Parameters

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Define special type of variables known as parameters. Parameters can be used for defining views, reference planes, and construction. Parameter values can be determined as mathematical expressions in which other parameters can also be used.

Important: Parameters need to be evaluated by recalculating them before they can be used.

Defined parameters can be fully modified before they are calculated, and partly modified after they have been calculated.

The general project data (Hull project general) needs to be checked out when making changes to these settings. The Parameters dialog opens as read-only when it is opened from a block that has not been checked out.

See also Parameters in the Modeling Construction Items User's Guide.

Columns

The table lists parameter values. Some fields are editable, others are read-only. To edit, double-click a field to activate text input.

Index – Shows the index number. When the system calculates the parameters, calculation begins at the top of the table and works its way down. Therefore a parameter can only refer to another parameter with a lower index number.

Type – Shows the parameter type. There are five parameter types: length, breadth, height, distance, and angle. Each represents the type of relation/limitation that the parameters can be used for. This field can no longer be modified after clicking Recalculate All and/or OK.

Name – Sets the parameter name. The name must be unique. This field can no longer be modified after clicking Recalculate All and/or OK.

Expression – Sets the parameter value. The value can range from a single value to any mathematical expression. Typing in the name of an existing parameter inserts the resulting value of that parameter into the calculation of the current parameter. A parameter can only refer to another parameter with a lower index number. This field can always be modified.

Value – Shows the calculated value of the parameter, based on the content in the Expression field. This field is read-only.

Comment – Adds a comment to the parameter.

Buttons and options

Filter – Control which parameter types are shown in the parameter values table.

Recalculate All – Translate all present mathematical expressions to their respective values. The new values will not be automatically applied to construction or drawings; all construction and drawings that depend on this parameter must be explicitly recalculated.

After performing this action, the type and name of any added parameters can no longer be modified.

Add – Add a new, blank parameter to the list. In this stage, the type, name and expression can be modified, and the parameter can be removed.

OK – Apply the changes and close the dialog, after confirmation.

Cancel – Discard any changes made, after confirmation. Newly added parameters that have already been calculated are not saved either.