Transferring Data Between Modules

Many ETBX modules import calculated values and reference data from other modules. The transfer of data from one ETBX module to the input fields of another ETBX module is referred to as Inter-Module Communication (IMC).

A module that supports IMC typically contains a button that allows the user to open a resource module: the external module that will be the source of the input data. The Column Buckling module shown in Figure 1 contains links to two resource modules: the Beam Sections module and the Material Properties module.

Figure 1. Column Buckling module

Clicking the Sections button opens the Beam Sections resource module in a separate window as shown in Figure 2. The resource module operates just as it would if it had been opened as a standalone module. The only difference is that, after clicking the Calculate button, the results report contains a Store button (shown in Figure 3). The Store button tells the resource module that you wish to transfer calculated results to its parent module.

Figure 2. Beam Section module

Figure 3. Beam Section module with calculated results

Clicking the Store button hides the resource module and opens an Insert window as shown in Figure 4. The Insert window displays the data fields supported by the parent module and allows you to specify which data values should be transferred. Clicking on a data field in the Insert window causes the corresponding input field in the module to be highlighted in yellow. This allows you to verify the exact location that the values will be pasted. Press the Insert button to complete the data transfer.

Figure 4. Inserting calculated section properties to the column buckling input form

The Beam Sections resource module can be re-opened at any time by pressing the Sections button. Any changes that you make to the Beam Sections input form are retained until the Column Buckling module is closed.