Adams View Function Builder Glossary
A - B
Acceleration Functions
Run-time functions that return a requested magnitude or component of the translational or rotational acceleration vector between two markers.
Adams View
MSC Software's powerful modeling and simulating environment.
Akima Fitting Method
Returns an interpolated value from a curve or surface.
Aliases
Alternate names you can use when referencing fields on objects in the database.
Argument
A value which is applied to a function as an input.
Array
In the Adams View expression language, an array is a collection of values of the same scalar type.
B-spline Fitting Method
Returns a B-spline or a user-written curve created by a CURVE data element.
C - D
Coercion
Changing the type of a value. For example, changing from real numbers to character strings.
Command Window
An Adams View window where you can enter commands directly, instead of using menus. The commands correspond to menu selections and the parameters correspond to dialog box choices. You can either enter a full command or an abbreviation of a command.
Compiled Functions
Functions you can write in C or Fortran, link into Adams View, and then even use in an Adams View expression. See also the definition for
Interpreted Functions.
Constant
An operand which is either literal, such as 3.2 or "hello", or symbolic, such as PI or SQRT2.
Contact Functions
Run-time functions you can use to define collision forces.
Cubic Fitting Method
Returns an interpolated value from a curve or surface.
Data Dictionary
Lists the names of the object types, and the fields associated with them, as they appear in expressions.
Data Types
The types of operands and computed values of expressions. There are five types: integer, real, string, matrix, and database object.
Database Access
You can access the database to retrieve values from it to use in computing new values.
Database Functions
Design-time functions that facilitate your access to the database.
Database Objects
Objects stored in the Adams View database.
Design-Time Functions
Allow you to parametrically configure the system being analyzed for such effects as optimization and sensitivity studies.
Design Variables
Variables that store data which you can later use and modify.
Displacement Functions
Run-time functions that return scalar measures associated with a particular component of the translational displacement vector from one coordinate system marker to another or an angular displacement from one coordinate system marker to another.
E - F
Empty Array
Array that does not contain any values; denoted by a pair of braces { }.
Expressions
Combinations of constants, operators, functions, and database object references, all enclosed in parentheses. You use expressions to specify parameters in your model or to allow Adams View to calculate values.
Expression Mode
Function Builder mode in which Adams updates the functions you create during the modeling process.
Force
An effect that has magnitude and direction and that causes motion of a body when there is no other external effect on that body. In Adams View, force can refer to both translational and rotational forces.
Force in Object Functions
Run-time functions that return instantaneous force values generated by modeling elements.
Function
An operand that takes a list of arguments and computes a value based on the values in the list. Each argument in the list is an expression that is evaluated and given to the function. Common functions are: SIN( ), ABS ( ), and THETA( ).
Function Builder
Adams View tool that allows you to build functions and parameterize values for various entities.
Function Category
Collection of functions grouped according to their type. For example, the function categories include: math functions, string functions, and database functions.
I - J
Interpreted Functions
User-written design-time functions created in Adams View by using the function create command. They may be used in Adams View expressions. See also the definition for
Compiled Functions.
K - L
Location / Orientation Functions
Design-time functions you can use to compute one or more locations or orientations from a variety of input parameters.
M - N
Math Functions
Design-time or run-time functions that apply to scalar numbers or matrices. When working in design-time, if you input a scalar, Adams returns a scalar, and if you input a matrix, Adams returns a matrix.
Matrix
A multi-dimensional collection of numeric values; a special case of array.
Matrix / Array Functions
Design-time functions that allow you to easily perform common matrix operations.
Miscellaneous Functions
Design-time functions that include a variety of functions.
Modeling Functions
Design-time functions that return a requested kinematic measurement between markers or parts.
O - P
Object
See the definition for
Database Objects.
Operands
Operands allow you to indicate what you want to operate on. The following are types of operands: literal constants, symbolic constants, function results, and database objects and their component values.
Operators
Operators allow you to specify what you want to do to operands.
Optimization
Helps you find an optimal design. You define the design objective and specify the model parameters that can change.
Orientation Angles
Angles that define three rotations about the axes of a coordinate system.
Parameterization
Allows you to define an invariant relationship between model objects or their values.
Q - R
Resultant Force Functions
Run-time functions that return either the net applied action and reaction force between two markers, or the net applied action-only forces at a marker.
Run-Time Functions
Allow you to specify mathematical relationships between variables that directly define the behavior of your model.
Run-Time Mode
Function Builder mode in which you define the functions Adams Solver uses during a simulation.
S - T
Single-Component Force
A force defined as one resultant magnitude along a direction.
Spline Functions
Run-time functions you can use during a simulation to define smooth functions to approximately fit data points.
String Functions
Design-time functions that allow you to manipulate character strings.
Symbolic Constant
A kind of operand in an Adams View expression, represented by an easily understood name, such as PI.
System-supplied Functions
Functions built into Adams View or Adams Solver.
U - V
User-written Functions
Design-time functions you can create yourself. There are two types of user-written functions: interpreted and compiled.
Velocity Functions
Run-time functions that return a requested magnitude or component of the translational or rotational velocity vector between two markers.