Www.oasys-software.com Programming with GSA APIs An introduction to the COM interface Ramaseshan Kannan.

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Programming with GSA APIs

An introduction to the COM interface

Ramaseshan Kannan


An imaginary scenario…


Overview

• Introduction

• Assumptions

• Elements of the API

• Using the API

• Documentation and support

• Examples and case study


Introduction

• What are GSA APIs?• An alternate route to access existing functionality.

• What can they be used for?

• Where do I access this functionality?

• How do I get started?



Assumptions

• Some understanding of programming assumed.

• VB.NET vs. Excel VBA• Visual Studio Express

• Scope of this presentation


Elements of the COM API

• Functions• Core functions • View functions • Data and ‘Tools’ functions • Case and Task functions • List functions • GwaCommand• Output functions


Elements of the COM API

• Functions

• GwaCommand

• Output functions


A simple example

Exercise: In an existing model, create a point load on a beam and analyse it.


A closer look

Initialize the GSA COM objectDim gsaObj As New Gsa_8_5.ComAuto

Open FilegsaObj.Open("C:\GSA Files\COM tests\Env.gwb")


A closer look

Delete results

gsaObj.Delete("RESULTS")

Call GwaCommand

gsaObj.GwaCommand("LOAD_BEAM_POINT, 2, 1, GLOBAL, NO, Z, -.5, -2")


A closer look

Analyse all tasks

gsaObj.Analyse()

Save model

gsaObj.Save()

Close file

gsaObj.Close()


Documentation and resources

• Help File

• Gwa.html <C:\Program Files (x86)\Oasys\GSA 8.5\Docs\gwa.html>

• Samples under <C:\Program Files (x86)\Oasys\GSA 8.5\Samples\API_and_GWC>

• .NET sample• VBA sample• C++ sample


Wrappers

• .NET Sample• GsaComUtil class


Wrappers

• DesignLink

GsaController class


Future directions…

• 8.x• Functions for creating/querying Views and lists.• Result extraction as a Vector.

• 9.0• .NET based APIs…• New object model…• Cuter…

• More COM training?


CASE STUDIESCOM: programming with GSA


Design and optimisation of freeform high-rise truss façade structures


Design and optimisation of freeform high-rise truss façade structures


Marina Bay Sands


Infinity Footbridge


Geometry Gym


Www.oasys-software.com Programming with GSA APIs An introduction to the COM interface Ramaseshan Kannan.

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