Engineering Graphics Self Taught

By
Dr. C. Muraleedharan

Projections on Auxiliary Planes

 Engineering Graphics Self Taught

Chapter 6

Projections on Auxiliary Planes

6.1 Auxiliary Planes
Profile plane (PP), auxiliary vertical plane (AVP), and auxiliary inclined plane (AIP)
are the auxiliary planes employed in orthographic projections. Depending up on the
complexity of the object, when two views (top view and front view) of the object are
not sufficient, projections on auxiliary planes are also used. The projections on
auxiliary planes are called as auxiliary projections.
In addition to the above, projections of objects (irrespective to the dimensions, line,
plane or solid) especially in oblique positions can be obtained conveniently by
auxiliary projection method. The time required for drawing and space consumed will
be less compared to conventional method when auxiliary projection method is
employed. Auxiliary projections can also be used to determine (i) the true length of
straight lines and true inclinations to the principal planes if projections are given and
(ii) true shape of planes and true inclinations to principal planes.
The principle of auxiliary projections is illustrated here using a few examples.
6.2 Projection on Profile Plane
Problem 6.1
A point A is 40 mm above HP and 30 mm in front of VP. Draw its side view from
left.
Analysis
The point A is assumed to be in the first quadrant. A may be projected to HP, VP and
a profile plane (PP) which is on right side (refer Figure 6.1). The top view a, front
view a' and projection on PP, a1' are respectively available. Referring the figure,
Aao1a1' can be shown as a rectangle. Or, the distance of Aa = a1'o1.
 The distance of side view of a point from x-y equals to the distance of the point
from HP (same as the distance of front view from x-y).
All the three projections may be made on a single plane. After detaching HP from PP,
viewing along x-y, HP may be rotated in clock-wise direction to make it coinciding
with VP. Now top view and front view are on the same plane.
Viewing from the front, the PP may be rotated about the line of intersection of VP
and PP, and PP may be made coinciding with VP. The top view, front and side view

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will be available on a single plane (VP).

The side view from left is presented on the right side of the front view as per
Figure 6.2.

Figure 6.1 Projections of A on HP, VP and PP

Figure 6.2 Side view from left for a point

Solution
After drawing a projector, a' and a may be marked taking distances 40 mm above x-y

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and 30 mm below x-y on the projector. The line of intersection of VP and PP, x1-y1
may be shown conveniently. Parallel lines to x-y may be drawn from the top view a
and front view a' to meet x1-y1. From the point of intersection of the line from a and
extended x1-y1 an arc is cut with the point of intersection of x1-y1 and x-y as centre.
From the cutting point of arc with x-y, a projector is drawn to intersect with the line
from a' parallel to x-y. The meeting point is a1', the required side view from left. The
distance of a1' from x-y is equal to the distance from x-y to a' (refer Figure 6.2).
6.3 Projection on auxiliary vertical plane
Problem 6.2
A point B is 40 mm above HP and 30 mm in front of VP. Draw its projection on an
AVP which is inclined 45o to VP.
Analysis
The point B is in the first quadrant. B may be projected to HP, VP and to auxiliary
vertical plane (AVP) (refer Figure 6.3). The top view b, front view b' and projection
on AVP, a1' are respectively obtained. Referring the figure, Bbo1b1' is a rectangle and
hence the distance of Bb = b1'o1=distance of bʹ from x-y.
 The distance of auxiliary front view of a point from auxiliary reference line equals
to the distance of the point from HP (same as the distance of front view from x-y).

Figure 6.3 Point is projected to auxilairy vertical plane

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After detaching AVP from VP, viewing along x-y, HP may be rotated in the clock-
wise direction to make it coinciding with VP. Now top view and front view are on the
same plane.
AVP may be rotated about the line of intersection of HP and AVP, and AVP may be
made coinciding with VP (already HP and VP are coincided). The top view, front
view and auxiliary front view will be on a single plane (VP) (refer Figure 6.4).

Figure 6.4 (a) Projection of a point on auxiliary vertical plane

Solution
x-y may be drawn conveniently. b' and b may be marked on a projector taking
distances 40 mm above x-y and 30 mm below x-y. The line of intersection of HP and
AVP, x1-y1 may be shown at an angle of 45o to x-y. Parallel line to x-y may be drawn
from front view b' to meet the vertical line to x-y drawn from the point of intersection
of x-y and x1-y1. From b a projector is drawn to x1-y1. An arc is cut from the meeting
point of vertical line to x-y with the point of intersection of x1-y1 and x-y as centre.
From the cutting point of arc on the line parallel to the projector to x 1-y1, a parallel
line is drawn to x1-y1. This parallel line will meet the projector for x1-y1 at b1', the
required auxiliary front view. The distance of b1' from x1-y1 is equal to the distance of
b' from x-y (refer Figure 6.4a).
Alternative Solution
x-y may be drawn conveniently. b' and b may be marked on a projector taking

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distances 40 mm above x-y and 30 mm below x-y. The line of intersection of HP and
AVP, x1-y1 may be shown at an angle of 45o to x-y.
From b a projector is drawn to x1-y1. The distance of b' from x-y may be taken and
b1' may be marked on the projector drawn from b to x1-y1. b1' is the required auxiliary
front view of point B (Figure 6.4b).

Figure 6.4 (b) Projection of a point on auxiliary vertical plane

6.4 Projection on auxiliary inclined plane
Problem 6.3
A point B is 40 mm above HP and 30 mm in front of VP. Draw its projection on an
auxiliary inclined plane (AIP) 50o inclined to HP.
Analysis
The point B is in the first quadrant. B may be projected to HP, VP and to auxiliary
inclined plane (AIP) (refer Figure 6.5). The top view b, front view b' and projection
on AIP, b1 are respectively obtained. Referring the figure, Bb'o1b1 is a rectangle and
hence the distance of Bb' = b1o1=distance of b from x-y.
 The distance of auxiliary top view of a point from auxiliary reference line equals to
the distance of the point from VP (same as the distance of top view from x-y).

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Figure 6.5 Projection of B on auxiliary inclined plane

After detaching AIP from HP, viewing along x-y, HP may be rotated in the clock-
wise direction to make it coinciding with VP. Now top view and front view are on the
same plane.
AIP may be rotated about the line of intersection of VP and AIP, and AIP may be
made coinciding with VP. The top view, front view and auxiliary top view will be on
a single plane (VP) (refer Figure 6.6).
Solution
b' and b may be marked on a projector taking distances 40 mm above x-y and 30 mm
below x-y. The line of intersection of VP and AIP, x1-y1 may be shown at an angle of
50o to x-y. Parallel line to x-y may be drawn from top view b to meet the vertical line
to x-y drawn from the point of intersection of x-y and x1-y1. From b' a projector is
drawn to x1-y1. An arc is cut from the meeting point of vertical line to x-y with the
point of intersection of x1-y1 and x-y as centre. From the cutting point of arc on the
line parallel to the projector to x1-y1, a parallel line is drawn to x1-y1. This parallel
will meet the projector from b' to x1-y1 at b1, the required auxiliary top view. The
distance of b1 from x1-y1 is equal to the distance from x-y to b (refer Figure 6.6a).

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Figure 6.6 (a) Projection of a point on auxiliary inclined plane

Alternative Solution
x-y may be drawn conveniently. b' and b may be marked on a projector taking
distances 40 mm above x-y and 30 mm below x-y. The line of intersection of VP and
AIP, x1-y1 may be shown at an angle of 50o to x-y.
From b' a projector is drawn to x1-y1. The distance of b from x-y may be taken and b1
may be marked on the projector of b' to x1-y1. b1 is the required auxiliary top view of
point B (Figure 6.6b).

Figure 6.6 (b) Projection of a point on auxiliary inclined plane

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Problem 6.4
The ends A and B of straight line AB are respectively 40 mm above HP and 20 mm in
front of VP, and 10 mm above HP and 50 mm in front of VP. The distance between
projectors drawn through end points is 60 mm. Draw the projection of the line AB.
Determine the true length and inclinations of the line. Use auxiliary projection
method.
Analysis
The true length and inclinations have been obtained earlier by assuming the straight
line inclined to one plane and parallel to the other.
Instead of assuming the line inclined to one plane and parallel to the other, say
inclined to HP and parallel to VP, an auxiliary vertical plane is assumed which is
parallel to the line. Naturally the line is inclined to only one plane, to HP.
Similarly in place of assuming the line inclined to VP and parallel to HP, an auxiliary
inclined plane is assumed to be parallel to the line. In both cases, projections are
obtained separately to get the required answers.
Solution
After drawing x-y, a' and a may be marked at 40 mm above and 20 mm below x-y.
Another projector is drawn 60 mm away from the projector of A. b' and b may be
marked on the projector at 10 mm above and 50 mm below x-y. While joining a and
b, and a' and b' respectively the top view and front view of AB are available.
Assuming the straight line is parallel to VP and inclined to HP, top view will be
parallel to x-y and corresponding front view will give true length and its inclination to
the reference line will be true inclination to HP (refer Figure 6.7).
From a and b perpendiculars may be drawn to ab. Draw a parallel line, x1-y1, at 20
mm away from ab. The straight line may be projected to the AVP. a1' may be marked
on the projector from a at 40 mm away from x1-y1; b1' may be marked on the
projector from b at 10 mm away from x1-y1. a1'b1' is the required true length of the
line. The inclination of a1'b1' with x1-y1 gives true inclination (θ) of the line with HP.
Similarly, from a' and b' perpendiculars may be drawn to a'b'. Draw a parallel line,
x2-y2, at 10 mm away from a'b'. The straight line may be projected to the AIP. a2 may
be marked on the projector from a' at 20 mm away from x2-y2; b2 may be marked on
the projector from b' at 50 mm away from x2-y2. a2b2= a1'b1', the true length of the
line. The inclination of a2b2 with x2-y2 gives true inclination (ɸ) of the line with VP.

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Figure 6.7 Determination of true length and inclinations of a line

Problem 6.5
A straight line AB, 80 mm long, is inclined 45o to HP and 30o to VP. Draw the
projections. The end A is 20 mm away from HP and 10 mm away from VP. Use
auxiliary projection method.
Solution
a1' and a1 may be marked on a projector at 20 mm above and 10 mm below x-y. The
line is assumed to be parallel to both HP and VP. Both top view (a1b1) and front view
(a1'b1') are parallel to x-y and both give true length (refer Figure 6.8).
Instead of assuming the straight line is parallel to HP and inclined to VP, an AVP is
assumed which is inclined 30o to the line. A line is drawn through a1 to a1b1 at an
angle of 30o. a1 and [Link] projected perpendicular to this line passing through a1. A
parallel line (x1-y1) is drawn for the line through a1 at 10 mm away. Draw a line a'b'
parallel to x1-y1 at 20 mm away. a1b1 and a'b' are the top view and front view
respectively when the line is parallel to HP and inclined to VP.

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a'b' is the length of the final front view. Since the straight line is inclined to HP also,
apparent angles must be obtained. A line a'b2'=80 mm may be drawn through a' at an
angle of 45o to a'b'. A line may be drawn through b2' parallel to a'b'. This is the locus
of bʹ. To minimize the space and time, a'b' as radius a' as cntre an arc is drawn to the
locus of b', say the arc meets at b3'. x2-y2 may be drawn parallel to a'b3' and 20 mm
away. a' and b' may be projected perpendicular to x2-y2. The distances of a1 and b1
from x1-y1 respectively may be marked on the projectors of a' and b'. While finishing
a'b' and ab the required projections are available.

Figure 6.8 Projctions of lines inclined to both HP and VP

Problem 6.6
A rectangular lamina, length 50 mm and breadth 30 mm, is resting on HP with a
shorter side. The plane makes 45o to HP while the side on HP makes 30o to VP. Draw
the projections. Also find the true inclination of the plane with VP.

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Figure 6.9 Projections of a rectangle inclined to HP and VP

Solution
The projection of the first step may be drawn by assuming the plane parallel to HP,
with one shorter side perpendicular to VP and on the HP. Or the plane is lying on HP
with one shorter side perpendicular to VP.
An AIP is assumed which is inclined at 45o to the plane, (the line of intersection of
VP and AIP, x1-y1, in Figure 6.9) passing through the shorter edge which is to be
made on HP. Draw the projections of the plane on this AIP. After projecting b1' and
c1' to x1-y1, distances of a1, b1, c1, and d1 from x-y may be marked to get respectively
a, b, c and d. x2-y2 is drawn at 30o inclined to ab. a, b, c and d may be projected to
x2-y2. (In place of making the shorter side inclined at 30o to VP, an AVP is assumed
at 30o inclined to the shorter side.)
The distances of a1', b1', c1', and d1' from x1-y1 may be marked respectively on the
projectors to get a', b', c', and d'. While finishing abcd and a'b'c'd' the top and front
views of the rectangle are available.
The line a1 (parallel to x-y) is drawn in the top view such that A1 is visible as true
length in the front view (a'1'). When the projections of the plane is obtained assuming
the plane perpendicular to HP inclination to VP can be found out. x3-y3 may be drawn
perpendicular to a'1' (an AIP is assumed perpendicular to A1) and the plane may be
projected to the new reference line. Marking the distances of a, b, c, and d from x2-y2,

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the plane will appear as a straight line and its inclination with x 3-y3 will give true
inclination of the plane with VP (refer Figure 6.9).
Problem 6.7
An isosceles triangle, base 35 mm and altitude 55 mm, appears to be an equilateral
triangle in the top view. The base is on the HP, inclined 40o to VP and the vertex is on
VP. Draw the projections. Also find out the inclination of the plane with HP.

Figure 6.10 Projections of isosceles triangle resting on HP with vertex on VP

Solution

After drawing x-y conveniently, a line may be drawn at 40o inclined to and below x-y.
The equilateral triangle abc may be constructed with c on x-y. A line may be drawn
from c perpendicular to ab, then extended to c1, where abc1 gives the true shape of the
isosceles triangle. Assuming the plane perpendicular to VP and parallel to HP (lying
on HP with the base perpendicular to VP), a1'c1' gives the corresponding front view.
a1' as centre a1'c1' as radius an arc is cut to the projector drawn from c to x1-y1.
Inclination of a1'c2' with x1-y1 gives the inclination of the triangle with HP (refer

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Figure 6.10).
The distance of c2' from x1-y1 may be marked on the projector drawn from c to x-y, to
get c'. abc and a'b'c' may be finished to get the projections of the triangle ABC.
Problem 6.8
A triangle ABC has its corners A, on the HP and 10 mm in front of VP, B, 25 mm
above HP and 30 mm in front of VP and C, 10 mm above HP and 15 mm in front of
VP. The distance between projectors of A and C are 40 mm. The projector of B falls
between the projectors of A and C, at 10 mm away from that of A. Draw the
projections of the triangle ABC. Determine its inclinations with HP and VP. Also find
out the true shape of the triangle.

Figure 6.11 Determination of true inclinations and true shape of triangle

Solution
a' and a may be marked on a projector, a' on x-y, a 10 mm below x-y. Another
projector is drawn 10 mm away from that of A (projector of B) and b' and b may be
marked 25 mm above x-y and 30 mm below x-y. On the same side, another projector
(projector of C) may be drawn at 40 mm from that of A, and c' and c may be marked
on it at 10 mm above x-y and 15 mm below x-y. While joining and finishing abc and
a'b'c' the required top and front views of the plane are available (Figure 6.11).
c'1' is drawn parallel to x-y in the front view. The corresponding top view c1 will
give its true length. If the projections of the plane are obtained assuming
perpendicular to VP, the inclination to HP can be found out.

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x1-y1 may be drawn perpendicular to c1. a, b, and c may be projected to x1-y1. The
distances of a', b', and c' from x-y respectively may be marked on the projectors of a,
b, and c. a1ʹc1ʹb1ʹ will be a straight line and its inclination with x1-y1 will give true
inclination of the plane with HP.
c2 is drawn parallel to x-y in the top view. The corresponding front view c'2' will
give its true length. If the projections of the plane are obtained assuming
perpendicular to HP, the inclination to VP can be found out.
x2-y2 may be drawn perpendicular to c'2'. a', b', and c' may be projected to x2-y2. The
distances of a, b, and c from x-y respectively may be marked on the projectors of a',
b', and c'. a2c2b2 will be a straight line and its inclination with x2-y2 will give true
inclination of the plane with VP.
While projecting the plane parallel to a plane, the true shape is available. x3-y3 may be
drawn parallel to a2c2b2. The corners a, b, and c may be projected with respect to
x3-y3. The distances of a', b' and c' from x-y may be marked on the respective
projectors from x3-y3. a2'b2'c2' will be the true shape of ABC.
Problem 6.9
A hexagonal lamina, 40 mm side, is resting on HP with a side. The plane makes 60o
to HP and 30o to VP. Draw the projections of the lamina, using auxiliary projections.
Note that the side opposite to that on HP is on VP.
Solution
The hexagonal lamina may be assumed to be parallel to HP, with one side on HP and
perpendicular to VP (the hexagon is lying on HP with one side perpendicular to VP).
After drawing x-y, the hexagon with side 40 mm may be drawn (a1b1c1d1e1f1) taking
one side perpendicular to and below x-y. This is the top view of the plane in the first
step. The corresponding front view will be a straight line, b1ʹc1ʹd1ʹ.
Instead of making the plane inclined 60o to HP, an AIP is assumed inclined 60o to the
plane. x1-y1 may be drawn through b1ʹ 60o inclined to the front view, b1ʹc1ʹd1ʹ. The
corresponding top view may be obtained. Perpendiculars may be drawn from b1ʹ, c1ʹ,
and d1ʹ to x1-y1. The distances of a1, b1, c1, d1, e1 and f1 from x-y may be marked on
the respective projectors from x1-y1. abcdef is the top view of the hexagon if it is
inclined 60o to HP.
The plane makes 30o to VP also. The side AB is on HP and the opposite side, DE is
on VP. When AB is on HP, aʹbʹ will be on x-y and when DE is on VP, de will be on

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x-y.
Instead of making the plane inclined to VP, an AVP is assumed inclined 30o to the
plane. x2-y2 may be drawn along de and all points in the top view may be projected
perpendicular to x2-y2. The distances of a1ʹ, b1ʹ, c1ʹ, d1ʹ, e1ʹ and f1ʹ may be taken from
x1-y1and marked to get aʹbʹcʹdʹeʹfʹ, the final front view (Figure 6.12).

Figure 6.12 Projections of a hexagon inclined 60o to HP and 30o to VP

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