V

Defines a volume through keypoints.

PREP7:Volumes

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Keypoint defining starting corner of volume. If P1 = P, graphical picking is enabled and all remaining command fields are ignored (valid only in the GUI).

Keypoint defining second corner of volume.

Keypoint defining third corner of volume.

Keypoint defining fourth corner of volume.

Keypoint defining fifth corner of volume.

Keypoint defining sixth corner of volume.

Keypoint defining seventh corner of volume.

Keypoint defining eighth corner of volume.

Defines a volume (and its corresponding lines and areas) through eight (or fewer) existing keypoints. Keypoints must be input in a continuous order. The order of the keypoints should be around the bottom and then the top. Missing lines are generated "straight" in the active coordinate system and assigned the lowest available numbers [NUMSTR]. Missing areas are generated and assigned the lowest available numbers. Note that solid modeling in a toroidal coordinate system is not recommended.

Certain faces may be condensed to a line or point by repeating keypoints. For example, use V,P1,P2,P3,P3,P5,P6,P7,P7 for a triangular prism or V,P1,P2,P3,P3,P5,P5,P5,P5 for a tetrahedron. See Figure 4.45-1 in the ANSYS Elements Reference for analogous element sketches of the valid condensed face patterns.)

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Create >Arbitrary >Through KPs

Generates a volume bounded by existing areas.

PREP7:Volumes

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List of areas defining volume. The minimum number of areas is 4. If A1 = ALL, use all selected [ASEL] areas and ignore A2 to A10. If A1 = P, graphical picking is enabled and all remaining command fields are ignored (valid only in the GUI). A component name may also be substituted for A1.

This command conveniently allows generating volumes from regions having more than eight keypoints (which is not allowed with the V command). Areas may be input in any order. The exterior surface of a VA volume must be continuous, but holes may pass completely through it.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Create >Arbitrary >By Areas

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Create >Volume by Areas

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Geom Repair >Create Volume

Applies the absolute value function to array parameters.

APDL:ArrayParameters

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Absolute value of results parameter:

0 - Do not take absolute value of results parameter (ParR).

1 - Take absolute value.

Absolute value of first parameter:

0 - Do not take absolute value of first parameter (Par1 or ParI).

1 - Take absolute value.

Absolute value of second parameter:

0 - Do not take absolute value of second parameter (Par2 or ParJ).

1 - Take absolute value.

Absolute value of third parameter:

0 - Do not take absolute value of third parameter (Par3 or ParK).

1 - Take absolute value.

Notes

Applies an absolute value to parameters used in certain *V-- and *M-- operations. Typical absolute value applications are of the form:

or

The absolute values are applied to each input parameter value before the operation and to the result value after the operation. Absolute values are applied before the scale factors so that negative scale factors may be used. The absolute value settings are reset to the default (no absolute value) after each *V-- or *M-- operation. Use *VSTAT to list settings.

This command is valid in any processor.

Utility Menu >Parameters >Array Operations >Operation Settings

Adds separate volumes to create a single volume.

PREP7:Booleans

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Numbers of volumes to be added. If NV1 = ALL, add all selected volumes and ignore NV2 to NV9. If NV1 = P, graphical picking is enabled and all remaining command fields are ignored (valid only in the GUI). A component name may also be substituted for NV1.

Adds separate volumes to create a single volume. The original volumes (and their corresponding areas, lines and keypoints) will be deleted by default [BOPTN]. See the BOPTN command for the options available to Boolean operations. Element attributes and solid model boundary conditions assigned to the original entities will not be transferred to the new entities generated. Concatenated entities are not valid with this command.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Operate >Add >Volumes

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Operate >Volumes

Defines a valve in a piping run.

PREP7:Piping

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Node where valve is to be placed (as described below). Defaults to current run starting point.

Length of valve (defaults to larger pipe OD).

Dry mass (weight/gravity) of valve without insulation (defaults to equivalent straight pipe mass). Note, acceleration [ACEL] must be nonzero for weight to be calculated.

Stress intensification factor (defaults to 1.0).

Bending flexibility factor (defaults to 0.5).

Insulation surface area (defaults to equivalent straight pipe insulation area). Units (length²) must be consistent with the smallest unit of the system used (not mixed) regardless of the PUNIT option.

Element number to be assigned to valve (defaults to MAXEL + 1).

Defines a valve (straight pipe element (PIPE16) with adjusted specifications and loadings) at a given location in a piping run. See the PREP7 RUN command. The location may be 1) between two adjacent colinear straight pipes, 2) between an adjacent straight pipe and a different piping component, or 3) at the end of a straight pipe.

For Case 1, two new nodes are generated at the ends of the valve. The two straight pipes are automatically "shortened" to meet the ends of the valve. The valve specifications and loadings are taken from the corresponding two straight pipes.

For Case 2, one new node is generated at one end of the valve. The straight pipe is automatically "shortened" to meet this end of the valve. The other end of the valve meets the other piping component. The valve specifications and loadings are taken from the straight pipe.

For Case 3, one new node is generated at the free end of the valve. The other end of the valve meets the straight pipe. The valve specifications and loadings are taken from the straight pipe.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Create >Piping Models >Valve

Deletes a variable (GUI).

POST26:SetUp

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The reference number of the variable to be deleted. NVAR is as defined by NSOL, ESOL, etc.

Deletes a POST26 solution results variable. This is a command generated by the Graphical User Interface (GUI). It will appear in the log file (Jobname.LOG) if a POST26 variable is deleted from the "Defined Time-History Variables" dialog box. This command is not intended to be typed in directly in an ANSYS session (although it can be included in an input file for batch input or for use with the /INPUT command).

Main Menu >TimeHist Postpro >Define Variables

Main Menu >TimeHist Postpro >Elec&Mag >Circuit >Define Variables

Names (or renames) a variable.

POST26:SetUp

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Reference number of the variable (2 to NV [NUMVAR]).

Eight character name for identifying the variable on the printout and displays. Embedded blanks are compressed upon output.

Main Menu >TimeHist Postpro >Settings >Graph

Main Menu >TimeHist Postpro >Settings >List

Associates element attributes with the selected, unmeshed volumes.

PREP7:Meshing

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Material number, real constant set number, type number, and coordinate system number to be associated with selected, unmeshed volumes.

These element attributes will be used when the volumes are meshed. If a volume does not have attributes associated with it (by this command) at the time it is meshed, the attributes are obtained from the then current MAT, REAL, TYPE, and ESYS command settings. Reissue the VATT command (before volumes are meshed) to change the attributes. A zero (or blank) argument removes the corresponding association.

In some cases, ANSYS can proceed with a volume meshing operation even when no logical element type has been assigned via VATT,,,TYPE or TYPE. For more information, see the discussion on setting element attributes in Chapter 7 of the ANSYS Modeling and Meshing Guide.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Define >All Volumes

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Define >Picked Volumes

Deletes nodes and volume elements associated with selected volumes.

PREP7:Meshing

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Delete mesh for volumes NV1 to NV2 (defaults to NV1) in steps of NINC (defaults to 1). If NV1 = ALL, NV2 and NINC are ignored and mesh for all selected volumes [VSEL] is deleted. If NV1 = P, graphical picking is enabled and all remaining command fields are ignored (valid only in the GUI). A component name may also be substituted for NV1 (NV2 and NINC are ignored).

Deletes all nodes and volume elements associated with selected volumes (regardless of whether the nodes or elements are selected). Nodes shared by adjacent meshed volumes and nodes associated with non-volume elements will not be deleted. Attributes assigned as a result of VATT are maintained. In the program's response to the command, if a volume, area, line, or keypoint is tallied as "cleared," it means either its node or element reference was deleted.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Clear >Volumes

Specifies the number of columns in matrix operations.

APDL:ArrayParameters

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Number of columns to be used for Par1 with *M-- operations. Defaults to whatever is needed to fill the result array.

Number of columns to be used for Par2 with *M-- operations. Defaults to whatever is needed to fill the result array.

Notes

Specifies the number of columns to be used in array parameter matrix operations. The size of the submatrix used is determined from the upper left starting array element (defined on the operation command) to the lower right array element (defined by the number of columns on this command and the number of rows on the *VLEN command).

The default NCOL is calculated from the maximum number of columns of the result array (the *DIM column dimension) minus the starting location + 1. For example, *DIM,R,,1,10 and a starting location of R(1,7) gives a default of 4 columns ( starting with R(1,7), R(1,8), R(1,9), and R(1,10)). Repeat operations automatically terminate at the last column of the result array. Existing values in the rows and columns of the results matrix remain unchanged where not overwritten by the requested input or operation values.

The column control settings are reset to the defaults after each *M-- operation. Use *VSTAT to list settings.

This command is valid in any processor.

Utility Menu >Parameters >Array Operations >Operation Settings

Defines the view cone angle for perspective displays.

GRAPHICS:Views

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Window number (or ALL) to which command applies (defaults to 1).

View cone angle (0.0 to 85.°) to define perspective. Use PHI=45.0° for typical perspective. Increase angle for more perspective, decrease angle for less. If the distance [/DIST] is not specified, it will be automatically calculated to give full window magnification. If the distance is also specified, PHI controls both the perspective and the magnification. The larger the angle, the more the perspective and the less the magnification. Defaults to 0.0 (no perspective).

Notes

Perspective shows the true depth of the object in the display. A variable magnification results since the back plane of the object is further from the observer than the front plane. The largest magnification occurs at the front plane. With perspective, the magnification factor (MAGF) is not only a function of the distance from the object, but also the window shape and the perspective (or view cone) angle as follows:

where , for square windows, is the largest in-plane vertical or horizontal dimension, d is the distance from the observer to the plane of (usually the front plane of the object), and is the view cone angle (defined with the/VCONE command). The bigger the cone angle, the more the perspective. The magnification factor proportionally decreases with increasing . The distance can be defined with the /DIST or the /FOCUS command. Note, the distance input on the /DIST command is equal to d only if the focus point is located on the plane of . It is recommended that if a general perspective is desired (i.e., not any specific cone angle), use = 45.0 (since TAN(45.0) = 1.0) and let the d value be automatically calculated for full window magnification.

Note that any number of /DIST, /FOCUS, and /VCONE combinations can be used to produce the same magnification. Distances less than the object depth will produce views from within the object.

A magnification factor of 1.0 just fills the window. If the automatic scaling option is used [/AUTO], the magnification factor is fixed at 0.91 (to allow a 10% margin around the object) and d is automatically calculated for the given /VCONE and /FOCUS values. Any value of between 0.0 and 85.0 (usually 45.0) may be used to activate the perspective. Views from inside the object are not possible when d is automatically calculated (use manual scaling [/USER] along with /DIST specification).

This command is valid in any processor.

Utility Menu >PlotCtrls >View Settings >Perspective View

Forms element table items from the cross product of two vectors.

POST1:ElementTable

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Label assigned to X, Y, and Z-component of resultant vector.

X, Y, and Z-component of first vector label.

X, Y, and Z-component of second vector label.

Forms labeled result items for the selected element from the cross product of two vectors. Data must be in a consistent coordinate system. Labels are those associated with the ETABLE command.

Main Menu >General Postproc >Element Table >Cross Product

Allows array parameter results to add to existing results.

APDL:ArrayParameters

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Accumulation key:

0 - Overwrite results.

1 - Add results to the current value of the results parameter.

Notes

Allows results from certain *V-- and *M-- operations to overwrite or add to existing results. The cumulative operation is of the form:

The cumulative setting is reset to the default (overwrite) after each *V-- or *M-- operation. Use *VSTAT to list settings.

This command is valid in any processor.

Utility Menu >Parameters >Array Operations >Operation Settings

Fills cavities and bosses in volumes (for models imported from CAD files).

PREP7:CADRepair

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List of areas that define the volume. If NL1 = P, graphical picking is enabled and all remaining arguments are ignored (valid only in the GUI). If NL1 = ALL, all selected areas will be used and all remaining arguments are ignored.

Use this command to fill in holes and cavities or eliminate protrusions (bosses) in models imported from CAD files. In essence, this command removes features projecting above or below a plane, such as bosses and cavities. This command is available only for models imported through the Default IGES option.

You must select all areas related to the feature before it can be eliminated, and the order in which those areas are selected can be important. If the boss or cavity is an isolated entity, the area selection order does not matter. However, if the boss or cavity is attached to an area, that area must be the last area selected in the list. If the attached area is not the last area in the selection list the command may distort the geometry of the model.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Simplify >Fill Cavity

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Simplify >Remove Boss

Specifies the velocity spectrum computation constants for the analysis of shock resistance of shipboard structures.

SOLUTION:SpectrumOptions

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Direction-dependent velocity coefficient for elastic or elastic-plastic analysis option (Default = 0).

Coefficients for the DDAM velocity spectrum equations. See Section 17.7.4 of the ANSYS Theory Reference. Default for these coefficients is zero.

This command specifies velocity coefficients to analyze shock resistance of shipboard equipment. These coefficients are used to compute mode coefficients according to the equations given in Section 17.7.4 of the ANSYS Theory Reference. The form of these equations is based on the Naval NRL Dynamic Design Analysis Method. This command, along with the ADDAM and SED commands, is used with the spectrum (ANTYPE=SPECTR) analysis as a special purpose alternative to the SV, FREQ, and SVTYP commands. The mass and length units of the model must be in pounds and inches, respectively.

This command is also valid in PREP7.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Loads >Spectrum >DDAM Options

Main Menu >Solution >Spectrum >DDAM Options

Deletes unmeshed volumes.

PREP7:Volumes

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Delete volumes from NV1 to NV2 (defaults to NV1) in steps of NINC (defaults to 1). If NV1 = ALL, NV2 and NINC are ignored and all selected volumes [VSEL] are deleted. If NV1 = P, graphical picking is enabled and all remaining command fields are ignored (valid only in the GUI). A component name may also be substituted for NV1 (NV2 and NINC are ignored).

Specifies whether keypoints, lines, and areas are also deleted:

0 - Delete volumes only (default).

1 - Delete volumes, as well as keypoints, lines, and areas attached to the specified volumes but not shared by other volumes.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Delete >Volume and Below

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Delete >Volumes Only

Lists keypoints of a volume that lie on a parametric degeneracy.

PREP7:Volumes

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List keypoints that lie on a parametric degeneracy on volumes from NV1 to NV2 (defaults to NV1) in steps of NINC (defaults to 1). If NV1 = ALL (default), NV2 and NINC will be ignored and keypoints on all selected volumes [VSEL] will be listed. If NV1 = P, graphical picking is enabled and all remaining command fields are ignored (valid only in the GUI). You may also substitute a component name for NV1 (ignore NV2 and NINC).

See the ANSYS Modeling and Meshing Guide for details about parametric degeneracies.

This command is valid in any processor.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Check Geom >Show Degeneracy >List Degen Volus

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Operate >Show Degeneracy >List Degen Volus

Forms an element table item from the dot product of two vectors.

POST1:ElementTable

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Label assigned to dot product result.

X, Y, and Z-component of first vector label.

X, Y, and Z-component of second vector label.

Data must be in a consistent coordinate system. Labels are those associated with the ETABLE command.

Main Menu >General Postproc >Element Table >Dot Product

Generates volumes by dragging an area pattern along a path.

PREP7:Volumes

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List of areas in the pattern to be dragged (6 maximum if using keyboard entry). If NA1 = P, graphical picking is enabled and all remaining command fields are ignored (valid only in the GUI). If NA1=ALL, all selected areas will be swept along the path. A component name may also be substituted for NA1.

List of lines defining the path along which the pattern is to be dragged (6 maximum if using keyboard entry). Must be a continuous set of lines. To be continuous, adjacent lines must share the connecting keypoint (the end keypoint of one line must also be first keypoint of the next line).

Generates volumes (and their corresponding keypoints, lines, and areas) by sweeping a given area pattern along a characteristic drag path. If the drag path consists of multiple lines, the drag direction is determined by the sequence in which the path lines are input (NLP1, NLP2, etc.). If the drag path is a single line (NLP1), the drag direction is from the keypoint on the drag line that is closest to the first keypoint of the given area pattern to the other end of the drag line.

The magnitude of the vector between the keypoints of the given pattern and the first path keypoint remains constant for all generated keypoint patterns and the path keypoints. The direction of the vector relative to the path slope also remains constant so that patterns may be swept around curves. Lines are generated with the same shapes as the given pattern and the path lines.

Keypoint, line, area, and volume numbers are automatically assigned (beginning with the lowest available values [NUMSTR]). Adjacent lines use a common keypoint, adjacent areas use a common line, and adjacent volumes use a common area. For best results, the entities to be dragged should be orthogonal to the start of the drag path. Drag operations that produce an error message may create some of the desired entities prior to terminating.

If element attributes have been associated with the input area via the AATT command, the opposite area generated by the VDRAG operation will also have those attributes (i.e., the element attributes from the input area are copied to the opposite area). Note that only the area opposite the input area will have the same attributes as the input area; the areas adjacent to the input area will not.

If the input areas are meshed or belong to a meshed volume, the area(s) can be extruded to a 3-D mesh. Note that the NDIV argument of the ESIZE command should be set before extruding the meshed areas. Alternatively, mesh divisions can be specified directly on the drag line(s) (LESIZE). See the ANSYS Modeling and Meshing Guide for more information.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Operate >Extrude / Sweep >Along Lines

Allows numerical array parameters to be graphically edited.

APDL:ArrayParameters

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Name of the array parameter to be edited.

Invokes a graphical editing system that displays array parameter values in matrix form, and allows the use of the mouse to edit individual values. The starting array subscripts must be defined, such as *VEDIT,A(4,6,1), to indicate the section of the array to be edited. The array section starts at the specified array element and continues to the maximum extent of the array parameter. The menu system must be on [/MENU] when this command is issued. Graphical editing is not available for character array parameters. The *VEDIT command can not be used in a macro or other secondary input file.

This command is valid in any processor.

Utility Menu >Parameters >Array Parameters >Define/Edit

Generates additional volumes by extruding areas.

PREP7:Volumes

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Set of areas (NA1 to NA2 in steps of NINC) that defines the pattern to be extruded. NA2 defaults to NA1, NINC defaults to 1. If NA1=ALL, NA2 and NINC are ignored and the pattern is defined by all selected areas. If NA1 = P, graphical picking is enabled and all remaining command fields are ignored (valid only in the GUI). A component name may also be substituted for NA1 (NA2 and NINC are ignored).

Increments to be applied to the X, Y, and Z keypoint coordinates in the active coordinate system (DR, D, DZ for cylindrical; DR, D, D for spherical).

Scale factors to be applied to the X, Y, and Z keypoint coordinates in the active coordinate system (RR, R, RZ for cylindrical; RR, R, R for spherical). Note that the R and R scale factors are interpreted as angular offsets. For example, if CSYS=1, RX,RY,RZ input of (1.5,10,3) would scale the specified keypoints 1.5 times in the radial and 3 times in the Z direction, while adding an offset of 10 degrees to the keypoints. Zero, blank, or negative scale factor values are assumed to be 1.0. Zero or blank angular offsets have no effect.

Generates additional volumes (and their corresponding keypoints, lines, and areas) by extruding and scaling a pattern of areas in the active coordinate system.

If element attributes have been associated with the input area via the AATT command, the opposite area generated by the VEXT operation will also have those attributes (i.e., the element attributes from the input area are copied to the opposite area). Note that only the area opposite the input area will have the same attributes as the input area; the areas adjacent to the input area will not.

If the areas are meshed or belong to meshed volumes, a 3-D mesh can be extruded with this command. Note that the NDIV argument on the ESIZE command should be set before extruding the meshed areas.

Scaling of the input areas, if specified, is performed first, followed by the extrusion.

In a non-Cartesian coordinate system, the VEXT command locates the end face of the volume based on the active coordinate system. However, the extrusion is made along a straight line between the end faces. Note that solid modeling in a toroidal coordinate system is not recommended.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Operate >Extrude / Sweep >By XYZ Offset

Applies a scale factor to array parameters.

APDL:ArrayParameters

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Scale factor applied to results (ParR) parameter. Defaults to 1.0.

Scale factor applied to first parameter (Par1 or ParI). Defaults to 1.0.

Scale factor applied to second parameter (Par2 or ParJ). Defaults to 1.0.

Scale factor applied to third parameter (Par3 or ParK). Defaults to 1.0.

Notes

Applies a scale factor to parameters used in certain *V-- and *M-- operations. Typical scale factor applications are of the form:

or, ParR = FACTR*(FACT1*Par1) o (FACT2*Par2))

The factors are applied to each input parameter value before the operation and to the result value after the operation. The scale factor settings are reset to the default (1.0) after each *V-- or *M-- operation. Use *VSTAT to list settings.

This command is valid in any processor.

Utility Menu >Parameters >Array Operations >Operation Settings

Fills an array parameter.

APDL:Parameters

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The name of the resulting numeric array parameter vector. See *SET for name restrictions. The parameter must exist as a dimensioned array [*DIM].

Fill function:

DATA - Assign specified values CON1, CON2, etc. to successive array elements. Up to 10 assignments may be made at a time. Any CON values after a blank CON value are ignored.

RAMP - Assign ramp function values: CON1+((n-1)*CON2) , where n is the loop number [*VLEN]. To specify a constant function (no ramp), set CON2 to zero.

RAND - Assign random number values based on a uniform distribution: RAND(CON1,CON2), where CON1 is the lower bound (defaults to 0.0) and CON2 is the upper bound (defaults to 1.0).

GDIS - Assign random sample of Gaussian distributions: GDIS(CON1,CON2), where CON1 is the mean (defaults to 0.0) and CON2 is the standard deviation (defaults to 1.0).

TRIA - Assigns random number values based on a triangular distribution: TRIA(CON1,CON2,CON3), where CON1 is the lower bound (defaults to 0.0), CON2 is the location of the peak value (CON1CON2CON3; CON2 defaults to 0 if CON10CON3, CON1 if 0CON1, or CON3 if CON30), and CON3 is the upper bound (defaults to 1.0 + CON1 if CON10 or 0.0 if CON10).

BETA - Assigns random number values based on a beta distribution: BETA(CON1,CON2,CON3,CON4), where CON1 is the lower bound (defaults to 0.0), CON2 is the upper bound (defaults to 1.0+CON1 if CON10 or 0.0 if CON10), and CON3 and CON4 are the alpha and beta parameters, respectively, of the beta function. Alpha and beta must both be positive; they default to 1.0.

GAMM - Assigns random number values based on a gamma distribution: GAMM(CON1,CON2,CON3), where CON1 is the lower bound (defaults to 0.0), and CON2 and CON3 are the alpha and beta parameters. respectively, of the gamma function. Alpha and beta must both be positive; they default to 1.0.

Constants used with above functions.

Operates on input data and produces one output array parameter vector according to:

where the functions (f) are described above. A starting array element number must be defined for the result array parameter vector. Operations use successive array elements [*VLEN, *VMASK] with the default being all successive elements. For example, *VFILL,A(1),RAMP,1,10 assigns A(1)=1.0, A(2)=11.0, A(3)=21.0, etc. *VFILL,B(5,1),DATA,1.5,3.0 assigns B(5,1)=1.5 and B(6,1)=3.0. Absolute values and scale factors may be applied to the result parameter [*VABS, *VFACT]. Results may be cumulative [*VCUM]. See the *VOPER command for details.

This command is valid in any processor.

Utility Menu >Parameters >Array Parameters >Fill

Performs a function on a single array parameter.

APDL:ArrayParameters

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The name of the resulting numeric array parameter vector. See *SET for name restrictions. The parameter must exist as a dimensioned array [*DIM].

Function to be performed:

ACOS - Arccosine: ACOS(Par1) .

ASIN - Arcsine: ASIN(Par1).

ASORT - Par1 is sorted in ascending order. *VCOL,*VMASK,*VCUM, and *VLEN,,NINC do not apply. *VLEN,NROW does apply.

ATAN - Arctangent: ATAN(Par1).

COMP - Compress: Selectively compresses data set. "True" (*VMASK) values of Par1 (or row positions to be considered according to the NINC value on the *VLEN command) are written in compressed form to ParR, starting at the specified position.

COPY - Copy: Par1 copied to ParR.

COS - Cosine: COS(Par1).

COSH - Hyperbolic cosine: COSH(Par1).

DIRCOS - Direction cosines of the principal stresses (3X3). Par1 contains the 6 component stresses.

DSORT - Par1 is sorted in descending order. *VCOL,*VMASK,*VCUM, and *VLEN,,NINC do not apply. *VLEN,NROW does apply.

EULER - Euler angles of the principal stresses (3X1). Par1 contains the 6 component stresses.

EXP - Exponential: EXP(Par1).

EXPA - Expand: Reverse of the COMP function. All elements of Par1 (starting at the position specified) are written in expanded form to corresponding "true" (*VMASK) positions (or row positions to be considered according to the NINC value on the *VLEN command) of ParR.

LOG - Natural logarithm: LOG(Par1).

LOG10 - Common logarithm: LOG10(Par1).

NINT - Nearest integer: 2.783 becomes 3.0, -1.75 becomes -2.0.

NOT - Logical complement: values 0.0 (false) become 1.0 (true). Values > 0.0 (true) become 0.0 (false).

PWR - Power function: Par1**CON1.

SIN - Sine: SIN(Par1).

SINH - Hyperbolic sine: SINH(Par1).

SQRT - Square root: SQRT(Par1).

TAN - Tangent: TAN(Par1).

TANH - Hyperbolic tangent: TANH(Par1).

TANG - Tangent to a path at a point: the slope at a point is determined by linear interpolation half way between the previous and next points. Points are assumed to be in the global Cartesian coordinate system. Path points are specified in array Par1 (having 3 consecutive columns of data, with the columns containing the x, y, and z coordinate locations, respectively, of the points). Only the starting row index and the column index for the x coordinates are specified, such as A(1,1). The y and z coordinates of the vector are assumed to begin in the corresponding next columns, such as A(1,2) and A(1,3). The tangent result, ParR, must also have 3 consecutive columns of data and will contain the tangent direction vector (normalized to 1.0); such as 1,0,0 for an x-direction vector.

NORM - Normal to a path and an input vector at a point: determined from the cross-product of the calculated tangent vector (see TANG) and the input direction vector (with the i, j, and k components input as CON1, CON2, and CON3). Points are assumed to be in the global Cartesian coordinate system. Path points are specified in array Par1 (having 3 consecutive columns of data, with the columns containing the x, y, and z coordinate locations, respectively, of the points). Only the starting row index and the column index for the x coordinates are specified, such as A(1,1). The y and z coordinates of the vector are assumed to begin in the corresponding next columns, such as A(1,2) and A(1,3). The normal result, ParR, must also have 3 consecutive columns of data and will contain the normal direction vector (normalized to 1.0); such as 1,0,0 for an x-direction vector.

LOCAL - Transforms global Cartesian coordinates of a point to the coordinates of a specified system: points to be transformed are specified in array Par1 (having 3 consecutive columns of data, with the columns containing the x, y, and z global Cartesian coordinate locations, respectively, of the points). Only the starting row index and the column index for the x coordinates are specified, such as A(1,1). The y and z coordinates of the vector are assumed to begin in the corresponding next columns, such as A(1,2) and A(1,3). Results are transformed to coordinate system CON1 (which may be any valid coordinate system number, such as 1,2,11,12, etc.). The transformed result, ParR, must also have 3 consecutive columns of data and will contain the corresponding transformed coordinate locations.

GLOBAL - Transforms specified coordinates of a point to global Cartesian coordinates: points to be transformed are specified in array Par1 (having 3 consecutive columns of data, with the columns containing the local coordinate locations (x,y,z or r,,z or etc.) of the points). Only the starting row index and the column index for the x coordinates are specified, such as A(1,1). The y and z coordinates (or and z, or etc.) of the vector are assumed to begin in the corresponding next columns, such as A(1,2) and A(1,3). Local coordinate locations are assumed to be in coordinate system CON1 (which may be any valid coordinate system number, such as 1,2,11,12, etc.). The transformed result, ParR, must also have 3 consecutive columns of data, with the columns containing the global Cartesian x y, and z coordinate locations, respectively.

Array parameter vector in the operation.

Constants (used only with the PWR, NORM, LOCAL, and GLOBAL functions).

Operates on one input array parameter vector and produces one output array parameter vector according to:

where the functions (f) are described below. Functions are based on the standard FORTRAN definitions where possible. Out-of-range function results (or results with exponents whose magnitudes are approximately greater than 32 or less than -32) produce a zero value. Input and output for angular functions may be radians (default) or degrees [*AFUN]. ParR may be the same as Par1. Starting array element numbers must be defined for each array parameter vector. For example, *VFUN,A(1),SQRT,B(5) takes the square root of the fifth element of B and stores the result in the first element of A. Operations continue on successive array elements [*VLEN, *VMASK] with the default being all successive elements. Absolute values and scale factors may be applied to all parameters [*VABS, *VFACT]. Results may be cumulative [*VCUM]. Skipping array elements via *VMASK or *VLEN for the TANG and NORM functions skips only the writing of the results (skipped array element data are used in all calculations). See the *VOPER command for details.

This command is valid in any processor.

Utility Menu >Parameters >Array Operations >Vector Functions

Generates additional volumes from a pattern of volumes.

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Do this generation operation a total of ITIMEs, incrementing all keypoints in the given pattern automatically (or by KINC) each time after the first. ITIME must be > 1 for generation to occur.

Generate volumes from pattern beginning with NV1 to NV2 (defaults to NV1) in steps of NINC (defaults to 1). If NV1 = ALL, NV2 and NINC are ignored and the pattern is all selected volumes [VSEL]. If NV1 = P, graphical picking is enabled and all remaining command fields are ignored (valid only in the GUI). A component name may also be substituted for NV1 (NV2 and NINC are ignored).

Keypoint location increments in the active coordinate system (-,D,DZ for cylindrical, -,D,- for spherical).

Keypoint increment between generated sets. If zero, the lowest available keypoint numbers are assigned [NUMSTR].

Specifies if elements and nodes are also to be generated:

0 - Generate nodes and elements associated with the original volumes, if they exist.

1 - Do not generate nodes and elements.

Specifies whether to redefine the existing volumes:

0 - Generate additional volumes as requested with the ITIME argument.

1 - Move original volumes to new position retaining the same keypoint line, and area numbers (ITIME, KINC, and NOELM are ignored). Corresponding meshed items are also moved if not needed at their original position.

Generates additional volumes (and their corresponding keypoints, lines, areas and mesh) from a given volume pattern. The MAT, TYPE, REAL, and ESYS attributes are based upon the volumes in the pattern and not upon the current settings of the pointers. End slopes of the generated lines remain the same (in the active coordinate system) as those of the given pattern. For example, radial slopes remain radial, etc. Generations which produce volumes of a size or shape different from the pattern (i.e., radial generations in cylindrical systems, radial and phi generations in spherical systems, and theta generations in elliptical systems) are not allowed. Note that solid modeling in a toroidal coordinate system is not recommended. Volume, area, and line numbers are automatically assigned (beginning with the lowest available values [NUMSTR]).

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Copy >Volumes

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Move / Modify >Volumes

Retrieves values into an array parameter.

APDL:Parameters

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The name of the resulting vector array parameter. See *SET for name restrictions. The parameter must exist as a dimensioned array [*DIM].

Entity keyword. Valid keywords are NODE, ELEM, KP, LINE, AREA, VOLU, etc. as shown for Entity= in the table below.

The number of the entity (as shown for ENTNUM= in the table below).

The name of a particular item for the given entity. Valid items are as shown in the Item1 columns of the table below.

The number (or label) for the specified Item1 (if any). Valid IT1NUM values are as shown in the IT1NUM columns of the table below. Some Item1 labels do not require an IT1NUM value.

A second set of item labels and numbers to further qualify the item for which data is to be retrieved. Most items do not require this level of information.

Field to be looped on:

0 or 2 - Loop on the ENTNUM field (default).

3 - Loop on the Item1 field.

4 - Loop on the IT1NUM field. Successive items are as shown with IT1NUM.

5 - Loop on the Item2 field.

6 - Loop on the IT2NUM field. Successive items are as shown with IT2NUM.

Retrieves values for specified items and stores the values in one output vector array parameter according to:

where (f) is the *GET function; Entity, Item1, and Item2 are keywords; and ENTNUM, IT1NUM, and IT2NUM are numbers or labels corresponding to the keywords. A starting array location number must be defined for the result array parameter. Looping continues over successive entity numbers (ENTNUM) for the KLOOP default. For example, *VGET,A(1),ELEM,5,CENT,X returns the centroid x-location of element 5 and stores the result in the first location of A. Retrieving continues with element 6, 7, 8, etc. until successive array locations [*VLEN, *VMASK] are filled. Absolute values and scale factors may be applied to the result parameter [*VABS, *VFACT]. Results may be cumulative [*VCUM]. See the *VOPER command for general details. Results can be put back into an analysis by writing a file of the desired input commands with the *VWRITE command. See also the *VPUT command.

This command is valid in any processor.

Utility Menu >Parameters >Get Array Data

Moves a variable into an array parameter vector.

POST26:SpecialPurpose

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Array parameter vector in the operation.

Reference number of the variable (1 to NV [NUMVAR]).

Time (or frequency) corresponding to start of IR data. If between values, the nearer value is used.

Complex number key:

0 - Use the real part of the IR data.

1 - Use the imaginary part of the IR data.

Moves a variable into an array parameter vector. The starting array element number must be defined. For example, VGET,A(1),2 moves variable 2 (starting at time 0.0) to array parameter A. Looping continues from array element A(1) with the index number incremented by one until the variable is filled. The number of loops may be controlled with the *VLEN command (except that loop skipping (NINC) is not allowed). For multi-dimensioned array parameters, only the first (row) subscript is incremented.

Main Menu >TimeHist Postpro >Table Operations >Variable to Par

Generates new volumes by "gluing" volumes.

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Numbers of the volumes to be glued. If NV1 = ALL, all selected volumes will be glued (NV2 to NV9 will be ignored). If NV1 = P, graphical picking is enabled and all remaining command fields are ignored (valid only in the GUI). A component name may also be substituted for NV1.

Generates new volumes by "gluing" input volumes. The glue operation redefines the input volumes so that they share areas along their common boundaries. The new volumes encompass the same geometry as the original volumes. This operation is only valid if the intersections of the input volumes are areas along the boundaries of those volumes. See the ANSYS Modeling and Meshing Guide for an illustration. See the BOPTN command for an explanation of the options available to Boolean operations. Element attributes and solid model boundary conditions assigned to the original entities will not be transferred to the new entities generated.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Operate >Glue >Volumes

Defines the viewing direction for the display.

GRAPHICS:Views

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Window number (or ALL) to which command applies (defaults to 1).

The object is viewed along the line from point XV,YV,ZV (in the global coordinate system) to the global coordinate system origin. For section displays, the cutting plane is assumed to be perpendicular to this line. If XV = WP, modify view to be normal to the currently defined working plane. Defaults to (0,0,1).

Notes

The view line is always normal to the screen. The view is selected by defining a point (in the global Cartesian coordinate system) representing a point along the viewing line. This point, and the global Cartesian coordinate system origin, define the line along which the object is viewed while looking toward the origin. Any point along the view line may be used, i.e., (1,1,1) and (2,2,2) give the same view. The display orientation may be changed as desired [/ANGLE]. The display coordinate system type may be changed (from Cartesian to cylindrical, spherical, toroidal, etc.) with the DSYS command.

This command is valid in any processor.

Utility Menu >PlotCtrls >Pan, Zoom, Rotate

Utility Menu >PlotCtrls >View Settings >Viewing Direction

Improves the quality of the tetrahedral elements in the selected volume(s).

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Number of the volume containing the tetrahedral elements to be improved. If VOL=ALL (default), improve the tetrahedral elements in all selected volumes. If VOL=P, graphical picking is enabled and all remaining command fields are ignored (valid only in the GUI). A component name may also be substituted for VOL.

Specifies whether to allow boundary modification. Boundary modification includes such things as changes in the connectivity of the element faces on the boundary and the addition of boundary nodes. (Also see the Notes section below for important usage information for CHGBND.)

0 - Do not allow boundary modification.

1 - Allow boundary modification (default).

Identifies the level of improvement to be performed on the elements. (Improvement occurs primarily through the use of face swapping and node smoothing techniques.)

0 - Perform the least amount of swapping/smoothing.

1 - Perform an intermediate amount of swapping/smoothing.

2 - Perform the greatest amount of swapping/smoothing.

3 - Perform the greatest amount of swapping/smoothing, plus additional improvement techniques (default).

VIMP is useful for further improving a volume mesh created in ANSYS [VMESH], especially quadratic tetrahedral element meshes.

The VIMP command enables you to improve a given tetrahedral mesh by reducing the number of poorly-shaped tetrahedral elements (in particular, the number of sliver tetrahedral elements)-as well as the overall number of elements-in the mesh. It also improves the overall quality of the mesh.

Regardless of the value of the CHGBND argument, boundary midnodes can be moved as long as you are not using p-method analysis. When CHGBND=0 and you are using p-method analysis, boundary midnodes cannot be moved. (ANSYS issues an error message if it would be necessary to move boundary midnodes in order to generate valid quadratic elements.)

When loads or constraints have been placed on boundary nodes or midnodes, and boundary midnodes are later moved, ANSYS issues a warning message to let you know that it will not update the loads or constraints.

Even when CHGBND=1, no boundary modification is performed on areas and lines that are not modifiable (for example, areas that are adjacent to other volumes or that contain shell elements, or lines that are not incident on modifiable areas, contain beam elements, or have line divisions specified for them [LESIZE]).

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Modify Mesh >Improve Tets >Volumes

Finds the pairwise intersection of volumes.

PREP7:Booleans

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Numbers of volumes to be intersected pairwise. If NV1 = ALL, NV2 to NV9 are ignored and the pairwise intersection of all selected volumes is found. If NV1 = P, graphical picking is enabled and all remaining command fields are ignored (valid only in the GUI). A component name may also be substituted for NV1.

Finds the pairwise intersection of volumes. The pairwise intersection is defined as all regions shared by any two or more volumes listed on this command. New volumes will be generated where the original volumes intersect pairwise. If the regions of pairwise intersection are only areas, new areas will be generated. See the ANSYS Modeling and Meshing Guide for an illustration. See the BOPTN command for an explanation of the options available to Boolean operations. Element attributes and solid model boundary conditions assigned to the original entities will not be transferred to the new entities generated.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Operate >Intersect >Volumes

Finds the intersection of volumes.

PREP7:Booleans

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Numbers of volumes to be intersected. If NV1 = ALL, NV2 to NV9 are ignored, and the intersection of all selected volumes is found. If NV1 = P, graphical picking is enabled and all remaining command fields are ignored (valid only in the GUI). A component name may also be substituted for NV1.

Finds the common (not pairwise) intersection of volumes. The common intersection is defined as the regions shared (in common) by all volumes listed on this command. New volumes will be generated where the original volumes intersect. If the regions of intersection are only areas, new areas will be generated instead. See the ANSYS Modeling and Meshing Guide for an illustration. See the BOPTN command for an explanation of the options available to Boolean operations. Element attributes and solid model boundary conditions assigned to the original entities will not be transferred to the new entities generated.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Operate >Intersect >Volumes

Forms an array parameter by interpolation of a table.

APDL:ArrayParameters

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The name of the resulting array parameter. See *SET for name restrictions. The parameter must exist as a dimensioned array [*DIM].

The name of the TABLE array parameter. The parameter must exist as a dimensioned array of type TABLE [*DIM].

Array parameter vector of I (row) index values for interpolation in ParT.

Array parameter vector of J (column) index values for interpolation in ParT (which must be at least two-dimensional).

Array parameter vector of K (depth) index values for interpolation in ParT (which must be three-dimensional).

Forms an array parameter (of type ARRAY) by interpolating values of an array parameter (of type TABLE) at specified table index locations according to:

where ParT is the type TABLE array parameter, and ParI, ParJ, ParK are the type ARRAY array parameter vectors of index values for interpolation in ParT. See the *DIM command for TABLE and ARRAY declaration types. Linear interpolation is used. Starting array element numbers must be defined for each array parameter. The starting array element number for the TABLE array (ParT) is not used (but a value must be input). For example, *VITRP,R(5),TAB(1,1),X(2),Y(4) uses the second element of X and the fourth element of Y as index values (row and column) for a two-dimensional interpolation in TAB and stores the result in the fifth element of R. Operations continue on successive array elements [*VLEN, *VMASK] with the default being all successive elements. Absolute values and scale factors may be applied to the result parameter [*VABS, *VFACT]. Results may be cumulative [*VCUM]. See the *VOPER command for details.

This command is valid in any processor.

Utility Menu >Parameters >Array Operations >Vector Interpolate

Specifies the number of rows to be used in array parameter operations.

APDL:ArrayParameters

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Number of rows to be used with the *V-- or *M-- operations. Defaults to the number of rows needed to fill the result array.

Perform the operation on every NINC row (defaults to 1).

Notes

Specifies the number of rows to be used in array parameter operations. The size of the submatrix used is determined from the upper left starting array element (defined on the operation command) to the lower right array element (defined by the number of rows on this command and the number of columns on the *VCOL command). NINC allows skipping row operations for some operation commands. Skipped rows are included in the row count. The starting row number must be defined on the operation command for each parameter read and for the result written.

The default NROW is calculated from the maximum number of rows of the result array (the *DIM row dimension) minus the starting location + 1. For example, *DIM,R,,10 and a starting location of R(7) gives a default of 4 loops (filling R(7), R(8), R(9), and R(10)). Repeat operations automatically terminate at the last row of the result array. Existing values in the rows and columns of the results matrix remain unchanged where not overwritten by the requested input or operation values.

The stride (NINC) allows operations to be performed at regular intervals. It has no effect on the total number of row operations. Skipped operations retain the previous result. For example, *DIM,R,,6, with a starting location of R(1), NROW=10, and NINC=2 calculates values for locations R(1), R(3), and R(5) and retains values for locations R(2), R(4), and R(6). A more general skip control may be done by masking [*VMASK]. The row control settings are reset to the defaults after each *V-- or *M-- operation. Use *VSTAT to list settings.

This command is valid in any processor.

Utility Menu >Parameters >Array Operations >Operation Settings

Lists the defined volumes.

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List volumes from NV1 to NV2 (defaults to NV1) in steps of NINC (defaults to 1). If NV1 = ALL (default), NV2 and NINC are ignored and all selected volumes [VSEL] are listed. If NV1 = P, graphical picking is enabled and all remaining command fields are ignored (valid only in the GUI). A component name may also be substituted for NV1 (NV2 and NINC are ignored).

An attribute (TYPE, MAT, REAL, or ESYS) listed as a zero is unassigned; one listed as a positive value indicates that the attribute was assigned with the VATT command (and will not be reset to zero if the mesh is cleared); one listed as a negative value indicates that the attribute was assigned using the attribute pointer [TYPE, MAT, REAL, or ESYS] that was active during meshing (and will be reset to zero if the mesh is cleared). A "-1" in the "nodes" column indicates that the volume has been meshed but there are no interior nodes. The volume size is listed only if a VSUM command has been performed on the volume.

This command is valid in any processor.

Utility Menu >List >Picked Entities >Volumes

Utility Menu >List >Volumes

Generates a scaled set of volumes from a pattern of volumes.

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Set of volumes (NV1 to NV2 in steps of NINC) that defines the pattern to be scaled. NV2 defaults to NV1, NINC defaults to 1. If NV1=ALL, NV2 and NINC are ignored and the pattern is defined by all selected volumes. If NV1 = P, graphical picking is enabled and all remaining command fields are ignored (valid only in the GUI). A component name may also be substituted for NV1 (NV2 and NINC are ignored).

Scale factors to be applied to the X, Y, and Z keypoint coordinates in active coordinate system (RR, R, RZ for cylindrical; RR, R, R for spherical). Note that the R and R scale factors are interpreted as angular offsets. For example, if CSYS=1, RX,RY,RZ input of (1.5,10,3) would scale the specified keypoints 1.5 times in the radial and 3 times in the Z direction, while adding an offset of 10 degrees to the keypoints. Zero, blank, or negative scale factor values are assumed to be 1.0. Zero or blank angular offsets have no effect.

Increment to be applied to keypoint numbers for generated set. If zero, the lowest available keypoint numbers will be assigned [NUMSTR].

Specifies whether nodes and elements are also to be generated:

0 - Nodes and elements associated with the original volumes will be generated (scaled) if they exist.

1 - Nodes and elements will not be generated.

Specifies whether volumes will be moved or newly defined:

0 - Additional volumes will be generated.

1 - Original volumes will be moved to new position (KINC and NOELEM are ignored). Use only if the old volumes are no longer needed at their original positions. Corresponding meshed items are also moved if not needed at their original position.

Generates a scaled set of volumes (and their corresponding keypoints, lines, areas, and mesh) from a pattern of volumes. The MAT, TYPE, REAL, and ESYS attributes are based on the volumes in the pattern and not the current settings. Scaling is done in the active coordinate system. Volumes in the pattern could have been generated in any coordinate system. However, solid modeling in a toroidal coordinate system is not recommended.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Operate >Scale >Volumes

Specifies an array parameter as a masking vector.

APDL:ArrayParameters

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Name of the mask parameter. The starting subscript must also be specified.

Notes

Specifies the name of the parameter whose values are to be checked for each resulting row operation. The mask vector usually contains only 0 (for false) and 1 (for true) values. For each row operation the corresponding mask vector value is checked. A true value allows the operation to be done. A false value skips the operation (and retains the previous results). A mask vector can be created from direct input, such as M(1)=1,0,0,1,1,0,1; or from the DATA function of the *VFILL command. The NOT function of the *VFUN command can be used to reverse the logical sense of the mask vector. The logical compare operations (LT, LE, EQ, NE, GE, and GT) of the *VOPER command also produce a mask vector by operating on two other vectors. Any numeric vector can be used as a mask vector since the actual interpretation assumes values less than 0.0 are 0.0 (false) and values greater than 0.0 are 1.0 (true). If the mask vector is not specified (or has fewer values than the result vector), true (1.0) values are assumed for the unspecified values. Another skip control may be input with NINC on the *VLEN command. If both are present, operations occur only when both are true. The mask setting is reset to the default (no mask) after each *V-- or *M-- operation. Use *VSTAT to list settings.

This command is valid in any processor.

Utility Menu >Parameters >Array Operations >Operation Settings

Generates nodes and volume elements within volumes.

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Mesh volumes from NV1 to NV2 (defaults to NV1) in steps of NINC (defaults to 1). If NV1 = ALL, NV2 and NINC are ignored and all selected volumes [VSEL] are meshed. If NV1 = P, graphical picking is enabled and all remaining command fields are ignored (valid only in the GUI). A component name may also be substituted for NV1 (NV2 and NINC are ignored).

Missing nodes required for the generated elements are created and assigned the lowest available numbers [NUMSTR]. During a batch run and if elements already exist, a mesh abort will write an alternative database file (File.DBE) for possible recovery.

Tetrahedral mesh expansion [MOPT,TETEXPND,Value] is supported for both the VMESH and FVMESH commands.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Mesh >Free

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Mesh >Mapped >4 to 6 sided

Generates a volume, offset from a given area.

PREP7:Volumes

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Area from which generated volume is to be offset. If NAREA = P, graphical picking is enabled and all remaining command fields are ignored (valid only in the GUI).

Distance normal to given area at which keypoints for generated volume are to be located. Positive normal is determined from the right-hand rule keypoint order.

Increment to be applied to the keypoint numbers between sets. If zero, keypoint numbers will be automatically assigned beginning with the lowest available value [NUMSTR].

Generates a volume (and its corresponding keypoints, lines, and areas) by offsetting from an area. The direction of the offset varies with the given area normal. End slopes of the generated lines remain the same as those of the given pattern.

If element attributes have been associated with the input area via the AATT command, the opposite area generated by the VOFFST operation will also have those attributes (i.e., the element attributes from the input area are copied to the opposite area). Note that only the area opposite the input area will have the same attributes as the input area; the areas adjacent to the input area will not.

If the areas are meshed or belong to meshed volumes, a 3-D mesh can be extruded with this command. Note that the NDIV argument on the ESIZE command should be set before extruding the meshed areas.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Operate >Extrude / Sweep >Along Normal

Specifies "Volumes" as the subsequent status topic.

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This is a status [STAT] topic command. Status topic commands are generated by the GUI and appear in the log file (Jobname.LOG) if status is requested for some items by choosing Utility Menu>List>Status. This command will be immediately followed by a STAT command, which will report the status for the specified topic.

If entered directly into the program, the STAT command should immediately follow this command.

This command cannot be accessed directly in the menu.

Operates on two array parameters.

APDL:ArrayParameters

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The name of the resulting array parameter vector. See *SET for name restrictions. The parameter must exist as a dimensioned array [*DIM].

First array parameter vector in the operation. May also be a scalar parameter or a literal constant.

Operations:

ADD - Addition: Par1+Par2.

SUB - Subtraction: Par1-Par2.

MULT - Multiplication: Par1*Par2.

DIV - Division: Par1/Par2 (a divide by zero results in a value of zero).

MIN - Minimum: minimum of Par1 and Par2.

MAX - Maximum: maximum of Par1 and Par2.

LT - Less than comparison: Par1<Par2 gives 1.0 if true, 0.0 if false.

LE - Less than or equal comparison: Par1Par2 gives 1.0 if true, 0.0 if false.

EQ - Equal comparison: Par1=Par2 gives 1.0 if true, 0.0 if false.

NE - Not equal comparison: Par1Par2 gives 1.0 if true, 0.0 if false.

GE - Greater than or equal comparison: Par1Par2 gives 1.0 if true, 0.0 if false.

GT - Greater than comparison: Par1>Par2 gives 1.0 if true, 0.0 if false.

DER1 - First derivative: d(Par1)/d(Par2). The derivative at a point is determined over points half way between the previous and next points (by linear interpolation).

DER2 - Second derivative: d²(Par1)/d(Par2)². See also DER1.

INT1 - Single integral: Par1 d(Par2), where CON1 is the integration constant. The integral at a point is determined by using the single integration procedure described in Section 18.1 of the ANSYS Theory Reference.

INT2 - Double integral: Par1 d(Par2), where CON1 is the integration constant of the first integral and CON2 is the integration constant of the second integral. If Par1 contains acceleration data, CON1 is the initial velocity and CON2 is the initial displacement. See also INT1.

DOT - Dot product: Par1 ^. Par2. Par1 and Par2 must each have three consecutive columns of data, with the columns containing the i, j, and k vector components, respectively. Only the starting row index and the column index for the i components are specified for Par1 and Par2, such as A(1,1). The j and k components of the vector are assumed to begin in the corresponding next columns, such as A(1,2) and A(1,3).

CROSS - Cross product: Par1 x Par2. Par1, Par2, and ParR must each have 3 components, respectively. Only the starting row index and the column index for the i components are specified for Par1, Par2, and ParR, such as A(1,1). The j and k components of the vector are assumed to begin in the corresponding next columns, such as A(1,2) and A(1,3).

GATH - Gather: For a vector of position numbers, Par2, copy the value of Par1 at each position number to ParR. Example: for Par1=10,20,30,40 and Par2=2,4,1; ParR=20,40,10.

SCAT - Scatter: Opposite of GATH operation. For a vector of position numbers, Par2, copy the value of Par1 to that position number in ParR. Example: for Par1=10,20,30,40,50 and Par2=2,1,0,5,3; ParR=20,10,50,0,40.

Second array parameter vector in the operation. May also be a scalar parameter or a literal constant.

First constant (used only with the INT1 and INT2 operations).

Second constant (used only with the INT2 operation).

Operates on two input array parameter vectors and produces one output array parameter vector according to:

where the operations (o) are described below. ParR may be the same as Par1 or Par2. Absolute values and scale factors may be applied to all parameters [*VABS, *VFACT]. Results may be cumulative [*VCUM]. Starting array element numbers must be defined for each array parameter vector, such as *VOPER,A(1),B(5),ADD,C(3) which adds the third element of C to the fifth element of B and stores the result in the first element of A. Operations continue on successive array elements [*VLEN, *VMASK] with the default being all successive elements. Skipping array elements via *VMASK or *VLEN for the DER_ and INT_ functions skips only the writing of the results (skipped array element data are used in all calculations).

Parameter functions and operations are available to operate on a scalar parameter or a single element of an array parameter, such as SQRT(B) or SQRT(A(4)). See the *SET command for details. Operations on a sequence of array elements can be done by repeating the desired function or operation in a do-loop [*DO]. The vector operations within the ANSYS program (*V--- commands) are internally programmed do-loops that conveniently perform the indicated operation over a sequence of array elements. If the array is multi-dimensional, only the first subscript is incremented in the do-loop, that is, the operation repeats in column vector fashion "down" the array. For example, for A(1,5), A(2,5), A(3,5), etc. The starting location of the row index must be defined for each parameter read and for the result written.

The default number of loops is from the starting result location to the last result location and can be altered with the *VLEN command. A logical mask vector may be defined to control at which locations the operations are to be skipped [*VMASK]. The default is to skip no locations. Repeat operations automatically terminate at the last array element of the result array column if the number of loops is undefined or if it exceeds the last result array element. Zeroes are used in operations for values read beyond the last array element of an input array column. Existing values in the rows and columns of the results matrix remain unchanged where not changed by the requested operation values. The result array column may be the same as the input array column since results in progress are stored in a temporary array until being moved to the results array at the end of the operation. Results may be overwritten or accumulated with the existing results [*VCUM]. The default is to overwrite results. The absolute value may be used for each parameter read or written [*VABS]. A scale factor (defaulting to 1.0) is also applied to each parameter read and written [*VFACT].

This command is valid in any processor.

Utility Menu >Parameters >Array Operations >Vector Operations

Overlaps volumes.

PREP7:Booleans

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Numbers of volumes to be operated on. If NV1 = ALL, NV2 to NV9 are ignored and all selected volumes are used. If NV1 = P, graphical picking is enabled and all remaining command fields are ignored (valid only in the GUI). A component name may also be substituted for NV1.

Overlaps volumes. Generates new volumes which encompass the geometry of all the input volumes. The new volumes are defined by the regions of intersection of the input volumes, and by the complementary (non-intersecting) regions. See the ANSYS Modeling and Meshing Guide for an illustration. This operation is only valid when the region of intersection is a volume. See the BOPTN command for an explanation of the options available to Boolean operations. Element attributes and solid model boundary conditions assigned to the original entities will not be transferred to the new entities generated.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Operate >Overlap >Volumes

Graphs columns (vectors) of array parameters.

APDL:ArrayParameters

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Name of the array parameter whose column vector values will be the abscissa of the graph. If blank, row subscript numbers are used instead. ParX is not sorted by the program.

Name of the array parameter whose column vector values will be graphed against the ParX values.

Additional column subscript of the ParY array parameter whose values are to be graphed against the ParX values.

The column to be graphed and the starting row for each array parameter must be specified as subscripts. Additional columns of the ParY array parameter may be graphed by specifying column numbers for Y2, Y3,...,Y8. For example, *VPLOT,TIME (4,6), DISP (8,1),2,3 specifies that the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd columns of array parameter DISP (all starting at row 8) are to be graphed against the 6th column of array parameter TIME (starting at row 4). The columns will be graphed from the starting row to their maximum extent. See the *VLEN and *VMASK commands to limit or skip data to be graphed. The array parameters specified on the *VPLOT command must be of the same type (type ARRAY or TABLE; [*DIM]. Arrays of type TABLE will be graphed as continuous curves. Arrays of type ARRAY will be displayed in bar chart fashion.

This command is valid in any processor.

Utility Menu >Plot >Array Parameters

Displays the selected volumes.

PREP7:Volumes

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Display volumes from NV1 to NV2 (defaults to NV1) in steps of NINC (defaults to 1). If NV1 = ALL (default), NV2 and NINC are ignored and all selected volumes [VSEL] are displayed.

Degeneracy marker:

<blank> - No degeneracy marker is used (default).

DEGE - A red star is placed on keypoints at degeneracies (see the ANSYS Modeling and Meshing Guide). Not available if /FACET,WIRE is set.

Scale factor for the size of the degeneracy-marker star. The scale is the size in window space (-1 to 1 in both directions) (defaults to .075).

Displays selected volumes. (Only volumes having areas within the selected area set [ASEL] will be plotted.) This command is also a utility command, valid anywhere. The degree of tessellation used to plot the volumes is set through the /FACET command.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Check Geom >Show Degeneracy >Plot Degen Volus

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Operate >Show Degeneracy >Plot Degen Volus

Utility Menu >Plot >Specified Entities >Volumes

Utility Menu >Plot >Volumes

Partitions volumes.

PREP7:Booleans

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Numbers of volumes to be operated on. If NV1 = ALL, NV2 to NV9 are ignored and all selected volumes are used. If NV1 = P, graphical picking is enabled and all remaining command fields are ignored (valid only in the GUI). A component name may also be substituted for NV1.

Partitions volumes. Generates new volumes which encompass the geometry of all the input volumes. The new volumes are defined by the regions of intersection of the input volumes, and by the complementary (non-intersecting) regions. See the ANSYS Modeling and Meshing Guide for an illustration. See the BOPTN command for an explanation of the options available to Boolean operations. Element attributes and solid model boundary conditions assigned to the original entities will not be transferred to the new entities generated.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Operate >Partition >Volumes

Restores array parameter values into the ANSYS database.

APDL:ArrayParameters

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The name of the input vector array parameter. See *SET for name restrictions. The parameter must exist as a dimensioned array [*DIM] with data input.

Entity keyword. Valid keywords are shown for Entity= in the table below.

The number of the entity (as shown for ENTNUM= in the table below).

The name of a particular item for the given entity. Valid items are as shown in the Item1 columns of the table below.

The number (or label) for the specified Item1 (if any). Valid IT1NUM values are as shown in the IT1NUM columns of the table below. Some Item1 labels do not require an IT1NUM value.

A second set of item labels and numbers to further qualify the item for which data is to be stored. Most items do not require this level of information.

Field to be looped on:

0 or 2 - Loop on the ENTNUM field (default).

3 - Loop on the Item1 field.

4 - Loop on the IT1NUM field. Successive items are as shown with IT1NUM.

5 - Loop on the Item2 field.

6 - Loop on the IT2NUM field. Successive items are as shown with IT2NUM.

This operation is basically the inverse of the *VGET operation. Vector items are put directly (without any coordinate system transformation) into the ANSYS database. Items can only replace existing items of the database and not create new items. Degree of freedom results that are replaced in the database are available for all subsequent postprocessing operations. Other results are changed temporarily and are available mainly for the immediately following print and display operations. The vector specification *VCUM does not apply to this command. The valid labels for the location fields (Entity,---IT1NUM) are listed below. Item2 and IT2NUM are not currently used. Not all items from the *VGET list are allowed on *VPUT since putting values into some locations could cause the database to be inconsistent.

This command is valid in any processor.

Utility Menu >Parameters >Array Operations >Put Array Data

Moves an array parameter vector into a variable.

POST26:SpecialPurpose

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Array parameter vector in the operation.

Arbitrary reference number assigned to this variable (1 to NV [NUMVAR]). Overwrites any existing results for this variable.

Time (or frequency) corresponding to start of IR data. If between values, the nearer value is used.

Complex number key:

0 - Use the real part of the IR data.

1 - Use the imaginary part of the IR data.

At least one variable should be defined (NSOL, ESOL, RFORCE, etc.) before using this command. The starting array element number must be defined. For example, VPUT,A(1),2 moves array parameter A to variable 2 starting at time 0.0. Looping continues from array element A(1) with the index number incremented by one until the variable is filled. Unfilled variable locations are assigned a zero value. The number of loops may be controlled with the *VLEN command (except that loop skipping (NINC) is not allowed). For multi-dimensioned array parameters, only the first (row) subscript is incremented.

Main Menu >TimeHist Postpro >Table Operations >Parameter to Var

Reads data and produces an array parameter vector or matrix.

APDL:Parameters

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The name of the resulting array parameter vector. See *SET for name restrictions. The parameter must exist as a dimensioned array [*DIM].

File name (32 characters maximum) to be read. If the file name fields are left blank, reading continues from the current input device, such as the terminal.

File name extension (8 characters maximum).

Directory name (64 characters maximum). Defaults to current directory.

Number of columns of matrix to fill. Required for reading in matrices. Defaults to 1.

Reads data from a file and fills in an array parameter vector or matrix. Data are read from a formatted file or, if the menu is off [/MENU,OFF] and Fname is blank, from the next input lines. The format of the data to be read must be input immediately following the *VREAD command. The format specifies the number of fields to be read per record, the field width, and the placement of the decimal point (if none specified in the value). The read operation follows the available FORTRAN FORMAT conventions of the system (see your system FORTRAN manual). Any standard FORTRAN real format (such as (4F6.0), (E10.3,2X,D8.2), etc.) or alphanumeric format (A) may be used. Integer (I) and list-directed (*) descriptors may not be used. The parentheses must be included in the format and the format must not exceed 80 characters (including parentheses). The input line length is limited to 128 characters.

A starting array element number must be defined for the result array parameter vector (numeric or character). For example, entering these two lines:

 *VREAD,A(1),ARRAYVAL
(2F6.0) 

will read two values from each line of file ARRAYVAL and assign the values to A(1), A(2), A(3), etc. Reading continues until successive row elements [*VLEN, *VMASK, *DIM] are filled.

For an array parameter matrix, a starting array element row and column number must be defined. For example, entering these two lines:

 *VREAD,A(1,1),ARRAYVAL,,,2
(2F6.0) 

will read two values from each line of file ARRAYVAL and assign the values to A(1.1), A(2,1), A(3,1), etc. Reading continues until successive row elements are filled. Once the maximum row number is reached, subsequent data will be read into the next column (e.g., A(1,2), A(2,2), A(3,2), etc.)

For numerical parameters, absolute values and scale factors may be applied to the result parameter [*VABS, *VFACT]. Results may be cumulative [*VCUM]. See the *VOPER command for details. If you are in the GUI the *VREAD command must be contained in an externally prepared file read into the ANSYS program (i.e., *USE, /INPUT,etc.).

This command is valid in any processor.

Utility Menu >Parameters >Array Parameters >Read from File

Generates cylindrical volumes by rotating an area pattern about an axis.

PREP7:Volumes

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List of areas in the pattern to be rotated (6 maximum if using keyboard entry). Areas must lie to one side of, and in the plane of, the axis of rotation. If NA1 = P, graphical picking is enabled and all remaining command fields are ignored (valid only in the GUI). If NA1=ALL, all selected areas will define the pattern to be rotated. A component name may also be substituted for NA1.

Keypoints defining the axis about which the area pattern is to be rotated.

Arc length (in degrees). Positive follows right-hand rule about PAX1-PAX2 vector. Defaults to 360.

Number of volumes (8 maximum) around circumference. Defaults to minimum required for 90° (maximum) arcs, i.e., 4 for 360°, 3 for 270°, etc.

Generates cylindrical volumes (and their corresponding keypoints, lines, and areas) by rotating an area pattern (and its associated line and keypoint patterns) about an axis. Keypoint patterns are generated at regular angular locations (based on a maximum spacing of 90°). Line patterns are generated at the keypoint patterns. Arc lines are also generated to connect the keypoints circumferentially. Keypoint, line, area, and volume numbers are automatically assigned (beginning with the lowest available values). Adjacent lines use a common keypoint, adjacent areas use a common line, and adjacent volumes use a common area.

To generate a single volume with an arc greater than 180° , NSEG must be greater than or equal to 2.

If element attributes have been associated with the input area via the AATT command, the opposite area generated by the VROTAT operation will also have those attributes (i.e., the element attributes from the input area are copied to the opposite area). Note that only the area opposite the input area will have the same attributes as the input area; the areas adjacent to the input area will not.

If the given areas are meshed or belong to meshed volumes, the 2-D mesh can be rotated (extruded) to a 3-D mesh. See the ANSYS Modeling and Meshing Guide for more information. Note that the NDIV argument on the ESIZE command should be set before extruding the meshed areas.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Operate >Extrude / Sweep >About Axis

Subtracts areas from volumes.

PREP7:Booleans

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Volume (or volumes, if picking is used) to be subtracted from. If ALL, use all selected volumes. If P, graphical picking is enabled (valid only in the GUI) and remaining fields are ignored. A component name may also be substituted for NV.

Area (or areas, if picking is used) to subtract. If ALL, use all selected areas. A component name may also be substituted for NA.

Behavior of the touching boundary:

<blank> - The resulting volumes will share area(s) where they touch.

SEPO - The resulting volumes will have separate, but coincident area(s) where they touch.

Specifies whether NV volumes are to be deleted:

<blank> - Use the setting of KEEP on the BOPTN command.

DELETE - Delete NV volumes after VSBA operation (override BOPTN command settings).

KEEP - Keep NV volumes after VSBA operation (override BOPTN command settings).

Specifies whether NA areas are to be deleted:

<blank> - Use the setting of KEEP on the BOPTN command.

DELETE - Delete NA areas after VSBA operation (override BOPTN command settings).

KEEP - Keep NA areas after VSBA operation (override BOPTN command settings).

Generates new volumes by subtracting the regions common to both the volumes and areas (the intersection) from the NV volumes. The intersection will be an area(s). If SEPO is blank, the volume is divided at the area and the resulting volumes will be connected, sharing a common area where they touch. If SEPO is set to SEPO, the volume is divided into two unconnected volumes with separate areas where they touch. See the ANSYS Modeling and Meshing Guide for an illustration. See the BOPTN command for an explanation of the options available to Boolean operations. Element attributes and solid model boundary conditions assigned to the original entities will not be transferred to the new entities generated.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Operate >Divide >Volume by Area

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Operate >Divide >With Options >Volume by Area

Subtracts volumes from volumes.

PREP7:Booleans

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Volume (or volumes, if picking is used) to be subtracted from. If ALL, use all selected volumes. Volumes specified in this argument are not available for use in the NV2 argument. If P, graphical picking is enabled (valid only in the GUI) and remaining fields are ignored. A component name may also be substituted for NV1.

Volume (or volumes, if picking is used) to subtract. If ALL, use all selected volumes (except those included in the NV1 argument). A component name may also be substituted for NV2.

Behavior if the intersection of the NV1 volumes and the NV2 volumes is an area or areas:

<blank> - The resulting volumes will share area(s) where they touch.

SEPO - The resulting volumes will have separate, but coincident area(s) where they touch.

Specifies whether NV1 volumes are to be deleted:

<blank> - Use the setting of BKEEP on the BOPTN command.

DELETE - Delete NV1 volumes after VSBV operation (override BOPTN command settings).

KEEP - Keep NV1 volumes after VSBV operation (override BOPTN command settings).

Specifies whether NV2 volumes are to be deleted:

<blank> - Use the setting of BKEEP on the BOPTN command.

DELETE - Delete NV2 volumes after VSBV operation (override BOPTN command settings).

KEEP - Keep NV2 volumes after VSBV operation (override BOPTN command settings).

Generates new volumes by subtracting the regions common to both NV1 and NV2 volumes (the intersection) from the NV1 volumes. The intersection can be an volume(s) or area(s). If the intersection is an area and SEPO is blank, the NV1 volume is divided at the area and the resulting volumes will be connected, sharing a common area where they touch. If SEPO is set to SEPO, NV1 is divided into two unconnected volumes with separate areas where they touch. See the ANSYS Modeling and Meshing Guide for an illustration. See the BOPTN command for an explanation of the options available to Boolean operations. Element attributes and solid model boundary conditions assigned to the original entities will not be transferred to the new entities generated. VSBV,ALL,ALL will have no effect since all the volumes (in NV1) will be unavailable as NV2 volumes.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Operate >Subtract >Volumes

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Operate >Subtract >With Options >Volumes

Menu Paths (IGES Only)

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Operate >Volumes

Subtracts intersection of the working plane from volumes (divides volumes).

PREP7:Booleans

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Volume (or volumes, if picking is used) to be subtracted from. If NV=ALL, use all selected volumes. If NV=P, graphical picking is enabled (valid only in the GUI). A component name may also be input for NV.

Behavior of the created boundary.

<blank> - The resulting volumes will share area(s) where they touch.

SEPO - The resulting volumes will have separate, but coincident area(s).

Specifies whether NV volumes are to be deleted.

<blank> - Use the setting of BKEEP on the BOPTN command.

DELETE - Delete NV volumes after VSBW operation (override BOPTN command settings).

KEEP - Keep NV volumes after VSBW operation (override BOPTN command settings).

Generates new volumes by subtracting the intersection of the working plane from the NV volumes. The intersection will be an area(s). If SEPO is blank, the volume is divided at the area and the resulting volumes will be connected, sharing a common area where they touch. If SEPO is set to SEPO, the volume is divided into two unconnected volumes with separate areas. See the ANSYS Modeling and Meshing Guide for an illustration. See the BOPTN command for an explanation of the options available to Boolean operations. Element attributes and solid model boundary conditions assigned to the original entities will not be transferred to the new entities generated.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Operate >Divide >Volu by WrkPlane

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Operate >Divide >With Options >Volu by WrkPlane

Menu Paths (IGES Only)

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Operate >Volu by WrkPlane

Scales the length of displayed vectors.

GRAPHICS:Scaling

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Window number (or ALL) to which command applies (defaults to 1).

Ratio value applied to the automatically calculated scale factor (defaults to 1.0, i.e., use scale factor as automatically calculated).

Relative scaling key:

0 - Use relative length scaling among vectors based on magnitudes.

1 - Use uniform length scaling for all vector lengths.

Notes

Allows scaling of the vector length displayed with the PLVECT command of POST1 and the /PBC and /PSF commands. Also allows the scaling of the element (i.e. /PSYMB,ESYS) and the nodal (i.e. /PSYMB,NDIR) coordinate system symbols.

This command is valid in any processor.

Main Menu >General Postproc >Plot Results >Predefined

Utility Menu >Plot >Results >Vector Plot

Utility Menu >PlotCtrls >Style >Vector Arrow Scaling

Determines properties of an array parameter.

APDL:ArrayParameters

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The name of the resulting scalar parameter. See *SET for name restrictions.

Functions:

MAX - Maximum: the maximum Par1 array element value.

MIN - Minimum: the minimum Par1 array element value.

LMAX - Index location of the maximum Par1 array element value. Array Par1 is searched starting from its specified index.

LMIN - Index location of the minimum Par1 array element value. Array Par1 is searched starting from its specified index.

FIRST - Index location of the first nonzero value in array Par1. Array Par1 is searched starting from its specified index.

LAST - Index location of the last nonzero value in array Par1. Array Par1 is searched starting from its specified index.

SUM - Sum: Par1 (the summation of the Par1 array element values).

MEDI - Median: value of Par1 at which there are an equal number of values above and below.

MEAN - Mean: ( Par1)/NUM, where NUM is the number of summed values.

VARI - Variance: ( ((Par1-MEAN)**2))/NUM.

STDV - Standard deviation: square root of VARI.

RMS - Root-mean-square: square root of ( (Par1**2))/NUM.

NUM - Number: the number of summed values (masked values are not counted).

Array parameter vector in the operation.

Operates on one input array parameter vector and produces one output scalar parameter according to:

where the functions (f) are described below. The starting array element number must be defined for the array parameter vector. For example, *VSCFUN,MU,MEAN,A(1) finds the mean of the A vector values, starting from the first value and stores the result as parameter MU. Operations use successive array elements [*VLEN, *VMASK] with the default being all successive array elements. Absolute values and scale factors may be applied to all parameters [*VABS, *VFACT]. Results may be cumulative [*VCUM]. See the *VOPER command for details.

This command is valid in any processor.

Utility Menu >Parameters >Array Operations >Vector-Scalar Func

Selects a subset of volumes.

DATABASE:Selecting

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Label identifying the type of volume select:

S - Select a new set (default).

R - Reselect a set from the current set.

A - Additionally select a set and extend the current set.

U - Unselect a set from the current set.

ALL - Restore the full set.

NONE - Unselect the full set.

INVE - Invert the current set (selected becomes unselected and vice versa).

STAT - Display the current select status.

The following fields are used only with Type=S,R,A, or U:

Label identifying data. Valid item labels are shown in the table below. Some items also require a component label. If Item=P, graphical picking is enabled and all remaining command fields are ignored (valid only in the GUI). Defaults to VOLU.

Component of the item (if required). Valid component labels are shown in the table below.

Minimum value of item range. Ranges are volume numbers, coordinate values, attribute numbers, etc., as appropriate for the item. A component name (as specified on the CM command) may also be substituted for VMIN (VMAX and VINC are ignored). If Item = MAT, TYPE, REAL, or ESYS and if VMIN is positive, the absolute value of Item is compared against the range for selection; if VMIN is negative, the signed value of Item is compared. See the VLIST command for a discussion of signed attributes.

Maximum value of item range. VMAX defaults to VMIN. If VMAX = VMIN , a tolerance of 0.005xVMIN is used, or 1.0E-6 if VMIN=0.0. If VMAX VMIN, a tolerance of 1.0E-8x(VMAX-VMIN) is used.

Value increment within range. Used only with integer ranges (such as for volume numbers). Defaults to 1. VINC cannot be negative.

Specifies whether only volumes are to be selected:

0 - Select volumes only.

1 - Select volumes, as well as keypoints, lines, areas, nodes, and elements associated with selected volumes. Valid only with Type=S.

Notes

Selects volumes based on values of a labeled item and component. For example, to select a new set of volumes based on volume numbers 1 through 7, use VSEL,S,VOLU,,1,7. The subset is used when the ALL label is entered (or implied) on other commands, such as VLIST,ALL. Only data identified by volume number are selected. Data are flagged as selected and unselected; no data are actually deleted from the database.

This command is valid in any processor.

Utility Menu >Select >Entities

Selects those volumes containing the selected areas.

DATABASE:Selecting

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Label identifying the type of volume select:

S - Select a new set (default).

R - Reselect a set from the current set.

A - Additionally select a set and extend the current set.

U - Unselect a set from the current set.

Specifies whether all contained volume areas must be selected [ASEL]:

0 - Select volume if any of its areas are in the selected area set.

1 - Select volume only if all of its areas are in the selected area set.

This command is valid in any processor.

Utility Menu >Select >Entities

Lists the current specifications for the array parameters.

APDL:ArrayParameters

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Lists the current specifications for the *VABS, *VCOL, *VCUM, *VFACT, *VLEN, and *VMASK commands.

This command is valid in any processor.

This command cannot be accessed directly in the menu.

Calculates and prints geometry statistics of the selected volumes.

PREP7:Volumes

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Controls the degree of tessellation used in the calculation of area properties. If LAB = DEFAULT, area calculations will use the degree of tessellation set through the /FACET command. If LAB = FINE, area calculations are based on a finer tessellation.

Calculates and prints geometry statistics (volume, centroid location, moments of inertia, etc.) associated with the selected volumes. Geometry items are reported in the global Cartesian coordinate system. A unit density is assumed unless the volumes have a material association via the VATT command. Items calculated by VSUM and later retrieved by a *GET or *VGET command are valid only if the model is not modified after the VSUM command is issued.

Setting a finer degree of tessellation will provide area calculations with greater accuracy, especially for thin, hollow models. However, using a finer degree of tessellation requires longer processing.

For very thin volumes, such that the ratio of the minimum to the maximum dimension is less than 0.01, the VSUM command can provide erroneous volume information. To ensure that such calculations are accurate, make certain that you subdivide such volumes so that the ratio of the minimum to the maximum is at least 0.05.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Operate >Calc Geom Items >Of Volumes

Fills an existing unmeshed volume with elements by sweeping the mesh from an adjacent area throughout the volume.

PREP7:Meshing

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Number identifying the volume that is to be filled with elements. If VNUM=P, graphical picking is enabled and all remaining command fields are ignored (valid only in the GUI). This argument is required.

Number identifying the source area. This is the area whose mesh will provide the pattern for the volume elements. (If you do not mesh the source area prior to volume sweeping, ANSYS meshes it internally when you initiate volume sweeping.) ANSYS sweeps the pattern of the area elements through the volume to create the mesh of volume elements. You cannot substitute a component name for SRCA. The SRCA argument is required unless VNUM=P.

Number identifying the target area. This is the area that is opposite the source area specified by SRCA. You cannot substitute a component name for TRGA. The TRGA argument is required unless VNUM=P.

Value specifying whether ANSYS should perform line smoothing during volume sweeping. (The value of this argument controls line smoothing for the VSWEEP command only; it has no effect on the setting of the MOPT command's LSMO option.) This argument is optional.

0 Do not perform line smoothing. This is the default.

1 Always perform line smoothing. This setting is not recommended for large models due to speed considerations.

If the source mesh consists of quadrilateral elements, ANSYS fills the volume with hexahedral elements. If the source mesh consists of triangles, ANSYS fills the volume with wedges. If the source mesh consists of a combination of quadrilaterals and triangles, ANSYS fills the volume with a combination of hexahedral and wedge elements.

In the past, you may have used the VROTAT, VEXT, VOFFST, and/or VDRAG commands to extrude a meshed area into a meshed volume. However, those commands create the volume and the volume mesh simultaneously. In contrast, the VSWEEP command is intended for use in an existing unmeshed volume. This makes VSWEEP particularly useful when you have imported a solid model that was created in another program, and you want to mesh it in ANSYS.

For related information, see the description of the EXTOPT command, as well as the detailed discussion of volume sweeping in Chapter 7 of the ANSYS Modeling and Meshing Guide.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Mesh >Sweep

Generates volumes from a volume pattern by symmetry reflection.

PREP7:Volumes

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Symmetry key:

X - X symmetry (default).

Y - Y symmetry.

Z - Z symmetry.

Reflect volumes from pattern beginning with NV1 to NV2 (defaults to NV1) in steps of NINC (defaults to 1). If NV1 = ALL, NV2 and NINC are ignored and the pattern is all selected volumes [VSEL]. If Ncomp = P, graphical picking is enabled and all remaining command fields are ignored (valid only in the GUI). A component name may also be substituted for NV1 (NV2 and NINC are ignored).

Keypoint increment between sets. If zero, the lowest available keypoint numbers are assigned [NUMSTR].

Specifies whether nodes and elements are also to be generated:

0 - Generate nodes and elements associated with the original volumes, if they exist.

1 - Do not generate nodes and elements.

Specifies whether volumes will be moved or newly defined:

0 - Generate additional volumes.

1 - Move original volumes to new position retaining the same keypoint numbers (KINC and NOELM are ignored). Corresponding meshed items are also moved if not needed at their original position.

Generates a reflected set of volumes (and their corresponding keypoints, lines, areas and mesh) from a given volume pattern by a symmetry reflection (see analogous node symmetry command, NSYM). The MAT, TYPE, REAL, and ESYS attributes are based upon the volumes in the pattern and not upon the current settings. Reflection is done in the active coordinate system by changing a particular coordinate sign. The active coordinate system must be a Cartesian system. Volumes in the pattern may have been generated in any coordinate system. However, solid modeling in a toroidal coordinate system is not recommended. Volumes are generated as described in the VGEN command.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Reflect >Volumes

Transfers a pattern of volumes to another coordinate system.

PREP7:Volumes

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Reference number of coordinate system where the pattern is to be transferred. Transfer occurs from the active coordinate system. The coordinate system type and parameters of KCNTO must be the same as the active system.

Transfer volumes from pattern beginning with NV1 to NV2 (defaults to NV1) in steps of NINC (defaults to 1). If NV1 = ALL, NV2 and NINC are ignored and the pattern is all selected volumes [VSEL]. If NV1 = P, graphical picking is enabled and all remaining command fields are ignored (valid only in the GUI). A component name may also be substituted for NV1 (NV2 and NINC are ignored).

Keypoint increment between sets. If zero, the lowest available keypoint numbers are assigned [NUMSTR].

Specifies whether elements and nodes are also to be generated:

0 - Generate nodes and elements associated with the original volumes, if they exist.

1 - Do not generate nodes and elements.

Specifies whether to redefine the existing volumes:

0 - Generate additional volumes.

1 - Move original volumes to new position retaining the same keypoint numbers (KINC and NOELM are ignored). Corresponding meshed items are also moved if not needed at their original position.

Transfers a pattern of volumes (and their corresponding keypoints, lines, areas and mesh) from one coordinate system to another (see analogous node transfer command, TRANSFER). The MAT, TYPE, REAL, and ESYS attributes are based upon the volumes in the pattern and not upon the current settings. Coordinate systems may be translated and rotated relative to each other. Initial pattern may be generated in any coordinate system. However, solid modeling in a toroidal coordinate system is not recommended. Coordinate and slope values are interpreted in the active coordinate system and are transferred directly. Volumes are generated as described in the VGEN command.

Main Menu >Preprocessor >Move / Modify >Transfer Coord >Volumes

Specifies the viewing procedure used to determine the form factors.

AUX12:RadiationSubstructures

	Mp Me St -- -- Th -- -- -- PP ED

Type of viewing procedure:

0 - Hidden procedure.

1 - Non-hidden (faster, but less general) procedure.

Number of sampling zones for the hidden procedure (100 maximum for 3-D, 1000 maximum for 2-D). Defaults to 20 for 3-D, 200 for 2-D. Number of points is 2*NZONE for 2-D and 2*NZONE*(NZONE+1) for 3-D.

Menu Paths

Main Menu >Radiation Matrix >Write Matrix

Specifies the global Cartesian coordinate system reference orientation.

GRAPHICS:Views

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Window number (or ALL) to which command applies (defaults to 1).

Orientation:

Y - Y vertical upward, X horizontal to the right, Z out from the screen (default).

-Y - Y vertical downward, X horizontal to the left, Z out from the screen.

X - X vertical upward, Y horizontal to the left, Z out from the screen.

-X - X vertical downward, Y horizontal to the right, Z out from the screen.

Z - Z vertical upward, Y horizontal to the right, X out from the screen. With this choice, you should use a view other than the /VIEW default of (0,0,1).

-Z - Z vertical downward, Y horizontal to the left, X out from the screen. With this choice, you should use a view other than the /VIEW default of (0,0,1).

Notes

Specifies the global Cartesian coordinate system reference orientation. The /VIEW and /ANGLE commands may be used to reorient the view and are relative to this reference orientation. All coordinate systems are right-handed.

This command is valid in any processor.

Utility Menu >PlotCtrls >View Settings >Viewing Direction

Writes data to a file in a formatted sequence.

APDL:ArrayParameters

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Up to 10 parameters (or constants) may be written at a time. Any Par values after a blank Par value are ignored. If all are blank, one line will be written (to write a title or a blank line). If the keyword SEQU is input, a sequence of numbers (starting from 1) will be written for that item.

Writes data to a file in a formatted sequence. Data items (Par1, Par2, etc.) may be array parameters, scalar parameters, character parameters (scalar or array), or constants. Expressions and functions in the data item fields should be evaluated to array parameters prior to using the *VWRITE command, since they will otherwise be initially evaluated to a constant and remain constant throughout the operation. Data are written to the standard output file unless a file is defined with the *CFOPEN command, then output is written to that file. Data written to the standard output file may be diverted to a different file by first switching the current output file with the /OUTPUT command.

Format descriptors, enclosed within parentheses, must immediately follow the *VWRITE command on a separate line of the same input file. The word FORMAT should not be included. The format must specify the number of fields to be written per line, the field width, the placement of the decimal point, etc. There should be one field descriptor for each data item written. The write operation uses the available FORTRAN FORMAT conventions of the system (see your system FORTRAN manual). Any standard FORTRAN real format (such as (4F6.0), (E10.3,2X,D8.2), etc.) and character format (A) may be used. Integer (I) and list-directed (*) descriptors may not be used. Text may be included in the format as a quoted string. The parentheses must be included in the format and the format must not exceed 80 characters (including parentheses). The output line length is limited to 128 characters.

For array parameter items, the starting array element number must be defined. Looping continues (with the vector index number of each array parameter incremented by one) each time a line is output until the maximum array vector element is written. For example, *VWRITE,A(1) followed by (F6.0) will write one value per output line, i.e., A(1), A(2), A(3), A(4), etc. Constants and scalar parameters are written with the same values for each loop. The number of loops and loop skipping may also be controlled with the *VLEN and *VMASK commands. The vector specifications *VABS, *VFACT, and *VCUM do not apply to this command. If looping continues beyond the supplied data array's length, zeros will be output for numeric array parameters and blanks for character array parameters. For multi-dimensioned array parameters, only the first (row) subscript is incremented. See the *VOPER command for details. If you are in the GUI the *VWRITE command must be contained in an externally prepared file, read into the ANSYS program (i.e., *USE, /INPUT, etc.).

This command is valid in any processor.

Utility Menu >Parameters >Array Parameters >Write to File