dim

Mapdl.dim(par='', type_='', imax='', jmax='', kmax='', var1='', var2='', var3='', csysid='', **kwargs)

Defines an array parameter and its dimensions.

APDL Command: *DIM

Parameters:

par

Name of parameter to be dimensioned. See *SET for name restrictions.

type_

Array type:

Arrays are similar to standard FORTRAN arrays (indices are integers) (default). Index numbers for the rows, columns, and planes are sequential values beginning with one. Used for 1-, 2-, or 3-D arrays. - Same as ARRAY, but used to specify 4-D arrays.

Same as ARRAY, but used to specify 5-D arrays. - Array entries are character strings (up to 8 characters each). Index numbers for rows, columns, and planes are sequential values beginning with one.

Array indices are real (non-integer) numbers which must be defined when filling the table. Index numbers for the rows and columns are stored in the zero column and row “array elements” and are initially assigned a near-zero value. Index numbers must be in ascending order and are used only for retrieving an array element. When retrieving an array element with a real index that does not match a specified index, linear interpolation is done among the nearest indices and the corresponding array element values [*SET]. Used for 1-, 2-, or 3-D tables. - Same as TABLE, but used to specify 4-D tables.

Same as TABLE, but used to specify 5-D tables. - Array entries are character strings (up to IMAX each). Index numbers for columns and planes are sequential values beginning with 1. Row index is character position in string.

imax

Extent of first dimension (row). (For Type = STRING, IMAX is rounded up to the next multiple of eight and has a limit of 248). Defaults to 1.

jmax

Extent of second dimension (column). Defaults to 1.

kmax

Extent of third dimension (plane). Defaults to 1.

var1

Variable name corresponding to the first dimension (row) for Type = TABLE. Defaults to Row.

var2

Variable name corresponding to the second dimension (column) for Type = TABLE. Defaults to Column.

var3

Variable name corresponding to the third dimension (plane) for Type = TABLE. Defaults to Plane.

csysid

An integer corresponding to the coordinate system ID Number.

Notes

Up to three dimensions (row, column, and plane) may be defined using ARRAY and TABLE. Use ARR4, ARR5, TAB4, and TAB5 to define up to five dimensions (row, column, plane, book, and shelf). An index number is associated with each row, column, and plane. For array and table type parameters, element values are initialized to zero. For character and string parameters, element values are initialized to (blank). A defined parameter must be deleted [*SET] before its dimensions can be changed. Scalar (single valued) parameters should not be dimensioned. *DIM,A,,3 defines a vector array with elements A(1), A(2), and A(3). *DIM,B,,2,3 defines a 2x3 array with elements B(1,1), B(2,1), B(1,2), B(2,2), B(1,3), and B(2,3). Use *STATUS,Par to display elements of array Par. You can write formatted data files (tabular formatting) from data held in arrays through the *VWRITE command.

If you use table parameters to define boundary conditions, then Var1, Var2, and/or Var3 can either specify a primary variable (listed in Table: 130:: *DIM - Primary Variables) or can be an independent parameter. If specifying an independent parameter, then you must define an additional table for the independent parameter. The additional table must have the same name as the independent parameter and may be a function of one or more primary variables or another independent parameter. All independent parameters must relate to a primary variable.

Tabular load arrays can be defined in both global Cartesian (default) or local (see below) coordinate systems by specifying CSYSID, as defined in LOCAL. For batch operations, you must specify your coordinate system first.

The following constraints apply when you specify a local coordinate system for your tabular loads:

If you are specifying a 4- or 5-D array or table, four additional fields (LMAX, MMAX, Var4, and Var5) are available. Thus, for a 4-D table, the command syntax would be:

For a 5-D table, the command syntax would be:

You cannot create or edit 4- or 5-D arrays or tables using the GUI.

See Array Parameters for a detailed discussion on and examples for using array parameters.

Table: 130:: : *DIM - Primary Variables

Specify PRESSURE as the independent variable (not PRES).

The X, Y, and Z coordinate locations listed above are valid in global Cartesian, or local (Cartesian, cylindrical and spherical) coordinate systems. The VELOCITY label is applicable only to the calculated fluid velocity in element FLUID116.

When using PRESSURE as a primary variable, the underlying element must have the pressure DOF associated with it, or it must be a supported contact element.

The gap/penetration label (GAP) is only used for defining certain contact element real constants.

The frequency label (FREQ) is valid for harmonic analyses only.

The OMEGS, ECCENT, and THETA primary variables only apply to the COMBI214 element. The amplitude of the rotational velocity (OMEGS) is an absolute value, so only positive values of OMEGS are valid. The eccentricity (ECCENT) and phase shift (THETA) labels are only valid for nonlinear analyses.

If you use table parameters to define boundary conditions, the table names (Par) must not exceed 32 characters.

In thermal analyses, if you apply tabular loads as a function of temperature but the rest of the model is linear (e.g., includes no temperature-dependent material properties or radiation ), you should turn on Newton-Raphson iterations (NROPT,FULL) to evaluate the temperature-dependent tabular boundary conditions correctly.

This command is valid in any processor.