Mechanical APDL Basic Analysis Guide - Ansys

3.3. Using the Function Loader
When you are ready to apply specific values to the equation variables, specify a table parameter name, and
use the function in an analysis, you must load the function into the Function Loader.
Access the Function Loader via the ANSYS GUI in either of the following ways:
• Main Menu> Solution> Define Loads> Apply> Functions> Read file
• Utility Menu> Parameters> Functions> Read from file
1. Navigate to the directory where you saved the function, select the appropriate file, and open it.
2. In the Function Loader dialog box, enter a table parameter name. This is the name you will use
(%tabname%) when you specify this function as a tabular boundary condition.
3. On the bottom half of the dialog box, you will see a Function tab and a Regime tab for each regime
defined for the function. Click on the Function tab. You will see a data entry area for each equation
variable you specified. You will also see a data entry area for material IDs if you used any variable that
requires a material ID. Enter the appropriate values in these data entry areas.
Note
Only numeric data is supported for the constant values in the Function Loader dialog box.
Character data and expressions are not supported as constant values.
4. Repeat the process for each regime you defined.
5. Click on Save. You will not be able to save this as a table array parameter until you have provided
values for all variables in all regimes in the function.
After you have saved the function as a named table array parameter using the Function Loader, you can
apply it as a tabular boundary condition. See Applying Loads Using TABLE Type Array Parameters (p. 49) for
detailed information on using tabular boundary conditions in your analysis.
The function is loaded into the table as a coded equation. This coded equation is processed in ANSYS when
the table is called for evaluation.
3.4. Applying Boundary Conditions Using the Function Tool
If your data can be conveniently expressed as a table, ANSYS recommends using tabular boundary conditions.
ANSYS applies function boundary conditions to a model using the tabular boundary condition process described
in Applying Loads Using TABLE Type Array Parameters (p. 49). You must define your function and load
it as a table array before you try to add it as a load.
You cannot use function boundary conditions to circumvent the restrictions on boundary conditions and
their corresponding primary variables as supported by tabular boundary conditions. For example, in a
structural analysis, the primary variables supported with a pressure load are TIME, X, Y, Z, and TEMP; therefore,
when using a function boundary condition, the only primary variables allowed in the equation are TIME, X,
Y, Z, and TEMP. The list in Using the Function Editor (p. 76) shows which primary variables are available for
each type of operation.
3.5. Function Tool Example
The following example shows how to create and apply a boundary condition using a function representation.
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3.5. Function Tool Example
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