IMAT is a toolbox that allows you to access function, time history, shape,
result, and finite element model (FEM) data from I-DEAS Test
IMAT+FEA provides the capability to read data from Nastran (DMI, DMIG, OP2, and bulk data) and Abaqus (ODB). You can also export data to FEMAP. In addition, IMAT+FEA provides useful graphing capabilities for imat_fn objects.
An important feature of the toolbox is that you have access to all of the I-DEAS data attributes from MATLAB. These data attributes include data type information (acceleration, displacement, sound pressure, etc.), as well as function types, descriptive information, coordinate labels, etc. All of this information is carried with each function when you import it, and you can both examine and modify the attributes.
This user guide describes the MATLAB data structures and operations which allow you to manipulate functions and other entities.
Here is a summary of the features of the IMAT toolbox:
f.functiontype='Order Function'
the toolbox automatically substitutes the proper numeric value to represent an order function.
>> t=imat_ctrace('1001x','1002y','1003z-');
>> f_top = f{t}; % Selection using a coordinate trace
>> z=imat_filt('responsecoord',
'=', '100?z*');
>> f_up = f{z}; % Selection using a filter
Here is a summary of the additional features provided by IMAT+. These functions are installed with IMAT, but require additional licensing to use:
IMAT gives you several different ways to transfer data between different software packages and MATLAB.
The most direct and efficient method is to directly read and write I-DEAS ADFs (associated data files) from within MATLAB, using the readadf and writeadf functions.
Direct ADF access works best when MATLAB and I-DEAS run on the same workstation or share access to a common file server.
Toolbox functions are provided for reading and writing Universal data files from within MATLAB. The Universal files can be used to transport data to and from I-DEAS and any other software package that supports the format. The readunvand writeunv functions operate on universal files containing functions, time histories, mode shapes, coordinate traces, degree of freedom sets, and finite element geometry, including coordinate systems, nodes, elements, and tracelines. The readunv and writesubst functions operate on universal files containing substructure matrices (mass, stiffness, back expansion) for I-DEAS Test/Correlation. You can also extend the import capabilities of readunv by writing your own dataset plugins. The Extending Readunv guide steps you through this process.
Nastran
IMAT+FEA supports importing Nastran data from Output2, bulk data, and DMI and DMIG-formatted files. The readnas function can import OP2 and bulk data files. Not all data types within these files is supported. The documentation for these functions specifies what data types they can read.
Abaqus
IMAT+FEA supports importing Abaqus data from ODB files. The readodb function supports xyData, and history and field objects on a step. This data is imported as imat_fn, imat_shp, and result objects as appropriate.
FEMAP
IMAT+FEA supports exporting data to FEMAP through the Neutral file or directly to a FEMAP session through the COM interface. The writefemap function supports imat_fn, imat_shp, result, imat_fem, and imat_group.
One of the powerful features of I-DEAS is its ability to change unit systems "on the fly". This is handled internally by storing all information in SI units, and presenting results to the user in whatever unit system is currently selected.
A different scheme has been implemented for handling units in MATLAB with the IMAT toolbox. With IMAT, you must preselect the unit system you will be working in (using the setunits function). You can select one of the nine built-in unit systems, or you can define your own units. When you read data from I-DEAS, the numeric data will be stored in your selected unit system. The units also come into effect when you write data to I-DEAS. The getunits function tells you what unit system you are working in. IMAT assumes that data imported from Nastran and Abaqus is stored in the current units system in MATLAB.
You can call setunits at any time during your MATLAB session to change your working unit system. Unlike I-deas, however, this will not automatically change the numeric values of existing data. It is the user's responsibility to maintain a consistent unit system while working in MATLAB. (If you always work in the same unit system, you may find it convenient to put a call to setunits in your startup.m file.)
I-DEAS does not have a G units system for acceleration data. However, IMAT has implemented this capability through a modifier to the units system specified with setunits. If this modifier is applied, all data that is tagged as acceleration will be treated as G's rather than engineering units. The modifier is as simple as appending a 'g' to the units specifier or toggling the acceleration units treatment on the setunits form.
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