Max and Min Values
D3PLOT can calculate the maximum and minimum <n> values on the current plot, and display it at the top of the graphics window. Element-derived data components show element values, and nodally-derived ones show nodes. Element values are taken either from the element centre values or the element integration point values (for models with results at multiple integration points). Consequently the max/min values can differ slightly from the max/min values on the contour bar if the contouring resolution is not unaveraged.
If a model contains 3D elements (Solids and Thick Shells) then by default D3PLOT only uses the values on external visible faces for the contour bar and ignores internal faces for SI, CT and LC data plots (This behavior can be changed - see Visible faces vs All faces ).
When displaying the Min and Max values on a plot D3PLOT will report both visible maximum and minimum values and if an internal face has a higher or lower value it will also report the element that value belongs to in the top left of the screen.
| Not computed | No max/min values computed or displayed |
| Shown on data plots | Max/min values are computed, but only displayed on data bearing plots (CT, SI, etc) |
| Shown on all plots | Max/min values are shown on all plot types. For non data-bearing ones the values shown are those of the currently selected data component. |
| Number of values shown | By default only 1 of each max and min is shown. You can choose any number, but space on the plot is limited and a practical limit is about 30 pairs of values. Very large numbers will also take longer to compute and store. |
| List/label options | By default both values are listed on the plot, and the relevant elements/nodes are labelled to identify them along with the values. All are switchable. |
This option will calculate the max and min values for all states in the analysis, and export them as (x,y) data to the XY_DATA tool for graphical plotting. The actual results sent depend on the settings below:
| This frame only. | Generates curves only for the <n> items that are the max and min in this frame. This will result in <2n> curves. |
| All frame items. | Generates curves for the <n> items that are the max/min in each state. This can result in up to 2 x #states x <n> curves if the max/min items in each state are different. |
| Envelope | This produces only two curves, a maximum and an minimum. The X axis is state time, and the Y axis is the actual max/min value at each state regardless of the actual element/node it comes from. |
This option is similar to , except that it builds the list of elements/nodes based on the options selected, and exports them to the tool for numerical output at the current time.
Display on Data-bearing plots:
| Draw all normally | Normal plotting with no restrictions |
| Draw max/min and rest wireframe | The max and min <n> items are drawn in the current plotting mode, and the rest in wireframe mode |
| Draw max/min only | Only the <n> max/min items are drawn in the current plotting mode. |