Parameters

Create and assign variables to parameters when modeling.

A parameter is a user-defined scalar value. Parameters are used in place of numerical values to define parameters in Damping, Material, Element, Connection, and Input Load models. They are created using the parameters definition form. The available parameters are then listed on the Damping, Material, Element, Connection, and Input Load parameter forms for use when defining parameters. Parameters are useful when a particular number would otherwise be entered numerous times.

As an example, a particular dimension may be common to multiple elements as well as associated connections. If this dimension is changed, you only need to change the parameters definition, and all occurrences of that value are updated throughout the model. By combining parameters with simple arithmetic in parameter entry boxes, derived quantities such as areas and volumes can depend on length parameters.