The Set Variables tool quickly generates inputs for Detailed Sizing, including geometry and Laminate inputs. The tool runs Rapid Sizing and uses those results to define Sizing Inputs for Detailed Sizing that "box" the Rapid Sizing result. Clicking the Set Variables button will launch the form. The appearance of this form will vary depending on the panel concept.
The simplest version is shown below for an unstiffened metal plate.
The slider bar at the top of the form defines the number of candidates that will be generated on the Design Property after Set Variables is run. The values in the table define the multiplier used to determine min and max from the Rapid Sizing result for each geometry variable. These values can be modified by the user.
The Set Variables form for Composites will also contain a "material generation" section used to generate candidate Laminates for the Design Property.
There are two options to generate the candidate laminates.
-
Laminate Families - uses the capability in the advanced version of the Laminate Family Form or Stiffener Laminate Family Form (with default settings) to automatically generate a Laminate Family for the skin and stiffener (for a stiffened Design Property). The Laminate Family generation is based on the Rapid Sizing results for the Zones using the current Design Property. The resulting Laminate Family will be automatically assigned to the Design Property.
-
Laminates - Generates discrete Laminates from the Rapid Sizing results for Zones using the current design property. Multiple Laminates are generated for each Zone and automatically assigned via Zone Overrides.
If the current Design Property is a foam or honeycomb sandwich, two sub-options become available.
-
One Laminate Family for both facesheets - Assuming a symmetric facesheet design, only one Laminate Family is needed and is assigned to both facesheets on the Design Property.
-
Two Laminate Families, one for each facesheet - A thickness ratio between the facesheets can be specified to enforce that one be thicker than the other. This is typically used to place the thick facesheet at the OML of a structure.