Common Features

The statements for generation of different components of a panel (stiffeners, flanges, brackets, ) are, to a large extent, unique and will be treated individually. However, they have some features in common, which will be explained first.

1. Repetition

   In most cases, several (maximum 25) components can be generated in one statement. The number of components is defined by the keyword with the largest number of assigned values (or by the highest number of references). See General Layout of a Statement.

2. Definition of Position

   The definition of positions can be made explicitly or implicitly:

   • Explicitly it is done by giving the positions of end points of stiffeners, , by coordinates. The coordinates may be given either in the uv-system of the panel or in the xyz-system of the ship.

   • Implicitly it is done by referring to already existing components on the panel or on adjoining panels, longitudinals or to topology points,

     To as large an extent as possible, the implicit way of defining the position should be used, since the components will then certainly fit together and a topology will be established in input.

3. Separation of Input Data

   Many types of input data - typical examples are the end point characteristics of a stiffener and the orientation of two arms of a bracket - are, to a large extent, symmetrical and syntactically equal. This means that, to be able to use the same keywords , one must separate data concerning the two end points, this is done by the delimiter / (slash).

   Consequently, clauses and references concerning one end point of a stiffener or one arm of a bracket must be given before the slash, data concerning the other after the slash.

   Apart from that, the order between clauses and references is normally quite free.