Manual:Introduction
- Introduction
- Discovering LabRPS
- Working with FreeCAD
- Python scripting
LabRPS aims to be a tool for the numerical simulation of random phenomena such as stochastic wind velocity, seismic ground motion, sea surface ... etc. Its integrated tool for graphical representation of data allow powerful mathematical treatment and visualization of the simulation data while keeping a user-friendly graphical user interface. It can be in a wide range of uses around engineering, such as random vibration or vibration fatigue in mechanical engineering, buffeting analysis in bridge engineering.... LabRPS is mainly to assist reseachers in related fields to quickly implement new simulation methods programmatically in their new research work based on the existing works, help engineers to numerically generate random phenomena in a more realistic way, helps students and new comers to this field to learn quickly. It is highly modular and is integrated with a data visualizer which can generate different types of publication quality 2D and 3D plots (such as line, scatter, bar, pie, and surface plots) from data that is either resulted from a simulation, imported from ASCII files, entered by hand, or calculated using formulas. The data is held in spreadsheets, which are referred to as tables with column-based data (typically X and Y values for 2D plots) or matrices (for 3D plots). The spreadsheets, as well as graphs and note windows, are gathered in a project and can be organized using folders. LabRPS is also equiped with a built-in analysis tools that include for now column/row statistics, (de)convolution, FFT and FFT-based filters. Curve fitting can be performed with user-defined or built-in linear and nonlinear functions, including multi-peak fitting, based on the GNU Scientific Library. The plots in LabRPS can be exported to several bitmap formats, PDF or SVG. If you have questions, see the Documentation, or post in the Forums.
This user manual is being written for version 0.1 of LabRPS, which is currently in development. Its purpose is to serve as a guide for individuals who wish to start using LabRPS for their projects. No extensive prior knowledge of any other software is required, and the contents of this manual are organized in a straightforward and comprehensive manner, divided into various application areas. The guide includes instructions regarding the installation of LabRPS, the use of its most prominent workbenches, and extends to more complex topics such as Python scripting. Efforts have been made to present the information in an organized, step-by-step fashion, complete with images. This structure ensures that both novice users and more experienced individuals can benefit from studying this manual. The contents of this manual are published under the Creative Commons 4.0 license, and can be freely used, downloaded, copied, and modified.
Another valuable resource is the LabRPS wiki, where numerous contributors have added useful information covering every aspect of the software. Due to the wealth of information available, navigating and using the wiki can be somewhat challenging and overwhelming, especially for new users. For this reason, it is advised to first study the user manual, which offers a more streamlined and smooth introduction, before delving into the more extensive details available in the wiki. Finally, the LabRPS Forums are also very helpful and provide additional support and insights.