Creating expression fields

Select ToolsAnalytical FieldCreate from the main menu bar in the Property module, Interaction module, or Load module to create an analytical field using an expression. Analytical fields defined using mathematical expressions are referred to as expression fields.

Related Topics
Using the interaction editors
Using the load editors
Using the boundary condition editors
Using the predefined field editors
The Analytical Field toolset

  1. Open the Create Expression Field dialog box using one of the following methods:

    • From the main menu bar, select ToolsAnalytical FieldCreate.

      Tip: You can also click Create in the Analytical Field Manager.

    • From the interaction editor in the Interaction module, click next to the Definition or Emissivity distribution field.

    • From the load, boundary condition, or predefined field editor in the Load module, click next to the Distribution field.

  2. Choose Expression field as the Type, and click Continue.

  3. In the Name text field, enter a name for the expression field. For information on naming objects, see Using basic dialog box components.

  4. In the Description text field, enter a description for the expression field.

  5. If you want to change the local coordinate system for the expression field, click Edit and use one of the following methods:

    • Select an existing datum coordinate system in the viewport.

    • Select an existing datum coordinate system by name.

      1. From the prompt area, click Datum CSYS List to display a list of datum coordinate systems.

      2. Select a name from the list, and click OK.

    • Click Use Global CSYS from the prompt area to revert to the global coordinate system.

  6. Build your expression in the expression window of the editor using a combination of the following procedures:

    • Select a parameter name from the list on the left side of the editor. The parameter names that are available depend on the type of coordinate system that you select:

      • Rectangular: X, Y, and Z are the values on the X-, Y-, and Z-axes, respectively.

      • Cylindrical: R, Th, and Z are the values on the R-, θ-, and Z-axes, respectively.

      • Spherical: R, Th, and P are the values on the R-, θ-, and ϕ-axes, respectively.

      The parameter name appears in the expression window.

    • Select an operation, function, or constant from the Operators list on the right side of the editor. For more information, see Operations and functions in expressions.

      The selected operation, function, or constant appears in the expression window.

    • Use standard mouse and keyboard editing techniques in the expression window to position the cursor and configure your expression. Parameter names and operators are case sensitive.

    • Adjust the syntax of your expression if necessary; parentheses may be needed.

    • Click Clear Expression to clear the entire expression in the expression window.

  7. Click OK to create the expression field and to exit the editor.