Functional Assignments > Fields Application > 1.3 Fields Forms
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1.3 Fields Forms
The functions on the Fields menu are listed and described below in the order in which they appear on the menu.
 
Action
Object
Options
Create...
 
Modify...
 
 
 
 
Fields Create (Spatial, PCL Function)
This form is used to create scalar or vector spatial fields in real or parametric space using a PCL expression or externally defined PCL function.
 
Action
Select Create as the action.
Object
The new field will be Spatial in either real (X,Y,Z) or parametric (C1,C2,C3) space. It may be either scalar or vector in nature depending on the selections made below.
Method
The new field will be defined using an input PCL expression or externally defined PCL function.
Existing Fields
Existing fields are displayed here. Select one if the new field is to be a modification of an existing field. The selected field name will appear in the box below.
Field Name
Alternatively, enter a unique field name here.
Field Type
Select Scalar or Vector as the field type. The form changes depending on the pick.
Coordinate System Type
For type Real, input or select the desired coordinate frame if the default is inappropriate. For type Parametric, select the single geometrical entity whose parametric coordinates and space will be used for all evaluations of this field.
Coordinate System
Input or select the desired coordinate frame if the default is inappropriate.
Scalar Function ('X,'Y,'Z)
Input a PCL command defining the field or the name of the external PCL function file.
Note: `X,`Y,`Z changes to `C1,`C2,`C3 when Parametric is selected. The apostrophes identify independent variables. If the coordinate system is cylindrical or spherical, the independent variables are `R, `T, `Z or `R, `T, `P. `T and `P in a PCL function are automatically converted into radians when the function is evaluated.
 
Note:  
Field Type (Vector Option)
 
Field Type
Select Scalar or Vector as the field type. The form changes depending on the pick.
Coordinate System Type
For type Real, input or select the desired coordinate frame if the default is inappropriate. For type Parametric, select the single geometrical entity whose parametric coordinates and space will be used for all evaluations of this field.
Coordinate System
Enter or select the desired coordinate frame if the default is inappropriate.
Vector Function
`X,`Y,`Z changes to `C1,`C2,`C3 when Parametric is selected. The apostrophes identify independent variables.
First Component
Second Component
Third Component
Input a PCL command defining the vector field components or the names of external PCL function files.
The First, Second and Third Components are defined as the components in the frame in which the field is evaluated. The frame is specified in the application using the field. Applied in an LBC defined in a rectangular frame for instance, the components would be in the X, Y, and Z directions.
Fields Create (Spatial, Tabular Input)
This form is used to create scalar or vector spatial fields in real or parametric space with user supplied tabular data. The fields may be one-, two-, or three-dimensional in nature and may be either in real or parametric space.
 
Action
A new field will be created.
Object
The new field will be Spatial in either real (X,Y,Z) or parametric (C1,C2,C3) space. It may be either scalar or vector in nature, depending on the selections made below.
Method
The new field will be defined using data tables input by the user.
Existing Fields
Existing fields are displayed here. S
Field Name
Enter a unique field name here. Or, to create a new field using attributes of an existing field, highlight the existing field and type the new name here.
Coordinate System Type
Select Real if the field is in X,Y,Z space. Select Parametric if it is in C1, C2, C3 space. The form changes to the one shown on the next page if Parametric is selected.
Coordinate System
Enter or select the desired coordinate frame if the default is inappropriate.
Active Independent Variables
Select the independent variables to use. The number selected determines whether a one‑, two‑, or three‑ dimensional table input form will be displayed. At least one variable must be selected. Select Real if the field is in X,Y,Z space, Parametric if it is in C1, C2, C3 space.
 
Note:  
Coordinate System Type (Parametric)
 
Coordinate System Type
Select Real if the field is in X,Y,Z space. Select Parametric if it is in C1, C2, C3 space. The form changes to the one shown on the next page if Parametric is selected.
Geometric Entity
A spatial parametric field must be associated with a geometric entity. This single geometrical entity’s parametric coordinates and space will be used for all evaluations of this field. Select this box and either input directly or select from the viewport using the selection tools.
Active Independent Variables
Determines whether a one‑, two‑, or three‑ dimensional table input form will be displayed. At least one variable must be selected. The labels change to 1D, 2D, and 3D when the Endpoints Only option is selected.
Input Data...
Selecting this box brings up the appropriately sized and labeled input table form.
Options...
Allows you to modify the maximum table size (default is 30 x 30 x 10). Also, the treatment of points which lie outside of the table range may be specified. Inactive when Enpoints Only is ON.
Endpoints Only
This invokes a procedure where field values are defined only at the end points of each parametric direction. The program performs a linear interpolation in parametric space between these points. This can also be done using the regular table forms. Making this selection causes specialized input forms to be used along with visual identification of selected points.
Spatial Field 1D Tabular Input
This form is used to enter tabular data into a one-dimensional table. The default maximum table length is 30. This can be changed in the Options submenu in the main fields application menu. The first column heading changes depending on the independent parameter being input.
 
Spatial Field 1D Linear Parametric Tabular Input
This form is used to input tabular data into a one-dimensional table using the Endpoints Only option available when using parametric coordinates. Only two values are input; the field values at the beginning and end of the curve. Intermediate values are obtained by linear interpolation in the parametric direction
.
 
Endpoint Values (0)
Select this box and type in the desired data value(s) to be used at the beginning (0) and end (1) of the selected curve.
Endpoints Only (1)
Select this box and type in the data value(s) at the end of the selected curve(s). Linear interpolation in parametric space will be used for intermediate points.
 
Note:  
As each box is selected a circle will appear around the associated point in the viewport. The parametric directions can also be displayed by turning on the “Parametric Direction” button located on the Display/Geometric form. See Display>Geometry (p. 385) in the Patran Reference Manual for more information.
Spatial Field 1D Tabular Input Options
This form permits the maximum number of rows of one-dimensional field tables to be increased over the default value of 30. The method used to handle field data if a parameter exceeds the table range can also be selected from among three different options.
 
Maximum Number of X
Select this box and increase the default maximum table size to equal or exceed the desired table size. It is not necessary to reduce this number if smaller tables are used.
Extrapolation Option
Click on this selection box to change the method used to handle values that may exceed the range of the table. The options are:
1. Use Closest Table Value (default)
2. Linear Extrapolation
3. Set Value to Zero
Incomplete Data Action
Click on this selection box to change the way incomplete CSV file imports are handled. The options are:
1. Abort
The import is immediately aborted.
2. Set to Zero
All missing values are set to Zero.
3. Set to User Specified Value
All missing values are set to the value in the databox below.
Spatial Field 2D Tabular Input
This form is used to input tabular data into a two-dimensional table. The default maximum table size is 30 in both dimensions. This can be changed in the Options submenu in the main Fields Application form.
Spatial Field 2D Linear Parametric Tabular Input
This form is used to input tabular data into a two-dimensional table using the Endpoints Only option available when using parametric coordinates. Four values are input; the field values at the corners of the surface. Intermediate values are obtained by linear interpolation in both parametric directions.
 
Enpoint Values
Select each of these boxes individually and input field values at the parametric corners of the surface(s).
 
Note:  
As each box is selected, a circle will appear around the associated point in the viewport. The parametric directions can also be displayed by turning on the “Parametric Direction” button located on the Display Properties/Geometric form. See Display>Geometry (p. 385) in the Patran Reference Manual for more information.
Spatial Field 2D Tabular Input Options
This form permits the maximum number of rows and columns of two-dimensional field tables to be increased over the default value of 30. The method used to handle field data if a parameter exceeds the table range can also be selected from among three different options.
 
Maximum Number of X
Maximum Number of Y
Select these boxes and increase the default maximum table size to equal or exceed the desired table size. It is not necessary to reduce this number if smaller tables are used. Values do not need to be the same.
Extrapolation Option
Determines the method used to handle values that may exceed the range of the table. The options are:
1. Use Closest Table Value (default)
2. Linear Extrapolation
3. Set Value to Zero
Incomplete Data Action
Click on this selection box to change the way incomplete CSV file imports are handled. The options are:
1. Abort
The import is immediately aborted.
2. Set to Zero
All missing values are set to Zero.
3. Set to User Specified Value
All missing values are set to the value in the databox below.
Spatial Field 3D Tabular Input
This form is used to input tabular data into a three-dimensional table. The default maximum table size is 30 by 30 by 10 in X, Y, and Z (or C1, C2, and C3) respectively. This can be changed in the Options submenu in the main Fields Application form.
Spatial Field 3D Linear Parametric Tabular Input
This form is used to input tabular data into a three-dimensional table using the Endpoints Only option available when using parametric coordinates. Eight values are input: the field values at the corners of the solid(s). Intermediate values are obtained by linear interpolation in the parametric directions.
 
Enpoint Values
Select each of these boxes individually and input field values at the parametric corners of the solid(s).
 
Note:  
As each box is selected a circle will appear around the associated point in the viewport. The parametric directions can also be displayed by turning on the “Parametric Direction” button located on the Display Properties/Geometric form. See Display>Geometry (p. 385) in the Patran Reference Manual for more information.
Spatial Field 3D Tabular Input Options
This form permits the maximum number of rows, columns, and layers of three-dimensional field tables to be increased over the default values. The method used to handle field data if a parameter exceeds the table range can also be selected from among three different options.
 
Maximum Number of X
Maximum Number of Y
Maximum Number of Z
Select these boxes and increase the default maximum table size to equal or exceed the desired table size. It is not necessary to reduce this number if smaller tables are used.
Extrapolation Option
Determines the method used to handle values that may exceed the range of the table. The options are:
1. Use Closest Table Value (default)
2. Linear Extrapolation
3. Set Value to Zero
Incomplete Data Action
Click on this selection box to change the way incomplete CSV file imports are handled. The options are:
1. Abort
The import is immediately aborted.
2. Set to Zero
All missing values are set to Zero.
3. Set to User Specified Value
All missing values are set to the value in the databox below.
Time Spatial Fields Create (Patran Thermal only)
This form is used to create time dependent spatial field distributions. The functionality is available only while under the Patran Thermal preference. These fields can be referenced from heating and convective thermal Loads/BC. The time independent variable (t) will appear as an additional active independent variable that can be selected from the main form. The Fields/Create form is shown below.
 
Object
Method
When the Object is Spatial and Method is Tabular Input and the Analysis preference is PThermal, widgets to select a dynamic variable will be shown. Either time or frequency or neither may be selected.
Active Independent Variables
Select X, Y, and/or Z as spatial independent variables.
Active Dynamic Variables
Enable time-dependency.
The capability is available for Tabular Input only. Both Real and Parametric coordinate system types are supported. In the case Real, the coordinate system can reference a rectangular or cylindrical system.
The Input Data form provides a spreadsheet entry for the Time/Spatial independent variables and the Value. The number of columns depend on the active independent variables selected on the Fields create form. The table must be structured; that is, values at the same X,Y,Z spatial locations must be provided for each of the time point.
Click in a blank cell and press Enter to clear form.
An Import utility is available on the Input Data form for comma separated value (CSV) files. These can be saved from popular spreadsheet programs such as Excel. The value separations supported are Comma, Semi-colon, Tab and Space.
 
Note:  
CSV files can be saved from Excel or created with a text editor.
Fields Create (Material Property, Tabular Input)
This form is used to create material property tabular fields. Currently temperature, strain, strain rate, time or frequency can be selected as the independent variable in a material property field. This form is also used to create new fields which are modifications of existing fields.
 
Action
Select the Create action.
Object
Select Material Property as the type of field to be created.
Method
Select the Tabular Input Method.
Existing Fields
Any existing Material Property fields are displayed here. Select one if the new field is to be a modification of an existing one.
Field Name
Enter a unique field name here, or change the name of the existing field selected.
Active Independent Variables
Select the appropriate independent variable or variables. The number selected determines whether a one‑, two‑ or three‑dimensional table input form will be displayed. Select up to three variables from Temperature, Strain or Strain Rate. Only one of the variables, Time or Frequency may be selected.
Input Data...
Selecting this box brings up the appropriate one‑, two‑, or three‑dimensional input table form.
Options...
Selecting the Options menu permits changing the maximum table size. Also, the treatment of points which lie outside of the table range may be specified.
Material Field 1D Data Input Table
This form is used to input tabular data into a one-dimensional Material Data table. The default maximum table length is 30. This can be changed in the Options submenu in the main fields application menu. The first column heading changes from temperature (T) to strain (e), strain rate (er), time (t), or frequency (f) depending on the independent parameter used.
Material Field 2D Data Input Table
This form is used to input tabular material property data into a two-dimensional table. The default maximum table size is 30 in both dimensions. This can be changed in the Options submenu in the main Fields Application form.
Material Field 3D Data Input Table
This form is used to input tabular data into a three-dimensional table. The default maximum table size is 30 by 30 by 10 in T, e, and er respectively. This can be changed in the Options submenu in the main Fields Application form.
Fields Create (Non-Spatial, Tabular Input)
This form is used to create Non-Spatial time and frequency-dependent fields. It is also used to create new fields which are modifications of existing fields.
 
Action
Select the Create action.
Object
Select Non-Spatial as the type of field to be created.
Method
Select the Tabular Input Method.
Existing Fields
Existing Non-Spatial fields are displayed here.
Field Name
Enter a unique field name here. Or, to create a new field using attributes of an existing field, highlight the existing field and type the new name here.
Scalar Field Type
Select the desired Scalar Field Type. This switch is available only for the MSC Nastran Analysis Preference. For all other Analysis Preferences, all Non-Spatial Tabular fields are real valued scalar fields.
Active Independent Variables
Select the desired independent variable. Up to three variables may be selected for real-valued fields, but you cannot select both time and frequency. For complex fields, the independent variable must be frequency.
Input Data...
Displays the table input form.
Options...
Allows you to change the maximum table size (default is 30). Also, the treatment of points which lie outside of the table range may be specified.
Fields Create (Active Independent Variable, Input Data)
Use this form to input tabular data into a one-dimensional data table. The default maximum table length is 30. This can be changed in the Options submenu in the main fields application form. The first column will show the Active Independent Variable (Time, Frequency, Temperature, Displacement, or Velocity), and the second is the associated field value.
 
Map Function To Table
Select this option if you want to use a PCL expression or function to define the data points. The Independent variable points used can either be those input in the above table, or be equally spaced values as defined in the Map Function submenu.
Fields Create (Input Data, Map Function)
This form permits a dependent field to be defined by a PCL expression or function. The PCL expression is evaluated either at Independent variable points specified in the input table or at equally spaced intervals as defined in this form.
 
PCL Expression f(t)
Input the PCL expression you want to use to define the time dependence. Use ‘t for the time variable.
Use Existing Time Points
Select this option if you want to use the points specified in the input table. The expression will be evaluated at those points. The Start Time, End Time, and Number of Points databoxes will be grayed out if you select this option.
Start Time
End Time
Number of Points
To evaluate the expression at equally spaced time points, input the starting time, ending time and number of points here. The number of points is one plus the number of intervals.
Non-Spatial Field 2D Data Input Table
This form is used to input tabular non-spatial property data into a two-dimensional table. The default maximum table size is 30 in both dimensions. This can be changed in the Options submenu in the main Fields Application form.
Non Spatial Field 3D Data Input Table
This form is used to input tabular data into a three-dimensional table. The default maximum table size is 30 by 30 by 10 in the first, second, and third independent variables, respectively. This can be changed in the Options submenu in the main Fields Application form. The independent variables can be any three of Time (t), Frequency (f), Temperature (T), Displacement (u), Velocity (v), and User-Defined (UD), except that Time and Frequency cannot be selected simultaneously.
Non-Spatial Complex Scalar Field Data Input Table
This form is used to input tabular complex non-spatial property data into a one-dimensional table. The default maximum table size is 30. This can be changed in the Options submenu in the main Fields Application form.
 
Complex Data Format
Select the format in which you would like to enter your complex data
Input Data
Select this box and type in the desired value. Pushing the Return key puts this value in the selected cell. If you have selected cells from the 2 right-hand columns, then you may enter complex pairs. Both columns will then be loaded simultaneously. Complex pairs may be entered as space-delimited constants. Real-imaginary pairs may, in addition, be entered in the form of expressions like “1+2i”, “-3i-5”, “-i”, or”-3.14159”.
Data
Select a cell you wish to input a value for or a cell you wish to modify. The selected cell frame is highlighted. If you select cells from the 2 right-hand columns simultaneously, then you may enter complex pairs.
Map Function To Table
Select this option if you want to use a PCL expression or function to define the data points. The Independent variable points used can either be those input in the above table, or be equally spaced values as defined in the Map Function submenu.
Fields Create (Input Complex Data, Map Function)
This form permits the components of a complex field to be defined by a PCL expression or function. The PCL expression is evaluated either at Independent variable points specified in the input table or at equally spaced intervals as defined in this form.
 
Complex Component
Select the complex component that your PCL expression will represent. The component choices are consistent with the Complex Data Format selected on the parent form, “Non Spatial Complex Scalar Table Data”.
PCL Expression f(‘f)
Input the PCL expression you want to use to define the frequency dependence. Use ‘f for the frequency variable.
Use Existing Frequency Pts
Select this option if you want to use the frequency points specified in the input table. The expression will be evaluated at those points. The Starting Frequency, Ending Frequency, and Number of Points databoxes will be grayed out if you select this option.
Starting Frequency
Ending Frequency
Number of Points
To evaluate the expression at equally spaced frequency points, input the starting frequency, ending frequency and number of points here. The number of points is one plus the number of intervals.
Apply
When you hit Apply, the parent form spreadsheet column corresponding to the selected complex component is updated. If the “Use Existing Frequency Pts.” toggle is not selected, then the abscissa column is also updated. Finally, the alternate Complex Component switch item is automatically selected in preparation for defining the remaining complex component.
Fields Create (Non-Spatial, Discrete FEM) (SAMCEF Only)
This form is used to create a discrete FEM Field (formerly known as an LBC Field).
 
Action
Select the Create action.
Object
Select Non-Spatial.
Method
Select the Discrete FEM Method.
Existing Fields
Existing fields are displayed here. Select one if the new field is to be a modification of an existing field. The field name will appear in the box below.
Field Name
Alternatively, enter a unique field name here.
Entity Type
Select Node for nodal entities or Element for element entities (for element select menu options, see FEM Select Icons (p. 41) in the Patran Reference Manual).
Active Dynamic Variable
Select the dynamic variable.
Input Data...
Displays the table input form.
Options...
The Options Menu allows you to change the treatment of points that lie outside the dynamic variable range.
Non-Spatial Discrete FEM Field Tabular Input (SAMCEF Only)
This form is used to input Discrete FEM Tabular data. The default table length is 30. This can be changed by adding and deleting rows. The default number of layers is 10. This can be changed by adding and deleting layers. The Input Data Box changes depending on whether entities or values are selected and what is selected on the main form.
 
Select Entity Nodes
The select databoxes allow you to pick either nodes or elements off the viewport or enter them manually. The main form determines whether you are using Nodes or Elements and they cannot be mixed. The entities will be highlighted in the viewport.
If more than one entity is in the select databox, the spreadsheet will be filled out starting at the first selected cell.
The databox allows you to enter Scalar values.
Entity
Values
select a cell. If an Entity cell is chosen a select databox will appear and if a Value cell is chosen a databox will appear.
Time Value
Select the layer and set the time or frequency value here.
Number to Insert
Define the number of rows or layers to be inserted or appended. Defaults to 1.
Fields Create (General Field)
This form is used to create fields for any Fields object. It is also used to create new fields which are modifications of existing General Fields.
 
Action
Select the Create action.
Object
Select one of the three objects (Spatial, Material Property, Non Spatial) as the type of field to be created.
Method
Select the General Method.
Existing Fields
Any existing fields are displayed here. Select one if the new field is to be a modification of an existing one. The selected field name will appear in the box below.
Field Name
Alternatively, enter a unique field name here, or change the name of the existing field selected.
Entity Type
Select Node for nodal entities or Element for element entities (for element select menu options, see FEM Select Icons (p. 41) in the Patran Reference Manual).
Coordinate System Type
Select Real, if the field is in X,Y,Z space. Parametric space is not enabled for the General Field.
Coordinate System
Input or select the desired coordinate frame if the default is inappropriate.
Input Data...
Displays the table input form.
Fields Create (General Field, Input Data)
This form is used to compose the function defining a General field. The terms of the function may be constants, independent variables or functions and appear in the textbox at the bottom of the form. The function expression is composed using the widgets in the “Select Function Term” and “Arithmetic Operator” frames.
 
 
Function Term Type
This menu allows choice of term type, function or independent variable.
Term Sub-Type
This menu allows choice of term subtypes. For function terms, this is user defined.
Select Function Term
The term choices are listed here. Selecting a function displays its argument input form; selecting an independent variable appends it to the expression.
Select Arithmetic Operator
Selecting an operator appends it to the expression.
Function Expression
The Function Expression is displayed here. Typing the expression into this form in PCL syntax is acceptable for all but function terms. Function terms must be composed via the menus to maintain the integrity of the argument input data.
Modify Highlighted Function
Select this button to modify the argument data for an existing term which is a function. Highlight the desired function (double clicking will do) and select “Modify Highlighted Function.” This will display the function’s input form, and all its current data. This button works only for terms which are functions (terms preceded by an integer prefix). Attempting to modify terms which are functions in the textbox via the keyboard will result in an error.
Fields Create (General Field, Generic Function)
This form lists the input arguments (and data types) for a General Field Function. It is displayed when there is no custom PCL form supplied for a General Field Function. Because it provides the user little information about the argument requirements, it is best used with functions having self-evident argument requirements.
 
 
Function Name
This line displays the name of the function.
Allowable Independent Variables
This is the list of allowable independent variables for this function. Note temperature is not allowed for Spatial fields, and Theta is not allowed for Material Property fields.
Function Argument List
This is the list of arguments for the functions; one databox per argument. The expected datatype is given to the left. Inputs to the databoxes must be valid PCL syntax, all independent variables must be preceded with a “ ' “. This example is a function requiring three integer arguments.
OK
Select the “OK” button when you are satisfied with the arguments. This will store the argument data and append the function name (and list of its independent variables) to the Function Expression textbox in the General Field Input Data form.
Fields Create (Spatial, Discrete FEM)
This form is used to create a discrete FEM Field (formerly known as an LBC Field).
 
Action
Select the Create action.
Object
Select Spatial.
Method
The new field will be a FEM field.
Existing Fields
Existing fields are displayed here. Select one if the new field is to be a modification of an existing field. The field name will appear in the box below.
Field Name
Alternatively, enter a unique field name here.
FEM Field Definition
Select Discrete for a discrete field.
Field Type
Select Scalar or Vector as the Field Type.
Entity Type
Select Node for nodal entities or Element for element entities (for element select menu options, see FEM Select Icons (p. 41) in the Patran Reference Manual).
Input Data...
Displays the table input form.
Spatial Discrete FEM Field Tabular Input
This form is used to input Discrete FEM Tabular data. The default table length is 30. This can be changed by adding and deleting rows. The Input Data Box changes depending on whether entities or values are selected and what is selected on the main form.
 
Select a Node
The select databoxes allow you to pick either nodes or elements off the viewport or enter them manually. The main form determines whether you are using Nodes or Elements and they cannot be mixed. The entities will be highlighted in the viewport.
The databox allows you to enter either Scalar or Vector values (as set on the main form). Scalar and vector values cannot be mixed.
Entity
Values
Select a cell. If an Entity cell is chosen a select databox will appear and if a Value cell is chosen a databox will appear.
Number of Rows to Insert
Define the number of rows to be added. Defaults to 1.
Insert Rows...
Adds rows to the spreadsheet after the cell selected or at the end if no cell is selected.
If more than one entity is in the select databox, the spreadsheet will be filled out starting at the first cell selected.
Spatial Discrete FEM Field Access by Other Applications
This form is used to input Discrete FEM Tabular data from within other applications such as Loads/BCs. The form characteristics are similar to the Fields DFEM Fields Input Data form (p. 258) except as noted here.
 
Field Action
Field Action is determined by the action of the Client Application at the time this form is displayed.
Field Name
If a field referenced prior to displaying this form, its name will be inserted here. Otherwise, a field name (maximum 31 characters) must be entered before the field can be Created/Modified.
Field Entity
The field entity and data types are determined by entity & data required by the client application.
Load 3D Field Elements into Application Region
Enabled if the field entities are to be loaded into the application region of the client after clicking OK.
Input Vector
Sorts the active cells in ascending or descending order.
Entity
Scalar Factor
Values
The Scale Factor is used to scale the data in the Values column upon apply. If a referenced field already exists when this form is displayed, the data corresponding to this field will be also be displayed. If values were inputted previously with a scale factor, the scaled data will be displayed in the Values column with an associated scale factor of 1.0.
OK
Reset
Cancel
OK creates/modifies the field. Reset clears the Values column and sets the scale factor column cells to 1.0--existing entities will remain. Cancel exits this form.
Fields Create (Spatial, Continuous FEM)
This form is used to create a Continuous FEM Spatial Field.
 
Action
Select Create and Spatial as the action and field type respectively.
Object
Select Spatial.
Method
The new field will be a FEM field.
Existing Fields
Existing fields are displayed here. Select one if the new field is to be a modification of an existing field. The field name will appear in the box below.
Field Name
Alternatively, enter a unique field name here.
FEM Field Definition
Select Continuous for a Continuous FEM field.
Field Type
Select Scalar or Vector as the field type.
Entity Type
Select Node for nodal entities or Element for element entities (for element select menu options, see FEM Select Icons (p. 41) in the Patran Reference Manual).
Mesh/Results Group Filter
This filter permits control of group selection. A group with a contour (scalar) or vector marker (vector) plot must be selected. The field data is defined by the graphical display.
Only groups with contour or vector plots are displayed. The plots must therefore be created before field creation. Selecting all groups causes the listbox to display all groups (with plots) in the database. If Current Viewport is selected, only those groups (with plots) in the current viewport are shown in the listbox. A group must be chosen.
Options...
This button displays the form to modify the Extrapolation Option and Interpolation Method.
Spatial Continuous FEM Field Options
This form is used to change options when creating/modifying a FEM field.
 
Extrapolation Option
Extrapolation method - Choose from “Use Closest Table Value,” “Linear Extrapolation,” or “Set to Zero.” Defaults to “Use Closest Table Value.”
2D to 3D Interpolation
This feature enables the Interpolator to map a 2D field into 3D space. This is accomplished by setting the field values constant in the direction normal to the 2D plane.
Coordinate System
Select Coordinate Frame to define interpolation.
Specify Constant Axis
Toggle to enable 2D to 3D Interpolation.
Axis Normal to Interp. Plane
Switch enabled when the toggle above is set. Select one axis.
 
Note:  
2D to 3D interpolation can only be used under a limited set of conditions. As stated above, the interpolation is accomplished by keeping the field values constant in the direction normal to the plane specified. For this reason, to obtain a correct 3D evaluation, the coordinate frame axis specified must be exactly normal to the 2D field plane. For rectangular coordinate frames, any axis may be chosen as the constant. For cylindrical and spherical coordinate frames the radial axis (axis 1) is not valid.
Fields Show
This form contains the commands necessary to display fields, both tabular and PCL defined. The display can either be in the form of a table, or in the form of an XY plot of the table data.
 
Action
Select Show.
Select Field to Show
All fields are listed in this databox. Select the one to be displayed. If a FEM Discrete Field is selected, the switches, buttons and toggles on the form are hidden and the Field is displayed in tabular format without having to press Apply.
Select Independent Variables
Switches for each field variable are displayed here. Select the independent variable, or the horizontal axis of the XY plot.
Specify Range
Select this submenu to specify the range of the independent variable, or set the number of points to be used in the display. This is required for PCL defined fields.
Post XY Plot
If toggled ON, a window containing an XY plot of the field dependent variables versus the selected independent variable will appear. If the field is complex, then each complex component will appear in its own XY plot window. To remove a plot from the screen, iconify it or unpost it from the XY Plot Application form.
Unpost Current XY Window
Removes the current XY plot window from the display. The plot window may be deleted using the XY Plot application.
Additional widgets are displayed depending on the type of field selected. If a vector field is selected, then a switch listing the vector components is displayed. You would then select the vector component that you want shown. If a complex field is selected, then a switch listing the output complex formats is displayed. This gives you the option to display the field as 1) real and imaginary components, 2) magnitude and phase (degrees), 3) magnitude and phase (radians), or 4) a Bode plot, which displays the magnitude in db and the phase in degrees. If a Non-Spatial Discrete FEM field is selected, a select databox will appear allowing you to select one or more nodes or elements as the FEM location for the XY Plot and tabular results. If you select elements, you must select a face or edge entered in the spreadsheet.
Show Field (1D Table Display)
This table appears after selecting Apply in the Field Show form when the selected field is one-dimensional. It contains the tabular data as specified in the Specify Range submenu. The points displayed are the values that are plotted in the XY Plot if this option was selected.
 
X
These are the values of the independent variable that were either input or computed based on parameters input in the Specify Range menu.
Value
These are the values of the field corresponding to the independent variable values.
Show Field (2D Table Display)
This table appears after selecting Apply in the Field Show form when the selected field is two-dimensional. It contains the tabular data as specified in the Specify Range submenu. The points displayed are the values that are plotted in the XY Plot if this option was selected.
 
X
These are the values of the independent variable that were either input or computed based on parameters input in the Specify Range form.
Value
These are the values of the field corresponding to the independent variable values.
Curve
Y
This is the XY plot curve number and its associated dependent variable value.
Show Field (3D Table Display)
This table appears after selecting Apply in the Field Show form when the selected field is three-dimensional. It contains the tabular data as specified in the Specify Range submenu. The points displayed are the values that are plotted in the XY Plot if this option was selected.
 
X
These are the values of the independent variable that were either input or computed based on parameters input in the Specify Range form.
Value
These are the values of the field corresponding to the independent variable values.
Curve
Y, Z
This is the XY plot curve number and its associated Y and Z variable values.
Show Field (Complex 1D Table Display)
This table appears after selecting Apply in the Field Show form when the selected field is one-dimensional. It contains the tabular data as specified in the Specify Range submenu using the complex format specified on the Ordinate Display Type switch. The points displayed are the values that are plotted in the XY Plot if this option was selected.
 
Frequency
These are the values of the independent variable (Frequency) that were either input directly or computed from parameters input in the Specify Range menu.
Magnitude
These are the values of the first complex component of the field corresponding to the independent variable values.
Phase (degrees)
These are the values of the second complex component of the field corresponding to the independent variable values.
Show Field (1D Specify Range)
This submenu is used to define the range of the independent variable to be used in creating the XY plot. For fields created using PCL, the number of points used to display the function must be specified.
 
Use Existing Points
If toggled ON, the plot will contain all existing points in a tabular field.
Minimum
Maximum
The minimum and maximum value of the independent plot variable (horizontal axis) can be specified by changing the values in these boxes.
No. of Points
The number of points used in the display is set in this box. This value must be input for display of PCL defined fields.
Show Field (2D Specify Range)
This submenu is used to define the range of the independent variable to be used in creating the XY plot. For fields created using PCL, the number of points used to display the function must be specified.
 
Use Existing Points
If toggled ON, the plot will contain all existing points in a tabular field.
Independent Variable Range
Minimum/Maximum
The minimum and maximum value of the independent plot variable (horizontal axis) can be specified by changing the values in these boxes. 
No. of Points
The number of points used in the display is set in this box. This value must be input for display of PCL defined fields.
Fixed Independent Variable Range
Minimum/Maximum
The minimum and maximum values of the other variable is displayed.
No. of Sets
This is the number of sets (curves) of the second variable. A value must be input for PCL defined fields.
Show Field (3D Specify Range)
This submenu is used to define the range of the independent variable to be used in creating the XY plot. For fields created using PCL, the number of points used to display the function must be specified.
 
Use Existing Points
If toggled ON, the plot will contain all existing points in a tabular field.
Independent Variable Range
Minimum/Maximum
The minimum and maximum value of the independent plot variable (horizontal axis) can be specified by changing the values in these boxes. 
No. of Points
The number of points used in the display is set in this box. This value must be input for display of PCL defined fields.
Fixed Independent Variable Range
Minimum/Maximum
The minimum and maximum values of the other variable is displayed.
No. of Sets
This is the number of sets (curves) of the second variable. A value must be input for PCL defined fields.
Show Field (Discrete FEM Table Display)
This read-only table appears when a Discrete FEM Field is selected in the listbox. It contains a list of entities and associated values in the field.
 
Entities
These are the nodes or elements in the field.
Values
These are the Scalar or Vector values of the field that correspond to the entities.
Fields Modify (Spatial, PCL Function)
This form permits modification of any existing spatial PCL defined field in the database. The modified field replaces the original field.
 
Action
Select Modify.
Object
Select Spatial.
Method
Select PCL Function as the method used to define the field.
Select Field to Modify
Existing Spatial fields are displayed here. Select the one you need to modify.
Rename Field As
The name of the selected field appears here. Change it if desired.
Field Type
The type of the existing field is indicated here. This form is used for Scalar fields. If you change the type to Vector, the form changes to the one shown on the next page.
Coordinate System Type
The Coordinate System Type of the selected field is indicated here. Change it if desired.
Coordinate System
The reference coordinate frame of the selected field is indicated here. Change it if desired.
Scalar Field Function
The PCL command defining the field or the name of the external PCL function file is displayed here. Change it as desired. Note that ’X,’Y,’Z changes to ’C1,’C2,’C3 when Parametric is selected.
Options...
This button displays the form to modify the Extrapolation Option and Interpolation Method.
Fields Modify (Spatial, Tabular Input)
This form permits modification of any existing tabular spatial field in the database. The modified field replaces the original field.
 
Action
Select Modify.
Object
Select Spatial.
Method
Select Tabular Input as the method used to define the field.
Select Field to Modify
Existing Spatial fields are displayed here. Select the one you need to modify.
Rename Field As
The name of the selected field appears here. Change it if desired.
Field Type
The type of the existing field is indicated here. This form is used for Scalar fields. If you change the type to Vector, the form changes to the one shown on the next page.
Coordinate System Type
The Coordinate System Type of the selected field is indicated here. Change it if desired.
Coordinate System
The reference coordinate frame of the selected field is indicated here. Change it if desired.
Active Ind. Variables
Select the independent variable(s) you want to use. The number selected determines whether a one‑, two‑, or three‑dimensional table input form will be displayed. At least one variable must be selected.
Input Data...
Selecting this box brings up the appropriate input table form.
Options...
Selecting the Options menu permits changing the maximum table size (default is 30 x 30 x 10). Also, the treatment of points which lie outside of the table range may be specified.
Fields Modify (Material Property)
This form permits modification of any existing material property field in the database. The modified field replaces the original field.
 
Action
Select Modify.
Object
Select Material Property.
Method
Select Tabular Input.
Existing Fields
Any existing Material Property fields are displayed here. Select the one to be modified.
Rename Field As
The selected field name appears here. Change it if desired.
Active Independent Variables
Select the appropriate independent variable or variables. The number selected determines whether a one‑, two‑ or three‑dimensional table input form will be displayed. Select up to three variables from Temperature, Strain or Strain Rate. Only one of the variables, Time or Frequency may be selected at once.
Input Data...
To change data in the table, select this box to bring up the table input form.
Options...
Selecting the Options menu permits changing the maximum table size (default is 30 x 30 x 10). Also, the treatment of points which lie outside of the table range may be specified.
Fields Modify (Non-Spatial)
This form permits modification of any existing Non-Spatial Tabular field in the database. The modified field replaces the original field.
 
Action
Select Modify.
Object
Select Non-Spatial.
Method
Select Tabular Input.
Select Field to Modify
Any existing Non-Spatial fields are displayed here. Select one to be modified.
Rename Field As
The selected field name appears here. Change it if desired.
Scalar Field Type
The selected scalar field type appears here if you are using the MSC Nastran Analysis Preference. Change it if desired.
Active Independent Variables
Select the desired independent variable. Only one variable may be selected.
Input Data...
To change data in the table, select this box to bring up the table input form.
Options...
Selecting the Options menu permits changing the maximum table size (default is 30). Also, the treatment of points which lie outside of the table range may be specified.
Fields Modify (Non-Spatial, Discrete FEM) (SAMCEF Only)
This form permits modification of any existing Non-Spatial Discrete FEM field in the database. The modified field replaces the original field.
 
Action
Select Modify.
Object
Select Non-Spatial.
Method
Select Discrete FEM.
Select Field to Modify
Any existing Non-Spatial fields are displayed here. Select one to be modified.
Rename Field As
The selected field name appears here. Change it if desired.
Field Type
Select Node for nodal entities or Element for element entities (for element select menu options, see FEM Select Icons (p. 41) in the Patran Reference Manual).
Active Dynamic Variable
Select the dynamic variable.
Input Data...
This button displays the Input Data form as shown in the Create section.
Options...
The Options Menu allows you to change the treatment of points that lie outside the dynamic variable range.
Fields Modify (General Field)
This form is used to create fields for any Fields object. It is also used to create new fields which are modifications of existing General Fields.
 
Action
Select Modify.
Object
Select one of the three objects as the type of field to be modified.
Method
Select General.
Select Field to Modify
Existing Spatial fields are displayed here. Select the one you need to modify.
Rename Field As
The selected field name appears here. Change it if desired.
Coordinate System Type
Select Real, if the field is in X,Y,Z space.
Parametric General Fields are not enabled in this release.
Coordinate System
Input or select the desired coordinate frame if the default is inappropriate.
Input Data...
Selecting this box brings up the General Field Input form.
Fields Modify (Spatial, Discrete FEM)
This form permits modification of any existing Discrete FEM Spatial Field in the database. The modified Field replaces the original Field.
 
Action
Select Modify.
Object
Select Spatial
Method
Select FEM.
Select Field to Modify
Any existing fields are displayed here. Select the field to be modified. The selected field name will appear in the box below.
Rename Field As
The selected field name appears here. Change it if desired.
FEM Field Definition
The field definition of the existing field is indicated here. This form is used for Discrete FEM Fields.
Field Type
The type of the existing field is indicated here. This setting affects the input form.
Entity Type
Entity type of the existing field is indicated here. This setting affects the input form.
Fields Modify (Spatial, Continuous FEM)
This form permits modification of any existing Spatial FEM Continuous Field in the database. The modified Field replaces the original Field.
 
Action
Select Modify.
Object
Select Spatial
Method
Select FEM.
Select Field to Modify
Existing Spatial fields are displayed here. Select the one you need to modify.
Rename Field As
The selected field name appears here. Change it if desired.
FEM Field Definition
The field definition of the existing field is indicated here. This form is used for Continuous FEM Fields.
Field Type
The type of the existing field is indicated here.
Group
Name of the group results apply to.
Options...
The extrapolation option and interpolation direction can be changed by displaying the Options form. The form reflects the current field settings.
Fields Delete
This action permits any field to be deleted from the database.
 
Action
Select Delete.
Object
Select the type of field to be deleted.
Existing Fields
All fields of the type selected will appear in this databox. Select those to be deleted.
Fields to be Deleted
Selected fields appear in this databox. They can be removed from this list by selecting them.