Setting Values

This entry covers the input of values into ODOP. Additional information on the operation of Fix, Free and constraints is provided.

Quick overview:

Input or edit values for an Independent Variable - Free example Free independent variable value input dialog box

Input or edit values for an Independent Variable - Fixed example Fixed independent variable value input dialog box

Input or edit values for a Dependent Variable - Free example Free dependent variable value input dialog box

Input or edit values for a Dependent Variable - Fixed example Fixed dependent variable value input dialog box

The details:

Views

The ODOP View menu provides access to various "Views". Each view is just a different way of looking at the current state of the mathematical model. All ODOP design types provide an "Advanced View" that permits input of values and provides access to all features. The ODOP spring design types also provide output-only "Reports" and a simplified spring design specific "Calculator View" that accepts inputs.

User inputs to Advanced View And Calculator View operate similiarly.

Input Operations Common to Both Advanced View and Calculator View

New values for a variable may be supplied by clicking on the desired value and directly over-writing the existing value. The existing value may be edited. Double-click (double-tap a touch screen) to replace the entire value. By default, the AutoFix feature automatically applies Fixed status to variables whose values are changed by user input.

Use the checkbox immediately right of the variable value to control Fix / Free status. Use the checkbox immediately left of constraint levels to enable or disable constraints. See the annotated screen captures above.

Independent Variables

Free status allows Search to change this variable to achieve a feasible design. Fix status prevents Search from changing the specified value for this variable.

While a variable in Fix status cannot have its value adjusted in order to contribute to achieving a feasible design, Search will adjust the value of other variables in Free status to achieve feasibility.

Dependent Variables

Fix status causes Search to to achieve the specified value for this variable if possible. Otherwise, a compromise is achieved.

Constraints

When a minimum constraint is enabled, if possible Search will maintain a value greater than the minimum. Otherwise, a compromise is achieved.

When a maximum constraint is enabled, if possible Search will maintain a value less than the maximum. Otherwise, a compromise is achieved.

A constraint that is not enabled will have no influence on the result produced by Search.

Calculation Inputs

The simplified and spring-specific Calculator View provides access to Material_type and End_Type only. Both are drop-down selection lists. Advanced View provides access to the full set of input values for each design type.

AutoFix

The AutoFix feature automatically applies Fixed status to variables whose values are changed by user input. AutoFix behavior may be controlled in the File : Properties menu. Set the value of enable_auto_fix to 1 to enable AutoFix behavior. Set the value of enable_auto_fix to 0 to disable AutoFix behavior.

Notes:

A red border around an input field indicates a non-numeric or otherwise invalid value.
The user interface should make it impossible to leave an Independent Variable value field blank. See also: Not a Number
Input of values in scientific notation, for example: 1.234e5, is supported.
Input of values less than 1.0 does not require a leading zero.

Operations specific to Calculator View

When in Calculator View, select one of the white entry fields to change a value, control Fix / Free status or establish or modify constraints. See the annotated images in the "Quick overview" section above. Fields with an asterisk in the upper left are Dependent Variables.

When in Calculator View, fields with a light gray background are calculated results and cannot be directly changed.

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