Data Sources

Curves are comprised of an X data vector and a Y data vector. The X and Y vectors can be read from a data file, defined as mathematical expressions, or entered as values. The X and Y vectors of a curve do not have to come from the same source. For instance, the data source for the X vector of a curve can be an ASCII file and the source for the Y vector of the same curve can be defined by an expression such as sqrt(x).

File as a Data Source

If you select File as the data source, use the file browser to select data files for the X and Y vectors. From the list view, select the subcases, types, requests, and components.

Math as a Data Source

If Math is selected as the source, the Expression Builder is displayed, allowing you to define the vector mathematically.

Math as a source allows you to use additional curve vectors to plot a curve. In addition to the traditional X and Y vectors, you can use U and V vectors to perform operations on a curve at plotting time. As a result, only one curve is generated in the session. This is helpful any time that you want to create a curve and immediately apply a function (for example, a filter) to that curve.

Expression Builder: Curves can be defined mathematically using the Expression Builder.; The Expression Builder is displayed when Math is selected as the data source for a vector.; The Expression Builder contains the math functions necessary to build an expression. Use the in-app Entity Editor to select parameters as arguments for the selected Templex functions.

Direct Insert

Select a Templex function from the list and use Direct Insert to place it directly into the vector field.

Use In Expression

Select a function from the list and select Use in Expression to build a large expression, placing the function in the expression field.; You can evaluate and check the function values in a tabular form.; Once the expression is constructed, click Apply to place the expression in the vector field and plot the curve.; In the preferences file, use *RegisterExternalFunction() and *RegisterTemplexFunction() to register external functions or Templex functions in HyperGraph. You can insert any of the functions into the current expression by selecting the function name from the list or by typing the name directly into the equation.; See the List of Standard Functions topic in the Math Reference for a detailed description of each function and its purpose.
External Functions: In addition to the built-in math functions and operators, external C-programs can also be called from within a math expression.; Calling an external function enables you to process plot data from within the program using your own set of specialized programs. For example, the external program can be a customized filter for manipulating plot data or a program that passes plot data to another application for processing.; External programs must be registered in the preferences file before they can be called from within a math expression. Registering an external program associates the program file with a function name. External programs can be registered in your own preferences file or in the global preferences file, making it available to everyone on the network.; See the Altair IPC for more information on writing and calling external C-programs from within a math expression.; See the *RegisterExternalFunction() statement in Preference Files help for more information on registering external functions in the preferences.mvw file.
Freezing Vectors: When a vector is defined by an expression, the program automatically recalculates the vector each time the expression is altered, updating the curve. If an expression contains a reference to another curve and the referenced curve changes, the program recalculates the vector and updates the curve containing the reference.
Vectors can be frozen so that the program does not recalculate the curve. When a vector is frozen, it is no longer dependent on a referenced curve, so changes made to other curves are not reflected in the frozen vector. Vectors can be unfrozen, making them once again subject to change. The X and Y vectors can be frozen independently of each other or together, freezing the entire curve. Frozen vectors are saved as data point values in session files.

Values as a Data Source

If Values is selected as the source, a table is displayed. Enter data point values to the table directly.