Layout of the File
- Last UpdatedNov 28, 2025
- 2 minute read
The input file for FD:s is an ordinary text file in a simple language based on the general TIL format.
This language has two statement types (DESCR and INTERVAL) that may be repeated any number of times. The input file is incremental, that means, it will be merged (normally added) to the existing FD object.
Note: It is also possible to have the complete FD definition in one input file. To be certain that the FD object has exactly the corresponding contents, the previous FD object (if any) should be deleted before the input file is interpreted.
The statements need not be in any particular order and there may be more than one DESCR statements for the same index in one file. However, in that case the last statement for a particular index will overwrite all other FD:s for the same index. that means, in the FD object, one index occurs only once.
The INTERVAL statement is used to control the Graphical User Interface when building planar steel. In this interval, it is possible to define the description index interval that should be presented in the GUI for a certain component. This statement is optional.
Syntax:
|
INTERVAL /<part_type> /MIN=<min_value> /MAX=<max_value>]; DESCR, <index> [/VALUE=<value_str>]; |
|
|
<part_type> |
Any of the existing physical part types available: 2. The whole panel (PANEL) 3. Plate (PLATE) 4. Stiffener (STIFFENER) 5. Flange (FLANGE) 6. Pillar (PILLAR) 7. Bracket (BRACKET) 8. Clip (Collar) (CLIP) 9. Doubling plate (DOUBLING) 10. Curved Plate (SHPLATE) 11. Shell Stiffener (SHSTIFFENER) |
|
<min_value> <max_value> |
These are the two boundaries in the functional description table for a certain part type. |
|
<index> |
An integer number representing the index of a certain functional description string |
|
/VALUE |
To be used for setting the string value for the current index. A string (up to 75 characters), representing the value of the functional description. |
The layout of a value may be as follows:
<value_str>::= [<pre_str>] [<parameter>][<post_str>]
<pre_str> and <post_str> may be any string.
<parameter>::= !X | !Y | !Z
FD:s with parameters should currently only be used for panels (and plates) located in principal planes. When the FD is asked for the parameter will be replaced by the corresponding co-ordinate (x for !X, ). The co-ordinates will always be converted into FR-terms (x-co-ordinates) or LP-terms (y- and z-co-ordinates) whenever possible.
Example of the use of parameters:
Two panels located at frames 85 and 90 are assigned the same functional description "Bottom web at !X.". When the FD is requested for these two panels it will be displayed as "Bottom web at FR85" and "Bottom web at FR90", respectively.