XML File Format

Dr. Frame2D uses XML for its native file format. This opens up many possibilities for data exchange and reporting, particularly with web-based databases. The easiest way to examine the file format is to save a simple model, and the open the file with any text editor, or with an xml-aware application like a web browser.

Geometry Import

In addition to its native file format, Dr. Frame2D can import geometric data according to either of two simple XML formats:

1. The example file shown below illustrates a relatively verbose xml-based input file format intended for importing basic geometry and connectivity information:

   <?xml version="1.0" ?>
   <DrFrameGeometry1a>
   	<Units>
   		<LengthUnit> ft </LengthUnit>
   	</Units>
   	<JointList>
   		<Joint>
   			<xyzLoc> 0.0 0.0 </xyzLoc>
   			<ID> 0 </ID>
   		</Joint>
   		<Joint>
   			<xyzLoc> 0.0 10.0 </xyzLoc>
   			<ID> 1 </ID>
   		</Joint>
   		<Joint>
   			<xyzLoc> 15.0 10.0 </xyzLoc>
   			<ID> 2 </ID>
   		</Joint>
   		<Joint>
   			<xyzLoc> 15.0 0.0 </xyzLoc>
   			<ID> 3 </ID>
   		</Joint>
   	</JointList>
   	<MemberList>
   		<Member>
   			<EndJoints> 0 1 </EndJoints>
   			<EndFixity>     fixed-fixed </EndFixity>
   		</Member>
   		<Member>
   			<EndJoints> 1 2 </EndJoints>
   			<EndFixity>     fixed-fixed </EndFixity>
   		</Member>
   		<Member>
   			<EndJoints> 2 3 </EndJoints>
   			<EndFixity>     fixed-fixed </EndFixity>
   		</Member>       
   	</MemberList>
   	<SupportList>
   		<Support>
   			<atJoint> 0 </atJoint>
   			<Fixity> fixed </Fixity>
   		</Support>
   		<Support>
   			<atJoint> 3 </atJoint>
   			<Fixity> pinned </Fixity>
   		</Support>
   	</SupportList>
   </DrFrameGeometry1a>
            
            

   Importing this file gives the following simple frame:

   
2. An alternative format, more amenable for hand editing is illustrated below:

   <?xml version="1.0" ?>
   <DrFrameGeometry_Short2D_1a>
   
   	<Units> 
   	<LengthUnit>ft</LengthUnit>
   	</Units> 
   
   	<JointList> 
   		A    20	24
   		6    20	12
   		7    0	12 
   		8    20	0 
   		9    0	0 
   	</JointList> 
   
   	<MemberList> 
   	    7 6  fixed-fixed
   	    9 7  fixed-fixed
   	    8 6  fixed-fixed
   	    6 A  fixed-fixed
   	    7 A  fixed-fixed
   	</MemberList> 
   
   	<SupportList> 
   		8	fixed	0 1
   		9	fixed	0 1
   	</SupportList> 
   
   </DrFrameGeometry_Short2D_1a>
   

   Note that these file formats allow arbitrary labeling for node ID's. Importing this file gives the model shown below:
   
   
In each case, the idea is to do the majority of the model editing within the Dr. Frame2D environment itself once the basic model data have been imported.

© Dr. Software, LLC 1998-2005