Table Field dialog box

The Table Field dialog box consists of a series of step-by-step pages that lead you through the process of using tabular data to define the relationship between dependent and independent variables.

Some of the following pages are contingent on the solver, the dependent and independent domain, and the options you select.

For information on editing multiple table fields in a table of fields simultaneously, see Special editing options for table of fields.

Name page

Name
Name	Specifies a name for the table field.
Label	Specifies a unique numeric identifier for the table field.
Description	Specifies a description (optional) for the table field.

Dependent Domain page

Dependent Domain
Dependent	Selects the dependent domain to use for the table field.Two lists are provided. The first list is the domain type list. The second is the domain list. The selection in the domain type list dictates which domains are included in the domain list. The options for the domain type list are the same as those for the independent domain.

Independent Domain page

Independent Domain
Independent	Selects the independent domain to use for the table field.Two lists are provided. The first list is the domain type list. The second is the domain list. The selection in the domain type list dictates which domains are included in the domain list. The options for the domain type list are as follows:Most UsedIncludes the most frequently used domains in the domain list.Filter By NameEnables auto-complete in the domain list.1-DIncludes only one-variable domains in the domain list.For example, if you select Frequency from the domain list, the software creates a domain with frequency as the variable.2-DIncludes only two-variable domains in the domain list.For example, if you select Frequency from the domain list, the software creates a domain with two frequencies as the variables. If you select XY Plane from the domain list, the software creates a domain with the x- and y-coordinates as the variables.3-DIncludes only three-variable domains in the domain list.For example, if you select Frequency from the domain list, the software creates a domain with three frequencies as the variables. If you select Cartesian from the domain list, the software creates a domain with the x-, y-, and z-coordinates as the variablesN-DFor an independent domain, includes only Strain Tensor in the domain list. For a dependent domain, include only Balanced Strain, Strain Tensor, and Stress Tensor in the domain list.Multi-domainIncludes domains that are combinations of two 1-D domains like Frequency, Parameter, or one 1-D domain and one 2-D domain like Frequency, Parameter Plane, or one 1-D domain and one 3-D domain like Frequency, Parameter Space in the domain list.Application SpecificIncludes only highly specialized domains in the domain list.
Type	Appears when the independent domain is spatial.Defines how the field is mapped to model space.The following options in the Type list depend on the independent domain that you select.GlobalMaps the field to global coordinates.CartesianMaps the field using a Cartesian coordinate system.CylindricalMaps the field using a cylindrical coordinate system.SphericalMaps the field using a spherical coordinate system.Parametric SpaceMaps the field to (u,v,w) parametric coordinates.Parametric PlaneMaps the field to (u,v) parametric coordinates.Parametric LineMaps the field to an arbitrary line. You can select points, edges, and curves to define a u-section that defines a parametric line in Cartesian space. The software uses all the objects you select to define a single curve where the starting point represents u = 0 and the end point represents u = 1.
Specify CSYS	Appears when Type is set to Cartesian, Cylindrical, or Spherical.Specifies a local coordinate system as the coordinate basis of the tabular data.
Subtype	Appears when the Independent domain is Cartesian, Cylindrical, or Spherical.Defines the mapping option.CloudPrevents the software from mapping the 3D tabular data to a surface. Creates a 3D interpolator.Existing SurfaceMaps the 3D tabular data to existing surfaces. Creates a 2D interpolator for the surfaces.Fit SurfaceMaps the 3D tabular data to the surface it creates from the 3D tabular data. Creates a 2D interpolator for the surface.For more information, see Surface spatial maps.
Bounding Box Type	Appears when Type is set to Parametric Space.Lets you select the area that is used to map parametric space.ObjectsSelects faces, edges, curves, or bodies to define the bounding box.Opposite CornerSelects two points to define a bounding box. The parametric space is mapped to the planar surface.
Specify Point	Appears when Bounding Box Type is set to Opposite Corner.Lets you select a corner of the bounding box.See Point dialog box for more information.
Specify CSYS	Appears when Bounding Box Type is set to Opposite Corner.Lets you select the coordinate system used to define the spatial field.See CSYS dialog box for more information.
Select Object	Appears when Bounding Box Type is set to Objects.Lets you select an object to define the bounding box.
Mapping	Appears when Type is set to Parametric Plane.Specifies the method to define the parametric plane.Iso SectionsYou define at least two lines of constant v. The user interface refers to these lines as ISO Lines (u). The software then infers the lines of constant u from the lines of constant v.This method works well when the geometry is linear in the direction of lines of constant u. Iso LinesYou define both the lines of constant u and v. The definition process is the same as it is for the iso-section mapping, except you explicitly define the lines of constant u rather than letting the software infer them.This method is necessary when the geometry contains curved faces in the direction of the lines of constant u.
ISO Lines (u)
Appears when Type is set to Parametric Plane.
Select Constant Objects	Lets you select the points or edges to define the lines of constant v.Note: If you are selecting edges to build your section, make sure the Snap Point option is turned off on the Top Border bar.When you select an edge, the point that is closest to your selection defines where u = 0.
Reverse Path Direction	Appears when Type is set to Parametric Plane and Mapping is set to Iso SectionsReverses the u-direction.
Add New Set	Adds the selected point or edge to the section definition. A line titled Lattice Path appears in the List group.
ISO Lines (v)
Appears when Type is set to Parametric Plane and Mapping is set to Iso Lines.
Select Constant Objects	Lets you select the points or edges to define the lines of constant u.
Add New Set	Adds the selected point or edge to the section definition. A line titled Lattice Path appears in the List group.
Surface Validation
Appears when Type is set to Parametric Plane or when importing data in lattice format.
Preview	Displays the parametric coordinates of the vertices that define the parametric plane.
Flip U	Reverses the direction of all the lines of constant v. That is, the end of the lines where u = 0 become the ends where u = 1 and vice versa.
Flip V	Reverses the order of lines of constant v. That is, the line that defines v = 0 becomes the line that defines v = 1 and vice versa.
Swap U and V	Appears when the Parametric Plane spatial map type is selected and the Iso Lines Mapping method is selected.Redefines the u-direction as the v-direction and vice versa.

The following options appear when Subtype is set to Existing Surface.

Select Face	Lets you select the surfaces to which the 3D tabular data is mapped.
Stacked Smart Selector Methods	Opens the Smart Selector Methods dialog box where you can specify a progression of smart selection filters.For more information, see Smart Selector Methods dialog box.
Tolerance	Defines a distance tolerance from the selected surfaces that the software uses as follows:The software calculates the minimum distance between each 3D tabular data point and the surfaces that you select for the mapping. When the minimum distance from the tabular data point to the selected surfaces is less than the value in the Tolerance box, the 3D tabular data point is included in the mapping. Otherwise, the 3D tabular data point is excluded from the mapping.The software determines whether the lookup point is sufficiently close to the surfaces that you select for the mapping. It does this by calculating the minimum distance from the lookup point to the surfaces. When the distance is less than the value in the Tolerance box, the table lookup continues. Otherwise, the software returns an error message for the table lookup.
Calculate tolerance based on current field definition	Calculates the distance tolerance based on the field definition.

The following options appear when Subtype is set to Fit Surface.

Tolerance	Defines a distance tolerance that the software uses to determine whether the lookup point is sufficiently close to the surface that was created. It does this by calculating the minimum distance from the lookup point to the surface. When the distance is less than the value in the Tolerance box, the table lookup continues. Otherwise, the software returns an error message for the table lookup.
Surface Validation
Preview	Displays the surface created from the tabular data.
Flip U (Reverse directions of all paths in U)	Reverses the U-direction.
Fit Direction
Fit Direction	Specifies the option for fitting a surface to the tabular data.Best FitSelect this option if your target is basically rectangular, having a discernible length and width direction, and is more or less planar.The fit direction and U/V orientation are determined automatically.VectorSelect this option if your target is basically rectangular, having a discernible length and width direction, but contains strong curvature.You specify the vector direction.OrientationSelect this option if your target has a complex shape or rotational symmetry.You specify the fit direction and rough U/V orientation using the orientation manipulator and vector dialog box.CSYSSelect this option if your target has a complex shape or rotational symmetry, and you need to make the orientation associative with existing geometry.You specify the fit direction and rough U/V orientation using the CSYS options and CSYS dialog box.
Specify Vector	Appears when Fit Direction is set to Vector.Lets you define a vector.For more information, see Vector dialog box.
Specify Orientation	Appears when Fit Direction is set to Orientation.Lets you specify the fit direction and rough U/V orientation.For more information, see Point dialog box.
Specify CSYS	Appears when Fit Direction is set to CSYS.Lets you create or select a local coordinate system.For more information, see CSYS dialog box.
Parameterization
Degree	Specifies the degree of the fitted surface in the U and V directions.
Patches	Specifies the number of surface patches in the U and V directions.

Table Options page

Table Options
Persistent Interpolator	Saves the interpolator for subsequent sessions. Selecting this check box can improve system performance. For more information, see Table field interpolation and extrapolation options.
Interpolation	Identifies the interpolation method used to evaluate the dependent domain at values of the independent domain that do not coincide with one of the data points. The available interpolation methods depend on whether the field has a 1D, 2D, 3D, or 4D independent domain.Interpolation method1D independent domain2D independent domain3D independent domain4D independent domainLinearX AkimaX Akima72X CubicX Nearest NeighborXXXXApproximate Nearest Neighbor XXXInverse Distance WeightingXXXXDelaunay – Fast XXDelaunay – Medium XXDelaunay – Accurate XXRenka's Modified Shepard XXXFor information on these interpolation methods, see Table field interpolation and extrapolation options.Note: For independent domains with multiple independent variables, as a best practice, use a table of fields when the independent variables are dissimilar such as temperature and frequency, Cartesian and time, and so on.	Interpolation method	1D independent domain	2D independent domain	3D independent domain	4D independent domain	Linear	X				Akima	X				Akima72	X				Cubic	X				Nearest Neighbor	X	X	X	X	Approximate Nearest Neighbor		X	X	X	Inverse Distance Weighting	X	X	X	X	Delaunay – Fast		X	X		Delaunay – Medium		X	X		Delaunay – Accurate		X	X		Renka's Modified Shepard		X	X	X
Interpolation method	1D independent domain	2D independent domain	3D independent domain	4D independent domain
Linear	X
Akima	X
Akima72	X
Cubic	X
Nearest Neighbor	X	X	X	X
Approximate Nearest Neighbor		X	X	X
Inverse Distance Weighting	X	X	X	X
Delaunay – Fast		X	X
Delaunay – Medium		X	X
Delaunay – Accurate		X	X
Renka's Modified Shepard		X	X	X
Create Interpolator on Apply/OK	Creates the interpolator when you create the table field.When the check box is cleared, the software retains the settings and tabular data to create the interpolator, but does not create the interpolator until you plot, display, or use the table field in an application such as a load or constraint, or you right-click the table field in the Simulation Navigator and choose Create Table Interpolator.Note: The Simulation Navigator displays No Interpolator in the Status column of a table field when the interpolator for the field has not been created.
Fallback to Default Interpolator	Overrides the selected interpolation method when tabular data is incompatible with the interpolation method and instead uses the nearest neighbor interpolation method.For example, because a Delaunay triangularization requires at least three tabular data points, if you select a Delaunay interpolator for a 2D independent domain and specify only two tabular data points, the software defaults to the nearest neighbor method.When the check box is cleared and the tabular data is incompatible with the chosen interpolation method, the software does not create an interpolator and displays an error message in the Information window.
The following options appear when Interpolation is set to Linear.
Algorithm	Specifies the linear interpolation option.Linear LinearSpecifies that the linear interpolation is from a linear (Cartesian) representation of the tabular data.Log LogSpecifies that the linear interpolation is from a logarithmic representation of the tabular data.Log LinearSpecifies that the linear interpolation is from a semi-logarithmic representation of the tabular data. For this option, x is plotted logarithmic and y is plotted linear.Linear LogSpecifies that the linear interpolation is from a semi-logarithmic representation of the tabular data. For this option, x is plotted linear and y is plotted logarithmic.For more information on these options, see Table field interpolation and extrapolation options.
Values Outside Table	Specifies the extrapolation option.UndefinedSpecifies that a value is not assigned for the field at values of the independent domain that lie outside the range of tabular data.ExtrapolateSpecifies that the two starting data points and two ending data points are extrapolated to determine values for the field when values of the independent domain lie outside the range of tabular data. The two starting data points are extrapolated for values of the independent domain that are less than that defined by the tabular data. The two ending data points are extrapolated for values of the independent domain that are greater than that defined by the tabular data.ConstantSpecifies that values of the field at the starting data point and ending data point are assigned as the values for the field when values of the independent domain lie outside the range of tabular data. The value of the field at the starting data point is used for values of the independent domain that are less than that defined by the tabular data. The value of the field at the ending data point is used for values of the independent domain that is greater than that defined by the tabular data.User DefinedSpecifies the following:The software uses the value that you enter in the Independent Value < Minimum box as the value for the field when the value of the independent domain is less than that defined by the tabular data.The software uses the value that you enter in the Independent Value > Maximum box as the value for the field when the value of the independent domain is greater than that defined by the tabular data.
Independent Value Shift X1	Appears when Algorithm is set to Linear Linear.Shifts the tabular data by the X1 parameter so that the software obtains the table lookup value for the field at x by interpolating the tabular data at (x – X1).
Independent Value Divisor X2	Appears when Algorithm is set to Linear Linear.Scales the tabular data by the X2 parameter so that the software obtains the table lookup value for the field at x by interpolating the tabular data at (x/X2).If selected in combination with Independent Value Shift X1, shifts and scales the tabular data so that the software obtains the table lookup value for the field at x by interpolating the tabular data at ((x – X1)/X2).
The following options appear when Interpolation is set to Inverse Distance Weighting.
Interpolate on	Specifies the inverse distance weighting option.All PointsSpecifies that all tabular data points be used in the table lookup.Points within RadiusSpecifies that all tabular data points that lie within a specified radius from the lookup point be used in the table lookup.Nearest PointsSpecifies the fraction of all the tabular data points that lie nearest the lookup point be used in the table lookup.Maximum Radius and PointsSpecifies the maximum number of tabular data points that lie within a specified radius of the lookup point to be used in the table lookup. If the specified maximum number of tabular data points is less than the total number of tabular data points that lie within the radius, the tabular data points that lie nearest the lookup point are the ones used in the table lookup.
Power of the Distance	Specifies the power of the distance from the lookup point that is used to weight the values of the tabular data used in the table lookup.Note: When you select a higher power, the table lookup is more heavily influenced by tabular data points in close proximity to the lookup point.
Radius (as Fraction of the Diagonal)	Appears when Interpolate on is set to Points within Radius.Sets the fraction that the software uses to compute the radius about the lookup point within which the tabular data points are used in the table lookup. The software computes the radius to be the product of the Radius (as Fraction of the Diagonal) setting and the diagonal of the bounding box that the software forms about the cloud of tabular data.Tabular data points that lie outside the radius are excluded from the table lookup.
Approximate Nearest Neighbor Tolerance	Appears when Interpolate on is set to Points within Radius, Nearest Points, or Maximum Radius and Points.Influences the speed and accuracy of the inverse distance weighting method.As a best practice, do one of the following:Use the default settingSet it to zero to override this option.For more information, see Table field interpolation and extrapolation options.
Number of Nearest Points (as a Fraction of All Points)	Appears when Interpolate on is set to Nearest Points.Sets the fraction of the total number of tabular data points to retain for the table lookup, where the retained tabular data points are those nearest the lookup point.
Maximum Radius (R)	Appears when Interpolate on is set to Maximum Radius and Points.Sets the radius to use in conjunction with the Number of Points (N) setting.
Number of Points (N)	Appears when Interpolate on is set to Maximum Radius and Points.Sets the maximum number of tabular data points that lie within a specified radius of the lookup point to be used in the table lookup. If the specified maximum number of tabular data points is less than the total number of tabular data points that lie within the radius, the tabular data points that lie nearest the lookup point are the ones used in the table lookup.The radius is specified by the Maximum Radius (R) setting.
The following option appears when Interpolation is set to Delaunay – Fast, Delaunay – Medium, or Delaunay – Accurate.
Values Outside Table	Specifies the extrapolation option.UndefinedSpecifies that a value is not assigned for the field at values of the independent domain that lie outside the cloud of points defined by the tabular data.ConstantSpecifies that the lookup value for points that lie outside the cloud of points defined by the tabular data is the value of the dependent domain at the closest data point.User DefinedSpecifies that the value you enter in the Values Outside Table box is used as the value for the field when the value of the independent domain lies outside the cloud of points defined by the tabular data.
The following options appear when Interpolation is set to Delaunay – Fast, Delaunay – Medium, or Delaunay – Accurate, and the independent domain consists of two variables or consists of three spatial variables that either degenerate to a planar surface or are mapped to a surface.
Remove 2D Delaunay Slivers	Removes sliver triangles from a Delaunay triangularization.The software uses the Edge Length Ratio or Aspect Ratio setting to determine which triangles are sliver triangles.
Snap Remaining 2D Vertices	Available when Remove 2D Delaunay Slivers check box is selected.Redefines the location of the tabular data point that corresponds to the interior vertex of a sliver triangle that is being removed. To obtain the new location, the tabular data point is projected onto the free edge of the sliver triangle that is being removed.For more information, see Displaying fields and Removing sliver triangles.
2D Sliver Detection Method	Specifies the criterion for determining which triangles are considered slivers.Edge Length RatioA triangle is considered a sliver if:1 - \frac{{\overline {AC} }}{{\left( {\overline {AB} + \overline {BC} } \right)}} < \varepsilon where ε is the setting in the Edge Length Ratio box, the lengths AC, AB, and BC are defined in the figure, and edge AC is a free edge.Aspect RatioA triangle is considered a sliver if:\frac{{\overline {BD} }}{{\overline {AC} }} < \alpha where α is the setting in the Aspect Ratio box, the lengths BD and AC are defined in the figure, and edge AC is a free edge.For information on free edges, see Displaying fields.Note: For spatial independent domains, in the edge length ratio and aspect ratio formulas, the lengths are physical distances. For non-spatial independent domains, the lengths are not physical distances.For example, suppose the independent variables are time, t, and temperature, T. The values for time and temperature at a tabular data point represent a set of coordinates in time-temperature space. Thus, in the edge length ratio and aspect ratio formulas, the software calculates the length between points i and j as follows:\overline {IJ} = \sqrt {{{\left( {{t_j} - {t_i}} \right)}^2} + {{\left( {{T_j} - {T_i}} \right)}^2}}
Edge Length Ratio	Appears when 2D Sliver Detection Method is set to Edge Length Ratio.Specifies the threshold edge length ratio value below which triangles are considered slivers.
Aspect Ratio	Appears when 2D Sliver Detection Method is set to Aspect Ratio.Specifies the threshold aspect ratio value below which triangles are considered slivers.
The following option appears when Interpolation is set to Approximate Nearest Neighbor.
Approximate Nearest Neighbor Tolerance	Sets the radius about the lookup point. The tabular data points that lie within the radius are used in the table lookup. The software uses inverse distance weighting to compute the table lookup from these tabular data points. The radius is equal to the distance between the nearest neighbor and the lookup point multiplied by (1+ε), where ε is the Approximate Nearest Neighbor Tolerance setting.

Definition page

Definition
Import from Text File	Imports tables from formatted text (.txt) files or comma-separated value (.csv) files.
Add Multiple Data Point Locations With Constant Value	Enables graphical selection to define the coordinates of data points in a spatial map.
Edit table in spreadsheet	Enables editing the table in a spreadsheet application. The columns are defined by the selected independent and dependent variables.
Offset Variable Data	Numerically offsets the tabular data for the variables that comprise the independent domain.
Swap Variable Data	Swaps columns of tabular data from one variable to another.
Delete Selected Rows	Deletes selected rows in the data points table.
Delete All Rows	Deletes all rows in the data points table.
Graphical Editing
Appears when the independent domain is spatial.
Select Point	Lets you select or create a point from which the software extracts the coordinates for a tabular data point. You can select a point in the graphics window or create a new point using the Point dialog box.
Point Dialog	Opens the Point dialog box. The Point dialog box provides you with additional options to graphically select the coordinates of a tabular data point, or explicitly define the coordinates of a tabular data point.See Point dialog box for more information.
Associative	Associates the spatial coordinates of a tabular data point with model geometry.For example, suppose you use graphical selection to create a tabular data point that lies at the mid-point of a polygon edge. If the Associative check box is selected when you create the tabular data point, the software associates the tabular data point with the model geometry. Thus, if the polygon edge changes, the software automatically updates the coordinate values for the tabular data point to reflect the new coordinates of the mid-point.
Page Control
Appears when you have a table that contains more than 5,000 rows or the tabular data is imported as structured data.
Number of rows per page	Sets the number of rows to display per page.
	Use the controls to navigate forward and backward.
Data points table
Data points table	Lists the tabular data for the field. You can enter numerical values or expressions that evaluate directly to a numerical value into the table.For information on enabling and using expressions in table fields, see Defining tabular data.Right-click the column headings to change units, select dB scaling, or convert a real dependent variable to complex.If the independent domain is spatial, you can select coordinates from the graphics window.
Parameterize Independent Domain	Scales the range of spatial independent variables between 0 and 1.
Duplicate Values	Defines the value that the software uses for the dependent variable when duplicate values are present.Not AllowedThe software issues an error message if duplicate values are present.AverageUse the arithmetic mean of the duplicate values.MinUse the algebraic minimum of the duplicate values.MaxUse the algebraic maximum of the duplicate values.FirstUse the first duplicate value listed in the tabular data.LastUse the last duplicate value listed in the tabular data.SkipDo not use the data points where duplicate values occur.
dB Options
Appears when Frequency is the independent domain; pressure or power, such as Pressure, Power (x1), and so on, is the dependent domain; and you right-clicked on the dependent domain column and selected dB Scaling.
dB Scaling Factor	Sets the scaling factor used in the conversion to decibels.the formula that the software uses in the conversion to decibels is as follows:dB = {S_f},,{\log {10}}\left( {\frac{P}{{{P{reference}}}}} \right)where:dBPressure or power in dB{S_f}Scaling factor{P_{reference}}Reference pressure or powerPPressure or power
dB Reference Factor	Sets the reference pressure or power used in the conversion to decibels.Note: Because the display of the reference pressure or power is not in scientific notation and the reference pressure or power is typically a very small number, the reference value may appear to be zero when it is not.
Reset to Defaults	Click to use 10 as the scaling factor and use the reference pressure or power value specified in the Customer Defaults dialog box as the reference pressure or power.

Application Data page

Application Data
Appears when the independent domain includes frequency or time (Abaqus).
Available applications table	Lists the application attribute for the table field. Right-click the cell and choose from the following options:Add Signal AttributesCreates an application attribute for frequency.Add Abaqus AttributesCreates an application attribute for time (Abaqus).The Field Attributes dialog box appears. Set the values for time. For more information, see Field Attributes dialog box (Abaqus).EditAllows editing of an application attribute.DeleteDeletes an application attribute.

Field Data Source page

Field Data Source
Appears when the source for the table field is an external file or a formula field.
Edit Data Source	Opens the source file or the formula field from which the table field was created.
Refresh from Data Source	Reloads the tabular data from the source file or the formula field.

How do I

Create a table field

Create a table field over a parametric plane

Create a table field along a parametric line

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Table Field dialog box, Simcenter 3D 2021.1 Series

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