Templates
Templates are parametric models, built by expert users within the Template Builder. Templates define the default geometric data and topology of models, such as a double-wishbone suspension, an engine cranktrain, or an aircraft landing gear. The components within a template are parametrically defined such that you can use a single template within numerous subsystems.
Templates are intended to be a generic representation of a mechanical system, such that a template that is common to a number of different vehicles can be reused in each of those vehicles. For example, assume that you have two cars, a small car and a large car and that each of the two cars have a double-wishbone front suspension. You could use a double-wishbone template in each of the two vehicles. The only difference is that the large car requires stiffer springs, larger A arms, different dampers, and so on. The basic topology is the same: it is the components/properties that are changed. It is the subsystem file that references the topology of the template but changes the characteristics of the suspension by referencing different springs, parts, dampers, and so on.
Templates provide a quick way to experiment with different
subsystems and still retain the basic design components that are required.
A template in its most fundamental form cannot be used in the Standard Interface without first being referenced by a subsystem file. See
Generating a Subsystem.
You can modify the data of a template by changing the values of design parameters, among other things. Hardpoints, parameter variables, and property files are examples of design parameters of templates, where:
■Hardpoints define locations for geometry, attachments, and construction frames.
■Parameter variables contain strings, integers, and real values that you can modify in the Standard Interface and store in the subsystem file.
■Property files are referenced by some components.
Templates contain
communicators to enable the exchange of information with other templates.
Learn more about templates:
Opening Templates
When using the Template Builder for the first time, we recommend that you first open some of the example templates we provide and familiarize yourself with them.
To open an existing template:
1. From the File menu, select Open.
2. Press
F1 and then follow the instructions in the dialog box help for
Open Template.
3. Select OK.
Note: | Once the template is open, the Edit and Build menus become active. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with each menu item. |
Creating Templates
To ensure that an analysis will work with your new template, when you create a template you must make sure that the template is compatible with other templates and with the test rigs. The template must contain the proper output
communicators.
To create a template:
1. From the File menu, select New.
2. Press
F1 and then follow the instructions in the dialog box help for
New Template.
3. Select OK.
Note: | Once the template is open, the Edit and Build menus become active. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with each menu item. |
Saving Templates
Using the Template Builder, you can save your files in
ASCII,
Binary File Format or
EDS. Saving your files in ASCII format provides the benefit of small file sizes and being human readable. On the other hand, saving your files in binary format ensures faster processing, but does not have the benefits associated with ASCII format.
Opening an ASCII or EDS template sets the units for the entire session according to the units saved in that template. In contrast, opening a binary template does not change session units. Instead, your template-based product will convert all units in the template to the current session units.
To save a template:
1. From the File menu, select Save or Save As.
2. If you selected:
■Save - Your template-based product saves the binary version of the template to the default writable database and prompts you if the template already exists. For save options, select Save As.
■Save As - Press
F1 and then follow the instructions in the dialog box help for
Save Template. Select
OK.
Note: | Do not save templates with names exceeding 240 characters |
Closing Templates
You can close a template without first saving it to a
Database.
To close a template:
1. From the File menu, select Close.
2. Press
F1 and then follow the instructions in the dialog box help for
Close Template.
3. Select OK.
Major Roles
You assign a major role, or function, to every template. The choices in the Major Role option menu correspond to the available major roles for a template.
A major role is a property of a template. A subsystem inherits the major role of the type on which it is based.
In Adams Car, examples of major roles are:
suspension,
steering, and
body. Note that for each major role (for example,
suspension,
steering, and so on) Adams Car allows only one active subsystem with the
minor role any. The choices in the Minor Role option menu correspond to the available minor roles for an Adams Car subsystem.
Location of Templates
The templates are located in the templates.tbl table, or directory, of your template-based product's shared database. The shared database is usually located in your product's installation directory. For location details, see your system administrator.