Parameter tables allow you to generate several variants of a model and to store the parameter values. Parameter values for the different variants can be specified in a simple ASCII file. A name is assigned to each variant within the table. You can quickly apply a set of predefined values to a relation set without the need to re-enter values. By selecting a variant, you select a group of parameter values.
One parameter table, three designs
Key to figure:
• Variant A: Think of this as the initial model where you define the relations and create the parameter table.
• Variants B & C: These are both variants of A produced by applying the values within the parameter table.
The format of a parameter table shown below and can be generated from a standard application such as Microsoft Excel (saved in ASCII format):
variant_1
variant_2
param_1
value
value
param_2
value
value
param_3
value
value
The delimiter between the column entries is a tab or space.
To specify a parameter table,
1. Create the relations.
2. Create the parameter table.
3. Click Relations and then, in the Solving group, click Param Table. The Param Table dialog box opens.
4. Click File Name and enter the name of the file.
5. Select the variant to be applied from the Variant cascade list.
6. Click Solve on to update the relation set.
7. Click OK to apply the variant and solve the relation.
Param Table. The Param Table dialog box opens.