How to Translate ALGOR Model Databases

You might find it convenient to define model data by directly editing the ALGOR model database. Each ALGOR model has five database files located in a modelname.mod folder, all of which are in the FoxPro database format (.dbf extension). Use the ALGOR Database Translation Utility to translate an ALGOR model database into a different file format (e.g., Microsoft Access or text files) for subsequent editing.

Figure 1 shows the "Algor Release 12 Database Translator" dialog, which is accessed from the CAD Solid Model, FEA Editor, Superview IV Results or Report environments by using the "File:Database Translation Utility..." command sequence or from Superdraw by using "Tools:Database Translation Utility...".

Figure 1: Use the "Algor Release 12 Database Translator" dialog to translate an ALGOR model database into the Microsoft Access database format.

If you translate the .dbf format into a Microsoft Access database format, then a modelname.mdb file will be created that contains five tables corresponding to the five translated .dbf files.

If you choose the option to translate the .dbf format into text files, then five Comma Separated Value (.csv) files will be created in the modelname.mod folder. These .csv files can be edited in Microsoft Excel or a text editor such as Microsoft Notepad.

You can modify the database data for applications such as the following:

• For varying the magnitude of a load with position, find the nodes where you want to apply the load, copy the load's orientation and change its magnitude.
• For changing the geometry by using an equation, use a spreadsheet or custom computer program to change nodal coordinates.

After changing the database, use the Database Translation Utility again to translate the model back with the "ALGOR Native Format - FoxPro Database (*.dbf)" option.

If you changed any geometry, loading parameters or other data residing in the Superdraw file (modelname.esd), then you must create a new .esd file from the modified database to make the changes available in Superdraw. Access a command prompt and run the program asd2esd.exe from the ALGOR directory to create a Superdraw file with the changes. Then, use the "File:Export to FEMPRO" command sequence in Superdraw to create the FEA Editor's .esx file.

See the ALGOR User's Guide for more information about the Database Translation Utility, editing databases and generating a Superdraw file from a database. For details on the database variables and accessing the database from other programs, refer to the Programming with ALGOR Guide.