8 Libraries Section 8.1.2.3

8.1.2.3 The Query Option

The Query option is used to view the characteristics of materials (in the materials category you activated with the Load command File) that you may be considering for inclusion in the spreadsheet.

Select the Query option. The Parameters window in Figure 13 appears. The window is divided into two parts. The upper part contains the Material Name and Material ID fields. These two fields are string fields-- that is, you enter words or strings of letters in them. The lower part is used to enter values in numerical fields and is discussed in Step 5.

Figure 13. The Parameters window

Type the name of the material whose characteristics you want to view in the Material Name field. If you don't know the entire name, type as much of it as you remember. Then type *.

Select the Close hot key. If you typed the entire material name or material ID, a spreadsheet like the one in Figure 14 appears and displays the material properties you selected with the Select attributes command in the Material option.

Figure 14. The results of the query

If you used part of a material name or ID and a "*", all materials with names beginning with the prefix appear in the spreadsheet. A message informs you if no such material names are in the active materials category file. Press Esc to return to the Parameters window.

Close the spreadsheet when you have finished viewing, writing notes, or changing parameters. You return to the Materials Library screen.

You may want to search for materials in a material category that will function within a certain material property range. Select material property fields in the lower part of the Query Definition Sheet. Then type the minimum and maximum value of the material properties (see Figure 15). Press Enter after typing each value. When you have finished typing, repeat Steps 3 and 4.

Figure 15. Parameters window for query of anything in certain property

The material properties displayed in the Query window will be the same ones you select to appear in the spreadsheet using the Select attributes command.

8.1.2.4 The Sort Option

Use the Sort option to direct CADMP-II to sort the spreadsheet by one or two fields and by ascending or descending order.

Select the Sort option. A Select a Primary Sort Field window appears (see Figure 19).

Figure 19. The Select a Primary Sort window

Select a material property as a primary sort field.

The window header changes to read Select a Secondary Sort Field (see Figure 20).

Figure 20. The Select a Secondary Sort window

If you do not want to use a secondary sort field, press Esc. If you want to use a secondary sort field, select one as in Step 2. Either choice causes another window to appear (see Figure 21).

Figure 21. Choosing Ascending or Descending Sort

The window asks if you want the primary sort field to sort in Ascending or Descending order. Select the one you prefer. If you selected a secondary sort field, you must repeat the procedure.
After determining the sort order, you return to the Materials Library screen. Select the Edit command in the Material menu to view the spreadsheet and see the results of your sort selections.

8.1.2.5 The Fields Option

Also you may use the Fields option to Add or Remove a material property field from the file.

Select the Field option.
Select the Add option to add a field. Use the arrows to move to the appropriate field and the space bar as a toggle switch to highlight the chosen field. Press Close to accept the change and Esc to leave without saving the change.
Select the Remove option to remove a field. Use the arrows to move to the appropriate field and the space bar as a toggle switch to highlight the chosen field. Press Close to accept the change and Esc to leave without saving the change.
If Esc is pressed, a warning screen will appear asking you if you wish to save your changes. Press yes to save changes and no to leave without saving changes.

8.1.2.5.1 The Notes Option from the Fields Option

Use the Notes option from the Fields option to read a definition or description of the material property.

Select the Fields option. A menu appears with three choices – Notes, Add, and Remove(see Figure 16). When Notes is chosen A Select A Field window appears (see Figure 17).

Figure 16. The Fields menu window

Figure 17. The Select A Field window

Select a material property for which a definition or description is needed. A description window containing a definition or description of the property appears (see Figure 18). You can make changes to the description if you want.

Figure 18. The Field Notes Description window

Close

Esc

select

Quit