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Question:

How does the Ramp block work?

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Answer:

The Ramp block lets you gradually change a value based on the Scalar field. Ramp functions can be applied to several types of fields. Another way to think of a Ramp is a gradual transition, like walking up a ramp. It takes you from one level to another incrementally. The Ramp block
  • Scalar field: The field driving the Ramp.
    • There are many options for this input, which is where the power of this block shines. Some examples are (but not limited to):
      • Implicit Bodies
      • Point and Axis
      • Simulation Results: Von Mises Stress, Displacement Results.
      • Imported Point Maps converted into Scalar fields (using Field from Point Map).
  • In min/In max: The boundary where the Ramp begins (In min) and ends (In max). These values are in relation to the Scalar Field (with 0 mm usually being the neutral edge of the field).
  • Out min/Out max: The Ramp output values. Out min is the starting value at the In min, and Out max is the value reached at the In max. They are the new values as a function of the Scalar field.
    • The values ramp between the In min and In max values. Before In min , the value stays constant at the Out min value, and after In max , the value stays constant at the Out max value.
Note: When defining these values, make sure to include units.
  • Continuity: Represents how the values will ramp from In min to In max.
The image below shows a Field View (How to use the Field Viewer) of a Ramp block used in a Thicken Body block. The body input is a Cylinder, and the Ramp block defines the Thickness. The Ramp block uses a Plane from Normal block as its Scalar field. When you use the Turbo colormap in the field viewer, you can see the transition of the Thickness values from In min to In max. You can also see how the values are constant when it isn’t between the In min and In max values.
Tip: Use the Probe values toggle to see the values in the field by hovering over the field.
A diagram showing an implicit body that has been modified using the Ramp block. The diagram shows how the inputs of the Ramp block effect the resulting geometry. The image below shows the different Continuity options. Using the Field Viewer with a Turbo colormap, you can see how the transitions differ with each option. This diagram shows the 3 different result options when changing the Continuity input of the Ramp block. The three options from left to right are: Geometric, Tangential, and Curvature. When you use an Implicit body for the Scalar field, a value of 0 refers to the body’s outline. Positive values are outside of the body, and negative values are within it.
Tip: You can enter a value in the Contour interval of the Field viewer to accurately see where the In Min and In Max are located

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Example 1: Point and Axis

In this example, we will thicken a lattice with a Point and Axis as scalar field inputs. We can see from the Field Viewer that the Point creates spherical contours, and the Axis creates cylindrical contours. We can use the Surface Plot to display the thickness of the lattice as a shaded view over it. We can see how the field varies using a point and an axis.

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Point:

An example geometry that has been modified using a Ramp block with a Point as the Scalar Field input.

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Axis:

An example geometry that has been modified using a Ramp block with an Axis as the Scalar Field input. Example File

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Example 2: Point Map or Field

In this example, we will convert a Point Map into a Field with the Field from Point Map (How to use simulation results to create a Point Map or Field) block. The Point Map was obtained from a Static Analysis to drive the thickness of a bike seat to increase reinforcement in those regions and keep the other regions light. The image below shows an example of using the Ramp block to drive the thickness and point spacing input. An example geometry that has been modified by the Ramp block. In this case, lattice thickness and density is being driven by point map results. Home Screen Example - Bike Seat

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Example 3: Combination of Fields

You can use the Field from Point Map block to create fields from imported point maps (How to use simulation results to create a Point Map or Field). You can also use Math blocks in this input, such as Abs, Mod or Add, Subtract, and Boolean operations.

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Download the Example File:

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