API, Reference Guides
API, Reference Guides

2023.1

  1. Home
  2. API, Reference Guides

    Overview of external readers and the Altair Binary Format, the generic ASCII reader, running applications in batch mode, using Tcl/Tk commands, translators, and result math.

  3. MotionView

  4. Model Definition Language (MDL)

  5. MDL Model Statements

    Reference to all MDL statements and blocks that can be used to model a mechanical system.

  6. Alphabetical List of MDL Model Statements

    A list of MDL Model Statements that can be used to define an object.

  7. *Sensor()

    Creates a sensor entity.

  • What's New
  • Get Started
  • Tutorials
  • API, Reference Guides
Index
API, Reference Guides

2023.1

API, Reference Guides
  • What's New

    View new features for version 2023.1.

  • Get Started

    Learn the basics and discover the workspace.

  • Tutorials

    Discover product functionality with interactive tutorials.

  • API, Reference Guides

    Overview of external readers and the Altair Binary Format, the generic ASCII reader, running applications in batch mode, using Tcl/Tk commands, translators, and result math.

    • Extensions

      Extensions are programs integrated with the application to enhance or extend the user experience.

    • External Readers and Altair Binary Format

      Altair Binary Format (ABF) is the standard binary format read by the program. A library called abflib allows you to create files in ABF.

    • Generic ASCII Reader

      A generic ASCII reader is now available which allows you to bring custom results directly into HyperView. The Altair ASCII format is useful for reading the results of any in-house or propriety codes which are saved in a generic format.

    • Batch Mode

      Batch mode allows you perform a series of operations outside the program interface.

    • External Resources

      External resources can be registered in preference files, session files, or Templex files. If an external resource is registered in a program session, it is automatically registered in the session file when the session is saved.

    • Python API

      The Python API documentation for HyperView and HyperGraph.

    • Tcl/Tk Commands

      The application's scripting interface is a set of Tcl/Tk commands that follow a simple and consistent syntax.

    • Translators

      Translators are utilities that are run from the command line of the operating system to convert various types of files into different formats.

    • Result Math

      XML commands in the Result Math Module.

    • HWC Console

      Record playback workflows in the application.

    • HyperMesh Report

    • HyperMesh

    • MotionView

      • Model Definition Language (MDL)

        • MDL Model Statements

          Reference to all MDL statements and blocks that can be used to model a mechanical system.

          • Alphabetical List of MDL Model Statements

            A list of MDL Model Statements that can be used to define an object.

            • 96 more
            • *ActionOnlyForce()

              Creates an action-only force.

            • *ActionOnlyForcePair()

              Creates an action-only force pair.

            • *ActionReactionForce()

              Creates an action-reaction force.

            • *ActionReactionForce() - line of action

              Creates an action-reaction translational force acting along the line joining the points of action and reaction.

            • *ActionReactionForce() - single component rotation

              Creates a single component action-reaction rotational force (torque) acting about the given axis.

            • *ActionReactionForcePair()

              Creates an action-reaction force pair.

            • *ActionReactionForcePair() - line of action

              Creates an action-reaction translational force pair acting along the line joining the points of action and reaction.

            • *ActionReactionForcePair() - single component rotation

              Creates a single component action-reaction rotational force (torque) pair acting about the given axis.

            • *AdamsScript()

              Sets the active script for the ADAMS solver mode.

            • *Analysis()

              Creates an analysis.

            • *AnalysisPlaceholder()

              This is a container which holds information regarding the analysis.

            • *AssemblyPlaceholder()

              Creates a placeholder for an assembly.

            • *AtPointJoint()

              Creates an at-point joint.

            • *AtPointJointPair()

              Creates an at-point joint pair.

            • *Attachment()

              Specifies the details of a system or analysis attachment.

            • *AttachmentCandidate()

              Tag any entity as a candidate to be used as an attachment when resolving an assembly interactively.

            • *AutoRequests()

              Specifies if requests for all entities in a model are to be written out.

            • *BallJoint()

              Creates a ball joint.

            • *BallJointPair()

              Creates a ball joint pair.

            • *Beam()

              Creates a beam.

            • *BeamPair()

              Creates a beam pair.

            • *BeginAnalysis()

              Indicates the beginning of instantiation of a distributed type analysis.

            • *BeginAnalysisDataFile()

              Indicates the beginning of the data file for a distributed analysis in the data file.

            • *BeginAssemblyDataFile()

              Indicates the beginning of the data file for an assembly in the data file.

            • *BeginAssemblySelection()

              Adds an assembly into an assembly placeholder.

            • *BeginAssemblySelections()

              Indicates the beginning of an assembly selections block.

            • *BeginComment()

              Indicates the beginning of a comment block.

            • *BeginContext()

              Puts all of the *Set statements into the context of the specified system.

            • *BeginDefinitionFile()

              Indicates the beginning of the definition for an assembly or analysis in the definition file.

            • *BeginMdl()

              Indicates the beginning of an MDL block.

            • *BeginTaskSelections()

              Indicates the beginning of a task selections block.

            • *BeginWizardSelections()

              Indicates the beginning of an assembly and task wizard selections block.

            • *Body()

              Creates a body.

            • *BodyPair()

              Creates a body pair.

            • *Boolean()

              Creates a boolean entity.

            • *Bush()

              Creates a bushing.

            • *BushIDScheme()

              Specifies a scheme for assigning solver ID numbers to bushings.

            • *BushPair()

              Creates a bushing pair.

            • *CoilSpring()

              Creates a coil spring.

            • *CoilSpringPair()

              Creates a coil spring pair.

            • *ColorMaterial()

              Creates a color to be referenced by entities, such as graphics.

            • *ColumnLabel()

              Sets the column(s) label in a form or a tableform.

            • *ColumnWidth()

              Sets the width of a column(s) in a form or a tableform.

            • *Connector()

              Creates a connector tag entity which will associate a specified entity with a symbol.

            • *ConstraintMate()

              Creates a primitive geometry based general mating constraint.

            • *Contact()

              Creates a 3D graphics based contact force between two bodies.

            • *ControlSISO()

              Defines a single-input, single-output, transfer function as a ratio of two polynomials in the Laplace domain when used with the associated ARRAY statements.

            • *Coupler()

              Creates a coupler for two or three joints.

            • *CouplerPair()

              Creates a coupler pair.

            • *Curve()

              Creates a curve entity to capture non-linear characteristics or to describe constraint paths for high-pair joint types.

            • *CurveToCurveJoint()

              Creates a curve-to-curve high-pair joint with two rotational degrees of freedom and one translational degree of freedom.

            • *CurveToSurfaceJoint()

              Creates a curve-to-surface high-pair joint with three rotational degrees of freedom and two translational degrees of freedom.

            • *CVJoint()

              Creates a constant velocity joint.

            • *CVJointPair()

              Creates a constant velocity joint pair.

            • *CylJoint()

              Creates a cylindrical joint.

            • *CylJointPair()

              Creates a cylindrical joint pair.

            • *DataInclude()

              Includes a data file for an assembly.

            • *DataSet()

              Creates a data set.

            • *DefineAnalysis()

              Indicates the beginning of an analysis definition block.

            • *DefineAssembly()

              Indicates the beginning of an assembly definition block.

            • *DefineDataSet()

              Indicates the beginning of a data set definition block.

            • *DefineForm()

              Indicates the beginning of a user-defined form definition block.

            • *DefineGraphic()

              Indicates the beginning of a user-defined graphic definition block.

            • *DefineProcedure()

              Begins a procedure definition block. *This statement has been deprecated and all functionality is now contained in the *DefineTemplate() - procedure statement.

            • *DefineRecord()

              Indicates the beginning of a record definition block that contains a set of data used in a table.

            • *DefineSystem()

              Indicates the beginning of a System definition block.

            • *DefineTable()

              Indicates the beginning of a record definition block. *This statement has been deprecated and all functionality is now contained in the *DefineRecord() statement.

            • *DefineTableForm()

              Indicates the beginning of a table format definition block.

            • *DefineTemplate() - general

              Indicates the beginning of a template definition block.

            • *DefineTemplate() - procedure

              Indicates the beginning of a template definition block.

            • *DefinitionInclude()

              Includes a definition file for definition based entities such as a system/assembly/analysis.

            • *DeformableCurve()

              Creates a three-dimensional deformable curve entity.

            • *DeformableSurface()

              Creates a three-dimensional deformable surface entity.

            • *else()

              Defines a branch for an *if() block.

            • *elseif()

              Defines a conditional branch for an *if() block.

            • *EndAssemblySelections()

              Indicates the end of an assembly's selections block.

            • *EndComment()

              Indicates the end of a comment block.

            • *EndContext()

              Indicates the end of a context block.

            • *EndDefine()

              Completes the preceding definition block started by any of the *Define() statements.

            • *endif()

              Indicates the end of an *if() block.

            • *EndMdl()

              Indicates the end of an MDL block.

            • *EndTaskSelections()

              Indicates the end of an analysis task's selections block.

            • *EndWizardSelections()

              Indicates the end of a wizard selections block.

            • *Field()

              Creates a field.

            • *FieldPair()

              Creates a field pair.

            • *FileName()

              Creates a variable of type FileName.

            • *FixedJoint()

              Creates a fixed joint.

            • *FixedJointPair()

              Creates a fixed joint pair.

            • *FMU()

              Creates a functional mock-up unit (FMU) entity.

            • *Form()

              Creates a form.

            • *Gear()

              Creates a gear.

            • *GeneralConstraint()

              Creates a general constraint.

            • *GeneralStateEquation()

              Creates a user subroutine based general state equation entity.

            • *Graphic() - AirSpring

              Creates an AirSpring graphic.

            • *Graphic() - box

              Creates a box graphic.

            • *Graphic() - CADGraphic

              Creates a CAD graphic.

            • *Graphic() - coil spring

              Creates a coil spring graphic.

            • *Graphic() - curve

              Creates a curve graphic.

            • *Graphic() - cylinder

              Creates a cylinder graphic.

            • *Graphic() - DeformableCurve

              Creates a graphic on a deformable curve entity.

            • *Graphic() - DeformableRoad

              Creates a deformable road graphic for use with soft-soil road.

            • *Graphic() - DeformableSurface

              Creates a graphic on a deformable surface entity.

            • *Graphic() - ellipsoid

              Creates an ellipsoid graphic.

            • *Graphic() - file

              Creates a graphic from a graphic file component.

            • *Graphic() - offset cylinder

              Creates an offset cylinder graphic.

            • *Graphic() - outline - body-point

              Creates an outline graphic by connecting points.

            • *Graphic() - outline - markers

              Creates an outline graphic by connecting the origins of the markers.

            • *Graphic() - outline - PointToCurveJoint

              Creates an outline graphic on the curve of a PointToCurveJoint.

            • *Graphic() - outline - polybeam

              Creates an outline graphic by connecting polybeam points.

            • *Graphic() - sphere

              Creates a sphere graphic.

            • *Graphic() - tire

              Creates a tire graphic.

            • *Graphic() - tube

              Creates a tube graphic.

            • *Graphic() - user-defined graphic

              Creates a user-defined graphic.

            • *GraphicPair() - box pair

              Creates a pair of box graphics.

            • *GraphicPair() - coil spring pair

              Creates a coil spring pair graphic.

            • *GraphicPair() - cylinder pair

              Creates a cylinder pair graphic.

            • *GraphicPair() - ellipsoid pair

              Creates a pair of ellipsoid graphics.

            • *GraphicPair() - offset cylinder pair

              Creates an offset cylinder pair graphic.

            • *GraphicPair() - sphere pair

              Creates a sphere pair graphic.

            • *GraphicPair() - tire

              Creates a pair of tire graphic statements.

            • *GraphicPair() - user-defined graphic pair

              Creates a user-defined pair graphic.

            • *IDAvoidRange()

              Specifies a range of numbers that may not be used by MotionView when assigning IDs.

            • *if()

              Indicates the beginning of an *if() block.

            • *Include()

              Reads the contents of the specified MDL file.

            • *InlineJoint() - inline joints (coincident origins)

              Creates an inline joint with coincident i and j markers.

            • *InlineJoint() - inline joints (non-coincident origins)

              Creates an inline joint with non-coincident i and j markers.

            • *InlineJointPair() - inline joints (coincident origins)

              Creates an inline joint pair with coincident i and j markers.

            • *InlineJointPair() - inline joints (non-coincident origins)

              Creates an inline joint pair with non-coincident i and j markers.

            • *InplaneJoint() - inplane joint (normal)

              Creates an inplane joint specifying a normal to the plane of the joint.

            • *InplaneJoint() - inplane joint (plane)

              Creates an inplane joint parallel to a specified plane.

            • *InplaneJointPair() - inplane joints (normal)

              Creates an inplane joint pair specifying a normal to the plane.

            • *InplaneJointPair() - inplane joints (plane)

              Creates an inplane joint pair parallel to a specified plane.

            • *Integer()

              Creates an integer entity.

            • *JointIDAvoidRange()

              Specifies a range of numbers that may not be used by MotionView when assigning joint IDs.

            • *JointIDScheme()

              Specifies a scheme for assigning solver ID numbers to joints.

            • *JointNumAvoidRange()

              Specifies a range of numbers that may not be used by MotionView when assigning joint numbers.

            • *Marker()

              Creates a triad representing a coordinate system.

            • *MarkerIDAvoidRange()

              Specifies a range of numbers that may not be used by MotionView when assigning marker IDs.

            • *MarkerIDScheme()

              Specifies a scheme for assigning solver ID numbers to markers.

            • *MarkerNumAvoidRange()

              Specifies a range of numbers that may not be used by MotionView when assigning marker numbers.

            • *MarkerPair()

              Creates a triad pair representing a pair of coordinate systems.

            • *MaterialProperty()

              Creates a material entity that can be used to assign a material for an NLFE body or certain type of graphics.

            • *MergeCells()

              Merges a block of form or a tableform cells into a single cell.

            • *MergeColumns()

              Merges several columns of a form or a tableform into a single column.

            • *MergeRows()

              Merges several rows of a form or a tableform into a single row.

            • *Motion()

              Applies a motion to a specified joint or constrains the motion between two markers.

            • *MotionPair()

              Applies a motion pair to a joint pair or constrains the motion between two marker pairs.

            • *MotionSolveScript()

              Sets the active script for the MotionSolve solver mode.

            • *NLFEBody()

              Creates a Nonlinear Finite Element (NLFE) beam or cable body. This is supported for the MotionSolve SolverMode only.

            • *Option()

              Creates an option menu.

            • *OrientJoint()

              Creates an orient joint.

            • *OrientJointPair()

              Creates an orient joint pair.

            • *Output() - output expressions

              Creates output with expression components.

            • *Output() - output on entities

              Creates output for a given entity.

            • *Output() - output on entity sets

              Creates output for a given set of entites.

            • *Output() - output on two points

              Creates output for two points attached to two different bodies.

            • *Output() - user-defined output

              Creates output with user-defined data.

            • *ParallelAxesJoint() - parallel axes joint (normal)

              Creates a parallel axes joint with its axes specified.

            • *ParallelAxesJoint() - parallel axes joint (plane)

              Creates a parallell axes joint with its axes normal to a specified plane.

            • *ParallelAxesJointPair() - parallel axes joints (normal)

              Creates a parallel axes joint pair with its axes parallel to normal defined by a point or vector.

            • *ParallelAxesJointPair() - parallel axes joints (plane)

              Creates a planar joint pair with its axes normal to the given plane.

            • *PartIDAvoidRange()

              Specifies a range of numbers that may not be used by MotionView when assigning Part IDs.

            • *PartIDScheme()

              Specifies a scheme for assigning solver ID numbers to parts.

            • *PartNumAvoidRange()

              Specifies a range of numbers that may not be used by MotionView when assigning body numbers.

            • *Path()

              Sets a path to search for specified files.

            • *PerpAxesJoint()

              Creates a perpendicular axes joint.

            • *PerpAxesJointPair()

              Creates a perpendicular axes joint pair.

            • *PlanarJoint() - planar joint (normal)

              Creates a planar joint with the normal specified.

            • *PlanarJoint() - planar joint (plane)

              Creates a planar joint parallel to a specified plane.

            • *PlanarJointPair() - planar joints (normal)

              Creates a planar joint pair with the normal specified.

            • *PlanarJointPair() - planar joints (plane)

              Creates a planar joint pair parallel to a specified plane.

            • *Point()

              Creates a point.

            • *PointmassBody()

              Creates a point mass body entity.

            • *PointmassBodyPair()

              Creates a point mass body pair entity.

            • *PointNumAvoidRange()

              Specifies a range of numbers that may not be used by MotionView when assigning point numbers.

            • *PointPair()

              Creates a point pair.

            • *PointToCurveJoint()

              Creates a point-to-curve high-pair joint with three rotational degrees of freedom and one translational degree of freedom.

            • *PointToDeformableCurveJoint()

              Creates a constraint between a point on one body and a curve, where the curve can deform and attach to one or multiple bodies.

            • *PointToDeformableSurfaceContact()

              Creates a contact force between a sphere of radius (r) and a deformable surface.

            • *PointToDeformableSurfaceJoint()

              Creates a constraint between a point on one body and a surface, where the surface can deform and attach to one or multiple bodies.

            • *PointToSurfaceJoint()

              Creates a point-to-surface high-pair joint with three rotational degrees of freedom and two translational degrees of freedom.

            • *PolyBeam()

              Creates a polybeam.

            • *PrimaryDefinitionName()

              Specifies the primary system definition to use for instantiating the assembly.

            • *Procedure()

              Creates a procedure.

            • *Prompt() - MDL

              Specifies the prompt for the user-defined form.

            • *Proximity()

              Creates a proximity sensor to measure minimum distance between two bodies that have associated graphics.

            • *Real()

              Creates a real entity.

            • *Report()

              Creates an instance of a report definition.

            • *RevJoint()

              Creates a revolute joint.

            • *RevJointPair()

              Creates a revolute joint pair.

            • *RigidGroup()

              Group bodies into a rigid group that will move together.

            • *RowHeight()

              Sets the height of a row(s) in a form or a tableform.

            • *RowLabel()

              Sets the row(s) label in a form or a tableform.

            • *ScrewJoint()

              Creates a screw joint.

            • *ScrewJointPair()

              Creates a screw joint pair.

            • *Selection()

              Picks an item from a radio group or system group.

            • *Sensor()

              Creates a sensor entity.

            • *Set() - flexbody tolerance

              Sets the tolerance value for the Find option in the Flexbody Nodes window.

            • *Set() - Implicit graphic visibility

              Sets the visibility of implicit graphics within a context.

            • *Set()

              Sets the values of the properties of the given entity.

            • *SetActiveAnalysis()

              Selects an analysis for simulation.

            • *SetAnalysis()

              Sets the scope for other *Set() statements.

            • *SetAttachmentCandidateTag()

            • *SetBeam() - arbitrary cross section asymmetric beam pair

              Sets the properties of an asymmetric beam pair with arbitrary cross section.

            • *SetBeam() - arbitrary cross section

              Sets the properties of a beam arbitrary cross section.

            • *SetBeam() - arbitrary cross section symmetric pair

              Sets the properties of a symmetric beam pair with arbitrary cross section.

            • *SetBeam() - circular cross section asymmetric beam pair

              Sets the properties of an asymmetric beam pair with circular cross section.

            • *SetBeam() - circular cross section

              Sets the properties of a beam circular cross section.

            • *SetBeam() - rectangular cross section

              Sets the properties of a beam rectangular cross section.

            • *SetBeam() - symmetric circular cross section

              Sets the properties of a symmetric beam pair with circular cross section.

            • *SetBeamPreload() - beam pair

              Sets the preload properties of a beam pair.

            • *SetBeamPreload() - single beam

              Sets the preload properties of a single beam.

            • *SetBody() - asymmetric body pair

              Sets the mass properties of an asymmetric body pair.

            • *SetBody() - single body

              Sets the mass properties of a body.

            • *SetBody() - symmetric body pair

              Sets the mass properties of a symmetric body pair.

            • *SetBodyIC() - all bodies in a system

              Sets the initial conditions for all bodies in a system.

            • *SetBodyIC() - body pair

              Sets the initial conditions for a body pair.

            • *SetBodyIC() - single body

              Sets the initial conditions for a body.

            • *SetBodyICFlag() - body pair

              Sets flags to indicate whether the initial conditions are used.

            • *SetBodyICFlag() - single body

              Sets flags to indicate whether the initial conditions are used.

            • *SetBodyICFlag() - system

              Sets flags to indicate whether the initial conditions for all the bodies in the system are used.

            • *SetBodyInertia() - asymmetric body pair

              Sets the mass properties of an asymmetric body pair.

            • *SetBodyInertia() - single body

              Sets the mass properties of a body.

            • *SetBodyInertia() - symmetric body pair

              Sets the mass properties of a symmetric body pair.

            • *SetBoolean()

              Sets the value of a boolean entity.

            • *SetBush() - asymmetric bushing pair

              Sets the properties of an asymmetric bushing pair.

            • *SetBush() - asymmetric bushing pair with user subroutine

              Sets the properties of an asymmetric bushing pair with a user subroutine.

            • *SetBush() - single bushing

              Sets the properties of a bushing.

            • *SetBush() - single bushing with user subroutine

              Sets the properties of a bushing with a user subroutine.

            • *SetBush() - symmetric bushing pair

              Sets the properties of a symmetric bushing pair.

            • *SetCell()

              Sets the properties of a cell in a form or a tableform.

            • *SetCoilSpring() - asymmetric coil spring pair

              Sets the properties of an asymmetric coil spring pair.

            • *SetCoilSpring() - asymmetric coil spring pair with user subroutine

              Sets the properties of an asymmetric coil spring pair with a user sub routine.

            • *SetCoilSpring() - single coil spring

              Sets the properties of a coil spring.

            • *SetCoilSpring() - single coil spring with user subroutine

              Sets the properties of a coil spring with a user subroutine.

            • *SetCoilSpring() - symmetric coil spring pair

              Sets the properties of a symmetric coil spring pair.

            • *SetColorMaterialComplex()

              Sets the properties for a complex color material.

            • *SetColorMaterialReference()

              Sets the color of a graphic or body entity.

            • *SetColorMaterialSimple()

              Sets the properties for a simple color material.

            • *SetContact() - PointToDeformableSurfaceContact

              Sets the values associated with the PointToDeformableSurfaceContact.

            • *SetContact() - RigidToRigidContact

              Sets the values associated with the RigidToRigidContact.

            • *SetContinuousStates()

              Specifies the properties for continuous states of a general state equation.

            • *SetControlSISOCoeffs()

              Sets the numerator and denominator coefficients for a ControlSISO.

            • *SetControlSISOInput()

              Sets the input to the transfer function of the controller.

            • *SetCoupler() - asymmetric coupler pair

              Sets the ratio for a coupler pair.

            • *SetCoupler() - asymmetric coupler pair with user subroutine

              Sets the properties of an asymmetric coupler pair with a user subroutine.

            • *SetCoupler() - single coupler

              Sets the coupler ratios for a 2-joint or 3-joint coupler.

            • *SetCoupler() - single coupler with user subroutine

              Sets the properties of a coupler with a user subroutine.

            • *SetCoupler() - symmetric coupler pair

              Sets the ratio for a coupler pair.

            • *SetCurrentSolverMode()

              Sets the solver mode when the MDL model is loaded into MotionView.

            • *SetCurrentUserMode()

              Sets the user mode when the MDL model is loaded with the option to lock the user mode.

            • *SetCurve() - Cartesian 2D

              Sets the values associated with a 2D Cartesian curve.

            • *SetCurve() - Cartesian 3D

              Sets the values associated with a 3D Cartesian curve.

            • *SetCurve() - Parametric 2D

              Sets the values associated with a 2D parametric curve.

            • *SetCurve() - Paremetric 3D

              Sets the values associated with a 3D parametric curve.

            • *SetCurve() - User Defined

              Sets the values associated with a user defined curve. Applies to 3D curves only.

            • *SetCurveAttributes()

              Sets the scale and offset for the X and Y vectors of a curve.

            • *SetDefaultAnalysisInstance()

              When loading an analysis from an MDL file, this statement specifies the varname and label default for that instance.

            • *SetDefaultSystemInstance()

              Specifies the varname and label that should be used when instantiating the system.

            • *SetDiscreteStates()

              Specifies the properties for the discrete states of a general state equation.

            • *SetEntityID()

              Sets the unique integer identification number of an entity.

            • *SetEntityNumber()

              Sets the unique integer identifier of an entity.

            • *SetField() - asymmetric field pair with user subroutine

              Sets the properties of an asymmetric field pair with a user subroutine.

            • *SetField() - single field with user subroutine

              Sets the properties of a single field with a user subroutine.

            • *SetField() - symmetric field pair with user subroutine

              Sets the properties of a symmetric field pair with a user subroutine.

            • *SetFieldDamping() - asymmetric field pair

              Sets the damping properties of an asymmetric field pair.

            • *SetFieldDamping() - single field

              Sets the damping properties of a single field.

            • *SetFieldDamping() - symmetric field pair

              Sets the damping properties of a symmetric field pair.

            • *SetFieldForce() - asymmetric field pair

              Sets the force properties of an asymmetric field pair.

            • *SetFieldForce() - single field

              Sets the force properties of a single field.

            • *SetFieldForce() - symmetric field pair

              Sets the force properties of a symmetric field pair.

            • *SetFieldLength() - asymmetric field pair

              Sets the length properties of an asymmetric field pair.

            • *SetFieldLength() - single field

              Sets the length properties of a single field.

            • *SetFieldLength() - symmetric field pair

              Sets the length properties of a symmetric field pair.

            • *SetFieldStiffness() - asymmetric field pair

              Sets the stiffness properties of an asymmetric field pair.

            • *SetFieldStiffness() - single field

              Sets the stiffness properties of the field.

            • *SetFieldStiffness() - symmetric field pair

              Sets the stiffness properties of a symmetric field pair.

            • *SetFileName()

              Sets the value of the FileName object.

            • *SetFlexbodyComplianceState()

              Sets the state of a body to flexible as well as the source of the matrix file that describes the flexbody.

            • *SetFlexbodyContactPrediction()

              Sets the contact prediction option for a flexbody.

            • *SetFlexbodyDamping()

              Sets the damping for a flexbody entity.

            • *SetFlexbodyDmodes()

              Sets the initial value of the modal coordinates of a flexbody.

            • *SetFlexbodyInvariants()

              Sets the nine boolean states for the flexbody invariants.

            • *SetFlexbodyMexact()

              Specifies which modal body coordinates the solver should not change during initial condition calculation.

            • *SetFlexbodyModes()

              Identifies which modes are included when MotionView generates the flexbody matrix file for the solver.

            • *SetFlexbodyNode()

              Sets the pairing of a flexbody node and the part of the MDL model to which it's being attached.

            • *SetFlexbodySolverData()

              Sets the flexbody solver data.

            • *SetFlexbodyVmodes()

              Sets the initial values of the velocity of the flexbody modal coordinates.

            • *SetFMU()

              Sets simulation parameters for an FMU entity.

            • *SetForce() - asymmetric force pair with user subroutine

              Sets the value for a translational, rotational, line of action, and single component rotational asymmetric force pair when a user-defined subroutine is used to model the force expression.

            • *SetForce() - asymmetric line of action

              Sets the value for an asymmetric line of action action-reaction force pair.

            • *SetForce() - asymmetric rotational

              Sets the values for an asymmetric rotational action-only or action-reaction force pair.

            • *SetForce() - asymmetric single component rotation

              Sets the value for an asymmetric single component rotational action-reaction force pair.

            • *SetForce() - asymmetric translational and rotational

              Sets the values for an asymmetric translational and rotational action-only or action-reaction force pair.

            • *SetForce() - asymmetric translational

              Sets the values for an asymmetric translational action-only or action-reaction force pair.

            • *SetForce() - line of action

              Sets the value for a line of action action-reaction force.

            • *SetForce() - rotational

              Sets the values for a rotational action-only or action-reaction force (torque).

            • *SetForce() - single component rotation

              Sets the value for a single component rotational action-reaction force.

            • *SetForce() - single force with user subroutine

              Sets the values for a translational, rotational line of action and single component rotational force when a user-defined subroutine is used to model the force expression.

            • *SetForce() - symmetric line of action

              Sets the value for a symmetric line of action action-reaction force pair.

            • *SetForce() - symmetric rotational

              Sets the values for a symmetric rotational action-only or action-reaction force (torque) pair.

            • *SetForce() - symmetric single component rotation

              Sets the value for a symmetric single component rotational action-reaction force pair.

            • *SetForce() - symmetric translational and rotational

              Sets the values for a symmetric translational and rotational action-only or action-reaction force pair.

            • *SetForce() - symmetric translational

              Sets the values for a symmetric translational action-only or action-reaction force pair.

            • *SetForce() - translational and rotational

              Sets the values for a translational and rotational action-only or action-reaction force.

            • *SetForce() - translational

              Sets the values for a translational action-only or action-reaction force.

            • *SetGeneralConstraint() - expression

              Sets a general constraint to an expression.

            • *SetGeneralConstraint() - user-defined

              Sets a general constraint to a user-defined property.

            • *SetGeneralStateEquation()

              Specifies the type of states available and user defined subroutine expression for the general state equation.

            • *SetGraphicAttributes()

              Sets the visualization properties for the Graphic entity.

            • *SetInteger()

              Sets the value of an integer entity.

            • *SetJointFriction() - asymmetric joint pair

              Sets the friction properties for an asymmetric joint pair.

            • *SetJointFriction() - single joint

              Sets the friction properties for a joint.

            • *SetJointFriction() - symmetric joint pair

              Sets the friction properties for an symmetric joint pair.

            • *SetJointFrictionLugre() - joint pair

              Sets the friction properties for a joint pair with friction.

            • *SetJointFrictionLugre() - single joint

              Sets the friction properties for a joint with friction.

            • *SetJointIC() - asymmetric joint pair

              Sets asymmetric initial conditions of a joint pair.

            • *SetJointIC() - single joint

              Sets the initial conditions of a joint.

            • *SetJointIC() - symmetric joint pair

              Sets symmetric initial conditions of a joint pair.

            • *SetLocalUserDLL() - GSE

              Specifies the local subroutine files for a general state equation that has continuous states.

            • *SetLocalUserDLL()

              Specifies the local subroutine file for an entity that uses user defined properties.

            • *SetLocalUserDLLFlag() - GSE

              Sets the flag to control the usage of a user subroutine for general state equation properties.

            • *SetLocalUserDLLFlag()

              Sets the flag to indicate whether a local user subroutine is used for an entity that uses user defined properties.

            • *SetLocalUserFuncname() - GSE

              Specifies the local subroutine function name for a general state equation that has continuous states.

            • *SetLocalUserFuncname()

              Specifies the local subroutine function name for an entity that uses user defined properties.

            • *SetLocalUserFunction() - GSE

              Specifies the local subroutine function, type and function name for a general state equation that has continuous states.

            • *SetLocalUserFunction()

              Specifies the local subroutine function and function name for an entity that uses user defined properties.

            • *SetLocalUserInterfaceDLL()

              Specifies the local subroutine files for an ADAMS general state equation.

            • *SetLocalUserInterfaceDLLFlag()

              Specifies the flag to control the usage of local subroutines specified by the *SetLocalUserInterfaceDLL() statement.

            • *SetLocalUserInterfaceFuncname()

              Specifies the local subroutine function name for a general state equation for continuous states.

            • *SetMate()

              Sets the properties related to the Constraint Mate advanced joint.

            • *SetMaterialProperty() - ANISO

              Sets the linear elastic Anisotropic material property for a large deformation body.

            • *SetMaterialProperty() - Hyper Elastic - Mooney-Rivlin

              Sets the Hyper Elastic Mooney-Rivlin material property for an NLFE body.

            • *SetMaterialProperty() - Hyper Elastic - Neo-Hookean

              Sets the Hyper Elastic Neo-Hookean material property for an NLFE body.

            • *SetMaterialProperty() - Hyper Elastic - Yeoh

              Sets the hyper elastic Yeoh material property for a large deformation body.

            • *SetMaterialProperty() - Linear Isotropic

              Sets the material property for a linear elastic isotropic material.

            • *SetMaterialProperty() - Linear Orthotropic

              Sets the property for a linear elastic orthotropic material.

            • *SetMaterialProperty() - NeoHookean-Incompressible

              Sets the hyper elastic Neo-Hookean Incompressible material property for a large deformation body.

            • *SetMotion() - asymmetric motion pair

              Sets the properties of an asymmetric motion pair.

            • *SetMotion() - asymmetric motion pair with user subroutine

              Sets the properties of an asymmetric motion pair with a user subroutine.

            • *SetMotion() - single motion

              Sets the properties of a motion.

            • *SetMotion() - single motion with user subroutine

              Sets the properties of a motion with a user subroutine.

            • *SetMotion() - symmetric motion pair

              Sets the properties of a symmetric motion pair.

            • *SetMotionIC() - asymmetric motion pair

              Sets the initial conditions of an asymmetric motion pair.

            • *SetMotionIC() - single motion

              Sets the initial conditions of a motion.

            • *SetMotionIC() - symmetric motion pair

              Sets the initial conditions of a symmetric motion pair.

            • *SetNLFEBody() - Beam

              Sets the properties for a Beam type NLFE body.

            • *SetNote()

              Specifies a descriptive note for an entity.

            • *SetOption()

              Sets the value of an option.

            • *SetOrientation() - marker angles orientation

              Uses the angles orientation method to set the orientation of a marker.

            • *SetOrientation() - marker dual axes orientation

              Uses the dual axes method to set the orientation of a marker.

            • *SetOrientation() - marker pair angles orientation

              Uses the angles orientation method to set the orientation of a marker pair.

            • *SetOrientation() - marker pair dual axes orientation

              Uses the dual axes method to set the orientation of a marker pair.

            • *SetOrientation() - marker pair single axis orientation

              Uses the single axis method to set the orientation of a marker pair.

            • *SetOrientation() - marker single axis orientation

              Uses the single axis method to set the orientation of a marker.

            • *SetPoint() - asymmetric point pair

              Sets the coordinates for an asymmetric point pair.

            • *SetPoint() - single point

              Sets the coordinates of a point.

            • *SetPoint() - symmetric point pair

              Sets the coordinates for a symmetric point pair.

            • *SetPointmassBody() - asymmetric point mass body pair

              Sets the mass properties of an asymmetric point mass body pair.

            • *SetPointmassBody() - single point mass body

              Sets the mass properties of a point mass body.

            • *SetPointmassBody() - symmetric point mass body pair

              Sets the mass properties of a symmetric point mass body pair.

            • *SetPointmassBodyIC() - all point mass bodies in a system

              Sets the initial conditions for all point mass bodies in a system.

            • *SetPointmassBodyIC() - point mass body pair

              Sets the initial conditions of a point mass body pair.

            • *SetPointmassBodyIC() - single point mass body

              Sets the initial conditions of a point mass body.

            • *SetPointmassBodyICFlag() - all point mass bodies in a system

              Sets flags to indicate whether initial conditions for all the point mass bodies in a system are used.

            • *SetPointmassBodyICFlag() - point mass body pair

              Sets flags to indicate whether initial conditions are used.

            • *SetPointmassBodyICFlag() - single point mass body

              Sets flags to indicate whether initial conditions are used.

            • *SetPolyBeamProps() - single polybeam

              Sets the properties of a polybeam.

            • *SetReal()

              Sets the value of a real entity.

            • *SetRigidGroup()

              Set properties for the rigid group.

            • *SetRowsCols()

              Sets the number of rows and columns in a form or a tableform.

            • *SetSensor()

              Sets the values for a sensor.

            • *SetSolverArray()

              Sets the values for the solver array.

            • *SetSolverDiffEquation() - single solver differential equation

              Sets the values needed to describe an implicit or explicit differential equation for the solver to solve.

            • *SetSolverDiffEquation() - single solver differential equation with user subroutine

              Sets the properties of a solver differential equation with a user subroutine.

            • *SetSolverString()

              Sets the value of the solver string.

            • *SetSolverVariable() - single solver variable

              Sets the value of the solver variable.

            • *SetSolverVariable() - single solver variable with user subroutine

              Sets the properties of a solver variable with a user subroutine.

            • *SetSpline3D()

              Sets the input data for a three dimensional (3D) spline entity that is defined using *Spline3D().

            • *SetSpline3DAttributes()

              Sets the offset and scale for three dimensional (3D) spline data.

            • *SetSpringDamperGraphic() - pair coil spring

              Sets the graphic properties of a coil spring pair.

            • *SetSpringDamperGraphic() - single coil spring

              Sets the graphic properties for the coil spring entity.

            • *SetSpringDamperGraphicVisible() - pair coil spring

              Controls the visibility of spring and damper graphics of the coil spring entity.

            • *SetSpringDamperGraphicVisible() - single coil spring

              Controls the visibility of spring and damper graphics of the coil spring entity.

            • *SetSpringPreloadOption() - pair coil/torsion spring

              Sets the preload control option for the coil or torsion spring pair.

            • *SetSpringPreloadOption() - single coil/torsion spring

              Sets the preload control option for the spring.

            • *SetState()

              Sets the state of an entity.

            • *SetString()

              Sets the value of a string entity.

            • *SetSurface() - file

              Sets the values associated with a surface entity where the parametric surface is described by a Parasolid file.

            • *SetSurface() - user subroutine

              Sets the values associated with a surface entity that describes the surface with a user subroutine.

            • *SetSystem()

              Sets the scope for other *Set() statements.

            • *SetSystemNumber()

              Sets the unique integer associated with a system.

            • *SetTorsionSpring() - asymmetric torsion spring pair

              Sets the properties of an asymmetric torsion spring pair.

            • *SetTorsionSpring() - asymmetric torsion spring pair with user subroutine

              Sets the properties of an asymmetric torsion spring pair with a user subroutine.

            • *SetTorsionSpring() - single torsion spring

              Sets the properties of a torsion spring. \

            • *SetTorsionSpring() - single torsion spring with user subroutine

              Sets the properties of a torsion spring with a user subroutine.

            • *SetTorsionSpring() - symmetric torsion spring pair

              Sets the properties of a symmetric torsion spring pair.

            • *SetUserConstraint()

              Sets the values associated with a user constraint.

            • *SetVal()

              Sets the value of an MDL variable or a local variable.

            • *SetVector() - asymmetric vector pair

              Sets the component values of an asymmetric vector pair.

            • *SetVector() - single vector

              Sets the component values of a vector.

            • *SetVector() - symmetric vector pair

              Sets the component values of a symmetric vector pair.

            • *ShowCompliantOption()

              Specifies if the implicit compliant option for a system can be viewed/edited in the interface.

            • *SolverArray()

              Creates a solver array of type U, PLANT_INPUT, PLANT_OUTPUT, IC, X, or Y.

            • *SolverDiffEquation()

              Creates a solver differential equation.

            • *SolverString()

              Creates a string within the solver input file.

            • *SolverVariable()

              Creates a solver variable.

            • *SPDPIDScheme()

              Specifies a scheme for assigning solver ID numbers to spring dampers.

            • *Spline3D()

              Creates a three-dimensional (3D) spline entity.

            • *StandardInclude()

              Records which std_inc.mdl file is part of the MDL model.

            • *String()

              Creates a string entity.

            • *Surface()

              Creates a surface entity for use in high-pair joints such as a curve-to-surface joint.

            • *SurfaceToSurfaceJoint()

              Creates a surface-to-surface high-pair joint with three rotational degrees of freedom and two translational degrees of freedom.

            • *SysNumAvoidRange()

              Specifies a range of numbers that may not be used by MotionView when assigning system numbers.

            • *System()-MDL Statement

              Creates a system.

            • *Table()

              Creates a table with a specified number of records.

            • *TableForm()

              Creates a record-based form to display a table.

            • *Template()

              Creates a Templex template.

            • *TorsionSpring()

              Creates a torsion spring.

            • *TorsionSpringPair()

              Creates a torsion spring pair.

            • *TransJoint()

              Creates a translational joint.

            • *TransJointPair()

              Creates a translational joint pair.

            • *TwoDContact()

              Creates a 2D graphics based contact force between two bodies.

            • *UJoint()

              Creates a universal joint.

            • *UJointPair()

              Creates a universal joint pair.

            • *UserConstraint()

              Creates a user constraint entity to describe a constraint by way of a user subroutine.

            • *Vector()

              Creates a vector.

            • *VectorPair()

              Creates a vector pair.

            • 131 more
          • Topical List of MDL Statement

        • Model Functions

          In MotionView, math or string functions can be used in property fields. These functions help in setting the value of the property that could range from simple arithmetic calculations to complex math equations. These functions also help in setting parametric relations to other properties.

        • MDL Command Set Statements

          MDL command set statements are used to create a solver command file when a solver input deck is exported from MotionView. A command set can contain MDL command set statements, Templex templates, or a combination of both. The commands in a command set are exported to the solver command file.

        • Wizard Description Statements

        • Custom Wizard Statements

          Custom wizards allow you to define data processing wizards for use in MotionView sessions. Custom wizards can access data from, and output data to, files and curves in a session using data sets, templates, user-defined forms, curves, procedures and systems.

        • MDL Variables, Implicit Entities, and Templex

          MDL variables, implicit entities, and Templex statements that can be used while creating an entity or expressions in MDL models.

      • Tire Modeling

        Tires are critical elements to modeling a vehicle’s interaction with a road, with some tire models better suited to specific simulation domains.

      • MDL Library Reference Guide

        Overview of the MDL Library reference guide.

    • Templex and Math Reference Guide

    • Script and Model Library

      The Script and Model Library is a database of freely accessible scripts and models posted by users and Altair engineers.

View All Altair HyperWorks Help

API, Reference Guides
API, Reference Guides

2023.1

  1. Home
  2. API, Reference Guides

    Overview of external readers and the Altair Binary Format, the generic ASCII reader, running applications in batch mode, using Tcl/Tk commands, translators, and result math.

  3. MotionView

  4. Model Definition Language (MDL)

  5. MDL Model Statements

    Reference to all MDL statements and blocks that can be used to model a mechanical system.

  6. Alphabetical List of MDL Model Statements

    A list of MDL Model Statements that can be used to define an object.

  7. *Sensor()

    Creates a sensor entity.

  • What's New
  • Get Started
  • Tutorials
  • API, Reference Guides
Index

*Sensor()

Creates a sensor entity.

Syntax

*Sensor(sensor_name, "sensor_label")

Arguments

sensor_name
The variable name of the sensor.
Data type: varname
sensor_label
The descriptive label of the sensor.
Data type: label
Context
*BeginMdl()
*DefineAnalysis()
*DefineSystem()

Context

*BeginMdl()

*DefineAnalysis()

*DefineSystem()

See Also
*SetSensor()
Sensor_Evaluate (MotionSolve XML Format Model Statement)
Sensor_Event (MotionSolve XML Format Model Statement)

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