inserted into a larger routine in pst3D-solides.
My motivation for this is this:  I would like to create a macro which allows me to draw three nested
surfaces, each "cut open" to show the ones inside.  I'd like to be able to control the dimensions of
the surfaces and the size of the cut, as well as other items like the colors used.
My immediate application is three level sets of a quadratic of the form 
(x^2+y^2)/A^2-z^2/B^2
for one negative and one positive value as well as the value zero:
this means a hyperboloid of one sheet enclosing a double cone, which in turn
encloses a hyperboloid of two sheets.
I've succeeded in creating a macro which draws a hyperboloid of one sheet, cut open,
along the lines I have sketched.  Of course I could copy this (and change "action=draw**" to 
"action=none  name=outer") and then create analogous programs for a double cone cut open
and a hyperboloid of two sheets, followed by an "object=fusion" command.  But I envision 
possibly wanting to combine one of these elements with others in the future, so it would be better
to be able to simply create e.g. the hyperboloid of one sheet as a stand-alone object which can
be manipulated as part of a larger program.
Is there a way to do this?

Second, I note that object=new accepts only the parameters a, b, and h;  is there a way to give 
it (or a version created as above) other parameters that are set only at the beginning of the program?
I have in mind for example the values of A and B in the expression for the quadratic above, 
or the number of cells being "cut out" of a surface.

Zbigniew Nitecki
Department of Mathematics
Tufts University
Medford, MA 02155

telephones:
Office    (617)627-3843
Dept.    (617)627-3234
Dept. fax    (617)627-3966
http://www.tufts.edu/~znitecki/

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