About Parameters

Input parameters represent data required by a simulation process, such as a load. Output parameters represent data produced by a simulation process, such as a displacement. Object parameters refer to 3DEXPERIENCE objects. You use parameters to pass data from one simulation activity to another in your simulation process. The output from one simulation activity can be the input to the next simulation activity.

This page discusses:

See Also
Editing the Parameters of a Simulation Process

Parameters are named quantities that are exposed as inputs whose values can be driven externally and outputs whose values can be accessed by other simulation activities. Typically, parameters are product-oriented quantities (representing the physical aspects of the product and its performance). Parameters can store a value directly or refer to a 3DEXPERIENCE object, such as a simulation document or part.

Parameters have a structure associated with them. The simplest structure is a scalar parameter, which is a single value. Parameters can also be arrays. You assign a value to each parameter and a data type (Boolean, integer, string, real, object, or timestamp) that defines the nature of the parameter value.

The mode of the parameter (input, output, in/out, or neutral) determines whether the parameter provides a value to the simulation activity, captures data from the activity, provides both a value to the activity and captures data from the activity, or is used only in the activity and not exposed to other activities.

Object Parameters

A parameter can refer to a 3DEXPERIENCE object, such as a part or a simulation document. You can do the following:

  • Change the object to which the parameter is referring by dragging an object from another app, such as 3DSearch. You can also search for the object.
  • View the properties of the object to which the parameter is referring.

Note: A simulation process can also contain referenced content that is not declared as a parameter. Referenced content refers to a 3DEXPERIENCE object, such as a simulation document.

Input Parameters

Performance Study reads the values of the input parameters before running a simulation process. Input parameters could, for example, specify the dimensions of a feature or the magnitude of a load. In most cases, you will use Performance Study to instantiate a simulation template, modify the input parameters of the resulting simulation process, and run the simulation analysis. You can select the Value of an input parameter and modify the value.

Output Parameters

A simulation process generates output parameters while it is running. You can select the Value of an output parameter and modify the value; for example, if you are capturing the results of a physical simulation in your simulation process.