Using division on X–Y data objects

Use the mathematical / symbol to operate on a previously saved X–Y data object (a collection of ordered pairs) to produce a new X–Y data object. The / operator accepts two non-commutative arguments and can be applied in one of three ways:

To divide a scalar by an X–Y data object:

This method yields a new X–Y data object having the same X-coordinate values as the original X–Y data object. Abaqus/CAE computes the new Y-coordinates as the scalar divided by each original Y-coordinate. For example, if

XYData=[(1,2),(2,10),(3,20)],

then

(2 / XYData)=[(1,1),(2,.2),(3,.1)].

Note:

As a convenience, the Operate on XY Data dialog box offers an inverse function, 1/A.

To divide an X–Y data object by a scalar:

This method yields a new X–Y data object having the same X-coordinate values as the original X–Y data object. Abaqus/CAE computes the new Y-coordinates as each original Y-coordinate divided by the scalar. For example, if

XYData=[(1,2),(2,10),(3,20)],

then

(XYData / 2)=[(1,1),(2,5),(3,10)].
To divide one X–Y data object by another X–Y data object:

This method yields a new X–Y data object having as its X-coordinates all X-coordinates of the first data object and any additional X-coordinates needed for alignment of the two objects. Abaqus/CAE computes additional X–Y data pairs by interpolation and extrapolation. The new data object has as its Y-coordinates the Y-coordinates of the first data object divided by the Y-coordinates of the second data object. For example, let

XYData1=[(4,4),(5,5)]

and

XYData2=[(1,1),(2,2),(3,3)].

For alignment, Abaqus/CAE computes the values of the first and second data objects as:

XYData1 extrapolated=[(1,4),(2,4),(3,4),(4,4),(5,5)]

and

XYData2 extrapolated=[(1,1),(2,2),(3,3),(4,3),(5,3)];

then

(XYData1 / XYData2)=[(1,4),(2,2),(3,1.33),(4,1.33),(5,1.66)].

Related Topics
Understanding X–Y data interpolation and extrapolation
Using X–Y data operations

Context:

Figure 1 shows an X–Y plot of the above example.

Figure 1. X–Y plot illustrating division of data objects.

  1. Locate the Operate on XY Data dialog box.

    From the main menu bar, select ToolsXY DataCreate. Click Operate on XY data in the dialog box that appears; then click Continue. The Operate on XY Data dialog box appears.

  2. From the Operators listed, click /.

    The / symbol appears in the expression window.

  3. To specify each of the two arguments for the / operator, use your mouse and keyboard to position the cursor in the expression window; then do one of the following:

    • Use your keyboard to type in a scalar argument, or

    • From the XY Data choices, click the name of the X–Y data object on which to operate and click Add to Expression. You can choose from all X–Y data objects previously saved within this session (listed alphabetically in the XY Data field).

    The arguments appear within the expression window.

  4. To continue to build your expression, position the cursor in the expression window and type in or select the functions, operators, and X–Y data you want to include.

  5. To evaluate and display your expression, click Plot Expression.

  6. To save your new X–Y data object, click Save As and then provide a name in the dialog box that appears.

    Saving your data object makes it available for future operations within this session and for inclusion in X–Y plots containing multiple data objects.

  7. When you are finished, click Cancel to close the dialog box.