Understanding and managing sample macros and projects
June 2024
The range of macros we have included will be useful templates for you to edit and create your own versions of data analysis for specific measurement parameters, whether it’s something simple like measuring peak force, distance and area under the curve or more fundamental parameters such as Young’s modulus or engineering terms.
Engineering calculations
Standard engineering calculations are built into Exponent and Exponent Connect software for quick calculation of specific moduli, stresses, strains, strengths and energies which are particularly suited to materials testing applications for our range of Texture Analysers.
Each calculation is designed to be used with a very specific test setup (for example, cuboid three point bend testing) as the specific equations required for analysis depend on the sample and test geometry. A help page is supplied within the software for each quick calculation explaining the parameters that must be entered into the software by the user (such as film thickness) and a derivation and reasoning behind every equation used.
An explanation of all of the sample macros that we have provided can be found in the Education Zone.
These give useful examples of data analysis and typical tests that can be immediately loaded into Exponent by clicking on the ‘Load’ button.
These macros should be studied before they are used so the user is familiar with how each macro works, and edit the macro if further calculations need to be added or existing calculations tailored to the specific behaviour of the test sample.
For example, it is important to know what additional parameters (e.g. strain height or stress area) are required to be inserted so that the calculation can function correctly.
Manage your Macros and Projects
Many customers have multiple users with different admin rights and many different macros and projects among them. Some of these macros or projects may be ready for everyone on the team to use - in which case they should be "Global" projects. If the files are drafts or personal - then they do not need to be visible to everyone who logs into the Exponent software program.
The answer is to use the "Shortcuts Manager" (in the Macro Shortcuts or Project Shortcuts tab) to add or remove the macros and project files to either the Personal or Global lists.
Right-mouse click anywhere in that section to activate a pop-up window that leads to the Shortcuts Manager.
Find your macro or project files in the lower navigation window (including navigate shared or network paths). The “Add” button will become active and clicking on it will add the file to the selected shortcuts section. You can also highlight files that are already added and "Remove" them from the shortcuts menu.
Request our updated and informatative Getting Started Guide. If you don't already have one or if you require another copy for your lab this 160 page manual will explain the most common features of the software.
