Input Data Update Form

Input Data Update Form

The Input Data Update form is created by selecting either Current Design Variables to Input or Final Property Values to Input from the Export menu. These menu items change name to match the type of data files in the configurations, so it will either reference Nastran, Salinas, or Abaqus. This form is used to identify analysis input files containing design variables and properties used in the optimization. The form will then either update the design variables to their current value in the optimization, or remove the design variables and update the property values directly based on their current corresponding design variable values.

If input data was imported when the configuration was created, then relevant files will be listed in the listbox. If input data was not imported, or if additional files need to be added to the list, the Pick Input button can be used to select additional files. The type of files that can be selected are dictated by the type of configurations that are currently loaded into Attune: either Nastran, Salinas, or Abaqus.

To remove a specific file from the list, select the file and press the Remove button. To exit the form without changing the input data files, click the Cancel button. To write changes to the listed files, press the Done button.

If Current Design Variables to Input was originally selected from the Export menu, Attune will attempt to write the new design using the files listed in the listbox. Each file will be searched for design variables corresponding to those used in the optimization. Wherever they are found, the existing data are commented out and new data are written on the following line. Design variables may appear in more than one file and will only be updated if the design variables’ current value is different from its initial value. Before the new data are written out, each file will be archived. Attune will copy the original file to a filename of the form: fname_#.ext, where the original filename was fname.ext and the number is one greater than the number of other files of that form found in the same directory with the original file. With the files updated, the user should be ready to re-run the analysis without any further editing. After the analysis for each configuration is rerun, the configurations can be reloaded with new data by selecting Reload All Configurations from the File menu on the main Attune form.

If Final Property Values to Input was originally selected from the “Export” menu (only available for Nastran and Salinas), Attune will attempt to write the final design using the files listed in the listbox. Each original file will be searched for properties that correspond to design variables, and the values on the property cards will be updated. All case control statements that correspond to SOL 200 will be removed, and the solution will be changed to 103. All DVPREL1, DVMREL1, and DESVAR cards will be commented out.