FTD128

FISH REFERENCE 2-1
2 FISH REFERENCE
2.1 Introduction and Overview
This section contains a detailed reference to the FISH language. Following the introduction, Sec-
tion 2.2 describes the rules of the language and how variables and functions are used. Section 2.3
explains FISH statements, and Section 2.4 describes how the FISH language links with FLAC 3D.
Pre-defined FISH variables, functions and arrays are described in Section 2.5. The FISH functions
that support the structural-element logic are described in Section 2.6.
FISH is a programming language embedded within FLAC 3D that enables the user to define new
variables and functions. These functions may be used to extend FLAC 3D’s usefulness or add user-
defined features. For example, new variables may be plotted or printed, special grid generators
may be implemented, servo-control may be applied to a numerical test, unusual distributions of
properties may be specified, and parameter studies may be automated.
FISH is a “compiler” (rather than an “interpreter”). Programs entered via a FLAC 3D data file are
translated into a list of instructions (in “pseudo-code”) stored in FLAC 3D’s memory space; the
original source program is not retained by FLAC 3D. Whenever a FISH function is invoked, its
compiled pseudo-code is executed. The use of compiled code — rather than interpreted source
code — enables programs to run much faster. However, unlike a compiler, variable names and
values are available for printing at any time; values may be modified by the user by using FLAC 3D’s
SET command.
FISH programs are simply embedded in a normal FLAC 3D data file — lines following the word
DEFINE are processed as a FISH function; the function terminates when the word END is encountered.
Functions may invoke other functions, which may invoke others, and so on. The order in which
functions are defined does not matter as long as they are all defined before they are used (e.g., invoked
by a FLAC 3D command). Since the compiled form of a FISH function is stored in FLAC 3D’s memory
space, the SAVE command saves the function and the current values of associated variables.
Section 2.7 discusses extensions to FISH for file manipulation, and Section 2.8 describes the use of
socket communication to transfer data between FLAC 3D and another Itasca code. The use of these
functions requires a reasonable understanding of programming techniques and constructs; FISH
can be used without reference to these extensions.
A summary of FISH language and intrinsic names is provided in Section 2 in the Command and
FISH Reference Summary.
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2-2 FISH in FLAC 3D
2.2 FISH Language Rules, Variables and Functions
2.2.1 Lines
FISH programs can be embedded in a normal FLAC 3D data file, or may be entered directly from
the keyboard. Lines following the word DEFINE are taken to be statements of a FISH function; the
function terminates when the word END is encountered. A valid line of FISH code must take one
of the following forms.
1. The line starts with a statement, such as IF, LOOP, etc. (see Section 2.3).
2. The line contains one or more names of user-defined FISH functions, separated
by spaces — e.g.,
fun 1 fun 2 fun 3
where the names correspond to functions written by the user; these functions
are executed in order. The functions need not be defined prior to their reference
on a line of FISH code (i.e., forward references are allowed).
3. The line consists of an assignment statement (i.e., the expression on the right
of the = sign is evaluated and the value given to the variable or function name
on the left of the = sign).
4. The line consists of a FLAC 3D command, provided that the line is embedded in a
section of FISH code delimited by the COMMAND – ENDCOMMAND statements
(see Section 2.3.3).
5. The line is blank or starts with a semicolon.
FISH variables, function names and statements must be spelled out in full; they cannot be truncated,
as in FLAC 3D commands. No continuation lines are allowed; intermediate variables may be used
to split complex expressions. FISH is “case-insensitive” by default — i.e., it makes no distinction
between uppercase and lowercase letters; all names are converted to lowercase letters. (Note that
this can be changed with the command SET case sensitivity on.) Spaces are significant (unlike in
FORTRAN) and serve to separate variables, keywords, and so on; no embedded blanks are allowed
in variable or function names. Extra spaces may be used to improve readability — for example, by
indenting loops and conditional clauses. Any characters following a semicolon ( ; ) are ignored;
comments may be embedded in a FISH program by preceding them with a semicolon. Blank lines
may be embedded in a FISH program.
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FISH REFERENCE 2-3
2.2.2 Reserved Names for Functions and Variables
Variable or function names must start with a non-number and must not contain any of the following
symbols.
. , * / + - ˆ = < > # ( ) [ ] @ ; ’ "
User-defined names can be any length, but they are truncated in printout and in plot captions, due to
line-length limitations. In general, names may be chosen arbitrarily, although they must not be the
same as a FISH statement (see Section 2.3) or a pre-defined variable or function (see Section 2.5).
There are also many other words used in FLAC 3D input that should be avoided. The list contained
in Table 2.1 shows all words that could give rise to a conflict if used to name a FISH variable or
function. However, the potential conflict depends on the way in which the chosen name is used.
For example, the word gravity could be used as a FISH variable, provided that it is simply referred
to inside a FISH function. A conflict will arise only if it is necessary to use the SET command to
set its value, since gravity is a valid argument to the SET command. Similarly, it may be impossible
to print the value of a FISH variable if its name is the same as a parameter for the PRINT command.
If in doubt, avoid any of the names listed in Table 2.1, or contractions of the names (since FLAC 3D
allows truncation of keywords and commands).
As an alternative strategy, the FLAC 3D command SET safe on can be used to force the explicit
recognition of FISH variables in a command-line instruction. The @ symbol pre-pended to any
FISH variable identifies the object as such, and forces the command-line parser to ignore any
other possible interpretation. For example, suppose that a FISH function initial, as shown in
Example 2.1, has been created. Attempting to run the function from the command prompt would
ordinarily produce an error, since the command INITIAL would take precedence over the FISH
initial. However, using the FISH identifier @ in front of the variable gives us an unambiguous,
correct interpretation.
Example 2.1 Using the FISH identifier

def initial
xvel = 0.0
yvel = 1.0
zvel = 0.0
end
;
; these lines will both result in errors...
initial ; ... vainly hoping to initialize parameters...
ini xvel xvel yvel yvel zvel zvel ; ...obviously ambiguous...
;
; these lines would solve the problem...
;set safe on
;@initial
;ini xvel @xvel yvel @yvel zvel @zvel
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2-4 FISH in FLAC 3D
Table 2.1 List of words in FLAC 3D and FISH that may conflict with chosen names
Name Name Name Name Name Name
above caption default end2 fobl gp ypos
abs case define endcase fobu gp yvel
add case of degrad endcommand force gp zdisp
age caseof delete endif foreground gp zfapp
alias center density endloop free gp zfunbal
and char destroy endsection friction gp zpos
angle cid dilation error friend gp zvel
anisotropic cleanup dim ex 1, ex 2, etc. front gpextra
annulus clear dip exit fsi gpp
any clock discharge exp fsr gradient
apply close displacement expand fstrength grand
area cm max do update expgrid ftable gravity
array cohesion down extrude ftens gray
aspect color dquiet eyedistance gap grid
atan columns drucker face gauss dev group
atan2 command dstress fap gen gui
attach conductivity dt fc generate gwdt
auto config dtable fc arg geom gwtdel
average continue dump fdensity get mem gwtime
axes contour dvelocity filcolor gflow hardcopy
axial convection dy file gmsmul hbm
b mod copy dydt fill gp hbs
b wipp cos dynamic final gp copy help
back cparse dytdel fish gp dynmul his
background crdt dytime fish msg gp extra hisfile
beam create e fishcall gp group hist rep
beamsel creep e dot star fix gp head history
begin crtime ep fl isotropic gp id i elem head
behind csc echo fl null gp mass i find
below cshell edge flags gp near i head
bfix ctable effective fldt gp next i id
biot c current elastic float gp pp i next
biot mod custom element flow gp region i node head
block cycle else flow ratio gp temp id
both cylinder emod flprop gp xdisp ie area
bottom cylint end fltime gp xfapp ie fhost
boundary d wipp end case fluid gp xfunbal ie id
brick damp end command flux gp xpos ie join
bulk damping end if fmem gp xvel ie norm
cable datum end loop fmod gp ydisp ie zhost
cablesel dbrick end section fmodulus gp yfapp ieb
call dd end1 fob gp yfunbal ieb pnt
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

FISH REFERENCE 2-5
Table 2.1 List of words in FLAC 3D and FISH that may conflict with chosen names (cont.)
ierr iterate mainwin new p3 print
if izones mark ngp p4 prop
iface jcohesion mass ngrwater p5 property
igp jdd mat inverse nmechanical p6 pslow
image jdilation mat transpose node p7 psource
imem jdip max normal p8 purge
impgrid jerr max edge not p9 pwell
implicit jfriction maxdt nquiet pac pyramid
in jgp maximum nseg pagelength qdil
in area jnx mech ratio nstep pagination query
in ctol jny mechanical nstress palette quit
in disp jnz mem nthermal parse qvol
in fhost jtension memfree nu pause qx
in ftarget jzones memory null pcx qy
in hweight kbond memsize number pcxout r
in id kn merge nvelocity penetration r integrate
in nstr ks message nxx permeability radbrick
in nstr add kshear min nxy perspective radcylinder
in pen landscape mindt nyy pfast radius
in pos large minimum nzone pi radtunnel
in prop latency mode off pile range
in sdisp ldamp model on pilesel ratio
in sstr leakage modgradient open pinterval rayleigh
in tweight left modify or plane reactivate
in vel legend mohr origin plot read
in zhost lff pnt mohr-coulomb orthotropic pltangle red
in ztarget lfob moment ostrength pltcohesion reflect
inactive light monchrome out pltfriction regenerate
increment limits move outline plttension rename
info line movie output point reset
information link msafety overlay polygon restore
initial list mul p stress porosity return
initialize lmul mx p:4 portrait reverse
inrange ln mxx p1 position rgb
insert local mxy p10 positive right
int location my p11 post rigid
int pnt log myy p12 power rlist
interface logfile mz p13 pp rotation
internal loop name p14 ppressure rs 1
isotropic lose mem ncontours p15 preparse rs 2
itasca lsys ncwrite p16 pressure sat
item macro nerr p2 pretension save
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2-6 FISH in FLAC 3D
sbond sel thick small tension us letter xcen
scale sel type smax tet us tabloid xciy
sclin sel volume smid text v0 xciz
section sel xcarea smin th isotropic v1 xcj
segment sel xciy solve th null v2 xdirection
sel sel xciz sort thdt v3 xdisp
sel area sel xcpolmom source then v4 xflow
sel cen sel ycomp spec heat therm ratio v5 xfob
sel cid sel ypress sphere thermal vector xforce
sel csncoh sel ytens sqrt theta velocity xform
sel csnfric sel zpress squiet thexp vertex xgrav
sel csngap selcm depend ss thickness vfactor xmaximum
sel csnk selcm linear ssi thtdel vftol xminimum
sel csscoh selcm nyield ssoften thtime vga xmom
sel cssfric selcm pile ssr time view xpolygon
sel cssk selcm syield sstress title viscosity xpos
sel density sellink head state tolerance viscous xr
sel e sellk deform step top vmagnitude xrdirection
sel extra sellk free stop total vol strain xrdisp
sel grcoh sellk node string tr:3 volume xreaction
sel grfric sellk rigid structure tr:4 vs xrfob
sel grk sellk zone substep tr:5 vsi xrvel
sel grper selnode head subtract trac pnt vsource xtable
sel head seltype beam surface trace vsr xvel
sel id seltype cable surfarea track vstrength xvelocity
sel length seltype pile surfx translate vwell xywrite
sel locsys seltype shell svelocity triangle wait y
sel mark set sxx ttable water yacceleration
sel ndforce sgn sxy ttol wbulk ybody
sel next shade sxz tunint wdens ybodyforce
sel node shear sys type wedge ycen
sel nu shell system u thc while ycomp
sel numnd shellsel syy ubiquitous while stepping ycompression
sel ortho show syz ucs whilestepping ydirection
sel per sig1 szz udm pnt window ydisp
sel press sig2 tab pnt ufob wipp ydist
sel strglb sig3 table umul write yflow
sel strglbpos sin table size unbal x yfob
sel strres size tan uniform dev xacceleration yforce
sel strrespos sketch target unmark xbody ygrav
sel strsurf skip temperature up xbodyforce yield
sel strsurfpos sm max tenflg urand xcara ymaximum
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FISH REFERENCE 2-7
yminimum z sonplane zreaction
ypos z ssi zrfob
yr z ssr zrvel
yrdirection z state zs11
yrdisp z sxx zs12
yreaction z sxy zs22
yrfob z sxz zs33
yrvel z syy zsub
ytable z syz ztea
ytens z szz zteb
ytension z volume ztec
yvel z vsi zted
yvelocity z vsr ztsa
z code z xcen ztsb
z copy z ycen ztsc
z density z zcen ztsd
z dynmul zart zvel
z extra zbody zvelocity
z facegp zbodyforce zvisc
z facenorm zcen zxbar
z facesize zde11
z fri zde12
z frr zde22
z fsi zde33
z fsr zdirection
z gp zdisp
z group zdist
z id zdpp
z inimodel zdrot
z model zextra
z near zfob
z next zforce
z numgp zgrav
z pp zmom
z prop zmsmul
z pstress zone
z qx zone head
z qy zpoross
z qz zpos
z sig1 zr
z sig2 zrdirection
z sig3 zrdisp
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2-8 FISH in FLAC 3D
By default, user-defined variables represent single numbers or strings. Multi-dimensional arrays

of numbers or strings may be stored if the ARRAY statement is used. Section 2.3.1 defines the way
in which arrays are created and used. At present, there is no explicit printout or input facility for
arrays, but functions may be written in FISH to perform these operations. For example, the contents
of a two-dimensional array (or matrix) may be initialized and printed, as shown in Example 2.2.
Example 2.2 Initializing and printing FISH arrays

new
def afill ; fill matrix with random numbers
array var(4,3)
loop m (1,4)
loop n (1,3)
var(m,n) = urand
endloop
endloop
end
def ashow ; display contents of matrix
loop m (1,4)
hed = ’ ’
msg = ’ ’+string(m)
loop n (1,3)
hed = hed + ’ ’+string(n)
msg = msg + ’ ’+string(var(m,n))
endloop
if m = 1
dum = out(hed)
endif
dum = out(msg)
endloop
end
afill
ashow
Upon execution, the following output is produced.

1 2 3
1 5.7713E-001 6.2307E-001 7.6974E-001
2 8.3807E-001 3.3640E-001 8.5697E-001
3 6.3214E-001 5.4165E-002 1.8227E-001
4 8.5974E-001 9.2797E-001 9.6332E-001
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FISH REFERENCE 2-9
2.2.3 Scope of Variables
Variable and function names are recognized globally (as in the BASIC language). As soon as a
name is mentioned in a valid FISH program line, it is thereafter recognized globally, both in FISH
code and in FLAC 3D commands (for example, in place of a number); it also appears in the list of
variables displayed when the PRINT fish command is given. A variable may be given a value in one
FISH function and used in another function or in a FLAC 3D command. The value is retained until
it is changed. The values of all variables are also saved by the SAVE command and restored by the
RESTORE command.
2.2.4 Functions: Structure, Evaluation and Calling Scheme
The only object in the FISH language that can be executed is the “function.” Functions have no
arguments; communication of parameters is through the setting of variables prior to invoking the
function. (Recall that variables have global scope.) The name of a function follows the DEFINE
statement, and its scope terminates with the END statement. The END statement also serves to return
control to the caller when the function is executed. (Note that the EXIT statement also returns control
— see Section 2.3.2.) Consider Example 2.3, which shows function construction and use.
Example 2.3 Construction of a function

def xxx
aa = 2 * 3
xxx = aa + bb
end
The value of xxx is changed when the function is executed. The variable aa is computed locally,
but the existing value of bb is used in the computation of xxx. If values are not explicitly given
to variables, they default to zero (integer). It is not necessary for a function to assign a value to
the variable corresponding to its name. The function xxx may be invoked in one of the following
ways:
(1) as a single word xxx on a FISH input line;
(2) as the variable xxx in a FISH formula — e.g.,
new var = (sqrt(xxx) / 5.6)ˆ4;
(3) as a single word xxx on a FLAC 3D input line;

(4) as a symbolic replacement for a number on an input line (see Section 2.4.1);
and
(5) as a parameter to the SET, PRINT or HISTORY command of FLAC 3D.
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2 - 10 FISH in FLAC 3D
A function may be referred to in another function before it is defined: the FISH compiler simply
creates a symbol at the time of first mention and then links all references to the function when it is
defined by a DEFINE command. A function cannot be deleted or redefined.
Function calls may be nested to any level — i.e., functions may refer to other functions, which may
refer to others, ad infinitum. However, recursive function calls are not allowed (i.e., execution of a
function must not invoke that same function). Example 2.4 shows a recursive function call, which
is not allowed, because the name of the defining function is used in such a way that the function
will try to call itself. The example will produce an error on execution.
Example 2.4 A recursive function call

gen zone brick size 1 1 1
def stress_sum
stress_sum = 0.0
pnt = zone_head
loop while pnt # null
stress_sum = stress_sum + z_sxx(pnt)
pnt=z_next(pnt)
end_loop
end
stress_sum
The same function should be coded as shown in Example 2.5, below.
Example 2.5 Removing recursion from the function shown in Example 2.4
def stress_sum
sum = 0.0
pnt = zone_head
sum = sum + z_sxx(pnt)
pnt=z_next(pnt)
end_loop
stress_sum = sum
end
stress_sum
The difference between variables and functions is that a function is always executed whenever its
name is mentioned; variables simply convey their current values. However, the execution of a
function may cause other variables (as opposed to functions) to be evaluated. This effect is useful,
for example, when several histories of FISH variables are required — only one function is necessary
in order to evaluate several quantities, as in Example 2.6.
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FISH REFERENCE 2 - 11
Example 2.6 Evaluation of variables

new
def h_var_1
ipz = z_near(1,2,3)
h_var_1 = sxx(ipz) + fac
h_var_2 = syy(ipz) + fac
h_var_3 = szz(ipz) + fac
h_var_4 = sxy(ipz) + fac
h_var_5 = syz(ipz) + fac
h_var_6 = sxz(ipz) + fac
end
The FLAC 3D commands to request histories might be:

hist h var 1
hist h var 2
hist h var 3
hist h var 4
hist h var 5
hist h var 6
The function h var 1 would be executed by the FLAC 3D’s history logic every few steps but, as a
side effect, the values of h var 2 through h var 6 would also be computed and used as history
variables.
2.2.5 Data Types
There are four data types used for FISH variables or function values:
1. Integer (exact numbers in the range -2,147,483,648 to +2,147,483,647);
2. Floating point (approximate numbers with about fifteen decimal digits of precision,
with a range of approximately 10−300 to 10300 );
3. String (packed sequence of any printable characters; the sequence may be any length,
but it will be truncated on the printout. Strings are denoted in FISH and FLAC 3D by a
sequence of characters enclosed by single quotes — e.g., ‘Have a nice day’ — note
that the use of strings in FLAC 3D is restricted to titles and filenames. See Section 2.4.1.);
and
4. Pointer (machine address — used for scanning through linked lists. They have an
associated type from the object to which the pointer refers, except for the null pointer).
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

A variable in FISH can change its type dynamically, depending on the type of the expression to
which it is set. To make this clear, consider the assignment statement
var1 = var2
If var1 and var2 are of different types, then two things are done: first, var1’s type is converted to
var2’s type; second, var2’s data is transferred to var1. In other languages, such as FORTRAN
or C, the type of var1 is not changed, although data conversion is done. By default, all variables
in FISH start as integers. However, a statement such as
var1 = 3.4
causes var1 to become a floating-point variable when it is executed. The current type of all
variables may be determined by giving the FLAC 3D command PRINT fish — the types are denoted
in the printout.
The dynamic typing mechanism in FISH was devised to make programming easier for non-
programmers. In languages such as BASIC, numbers are stored in floating-point format, which can
cause difficulties when integers are needed for, say, loop counters. In FISH, the type of the variable
adjusts naturally to the context in which it is used. For example, in the following code fragment,
n = n + 2
xx = xx + 3.5
the variable n will be an integer and will be incremented by exactly 2, and the variable xx will
be a floating-point number, subject to the usual truncation error but capable of handling a much
bigger dynamic range. The rules governing type conversion in arithmetic operations are explained
in Section 2.2.6. The type of a variable is determined by the type of the object on the right-hand
side of an assignment statement; this applies both to FISH statements and to assignments done with
the FLAC 3D SET command. Both types of assignment may be used to change the type of a variable
according to the value specified, as follows.
1. An integer assignment (digits 0-9 only) will cause the variable to become an
integer (e.g., var1 = 334).
2. If the assigned number has a decimal point or an exponent denoted by “e”
or “E,” then the variable will become a floating-point number (e.g., var1 =
3e5; var2 = -1.2).
3. If the assignment is delimited by single quotes, the variable becomes a string,
with the “value” taken to be the list of characters inside the quotes (e.g., var1
= ‘Have a nice day’).
Type conversion is also done in assignments involving pre-defined variables or functions; these
rules are presented in Section 2.5. Note that pointer variables may not be converted to or from other
variable types.
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

2.2.6 Arithmetic: Expressions and Type Conversions
Arithmetic follows the conventions used in most languages. The symbols

ˆ / * - +
denote exponentiation, division, multiplication, subtraction and addition, respectively, and are ap-
plied in the order of precedence given. Arbitrary numbers of parentheses may be used to render
explicit the order of evaluation; expressions within parentheses are evaluated before anything else.
Inner parentheses are evaluated first. As an example, FISH evaluates the following variable xx as
133.
xx = 6/3*4ˆ3+5
The expression is equivalent to

xx = ( (6/3) * (4ˆ3) ) + 5
If there is any doubt about the order in which arithmetic operators are applied, then parentheses
should be used for clarification.
If either of the two arguments in an arithmetic operation are of floating-point type, then the result
will be floating point. If both of the arguments are integers, then the result will be integer. It is
important to note that the division of one integer by another causes truncation of the result — for
example, 5/2 produces the result 2, and 5/6 produces the result 0.
Arithmetic operations are not allowed for pointer variables, except for the addition of an integer
(see Section 2.5.5.2). However, two pointers may be tested for equality in an IF statement — e.g.,
if zp # null
2.2.7 Strings
There are three main FISH intrinsic functions that are available to manipulate strings
in(var) prints out variable var if it is a string, or the message “Input?” if
it is not, and then waits for input from the keyboard. (The returned
value depends on the characters that are typed. FISH tries to decode
the input first as an integer and then as a floating-point number — the
returned value will be of type int or float if a single number has been
typed in that can be decoded as integer or floating point, respectively.
The number should be the only thing on the line. However, if it is
followed by a space, comma or parenthesis, then any other characters
on the line are ignored. If the characters typed in by the user cannot be
interpreted as a single number, then the returned value will be a string
containing the sequence of characters. The user’s FISH function can
determine what has been returned by using the function type( ).)
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

out(s) prints out the message contained in s to the screen (and to the log file,
if it is open). The variable s must be of type string. The returned
value of the function is zero if no error is detected, and one if there is
an error in the argument (e.g., if s is not a string).
string(var) converts var to type string.
One use of these functions is to control interactive input and output. Example 2.7 demonstrates
this for user-supplied input parameters for Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio.
Example 2.7 Control of interactive input

def in_def
xx = in(msg+’(’+’default:’+string(default)+’):’)
if type(xx) = 3
in_def = default
else
in_def = xx
endif
end
def moduli_data
default = 1.0e9
msg=’Input Young\’s modulus ’
y_mod = in_def
default = 0.25
msg=’Input Poisson\’s ratio ’
p_ratio = in_def
if p_ratio = 0.5 then
ii = out(’ Bulk mod is undefined at Poisson\’s ratio = 0.5’)
ii = out(’ Select a different value --’)
p_ratio = in_def
endif
s_mod = y_mod / (2.0 * (1.0 + p_ratio))
b_mod = y_mod / (3.0 * (1.0 - 2.0 * p_ratio))
end
moduli_data
gen zone brick size 2,2,2
model elastic
prop bulk = b_mod shear = s_mod
print p_ratio y_mod b_mod s_mod
pause
print zone prop bulk
pause
print zone prop shear
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

The only arithmetic operation that is valid for string variables is addition; as demonstrated in
Example 2.7, this causes two strings to be concatenated. Table 2.2 identifies special characters
available in string manipulation.
Table 2.2 String manipulation characters

\’ place single quote in string
\" place double quote in string
\\ place backslash in string
\b backspace
\t tab
\r carriage return
\n CR/LF
It is invalid for only one argument in an arithmetic operation to be a string variable. The intrinsic
function string( ) must be used if a number is to be included as part of a string variable (see variable
xx in Example 2.7). Also, note the use of intrinsic function type( ), which identifies the type of
argument (see Section 2.5.4).
2.2.8 Redefining FISH Functions
A FISH function can be redefined. If the same name as an existing function is given on a DEFINE
line, the code corresponding to the old function is first deleted (and a warning printed), and the new
code substituted. The following are some notes of caution.
1. The variables that are used in a function still exist even if the function is
redefined; only the code is deleted. Since variables are global, it is likely that
they are used elsewhere.
2. If a function is replaced by another of the same name, all calls to the old function
from existing functions are removed. All fishcall links to the replaced function
are removed.
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

2.3 FISH Statements
There are a number of reserved words in the FISH language; they must not be used for user-
defined variable or function names. The reserved words, or statements, fall into three categories,
as explained below.
2.3.1 Specification Statements
The following words are normally placed at the beginning of a FISH function. They alter the
characteristics of the function or its variables, but do not affect the flow of control within the
function. They are only interpreted during compilation.
ARRAY var1(n1, n2 . . . ) <var2(m1, m2 . . . )> <var3(p1, p2 . . . )> . . .
This statement permits arrays of any dimension and size to be included in FISH code.
In the above specification, var1 is any valid variable name, and n1, n2 . . . are either
actual integers, or the scalar variable (dim), or single user-defined variables (not
expressions) that have integer values at the time the ARRAY statement is processed.
There may be several arrays specified on the same line (e.g., var2, above); the
number of dimensions may be different for each array. The ARRAY statement is a
specification and is acted on during compilation, not execution (it is ignored during
execution). Note the following.
1. The given name may be an existing single variable. If so, it is converted to an
array and its value is lost. If the name does not already exist, it is created.
2. The given name may not be that of a function or the name of an existing array
(i.e., arrays cannot be redefined).
3. The given dimensions (n1, n2, . . . ) must be positive integers or evaluate to
positive integers (i.e., indices start at 1, not 0).
4. There is no limit to the number and size of the array dimensions, except memory
capacity and the maximum line length.
Array variables take any type (integer, float, pointer or string), according to the same
rules governing single variables. They are used exactly like single variables, except
that they are always followed by an argument (or index) list enclosed by parentheses.
In use (as opposed to in specification), array indices may be integer expressions —
e.g.,
var1 = (abc(3,nn+3,max(5,6)) + qqq) / 3.4
is a valid statement if abc is the name of a three-dimensional array. Arrays may

appear on both sides of an assignment, and arrays may be used as indices of other
arrays.
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

Some restrictions apply to the use of array names in FLAC 3D command lines:
(1) the command PRINT fish prints the legend — array — if the corresponding
symbol is an array, together with the array dimensions;
(2) PRINT name (where name is a FISH array name) simply prints out the maximum
array indices;
(3) the use of a FISH array name as the source or destination for a number in the
SET command is not allowed, and prompts an error message (e.g., SET grav =
name, where name is a FISH array name); and
(4) PRINT name index prints the value stored in name (index).
WHILESTEPPING
If this statement appears anywhere within a user-defined function, then the function
is always executed automatically at the start of every FLAC 3D step. The WHILESTEP-
PING attribute can later be disabled with the use of the SET fishcall 0 remove command
(see Section 2.4.3).
The fishcall (see the command SET fishcall) statement provides more flexibility and
control than the WHILESTEPPING command, and its use is preferred.
Synonym: WHILE STEPPING
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

2.3.2 Control Statements
The following statements serve to direct the flow of control during execution of a FISH function.
Their position in the function is of critical importance, unlike the specification statements described
above.
DEFINE function-name
END The FISH program between the DEFINE and END commands is compiled and stored
in FLAC 3D’s memory space. The compiled version of the function is executed
whenever its name is mentioned, as explained in Section 2.2.4. The function name
(which should be chosen according to the rules in Section 2.2.2) does not need to be
assigned a value in the program section that follows.
CASEOF expr
CASE n
ENDCASE The action of these control statements is similar to the FORTRAN-computed GOTO
or C’s SWITCH statement. It allows control to be passed rapidly to one of several
code segments, depending on the value of an index. The use of the keywords is
illustrated in Example 2.8.
Synonym: CASE OF END CASE
Example 2.8 Usage of the CASE construct

CASEOF expr
;............ default code here
CASE i1
;............ case i1 code here
CASE i2
CASE i3
ENDCASE
The object expr following CASEOF can be any valid algebraic expression; when
evaluated, it will be converted to an integer. The items i1, i2, i3, . . . must be integers
(not symbols) in the range 0 to 255. If the value of expr equals i1, then control jumps
to the statements following the CASE i1 statement; execution then continues until
the next CASE statement is encountered. Control then jumps to the code following
the ENDCASE statement; there is no “fall-through,” as in the C language. Similar
jumps are executed if the value of expr equals i2, i3, and so on. If the value of
expr does not equal the numbers associated with any of the CASE statements, then
any code immediately following the CASEOF statement is executed, with a jump
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

to ENDCASE when the first CASE is encountered. If the value of expr is less than
zero or greater than the greatest number associated with any of the CASEs, then an
execution error is signaled, and processing stops. The numbers n (e.g., i1, i2, i3)
need not be sequential or contiguous, but no duplicate numbers may exist.
CASEOF . . . ENDCASE sections may be nested to any degree; there will be no conflict
between CASE numbers in the different levels of nesting — e.g., several instances of
CASE 5 may appear, provided that they are all associated with different nesting levels.
The use of CASE statements allows rapid decisions to be made (much more quickly
than for a series of IF . . . ENDIF statements). However, the penalty is that some
memory is consumed; the amount of memory depends on the maximum numerical
value associated with the CASE statements. The memory consumed is one plus the
maximum CASE number in double-words (four-byte units).
IF expr1 test expr2 THEN
ELSE
ENDIF These statements allow conditional execution of FISH code segments; ELSE is op-
tional, and the word THEN may be omitted if desired. The item test consists of one
of the following symbols, or symbol pairs.
= # > < >= <=
The meanings are standard, except for #, which means “not equal.” The items
expr1 and expr2 are any valid algebraic expressions (which can involve functions,
FLAC 3D variables, and so on). If the test is true, then the statements immediately
following IF are executed until ELSE or ENDIF is encountered. If the test is false,
the statements between ELSE and ENDIF are executed if the ELSE statement exists;
otherwise, control jumps to the first line after ENDIF. All the given test symbols may
be applied when expressions expr1 and expr2 evaluate to integers or floating-point
values (or a mixture). If both expressions evaluate to strings, then only two tests
are valid: = and #; all other operations are invalid for strings. Strings must match
exactly for equality. Similarly, both expressions may evaluate to pointers, but only
= and # tests are valid.
IF . . . ELSE . . . ENDIF clauses can be nested to any depth.
Synonym: END IF
EXIT This statement causes an unconditional jump to the end of the current function.
EXIT SECTION
This statement causes an unconditional jump to the end of a SECTION; FISH program
sections are explained below.
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

LOOP var (expr1, expr2)

ENDLOOP or
LOOP WHILE expr1 test expr2
ENDLOOP
The FISH program lines between LOOP and ENDLOOP are executed repeatedly until
certain conditions are met. In the first form, which uses an integer counter, var is
given the value of expr1 initially, and is incremented by one at the end of each loop
execution until it obtains the value of expr2. Note that expr1 and expr2 (which may
be arbitrary algebraic expressions) are evaluated at the start of the loop; redefinition
of their component variables within the loop has no effect on the number of loop
executions. var is a single integer variable; it may be used in expressions within the
loop (even in functions called from within the loop), and may even be redefined.
In the second form of the LOOP structure, the loop body is executed while the
test condition is true; otherwise, control passes to the next line after the ENDLOOP
statement. The form of test is identical to that described for the IF statement. The
expressions may involve floating-point variables as well as integers; the use of strings
and pointers is also permitted under the same conditions that apply to the IF statement.
The two forms of the LOOP structure may be contrasted. In the first, the test is done
at the end of the loop (so there will be at least one pass through the loop). In the
second, the test is done at the start of the loop (so the loop will be bypassed if the
test is false initially). Loops may be nested to any depth.
Synonym: END LOOP
SECTION
ENDSECTION
The FISH language does not have a “GO TO” statement. The SECTION construct
allows control to jump forward in a controlled manner. The statements SECTION
. . . ENDSECTION may enclose any number of lines of FISH code; they do not affect
the operation in any way. However, an EXIT SECTION statement within the scope of
the section so defined will cause control to jump directly to the end of the section.
Any number of these jumps may be embedded within the section. The ENDSECTION
statement acts as a label, similar to the target of a GO TO statement in C or FOR-
TRAN. The logic is cleaner, however, because control may not pass to anywhere
outside the defined section, and flow is always “downward.” Sections may not be
nested; there may be many sections in a function, but they must not overlap or be
contained within each other.
Synonym: END SECTION
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

2.3.3 FLAC 3D Command Execution
COMMAND
ENDCOMMAND
FLAC 3D commands may be inserted between this pair of FISH statements; the com-
mands will be interpreted when the FISH function is executed. There are a number
of restrictions concerning the embedding of FLAC 3D commands within a FISH func-
tion. The NEW and RESTORE commands are not permitted to be invoked from within
a FISH function. The lines found between a COMMAND – ENDCOMMAND pair are
simply stored by FISH as a list of symbols; they are not checked at all, and the
function must be executed before any errors can be detected.
A FISH function definition may appear within a COMMAND – ENDCOMMAND pair,
and may itself contain the COMMAND statement. However, recursive calling is not
allowed and will produce an error message. A function that contains the WHILESTEP-
PING statement, or a function that is the subject of a fishcall, may contain the
COMMAND statement. However, this construction should be used with caution, and
avoided if possible.
Comment lines (starting with ;) are taken as FLAC 3D comments, rather than FISH
comments — it may be useful to embed an explanatory message within a function,
to be printed out when the function is invoked. If the echo mode is off (SET echo =
off), then any FLAC 3D commands coming from the function are not displayed to the
screen or recorded to the log file.
Synonym: END COMMAND
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

2.4 Linkages to FLAC 3D
2.4.1 Modified FLAC 3D Commands
The following list contains all of the FLAC 3D commands that refer directly to FISH variables
or entities. There are many other ways FLAC 3D and FISH may interact; these are described in
Section 2.4.2.
HISTORY var
causes a history of the FISH variable or function to be taken during stepping. If var
is a function, then it will be evaluated every time histories are stored (controlled by
HISTORY nstep command); it is not necessary to register the function with a fishcall.
If var is a FISH variable, then its current value will be taken. Hence, caution should
be exercised when using variables (rather than functions) for histories. The history
may be plotted in the usual way.
PLOT fish name
Items that invoke FISH functions that perform plotting (see Section 2.7.1) can be
added to a plot view. In the example, function name is taken as a plot item.
PRINT var
prints out the value of the FISH variable var. var is also executed (as well as
everything else that it calls) if it is a FISH function.
PRINT fish
prints out a list of FISH symbols, and either their current values or an indication of
their type.
PRINT fishcall
prints the current associations between fishcall ID numbers and FISH functions (see
Section 2.4.3).
SET fishcall n <remove> name
The FISH function name will be called in FLAC 3D from a location determined by
the value of the fishcall ID number n. The currently assigned ID numbers are listed
in Table 2.3. The optional keyword remove causes the FISH function to be removed
from the list when placed before the FISH function name.
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

SET var value

sets the value of a FISH variable var to the given value. The given number also
determines the type given to var, as explained in Section 2.2.5. Note that value
may itself be a FISH variable or function name; in this case, its value and type are
transferred to var.
TITLE str
changes the stored title (used on plots, for example) to the value of the FISH string
variable str. Note that the variable name must not be in single quotes.
2.4.2 Execution of FISH Functions
In general, FLAC 3D and FISH operate as separate entities — FISH statements cannot be given as
FLAC 3D commands, and FLAC 3D commands do not work directly as statements in a FISH program.
However, the two systems may interact in many ways; some of the more common ways are listed
below.
1. Direct use of function — A FISH function is executed at the user’s request by
giving its name on an input line. Typical uses are to generate geometry, set up
a particular profile of material properties, or initialize stresses in some fashion.
2. Use as a history variable — When used as the parameter to a HISTORY com-
mand, a FISH function is executed at regular times throughout a run, whenever
histories are stored.
3. Automatic execution during stepping — If a FISH function makes use of the
generalized fishcall capability (or contains the WHILESTEPPING statement),
then it is executed automatically at every step in FLAC 3D’s calculation cycle,
or whenever a particular event occurs. (See Section 2.4.3 for a discussion on
fishcall.)
4. Use of function to control a run — Since a FISH function may issue FLAC 3D
commands (via the COMMAND statement), the function can be used to “drive”
FLAC 3D in a way that is similar to that of a controlling data file. However,
the use of a FISH function to control operation is much more powerful, since
parameters to commands may be changed by the function.
The primary way of executing a FISH function from FLAC 3D is to give its name as FLAC 3D input. In
this way, FISH function names act just like regular commands in FLAC 3D. However, no parameters
may follow the function name so given. If parameters are to be passed to the function, then they
must be set beforehand with the SET command (explained later).
There is another important link between FISH and FLAC 3D : a FISH symbol (variable or function
name) may be substituted anywhere in a FLAC 3D command that a number is expected. This is a very
powerful feature, because data files can be set up with symbols rather than with actual numbers.
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

Example 2.9 shows how a data file that is independent of the mesh density can be constructed — the
same geometry (a radially graded mesh around a cylindrical tunnel) can be set up for any number
of elements in the mesh simply by changing two numbers in the SET command.
Example 2.9 FISH function with generic mesh-handling capability

;--- function definition ...
def make_hole
x_bou = 400.0
y_bou = 200.0
z_bou = 200.0
rad = 20.0
n_1 = n_inner
n_2 = n_total
n_3 = 2 * n_inner
n_4 = n_total - n_inner
end
; FLAC3D input ---
set n_inner 5 n_total 10
make_hole
; create grid
gen zone radcylinder size n_1,n_2,n_3,n_4 &
p0 (0,0,0) p1 add (x_bou,0,0) p2 add (0,y_bou,0) p3 (0,0,z_bou) &
dim (rad,rad,rad,rad)
Several of the points made above are illustrated in Example 2.9: the function make hole is
invoked by giving its name on a line; the parameters controlling the function are given beforehand
with the SET command; there are no numerical values in the FLAC 3D input — they are all replaced
by symbols.
String variables may be used in a similar way, but their use is much more restricted compared to the
use of numerical variables. A FISH string variable may be substituted (a) wherever a filename is
required, or (b) as a parameter to the TITLE command. In these cases, single quotes are not placed
around the string, so that FLAC 3D can distinguish between a literal name and a variable standing
for a name. Example 2.10 illustrates the syntax.
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

Example 2.10 Using string variables

def xxx
name1 = ’abc.log’
name2 = ’This is run number ’ + string(n_run)
name3 = ’abc’ + string(n_run) + ’.sav’
end
set n_run = 3
xxx
set logfile = name1
set log on
title name2
save name3
The intrinsic function string( ) is described in Sections 2.2.7 and 2.5.4; it converts a number to a
string.
Another important method of using a FISH function is to control a FLAC 3D run or a series of
FLAC 3D operations. FLAC 3D commands are placed within a COMMAND – ENDCOMMAND section
in the function. The whole section may be within a loop, and parameters may be passed to FLAC 3D
commands. This approach is illustrated in Example 2.11, in which 8 complete runs are done, each
with a different value of friction angle.
Example 2.11 Controlling a FLAC 3D run

def series
new_fric = 85.0
step_lim=1000
ipt = gp_near(1,5,1)
loop n (1,8)
command
prop fric = new_fric
ini sxx 0.0 syy 0.0 szz 0.0 sxy 0.0 sxz 0.0 szz 0.0
ini xvel 0.0 yvel 0.0 zvel 0.0
ini xdis 0.0 ydis 0.0 zdis 0.0
print new_fric
set mech step step_lim force 50
solve step 1000 force 50
endcommand
xtable(1,n) = new_fric
ytable(1,n) = log(abs(gp_ydisp(ipt)))
new_fric = new_fric - inc_fric
endloop
end
FLAC 3D Version 3.0


model mohr
prop bulk 1e8 shear .3e8 coh 1e4 ten 1e4
fix y range y -0.1 0.1
set grav 0 -10 0
ini dens 2500
set inc_fric = 5
series
plot table 1 both
For each run (i.e., execution of the loop), all grid variables are reset and the friction angle is redefined.
The results are summarized in a table in which the log of incremental displacement is plotted against
friction angle (Figure 2.1). The stability limit is seen to be about 65◦ . The table functions xtable
and ytable are described in Section 2.5.5.1.
FLAC3D 3.00
Step 4791
12:39:30 Fri Mar 25 2005
-0.8
Table
1 UnNamed
Linestyle
-2.399e+000 <-> -6.567e-001
-1.0
-1.2
-1.4
-1.6
-1.8
-2.0
-2.2
5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0

Itasca Consulting Group, Inc. x10^1
Minneapolis, MN USA
Figure 2.1 Plot of log of incremental displacement against friction angle
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

2.4.3 FISHCALL
FISH functions may be called from several places in the FLAC 3D program while it is executing.
The form of the command is
SET fishcall n <remove> name
Setting a fishcall causes the FISH function name to be called from FLAC 3D from a location deter-
mined by the value of ID number n. Currently, the ID numbers shown in Table 2.3 are assigned
(at present, they are all in the calculation cycle). The numbers indicate the position where fish-
call is located in the program. Note that ID numbers (in Table 2.3) are placed between specific
components of the calculation cycle. This indicates the stage at which the corresponding FISH
function is called. For example, a function associated with ID 1 would be called just before the
stress calculation (stresses from velocities); ID 4 functions would be called just after.
The ID number 0 also corresponds to functions that contain the WHILE STEPPING statement — i.e.,
these functions are automatically mapped to ID 0. Any number of functions may be associated
with the same ID number (although the order in which they are called is undefined; if the order is
important, then one master function should be called, which then calls a series of sub-functions).
Also, any number of ID numbers may be associated with one FISH function. In this case, the same
function will be invoked from several places in the host code.
There is a printout keyword, fishcall (the abbreviation is fishc), that lists the current associations
between ID numbers and FISH functions — i.e., PRINT fishcall.
The SET fishcall command normally adds the given name to the list already associated with the
given ID number. However, the keyword remove, placed before the FISH name, causes the FISH
function to be removed from the list. For example,
set fishcall 2 remove xxx
will remove the association between function xxx and ID number 2. Note that a FISH function
may be associated twice (or more) with the same ID number. In this case, it will be called twice
(or more). The remove keyword will remove only one instance of the function name.
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

Table 2.3 Assigned fishcall IDs

Location in Calculation Cycle CONFIG Mode
initialization
geometry update in large strain
fishcall 1 all modes
top of main cycle loop
(after incrementing cycle count)
timestep calculated
begin mechanical calculation
fishcall 3 mechanical only
constitutive models called; mechanical only
gridpoint forces calculated
motion calculations
velocities passed to slaves
fishcall 7 thermal only
thermal-stress calculation if thermal mode active
fishcall 8 thermal only
fishcall 9 fluid-flow only
groundwater-flow calculation if fluid-flow mode active
total stress update if fluid-flow mode active
end of main cycle loop
fishcall 14 left double-click with mouse
fishcall 15 right double-click with mouse
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

The numbers listed in Table 2.3 are given symbolic macro names in file “FISHCALL.FIS,” the
contents of which are listed in Example 2.12. The symbolic names should be used in preference
to actual numbers, so that assignments may be changed in the future without the need to change
existing FISH functions.
Example 2.12 Listing of “FISHCALL.FIS”

set echo off ; Macro definitions for FishCall numbers ...
macro FC_CYC2 0
macro FC_XINIT 1
macro FC_CYC1 2
macro FC_STRESS 3
macro FC_XSTRESS 4
macro FC_XMOT 5
macro FC_XMECH 6
macro FC_THERM 7
macro FC_XTHERM 8
macro FC_FLUID 9
macro FC_XFLUID 10
macro FC_STRESS_TOT 12
macro FC_END_CYC 13
macro FC_LEFT_DC 14
macro FC_RIGHT_DC 15
set echo on
The data file in Example 2.13 illustrates the use of a fishcall. Function rotation is called just before
the motion calculation in FLAC 3D (ID = 4) in order to apply x- and z-velocity components to rotate
a grid. This example tests the stress calculation in the large-strain mode; the σxx and σzz stress
components return to their initial values following a cyclic rotation of 30◦ . For this example, it is
necessary for FLAC 3D to perform geometry updates in every cycle; hence the SET geom rep = 1
command.
Example 2.13 Illustration of fishcall use

;--- test of stress rotation ---
config gpextra 2
call fishcall.fis
mo el
prop she 300 bu 300
def ini_coord
pnt = gp_head
gp_extra(pnt,1) = sqrt((gp_xpos(pnt)-xc)ˆ 2+(gp_zpos(pnt)-zc)ˆ 2)
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

gp_extra(pnt,2) = atan2((gp_xpos(pnt)-xc),(zc-gp_zpos(pnt)))
pnt = gp_next(pnt)
endloop
end
set xc=0 zc=0
ini_coord
def rotation ; rotate about y-axis
tt=tt+delta_t
theta=0.5*amplitude*(1.0-cos(2*pi*freq*tt))
pnt = gp_head
length = gp_extra(pnt,1)
angle = gp_extra(pnt,2)
xt = xc + length * sin(angle+theta*degrad)
zt = zc - length * cos(angle+theta*degrad)
gp_xvel(pnt) = xt - gp_xpos(pnt)
gp_zvel(pnt) = zt - gp_zpos(pnt)
pnt = gp_next(pnt)
endloop
end
set fishcall FC_XSTRESS rotation ; ... just before MOTION
fix x y z
ini sxx 1
set freq=1 delta_t=1e-3 amplitude=30
set large
hist nstep 2
hist tt
hist theta
hist zone sxx 1 1 1
hist zone syy 1 1 1
hist zone szz 1 1 1
set geom_rep = 1
def series
loop nn (1,10)
command
step 100
plot grid vel red axes black
endcommand
endloop
end
plot set cent -.02 .50 .50 size 3.4 mag 0.64
series
plot his 3 4 5 vs 1
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

fishcall 14 and fishcall 15 are user-defined functions that can be invoked by double-clicking with
the mouse on the selected plot items: surface, block, contour, block contour, stress tensor and
structural element recover plot items. The mouse position on the model is identified by the scalar
variables, mclickx, mclicky and mclickz. Example 2.14 illustrates the application of fishcall 14 and
15 to change material models by double-clicking with the mouse.
Example 2.14 Example use of fishcall 14 and fishcall 15

; Example to illustrate the use of FISHCALL 14 and 15 and FISH functions
; mclickx, mclicky and mclickz.
; The coordinate values obtained are also printed on the screen and can be
; routed to a log file if set log on is specified.
;
new
call fishcall.fis
gen zone brick size 10 10 10 p0 0 0 0 p1 10 0 0 p2 0 10 0 p3 0 0 10
model elastic
prop she 1e4 bulk 1e6 dens 2000
set grav 10
fix x y z range z 0
plot block model axes white

;
def leftdblclick
i = mclickx
j = mclicky
k = mclickz
ii=out(’LCLICK ’ + ’ ’ + string(i) + ’ ’ + string(j) + ’ ’ + string(k));
zpnt = z_near(i,j,k)
if zpnt # NULL then
zid = z_id(zpnt)
ii = out( ’LCLICK ’ + ’ ’ +’zId = ’ + ’ ’ + string(zid))
command
m ssoft range id zid ; Assign a model
endcommand
endif
end
;
def rightdblclick
i = mclickx
j = mclicky
k = mclickz
ii=out( ’RCLICK ’ + ’ ’ + string(i) + ’ ’ + string(j) + ’ ’ + string(k));
zpnt = z_near(i,j,k)
if zpnt # NULL then
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

zid = z_id(zpnt)
ii = out(’RCLICK ’ + ’ ’ + ’zId = ’ + ’ ’ + string(zid))
command
m mohr range id zid ; Assign a model
endcommand
endif
end
;
leftdblclick
rightdblclick
;
set fishcall FC_LEFT_DC leftdblclick
set fishcall FC_RIGHT_DC rightdblclick
; At this point users can double click on the model with left and right
; mouse buttons and see what happens.
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

2.5 Pre-defined Variables, Functions and Arrays
There are certain functions and variables that are built into FISH — the names of these entities must
be avoided when naming user-defined variables or functions. This section describes all pre-defined
entities. The entities are organized in the following categories: scalars, general intrinsic functions,
table functions and memory-access functions. In some cases, an entity is listed under more than
one category, as appropriate.
2.5.1 FLAC 3D-Specific Scalar Variables
The variables listed in this category have a single value and are specifically related to internal
FLAC 3D data structures or the solution process. An asterisk (*) denotes that the variable may be
assigned a value within a user-written function; otherwise, the variable’s value may only be tested,
not set.
The variable is of floating-point type unless otherwise noted.
crdt * creep timestep
crtime * creep time
dim = 3 (number of spatial dimensions) (integer)
dydt * dynamic timestep
dytime * dynamic time
fldt * fluid flow timestep
fluid ratio current unbalanced fluid flow ratio
fltime * fluid flow time
fos f current value of multiplier, F , used in SOLVE fos; see Sec-
tion 2.5.1.1 for more details
gp head pointer to the top of the gridpoint list
i head pointer to the top of the list of interfaces
large * = zero if small-strain mode is in operation; otherwise, large
is nonzero (integer)
mclickx current x-coordinate†
mclicky current y-coordinate†
mclickz current z-coordinate†
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

mech ratio current unbalanced mechanical-force ratio

memfree current free memory (integer)
memsize available memory size (integer)
ngp total number of gridpoints (integer)
nzone total number of zones (integer)
sel head pointer to the top of the SEL list (pointer)
sellink head pointer to the top of the structural link list (pointer)
selnode head pointer to the top of the structural node list (pointer)
step current step number (integer)
thdt * thermal timestep
therm ratio current unbalanced thermal-flux ratio
thtime * thermal time
timestep global timestep
unbal maximum unbalanced force in grid
xgrav * x-component of gravity
ygrav * y-component of gravity
zgrav * z-component of gravity
zone head pointer to the top of the zone list (pointer)
†mclickx, mclicky and mclickz give the 3D position on the
model, corresponding to a double-click with the left or right
mouse button on certain plot items (listed below). The 3D
position is obtained as the point of intersection between the
line along the current eye direction through the clicked point
and the nearest zone in the model. If no point of intersection
is found, which corresponds to clicking outside of the model,
the values of the above FISH functions are set to 1020 . The
affected plot items are: Surface plot item, Block plot item,
Block contour plot item, Contour plot item, Stress tensor
plot item and SEL recover plot item.
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

2.5.1.1 Use of Variable fos f
The FISH scalar fos f is the current F used in the SOLVE fos calculation. fos f is only non-zero
during cycling which is done as part of the fos solution; therefore fos f can be tested against zero to
determine if fos is active. At the start of a fos solution, an elastic simulation is done to determine
the characteristic time for the system. During cycling in this phase, fos f has the value 1020 . The
user-written FISH code may test for this value, to set non-failing conditions, for example. Note that
SOLVE fos executes multiple save/restore cycles, so that a user-written FISH function will not retain
variable values between cycles. Any information to be passed between cycles can be written to file.
See Example 2.15, which writes successive values of F to an ASCII file — see Example 2.16.
Example 2.15 Example use of fos f

;This performs a SOLVE FOS on a simple system. After the complete run
;finishes, the file RESULT.OUT contains a list of F values used to
;divide material properties. This is for illustration only. In a real
;case, the value of F could be used to change the properties of some
;user-defined object that is to be included in the SOLVE FOS procedure.
new
model mohr
prop dens 1000 she 1e8 bu 2e8 fric 30 coh 3.5e4 tens 1e10
fix x y z range z = 0
set grav 10
;
def setup ; Initialize results file ...
array arr(1)
filename = ’result.out’
oo = open(filename,1,1)
arr(1) = string(0)
oo = write(arr,1)
oo = close
end
setup
;
def qqq
array arrsav(500)
whilestepping ; Called on restore, for first cycle episode
if fflag = 0
fflag = 1
if fos_f = 0.0 ; Only write record if solve fos active
exit
endif
oo = open(filename,0,1) ; Read in current results
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

oo = read(arr,1)
nlines = parse(arr(1),1)
if nlines > 0
loop n (1,nlines)
oo = read(arr,1)
arrsav(n) = arr(1)
endLoop
endif
nlines = nlines + 1
oo = close
oo = open(filename,1,1) ; Write out old results + new one
arr(1) = string(nlines)
oo = write(arr,1)
if nlines > 1
loop n (1,nlines-1)
arr(1) = arrsav(n)
oo = write(arr,1)
endLoop
endif
arr(1) = string(fos_f)
oo = write(arr,1)
oo = close
endif
end
set fflag=0
solve fos file MyFoS.sav
return
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

Example 2.16 “Result.out” file, after execution

12
1.0000e+020
1.0000e+000
2.0000e+000
4.0000e+000
2.5000e+000
3.2500e+000
2.8750e+000
3.0625e+000
3.1563e+000
3.1094e+000
3.1328e+000
3.1211e+000
2.5.2 General Scalar Variables
The variables listed in this category have a single value and are not specifically related to FLAC 3D ;
they are general-purpose scalars. An asterisk (*) denotes that a variable may be assigned a value
within a user-written function; otherwise, the variable’s value may only be tested, not set. The
variables listed below are of floating-point type unless declared otherwise.
clock number of hundredths-of-a-second from midnight
cycle current cycle (step) number
degrad π/180 (used to convert degrees to radians — for example,
a = cos(30*degrad) gives the cosine of 30◦ )
do update This function returns zero, but its use in an assignment state-
ment causes a complete update of all grid-related quantities.
The same update is done every 10 steps in large-strain mode.
Note that this operation is slow.
grand random number drawn from normal distribution, with a
mean of 0.0 and standard deviation of 1.0. The mean and
standard deviation may be modified by multiplying the re-
turned number by a factor and adding an offset.
null link-list terminator; it is of type pointer
pi π
step current step (cycle) number
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

unbal maximum unbalanced force

urand random number drawn from uniform distribution between
0.0 and 1.0
2.5.3 FLAC 3D -Specific Model Variables
The variables listed in this category are specifically related to internal FLAC 3D data structures. The
variables are divided into three groups: gridpoint variables, zone variables and interface variables.
The reserved names in each group refer to variables that require the memory address of the associated
object to be specified in parentheses immediately following the name. Functions are provided for
each group to locate the appropriate memory address.
The variable names must be spelled out in full in FISH statements; they cannot be truncated as in
FLAC 3D commands. All model variables are of floating-point type unless declared otherwise. An
asterisk (*) denotes that the variable can be modified by a FISH function; otherwise, its value may
only be tested.
The memory address of a gridpoint or zone, located at or near a global coordinate (x, y, z) in space,
may be found using the following functions.
p gp = gp near(x, y, z) address of gridpoint closest to (x, y, z)
p z = z near(x, y, z) address of zone closest to (x, y, z)
p gp = gp nearall(x, y, z) address of gridpoint closest to (x, y, z), including null
zones
p z = z nearall(x, y, z) address of zone closest to (x, y, z), including null zones
These functions are time-consuming, as the entire grid must be scanned. Alternatively, the list of
gridpoints or zones may be scanned by using headers gp head or zone head, respectively, and the
next-item pointers, gp next( ) and z next( ).
The memory address of a gridpoint or zone can also be found given the ID number for the gridpoint
or zone. Note that these functions are time-consuming.
p gp = find gp(id) address of gridpoints with ID number id
p z = find zone(id) address of zone with ID number id
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

2.5.3.1 Gridpoint Variables
gp biotmod(p gp) * fluid Biot modulus (for SET biot = on mode)

gp copy(p gpSource, p gpDest)
copies the gridpoint state information from the source
to the destination gridpoint. This function must be called
from an assignment; however, the return value is ignored.
gp dynmul(p gp) dynamic multistepping multiplier
gp extra(p gp, ind) * value in extra parameter array at index ind for grid-
point p gp (the extra array is created using the CONFIG
command)
gp flow(p gp) unbalanced flow discharge at a gridpoint
gp fmod(p gp) * fluid bulk modulus (for SET biot = off mode)
gp ftens(p gp) * fluid tension limit
gp group(p gp, ind) access gridpoint group name (string) at index ind; ind
varies from 1-8 — i.e., a gridpoint can belong to a maxi-
mum of 8 groups and hence can have 8 group names. If
ind = 0, the function returns the number of groups (inte-
ger) to which the gridpoint belongs.
gp id(p gp) gridpoint ID number (integer)
gp locsmall(p gp) * gridpoint with address p gp behaves as in small-strain
mode if set to 1 (default value is 0). If set to 1, coordi-
nate is not updated, but “virtual coordinate” (as used in
interface logic) is updated.
gp mass(p gp) * gridpoint mass
gp next(p gp) address of next gridpoint in gridpoint list (pointer)
gp pp(p gp) * gridpoint pore pressure
gp psource(p gp) * apply temperature source to gridpoints
gp sat(p gp) * fluid saturation
gp staterest(p gp) restore gridpoint state information from FISH I/O file (see
Section 2.5.3.4)
gp statesave(p gp) save gridpoint state information to FISH I/O file (see Sec-
tion 2.5.3.4)
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

gp temp(p gp) * gridpoint temperature

gp tfix(p gp) fixes temperature at a gridpoint
gp xdisp(p gp) * x-displacement at gridpoint
gp xfapp(p gp) x-applied force (including body force)
gp xfix(p gp) * x-fix condition (see Note 1, below)
gp xfunbal(p gp) x-unbalanced force at gridpoint
gp xload(p gp) * additional x-load (see Note 2, below)
gp xpos(p gp) * x-coordinate of gridpoint
gp xvel(p gp) * x-velocity at gridpoint
gp ydisp(p gp) * y-displacement at gridpoint
gp yfapp(p gp) y-applied force (including body force)
gp yfix(p gp) * y-fix condition (see Note 1, below)
gp yfunbal(p gp) y-unbalanced force at gridpoint
gp yload(p gp) * additional y-load (see Note 2, below)
gp ypos(p gp) * y-coordinate of gridpoint
gp yvel(p gp) * y-velocity at gridpoint
gp zdisp(p gp) * z-displacement at gridpoint
gp zfapp(p gp) z-applied force (including body force)
gp zfix(p gp) * z-fix condition (see Note 1, below)
gp zfunbal(p gp) z-unbalanced force at gridpoint
gp zload(p gp) * additional z-load (see Note 2, below)
gp zpos(p gp) * z-coordinate of gridpoint
gp zvel(p gp) * z-velocity at gridpoint
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

Note 1: The variables gp xfix, gp yfix and gp zfix can be set or re-
trieved by a user FISH function, and correspond to fix condi-
tions in the x-, y- or z-directions, respectively. Any nonzero
integer sets the fix condition, and zero removes the fix condi-
tion. On retrieval, a fix condition is signalled by the integer
1 (and 0 for a free condition). Note that APPLY commands
relating to motion override fix conditions set in a user FISH
function. For example, if a gridpoint is in the range of an AP-
PLY yvel command, then setting gp yfix to zero does nothing;
the implied fix condition is restored before cycling.
Note 2: Forces may be applied to gridpoints by user-written FISH
functions using the variables gp xload, gp yload and
gp zload. These loads are in addition to loads derived from
the APPLY command and other sources of body forces, such
as gravity. The variables may be both changed and inspected
by a FISH function. If not set by a user FISH function, these
additional loads default to zero. They are not changed by
FLAC 3D in any way, and retain indefinitely whatever values
are set by the user.
2.5.3.2 Zone Variables
z code(p z) zone code: 0 = brick, 1 = wedge, 2 = pyramid, 3 = dbrick, 4

= tetra (integer)
z copy(p zSource, p zDest)
copies the zone state information from the source zone to
the destination zone. This function must be called from an
assignment; however, the return value is ignored.
z density(p z) * zone density
z dynmul(p z) dynamic multistepping multiplier
z extra(p z, ind) * value in extra parameter array index ind for zone p z (the
extra array is created using the CONFIG command)
z facegp(p z, if, iv) pointer to gridpoint on face if and vertex iv, where the inte-
gers if and iv are, as described in Section 1.1.4 in the Com-
mand Reference (pointer)
z facenorm(p z, arr1, arr2)
returns the area of a zone face specified by three gridpoint
ID numbers stored in array arr1 (dimension 3). The unit
normal of this face is placed in array arr2 (dimension 3).
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

z facesize(p z, if) number of gridpoints on face if of the zone (integer) — see

Section 1.1.4 in the Command Reference
z fri(p z, arr) full rate of rotation increment tensor (see Section 2.5.3.5)
z frr(p z, arr) full rate of rotation tensor (see Section 2.5.3.5)
z fsi(p z, arr) full strain-increment tensor (see Section 2.5.3.5)
z fsr(p z, arr) full strain-rate tensor (see Section 2.5.3.5)
z gp(p z,igp) address of zone gridpoint number igp (pointer) — see Sec-
tion 1.1.4 in the Command Reference
z group(p z) * zone group name (string)
z id(p z) zone ID number (integer)
z inimodel(p z) This function returns zero and causes initialization of de-
rived model properties to be done for zone p z. Changes
in properties will cause immediate changes in model re-
sponse. As an example, for the elastic mechanical constitu-
tive model z inimodel() would call the elastic model’s Initial-
ize() method, which calculates derived properties from the
bulk and shear modulus only. These derived properties are
used when FLAC 3D is solving (stepping through) the prob-
lem. The C++ source code for all the mechanical constitutive
models is installed with FLAC 3D (the default installation is
in C:\Program Files\ITASCA\SHARED\Models\Source).
The specifics of what is initialized in the mechanical con-
stitutive models can be found by examining the Initialize()
methods for the various models. A similar type of initializa-
tion of derived properties occurs with the fluid and thermal
models.
Note that the nodal masses and timestep are not recalculated when a property is changed with
z inimodel(). A complete update of these grid related properties occurs every 10 steps in large-
strain mode, or when the do update FISH function is called. Provided that the property changes
are small, a complete update is not always required.
z join(p z, iF) returns pointer to zone across face iF, where iF must be
between 1 and 6. (See Figure 1.1 in the Command Refer-
ence.)
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

z model(p z) * returns or sets the zone mechanical constitutive model.

The constitutive model is identified as a FISH string, string,
as follows. Note that creep models may only be installed if
the code is configured for the creep option.
Model String
Contents
transversely isotropic elastic model anisotropic
Burger-creep burger
Cam-clay model cam-clay
viscoplastic power cpower
Burger-creep viscoplastic cviscous
creep model for crushed salt cwipp
double yield doubleyield
Drucker-Prager model drucker
linear elastic model elastic
Finn liquefaction model finn
Mohr-Coulomb model mohr
null model null
orthotropic elastic model orthotropic
power law creep model power
plastic WIPP creep model pwipp
strain-hardening/softening model ssoftening
softening ubiquitous-joint model subiquitous
ubiquitous-joint model ubiquitous
viscous creep model viscous
WIPP creep model wipp
z next(p z) address of next zone in zone list (pointer)

z numgp(p z) number of gridpoints in zone (integer)
z pp(p z) zone pore pressure
z prop(p z, string) * returns or assigns a value to a zone property identified
by the name in string. (See the PROPERTY command for
the names of the properties associated with each constitu-
tive model. Note that fluid and thermal properties are also
accessed by z prop.)
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

z pstress(p z,arr1,arr2) returns the principal stress magnitudes and directions in

two array arguments, arr1 and arr2, where
pz = zone pointer
arr1(1) = major principal stress
arr1(2) = intermediate principal stress
arr1(3) = minor principal stress
arr2(1) = d1.x
arr2(2) = d1.y
arr2(3) = d1.z
arr2(4) = d2.x
arr2(5) = d2.y
arr2(6) = d2.z
arr2(7) = d3.x
arr2(8) = d3.y
arr2(9) = d3.z
and
d1 = major principal stress direction
d2 = intermediate principal stress direc-
tion
d3 = minor principal stress direction
z qx(p z) x-component of the specific discharge vector
z qy(p z) y-component of the specific discharge vector
z qz(p z) z-component of the specific discharge vector
z sig1(p z) major principal stress
z sig2(p z) intermediate principal stress
z sig3(p z) minor principal stress
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

z sonplane(p z,arr1,arr2) returns the normal and shear stress on a user-specified

plane
pz = zone pointer
array arr1(3) the user-specified components (nx, ny,
nz) of a normal vector to a plane that
stresses will be projected onto
array arr2(5)
arr2(1) sigma n
normal stress acting on
the specified plane
arr2(2) tau max
maximum shear stress
on the specified plane
arr2(3) to arr2(5)
(x,y,z) direction
components of tau max
z ssi(p z) shear strain increment (see Section 2.5.3.5)
z ssr(p z) shear strain rate (see Section 2.5.3.5)
z state(p z, ind) * plasticity indicator flag — see Section 2.5.3.3
(integer)
ind=0: Output the current state of zone. A bit is set in
the returned result if any of the tetrahedra comprising the
zone has the corresponding bit set.
ind=1: Output the current state of zone. A bit is set
in the returned result if 50% or more of the tetrahedra
comprising the zone have their corresponding bit set.
z staterest(p z) restore zone state information from FISH I/O file (see
Section 2.5.3.4)
z statesave(p z) save zone state information to FISH I/O file
(see Section 2.5.3.4)
z volume(p z) zone volume
z vsi(p z) volume strain increment (see Section 2.5.3.5)
z vsr(p z) volume strain rate (see Section 2.5.3.5)
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

z xcen(p z) x-coordinate of zone centroid

z ycen(p z) y-coordinate of zone centroid
z zcen(p z) z-coordinate of zone centroid
Note that the following six functions perform averaging of sub-zone stress components. When
“reading” a stress component, the volume-weighted average component for all sub-zones is returned.
When “writing” a stress component, all sub-zone values are set to the given value for the particular
component.
z sxx(p z) * xx-stress
z sxy(p z) * xy-stress
z sxz(p z) * xz-stress
z syy(p z) * yy-stress
z syz(p z) * yz-stress
z szz(p z) * zz-stress
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

2.5.3.3 Determining Failure States of Zones
A zone in FLAC 3D is comprised of tetrahedral sub-zones, and each of them has a member variable
that maintains its failure state. The member variable has 16 bits that can be used to represent a
maximum of 15 distinct states. Some of the states that are used by built-in constitutive models in
FLAC 3D are given in Table 2.4.
Table 2.4 Failure state

State State Value
Failure in shear now 1
Failure in tension now 2
Failure in shear in the past 4
Failure in tension in the past 8
Failure in joint shear now 16
Failure in joint tension now 32
Failure in joint shear in the past 64
Failure in joint tension in the past 128
Failure in volume now 256
Failure in volume in the past 512
These named states in Table 2.4 are used by these built-in models to update the tetrahedral sub-zone
state.
1. Drucker-Prager
2. Mohr-Coulomb
3. Strain-Hardening/Softening
4. Ubiquitous-Joint
5. Bilinear, Strain-Hardening/Softening Ubiquitous-Joint
6. Double-Yield
7. Cam-Clay (uses the first two named states only)
8. Finn
9. WIPP-Creep Viscoplastic model
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

Example 2.17 “FAILURESTATES.FIS”

DEF _States
shearnow = 1 ; 1
tensionnow = 2 ; 2
shearpast = 4 ; 3
tensionpast = 8 ; 4
jointshearnow = 16 ; 5
jointtensionnow = 32 ; 6
jointshearpast = 64 ; 7
jointtensionpast = 128 ; 8
volumenow = 256 ; 9
volumepast = 512 ; 10
;
; Quick reference
; Model States used
; ------ -----------
; Cam-Clay 1 - 2
; Drucker-Prager 1 - 4
; Mohr-Coulomb 1 - 4
; Strain-Hardening/Softening 1 - 4
; Ubiquitous-Joint 1 - 4, 5 - 8
; Bilinear, Strain-Hardening/
; Softening Ubiquitous-Joint 1 - 8
; Double-Yield 1 - 4, 9 - 10
; Finn 1 - 4
; WIPP- Creep Viscoplastic model 1 - 4
;
END
;
_States
The numbers listed in Table 2.4 are given symbolic FISH names in the file “FAILURESTATES.FIS,”
the contents of which are listed in Example 2.17. The symbolic names should be used in preference
to actual numbers, so that assignments can be changed in the future without the need to change
existing FISH functions.
The data file in Example 2.18 illustrates the process of determining failure state of zones in a model
using the FISH function z state.
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

Example 2.18 Determining failure states of zones

new
set logfile myfile.log
set log on
gen zone brick size 3 3 3 p0 0 0 0 p1 1 0 0 p2 0 1 0 p3 0 0 1
;
model mohr
prop bulk 2e6 shea 2e3 coh 2e4 ten 2e3 dens 2000
set gravity 10
;
fix x y z range z = 0
apply xforce 3e2 range z 1
;
step 4000
plot create shear_state
plot add block state shear-n shear-p ; any is default
plot create tension_state
plot add block state tension-n tension-p ; any is default
;
call failurestates.fis ; failure states defined as fish variables
DEF _querystate
my_query = shearnow + tensionpast
; define output
my_output = ’ Shear-now and Tension-past ’
;
pnt = zone_head
loop while pnt # NULL
curr_state = z_state(pnt, 0) ; 0- any; 1-average;
result_and_op = and(curr_state, my_query)
if result_and_op # 0 then
ii = out(’zone ’ + string(z_id(pnt)) + ’: ’ + my_output )
else
_zId = string(z_id(pnt))
_res = string(result_and_op)
ii = out(’zone ’ + _zId + ’: ’ + ’ result_and_op ’+ _res )
end_if
pnt = z_next(pnt)
endloop
END
_querystate
set log off
return
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

2.5.3.4 Saving State Information
The following FISH intrinsics allow state information (e.g., zone stresses, zones state flags, gridpoint
vectors, etc.) to be saved to a file and restored later. A notable use for the functions is to save and
restore the full sub-zone stress tensors when making multiple simulations starting from exactly
the same state (note that the regular stress intrinsics (e.g., z sxx) perform averaging of sub-zone
stresses).
z statesave(p z)
z staterest(p z)
gp statesave(p gp)
gp staterest(p gp)
These functions return an integer, where 0 denotes successful operation; otherwise, an error code is
returned, corresponding to a FISH I/O error. Other errors result in error messages being displayed
during execution.
The “save” versions of the functions write state information to a FISH I/O file, and the “rest” versions
read the information from a previously written FISH I/O file, and restore the state. Information for
either zones or gridpoints, or both, can be saved and restored, using the prefix z or gp , respectively.
Before executing any of these functions, a FISH binary file (i.e., a “FISH mode file”) must be
open, either for reading (for staterest) or for writing (for statesave). See Section 2.7.2 for more
information on FISH I/O. Information for any number of zones or gridpoints may be saved, but
exactly the corresponding numbers of zones and gridpoints must be addressed during the restore
operation.
Example 2.19 illustrates the use of the save/restore functions. Stress and velocity states are restored,
after being erased.
Example 2.19 Use of save and restore functions

set log on
; state save/restore test
grid 2 2 2
def put
oo = open(’state.bin’,1,0)
p_z = zone_head
loop while p_z # null
ret = z_statesave(p_z)
if ret # 0
oo = out(’ error in zone statesave = ’+string(ret))
exit
endif
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

p_z = z_next(p_z)
endLoop
p_gp = gp_head
loop while p_gp # null
ret = gp_statesave(p_gp)
if ret # 0
oo = out(’ error in gp statesave = ’+string(ret))
exit
endif
p_gp = gp_next(p_gp)
endLoop
oo = close
end
def get
oo = open(’state.bin’,0,0)
p_z = zone_head
loop while p_z # null
ret = z_staterest(p_z)
if ret # 0
oo = out(’ error in staterest = ’+string(ret))
exit
endif
p_z = z_next(p_z)
endLoop
p_gp = gp_head
loop while p_gp # null
ret = gp_staterest(p_gp)
if ret # 0
oo = out(’ error in gp staterest = ’+string(ret))
exit
endif
p_gp = gp_next(p_gp)
endLoop
oo = close
end
model elas
ini sxx 0 grad 1 2 3
ini yvel 0 grad -1 -2 -3
put ; Remember the original state
pri zone str gp vel
ini sxx=0 yvel=0 ; Erase some variables
pri zone str gp vel ; Confirm zone & gp data erased
get ; Restore the original state
pri zone str gp vel ; Zone & gp data restored
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

2.5.3.5 Strain and Rotation Calculations
There are eight FISH zone “variables” — ssr, ssi, vsr, vsi, fsr, fsi, fri, frr — that give user-written
functions access to zone strains, strain rates and rotation rates. Note that “shear-strain rate” in this
context means the square root of the second invariant of the deviatoric strain rate. The following
four (read-only) functions return only single values for the zone of address p z:
z ssi(p z) maximum shear-strain increment
z ssr(p z) maximum shear-strain rate
z vsi(p z) volumetric strain increment
z vsr(p z) volumetric strain rate
The following two functions provide all the tensor components, rather than invariants, providing
six components in the array arr, which the user must declare beforehand, and which must have at
least six elements (the function itself returns a zero).
z fsi(p z, arr) full strain-increment tensor
z fsr(p z, arr) full strain-rate tensor
z fri(p z, arr) full rate of rotation increment tensor
z frr(p z, arr) full rate of rotation tensor
The components in arr are ordered in the following way, according to the array index (given as the
first number in the following table).
index 1 xx
index 2 yy
index 3 zz
index 4 xy
index 5 yz
index 6 xz
The computation of strain rate is identical to that performed by FLAC 3D when it applies constitutive
relations to a zone (see Section 1 in Theory and Background) — i.e., strain rates are based on
gridpoint velocities and the current coordinates. “Strain increments” are computed with the same
equations, but with displacements substituted for velocities. There are two potential problems with
the latter calculation. First, gridpoint displacements may be reset or changed at any time by the user;
they are not used in the calculation process. It is the user’s responsibility to ensure that displacements
are accumulated over a meaningful interval. Second, the strain increments are based on the geometry
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

at the time of measurement. If the geometry changes significantly during a large-strain simulation,
the measured strain will depend on the assumption made about the reference state for geometry; the
literature contains many different formulations for strain when large displacements are involved.
The conscientious user may wish to use only the function z fsr, and derive strain increments by
accumulation, using some formula of choice.
Note that the functions described take a long time to execute. It is rather inefficient to compute the
values for each zone at each timestep, if strains are only needed for certain zones (e.g., for histories);
the recording logic should be done for the zones of interest only. Also, since each function takes
about the same time to execute, it is better to use z fsr or z fsi if more than one strain component is
needed for a zone.
Example 2.20 illustrates the application of these functions to calculate strain components. Note that
the arrays must be defined first. The strain-increment and strain-rate tensors are then calculated,
and the arrays are filled with the statements
dum = z fsr(pnt,ar)
dum = z fsi(pnt,ai)
The second strain invariants for the strain-rate tensor and the strain-increment tensor are calculated
from the component values for each zone, and are stored in zone extra arrays 2 and 3, respectively.
The volumetric strains are also calculated for the two tensors and stored in zone extra arrays 4 and
5. These values are then shown to match those given with the PRINT zone strain command.
Example 2.20 Strain calculations

;--- Test of FISH strain measures ---
conf zextra 10
m e
pro bulk 1e8 shear 0.3e8
ini dens 1000
set grav 10
fix y
fix z range z -.1 .1
solve
def qqq
array ar(6) ai(6)
pnt = zone_head
dum = z_fsr(pnt,ar)
dum = z_fsi(pnt,ai)
er_tot1 = (ar(2)-ar(1))ˆ2 + (ar(3)-ar(2))ˆ2 + (ar(1)-ar(3))ˆ2
er_tot2 = ar(4)ˆ2 + ar(5)ˆ2 + ar(6)ˆ2
z_extra(pnt,2) = sqrt((er_tot1)/6.0 + er_tot2)
ei_tot1 = (ai(2)-ai(1))ˆ2 + (ai(3)-ai(2))ˆ2 + (ai(1)-ai(3))ˆ2
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

ei_tot2 = ai(4)ˆ2 + ai(5)ˆ2 + ai(6)ˆ2

z_extra(pnt,3) = sqrt((ei_tot1)/6.0 + ei_tot2)
z_extra(pnt,4) = ar(1) + ar(2) + ar(3)
z_extra(pnt,5) = ai(1) + ai(2) + ai(3)
pnt = z_next(pnt)
endLoop
end
qqq
;--- to test, give the following commands, line by line, & compare
print zone extra 2
print zone extra 3
print zone extra 4
print zone extra 5
print zone strain
ret
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

2.5.3.6 Interface Variables
Interfaces may be identified with the following functions.

i find(id) address of the interface with ID id; returns null if not found
(pointer)
i id(p i) ID of the interface at address p i (integer)
The interfaces may also be scanned starting at i head and stepping through the list using i next.
i head address of the first interface in the list of interfaces (pointer)
i next(p i) address of the pointer to the next interface in the list (pointer)
The following variables find the first memory address in the list of interface elements and interface
nodes.
i elem head(p i) address of the first element in the interface — the list pointer
is denoted by p ie below (pointer)
i node head(p i) address of the first node in the interface — the list pointer is
denoted by p in below (pointer)
Interface Element Variables
ie area(p ie) area of the interface element
ie fhost(p ie) face ID number (1-6) to which the interface element is at-
tached (integer) (see Section 1.1.4 in the Command Refer-
ence)
ie id(p ie) ID of the interface element (integer)
ie join(p ie, int) address of the adjacent interface joined across edge int,
where int = 1, 2 or 3 (pointer)
ie next(p ie) address of the next interface element in the list (pointer)
ie norm(p ie, dof) normal vector component in the direction specified by dof —
dof takes the value 1 for the x-direction, 2 for the y-direction
or 3 for the z-direction
ie vert(p ie, dof) address of vertex associated with interface element, where
int = 1, 2 or 3 (pointer)
ie zhost(p ie) address of the zone to which the interface element is attached
(pointer)
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Interface Node Variables

in area(p in) characteristic area of the node (only valid after cycling)
in ctol(p in) * interface node contact tolerance, a dimensionless measure
of how close a face has to be to register a contact
in disp(p in, dof) displacement of node in the direction specified by dof — dof
takes the value 1 for the x-direction, 2 for the y-direction or
3 for the z-direction
in fhost(p in) face ID (1-6) of the zone face to which the node is attached
(integer) (see Section 1.1.4 in the Command Reference)
in ftarget(p in) face number (1-6) of the zone with which the node is in
contact (integer) (see Section 1.1.4 in the Command Ref-
erence)
in hweight(p in, int) weighting factor for vertex int (1-4) of the zone face to which
the interface node is attached (see Section 1.1.4 in the Com-
mand Reference)
in id(p in) interface node ID number (integer)
in next(p in) address of the next interface node in the list (pointer)
in nstr(p in) normal stress at the node
in nstr add(p in) * This function returns or assigns any additional normal
stress. The normal stress used in the calculation is equal to
the
penetration distance * stiffness + additional normal stress
This function can be used to initialize, or pre-stress, the in-
terface normal stress, or to counteract the stresses induced
by interpenetration.
in pen(p in) This function returns the interface node penetration with the
contacting zone face (only valid after cycling). A value ≤ 0
is returned if there is no contact.
in pos(p in, dof) * position of node in the direction specified by dof — dof
takes the value 1 for the x-direction, 2 for the y-direction, or
in prop(p in, string) * returns or assigns a value to the property identified by
string of the interface node (see the INTERFACE command
for the property names)
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

in sdisp(p in, dof) * interface node relative shear displacement vector in the
direction specified by dof — dof takes the value 1 for the
x-direction, 2 for the y-direction or 3 for the z-direction (the
shear stress is not changed)
in sstr(p in, dof) * shear-stress vector component in the direction specified
by dof — dof takes the value 1 for the x-direction, 2 for the
y-direction or 3 for the z-direction
in tweight(p in, int) weighting factor for vertex int (1-4) of the zone face with
which the node is in contact (see Section 1.1.4 in the Com-
mand Reference)
in vel(p in, dof) * velocity of node in the direction specified by dof — dof
takes the value 1 for the x-direction, 2 for the y-direction or
in zhost(p in) address of the zone to which the interface node is attached
(pointer)
in ztarget(p in) address of the zone with which node is in contact (pointer);
returns null, if no contact
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

2.5.4 Intrinsic Functions
All functions return floating-point values except for and, or, not, int, and type, which return integers,
and get mem, which returns a pointer. The functions max, min, abs and sgn return integers if their
argument(s) are all integer; otherwise, they return as floating point. All functions must be placed
on the right-hand side of an assignment statement (except for error, which is placed on the left-hand
side), even if the function’s return value is of no interest — for example,
ii = out(’ Hi there!’)
is a valid way to use the out function. In this case, ii is not used.
abs(a) absolute value of a
acos(a) arc-cosine of a (result is in radians). NOTE: a must be greater
than 0.
and(a,b) bit-wise logical and of a and b
asin(a) arc-sin of a (result is in radians). NOTE: a must be greater
than 0.
atan(a) arc-tangent of a (result is in radians)
atan2(a,b) arc-tangent of a/b (result is in radians). NOTE: b may be
zero.
cos(a) cosine of a (a is in radians)
error string
This function causes an error condition if a value is assigned
to it. FISH function processing (and command processing)
stops immediately. The message reported is string. This
function must be used for assignment only (string = error is
not allowed).
exp(a) exponential of a
fc arg(n) passes arguments to FISH functions where n is an argument
number.
float(a) converts a to a floating-point number. If it cannot be con-
verted (e.g., if a is a string), then 0.0 is returned.
get mem(nw) gets nw FISH-variable objects from FLAC 3D’s memory
space and returns the address of the start of the contiguous
array of objects (see Section 2.5.5.2).
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

grand random number drawn from normal distribution:

mean = 0.0; standard deviation = 1.0
in(s) prints out the message contained in string variable s and then
waits for input from the keyboard. The returned value will be
of type int or float if a single number that can be decoded as
integer or floating point, respectively, has been typed in. The
number should be the only thing on the line. However, if it
is followed by a space, comma or parenthesis, then any other
characters on the line are ignored. If the characters typed in
by the user cannot be interpreted as a single number, then
the returned value will be a string containing the sequence
of characters.
inrange(string, point) returns 0 or 1, depending on whether the object pointed to
by point is in the named range indicated by string (0 denotes
“not in range”; 1 denotes “in range”). An invalid string (e.g.,
the named range is not found) produces an error message.
Similarly, if point does not point to a gridpoint, zone, in-
terface, interface node, interface element, SEL node, SEL
element or SEL link, an error will be produced.
int(a) converts a to integer. If it cannot be converted (e.g., if a is a
string), then zero is returned.
ln(a) natural logarithm of a
log(a) base-ten logarithm of a
lose mem(nw,ia) returns nw FISH-variable objects to FLAC 3D for reuse. The
parameter ia is the address of the start of the array of objects;
there is no checking done to ensure that ia is a valid address.
The return value is undefined (see Section 2.5.5.2).
lshift(number, bits) shifts number by the number of bits to the left. Both argu-
ments must be integers.
max(a,b) returns maximum of a, b
mem(memptr) returns contents of memory address memptr
(see Section 2.5.5.2).
min(a,b) returns minimum of a, b
not(a) bit-wise logical not of a
null end of linked-list (pointer variable)
or(a,b) bit-wise logical inclusive or of a, b
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

out(s) prints out the message contained in s to the screen (and to

the log file, if it is open). The variable s must be of type
string. The returned value of the function is zero if no error
is detected, and 1 if there is an error in the argument (e.g., if
s is not a string).
rshift(number, bits) shifts number by the number of bits to the right. Both argu-
ments must be integers.
round(a) converts a to an integer using arithmetic rounding convention
sgn(a) sign of a (returns -1 if a < 0; else, 1)
sin(a) sine of a (a is in radians)
sqrt(a) square root of a
string(a) converts a to a string. If a is already of type string, then
the function simply returns a as its value. If a is int or float,
then a character string that corresponds to the number as it
would be printed out will be returned. However, no blanks
are included in the string.
tan(a) tangent of a (a is in radians)
type(e) the variable type of e is returned as an integer with value 1,
2, 3, 4, or 5, according to the type of the argument: int, float,
string, pointer or array, respectively.
urand random number drawn from uniform distribution between
0.0 and 1.0
2.5.5 Special Functions — Tables, Memory Access and Arrays
The functions described in the previous section are “conventional” in the sense that they simply
return a value, given some parameter(s), or they are executed for some effect. In other words,
they always appear on the right-hand side of any assignment statement. In contrast, the functions
described in this section may appear on either side of an assignment (= sign). They act partly as
functions and partly as arrays.
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

2.5.5.1 Tables
The functions table, xtable, ytable and table size allow FISH functions to create and manipulate
FLAC 3D tables, which are indexed arrays of number pairs used in several of FLAC 3D’s commands
and operations. However, tables are different from arrays in other programming languages. Tables
are dynamic data structures: items may be inserted and appended, and interpolation between values
may be done automatically. Consequently, the manipulation of tables by FISH is time-consuming.
Use them with caution! The action of each function depends on whether it is the source or destination
for a given data item; hence, each function is described twice.
A table is a list of pairs of floating-point numbers, denoted for convenience as x and y, although the
numbers may stand for any variables, not necessarily coordinates. Each table entry (or (x,y)-pair)
also has a sequence number in the table. However, the sequence number of a given (x,y)-pair may
change if a new item is inserted in the table. Sequence numbers are integers that start from 1 and
go up to the number of items in the table. Each table has a unique identification number, which
may be any integer except zero.
There are two distinct ways that tables may be used in a FISH function. The table function behaves
in the same way as the regular FLAC 3D TABLE command (i.e., insertion and interpolation is done
automatically). The other functions, xtable and ytable, allow items to be added or updated by
reference to the sequence numbers; no interpolation or insertion is done.
y = table(n,x) The existing table n is consulted, and a y-value found by in-
terpolation, corresponding to the given value of x. The value
of x should lie between two consecutive stored x-values, if
the results are to be meaningful. An error is signaled if table
n does not exist.
table(n,x) = y An (x,y)-pair is inserted into the first appropriate place in
table n (i.e., the new item is inserted between two existing
items with x-values that bracket the given x-value). The new
item is placed at the beginning of the table, or appended to
the end if the given x is lower than the lowest x, or greater
than the greatest x, respectively. The number of items in
the table is increased by one, following execution of this
statement. If table n does not exist, it is created, and the
given item is taken as the first entry. The given statement is
equivalent to the FLAC 3D command TABLE n insert x,y. If
the given x is identical to the stored x of an (x,y)-pair, then
the y-value is updated, rather than inserted.
x = xtable(n,s) The x-value of the pair of numbers that have sequence num-
ber s in table n is returned. An error is signaled if table n
does not exist, or if sequence number s does not exist.
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

xtable(n,s) = x The given value of x is substituted for the stored value of

x in the (x,y)-pair having sequence number s, in table n. If
sequence number s does not exist, then sufficient entries to
encompass the given sequence number are appended to table
n; the given x is then installed. If the given table does not
exist, it is created. An error is signaled if n is given as zero,
or if s is given as zero or negative.
y = ytable(n,s) The action of this statement is identical to the corresponding
xtable statement, except that the y-value of the (x,y)-pair is
retrieved rather than x.
ytable(n,s) = y The action of this statement is identical to the corresponding
xtable statement, except that the y-value of the (x,y)-pair is
installed rather than x.
i = table size(n) The number of entries in table n is returned in value i.
Since the xtable and ytable functions can create tables of arbitrary length, they should be used
with caution. It is suggested that the table function should be used in constitutive models where
interpolated values are needed from tables. The xtable and ytable functions are more useful when
generating tables. The use of the table functions was shown previously in Example 2.11.
The following notes may be of use for the FISH table functions.
1. In large tables, for efficiency, sequence numbers should be scanned in the
direction of ascending numbers. FLAC 3D keeps track of the last-accessed
sequence number for each table; this is used to start the search for the next
requested number. If the requested number is less than the previous one, the
whole table may need to be searched.
2. The functions xtable and ytable, rather than table, should be used to update
values in an existing table. Although table will update an (x,y)-pair if the given
x is identical to the stored x, there may be slight numerical errors, which can
result in insertion rather than updating.
3. In a FISH function that replaces old table values with new values, it is necessary
to create the table first, since the action of retrieving old values will produce
an error. A complete table may be created — and its entries all set to zero —
by a single statement, as illustrated in the following example:
xtable(4,100) = 0.0
If table 4 does not exist, then it is created. 100 entries are also created, each
containing (0.0,0.0). Subsequent statements, such as
xtable(4,32) = xtable(4,32) + 1.0
ytable(4,32) = ytable(4,32) + 4.5
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

will update table values but will not alter the length of the table. If the latter
statements are executed before table 4 exists, then an error will be detected.
4. Stored values (both x and y) in tables are always floating-point numbers. Given
integers are converted to floating-point type before storing. Be careful about
precision!
2.5.5.2 Special Functions to Access Memory Directly
The functions get mem( ), lose mem( ) and mem( ) manipulate user-defined structures made up of
blocks of FISH-type variables (i.e., variables that may be of type integer, floating point, string or
pointer). Although the addresses used to access these variables are similar to the addresses of the
built-in variables of the host, there is no way to convert between the two (since the host program
uses data structures of arbitrary size). Communication between the two structures is via the values
of the variables.
get mem(n) This function gets n FISH-variable objects from the host’s
memory space and returns the address of the start of the
contiguous array of objects.
lose mem(n,ad) This function returns n FISH-variable objects to the host.
The parameter ad is the address of the start of the array of
objects; there is no checking done to verify that ad is a valid
address. The returned value is undefined.
mem(ad) This function may be used either as a source or destination
(i.e., on the right- or left-hand side of an expression):
var = mem(ad) The value of the FISH-variable at address
ad is transmitted to the regular FISH vari-
able var (together with the type).
mem(ad)=var The value and type of the regular FISH
variable var is placed in the FISH-variable
at address ad.
It is the user’s responsibility to check that the addresses given
contain valid FISH variables. During execution, an error
message is given if ad is not of type pointer.
Access to elements of an array of FISH variables is via the addition operator; no other arithmetic
operation is allowed on a pointer. When an integer n is added to a pointer, the pointer then points
to a variable that is higher by n positions in the array. For example, suppose we create a 10-object
array:
head = get mem(10)
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

The first object (item 0) is accessed by

var = mem(head)
The fourth object (item 3), for example, is accessed by

var = mem(head+3)
and so on. The minus operator is not allowed; we can add a negative integer if we want to go
backward in an array. The last item in a linked list is denoted by the intrinsic pointer variable null;
the integer zero should not be used.
All direct manipulation of FLAC 3D’s memory should be done with great caution; only experienced
programmers should use the memory functions. As an example in the use of direct memory
manipulation, Example 2.21 does an insertion sort on twenty random floating-point numbers stored
in a linked list. A structure of two FISH variable objects is created for each generated random
number, the number being stored in one of these variables. The other variable is given the address
of the next such structure, with the final structure containing a null value, thus forming a linked list.
Each new random number is compared against values in the list and inserted at the appropriate
point. This insertion consists in reassigning the address values contained in the previous item to
the address of the new item.
Example 2.21 Insertion sort of 20 random numbers

def inserter
head = null ;list head
loop n (1,20)
number = urand ;new random float
ad = head
prev = head
section
loop while ad # null ;Scan existing numbers
if number > mem(ad+1) ;Exit if we are past
exit section ;required location
endif
prev = ad ;Remember previous object
ad = mem(ad)
endloop
end_section
new = get_mem(2) ;Create a double-object
if prev = head ;and link up
mem(new) = head
head = new
else
mem(new) = mem(prev)
mem(prev) = new
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endif
mem(new+1) = number
endloop
;--- now scan list, and print out ---
count = 1
ad = head
loop while ad # null
if count < 10 ;a trick to line up
nn = string(count) ;numbers in columns
else
nn = string(count)
endif
ii = out(nn+’ ’+string(mem(ad+1)))
count = count + 1
ad = mem(ad)
endloop
end
inserter
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

2.6 Structural Elements
The FISH functions that support the structural-element logic are described in this section. The
functions are described and listed in tables, the columns of which indicate, respectively:
1) “type” — the function return type (from Table 2.5);
2) “function name” — the function name and the type of any parameters; and
3) “modifiable” — the read/write status of the function. A “yes” in this column
means that the value may be modified. A blank entry means that it may only
be tested.
If all entries for a column of any table would be blank, then that column is not included in that table.
Table 2.5 Type designators of FISH functions and parameters
type description
FLT floating-point number
INT integer number
STR string
PTR pointer of any type
ANY any type, except array (unless otherwise noted in text)
S PTR pointer to any SEL type
SB PTR pointer to a beamSEL
SC PTR pointer to a cableSEL
SP PTR pointer to a pileSEL
SS PTR pointer to a shellSEL
SG PTR pointer to a geogridSEL
SL PTR pointer to a linerSEL
SST PTR pointer to a shell-type SEL (shell, geogrid, liner)
ND PTR pointer to a node
LK PTR pointer to a link
The functions are grouped into the following categories, each of which is described in its own
subsection: general, structural element, structural-element node and structural-element link. The
structural element functions are further subdivided into those that operate upon the various SEL types
and the stress-recovery functions that operate upon shell-type SELs. Most functions in each group
(except for the general group) require that the memory address of the associated data structure
be passed to them as a parameter. Support functions are provided for each group to locate the
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

appropriate memory address. Also, the entities of each group are stored in separate null-terminated
linked lists. All entities of these groups can be obtained by scanning through the appropriate linked
list. Support functions (linked-list header and next-item field of each entity) are provided for these
groups.
For example, the functions that operate upon nodes require that the memory address of a node be
passed to them as a parameter. The memory address of the node with an ID of id is returned
by the support function nd find(id); thus, the reference x-position of that node is returned by
nd pos(nd find(id),2,1). Also, all nodes are stored in a linked list with a header of nd head. The
data associated with each node contains the next-item field nd next. Example 2.22 shows how to
print out the ID and reference position of each node in the model by scanning through the linked
list of nodes. (Note that the node ID does not, in general, correspond with the order of the node in
the linked list.)
Example 2.22 Scanning through the linked list of nodes

new
gen zone brick size=(1,1,1) ; generate a zone
sel shell range y=0.99,1.01 ; generate two shellSELs and 4 nodes on top
;
def print_nodes
np = nd_head ; header of linked list of nodes
loop while np # null ; scan entire llist
ii=out(’*** node id = ’+string( nd_id(np) ))
ii=out(’*** node x = ’+string( nd_pos(np,2,1) ))
ii=out(’*** node y = ’+string( nd_pos(np,2,2) ))
ii=out(’*** node z = ’+string( nd_pos(np,2,3) ))
ii=out(’-----------------------------’)
np = nd_next(np) ; next-item in llist
end_loop
end
print_nodes
;
plot create the_view
plot set rot 110 350 0
plot add grid
plot add sel geom cid=on
plot add axes white
plot show
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

2.6.1 General Support Functions
The general support functions provide appropriate memory addresses (in the form of linked-list
headers and address-finding functions) of the various structural-element data structures. All of the
structural-element general support functions are listed in Table 2.6.
Table 2.6 General support functions

type function name
S PTR s head
LK PTR lk head
ND PTR nd head
LK PTR lk find( INT id )
ND PTR nd find( INT id )
ND PTR nd near( FLT x, FLT y, FLT z )
S PTR s find( INT cid )
S PTR s near( FLT x, FLT y, FLT z )
s head header of global linked-list of SELs

lk head header of global linked-list of links
nd head header of global linked-list of nodes
lk find( id ) address of link with ID id; returns null if not found
nd find( id ) address of node with ID id; returns null if not found
nd near( x, y, z ) address of node with centroid closest to (x, y, z); returns null
if no nodes exist
s find( cid ) address of SEL with component-ID cid; returns null if not
found
s near( x, y, z ) address of SEL with centroid closest to (x, y, z); returns null
if no SELs exist
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2.6.2 SEL Functions
The structural-element functions operate upon the SEL data structure. General support functions
that provide information pertinent to all SEL types are listed first in Table 2.7. Then, functions
for each SEL type are provided in their own section and grouped into the categories of proper-
ties and responses. Finally, functions supporting stress recovery for shell-type SELs are listed in
Section 2.6.2.7. SEL memory addresses can be obtained from the support functions in Table 2.6.
SEL Support Functions
Table 2.7 SEL support functions

type function name modifiable
INT s cid( S PTR sp )
INT s conn( S PTR sp, INT nd id )
INT s delete( S PTR sp )
ANY s extra( S PTR sp ) yes
INT s id( S PTR sp )
INT s mark( S PTR sp ) yes
S PTR s next( S PTR sp )
ND PTR s node( S PTR sp, INT i )
INT s numnd( S PTR sp )
INT s type( S PTR sp )
s cid( sp ) CID number. Each SEL has a unique component-ID number.

s conn( sp, nd id ) order ({1, . . . ,s numnd}) that node with ID of nd id occurs in
nodal-connectivity list. If nd id is not in nodal-connectivity
list, then return 0. Also see s node.
s delete( sp ) deletes SEL sp; return value is undefined. Also deletes any
dangling nodes (not being used by any SEL) and dangling
links (not being used by any node). CAUTION: If deleting
a SEL while traversing the global linked-list of SELs, do
not attempt to access any information associated with the
deleted SEL after it has been deleted. The proper way to
delete the SEL with a CID of cid during a SEL scan is to
execute
sp = s head
loop while sp # null
snext = s next(sp)
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

if s cid(sp) = cid then

ii=s delete(sp)
end if
sp = snext ; NOT sp = s next(sp)
end loop
var = s extra( sp ) The value and type of the FISH-variable in the s extra struc-
ture of SEL sp is assigned to the regular FISH variable var.
s extra( sp ) = var The value and type of the regular FISH variable var is as-
signed to the s extra variable of SEL sp.
s id( sp ) ID number of SEL sp. All SELs that comprise a particular
entity will possess the same ID number — e.g., all cableSELs
that comprise cable 6 will have an ID of 6.
s mark( sp ) mark flag. Note that the SEL logic may modify this flag
during command processing, cycling and plotting.
s next( sp ) address of next SEL in the global linked-list of SELs; last
SEL in the list returns null
s node( sp, i ) address of node i of the SEL (i in range 1 to s numnd) where
i is the order in nodal-connectivity list. Also see s conn.
s numnd( sp ) number of nodes (2 or 3) of the SEL
s type( sp ) SEL type. Return value {1, 2, . . . , 6} denotes: beamSEL,
cableSEL, pileSEL, shellSEL, geogridSEL or linerSEL, re-
spectively; returns 0 if type is unknown.
SEL Property Functions
Table 2.8 SEL property functions

FLT s dens( S PTR sp ) yes
FLT s lsys( S PTR sp, INT v, INT dof )
FLT s pos( S PTR sp, INT dof )
FLT s thexp( S PTR sp ) yes
s dens( sp ) density
s lsys( sp, v, dof ) local coordinate system of SEL (dof-component of unit vec-
tor in direction v; v ∈ {1, 2, 3}; dof ∈ {1, 2, 3})
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

s pos( sp, dof ) centroid location (dof-component, dof ∈ {1, 2, 3}). If in

large-strain mode, based upon current positions of the nodes
used by this SEL; otherwise, based upon reference positions
of the nodes used by this SEL.
s thexp( sp ) thermal expansion coefficient
2.6.2.1 Beam Functions
Beam Property Functions (1)
Table 2.9 Beam property functions (1)

FLT sb dist( SB PTR bp, INT d ) yes
FLT sb length( SB PTR bp )
FLT sb volume( SB PTR bp )
sb dist( bp, d ) uniform applied distributed load acting on beamSEL in

beamSEL system direction d (d ∈ {2, 3})
sb length( bp ) length
sb volume( bp ) volume (cross-sectional area times length)
Beam Property Functions (2)
Table 2.10 Beam property functions (2)

FLT sb emod( SB PTR bp ) yes
FLT sb nu( SB PTR bp ) yes
FLT sb pmom( SB PTR bp ) yes
FLT sb xcarea( SB PTR bp ) yes
FLT sb xciy( SB PTR bp ) yes
FLT sb xciz( SB PTR bp ) yes
FLT sb xcj( SB PTR bp ) yes
FLT sb ydir( SB PTR bp, INT dof )
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

sb emod( bp ) Young’s modulus

sb nu( bp ) Poisson’s ratio
sb pmom( bp ) plastic moment capacity
sb xcarea( bp ) cross-sectional area
sb xciy( bp ) second moment with respect to beamSEL y-axis
sb xciz( bp ) second moment with respect to beamSEL z-axis
sb xcj( bp ) polar moment of inertia
sb ydir( bp, dof ) y-axis of beamSEL system (dof-component of unit vector,
dof ∈ {1, 2, 3})
Beam Response Functions
The beam responses include force and moment vectors that act at the ends of each beamSEL. These
quantities can be obtained in terms of the beamSEL local system or in terms of the global system. In
the beam response functions, the end is designated by parameter e ∈ {1, 2} which corresponds with
the order in the nodal-connectivity list — see s conn and s node in Table 2.7. If a beam is created
using the SEL beam command, then the nodes of each beamSEL so created will be ordered such that
the overall beam direction goes from the begin point to the end point — i.e., the nodal connectivity
of each beamSEL will be ordered such that the direction from end 1 to end 2 corresponds with the
direction from the begin point to the end point.
Table 2.11 Beam response functions

type function name
FLT sb force( SB PTR bp, INT e, INT d )
FLT sb mom( SB PTR bp, INT e, INT d )
FLT sb nforce( SB PTR bp, INT e, INT d )
sb force( bp, e, d ) force at end e of beamSEL (e ∈ {1, 2}; d-component, d

∈ {1, 2, 3}). These forces are expressed in terms of the
beamSEL coordinate system — see Figure 2.2 for sign con-
vention.
sb mom( bp, e, d ) moment at end e of beamSEL (e ∈ {1, 2}; d-component,
d ∈ {1, 2, 3}). These moments are expressed in terms of
the beamSEL coordinate system — see Figure 2.2 for sign
convention.
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

sb nforce( bp, e, d ) generalized nodal force (acting on the beamSEL) at end e (e

∈ {1, 2}; d-component, d ∈ {1, 2, . . . , 6}). These forces are
expressed in the global coordinate system.
Figure 2.2 Sign convention for forces and moments at the ends of a beam-
SEL or pileSEL (ends 1 and 2 correspond with order in nodal-
connectivity list, and all quantities are drawn acting in their pos-
itive sense)
2.6.2.2 Cable Functions
Cable Property Functions (1)
Table 2.12 Cable property functions (1)

type function name
FLT sc length( SC PTR cp )
FLT sc volume( SC PTR cp )
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

sc length( cp ) length
sc volume( cp ) volume (cross-sectional area times length)

FLT sc emod( SC PTR cp ) yes
FLT sc xcarea( SC PTR cp ) yes
FLT sc ycomp( SC PTR cp ) yes
FLT sc yten( SC PTR cp ) yes
sc emod( cp ) Young’s modulus

sc xcarea( cp ) cross-sectional area
sc ycomp( cp ) compressive yield strength
sc yten( cp ) tensile yield strength

FLT sc grcoh( SC PTR cp ) yes
FLT sc grfric( SC PTR cp ) yes
FLT sc grk( SC PTR cp ) yes
FLT sc grper( SC PTR cp ) yes
INT sc slide( SC PTR cp ) yes
FLT sc slidetol( SC PTR cp ) yes
sc grcoh( cp ) grout cohesive strength

sc grfric( cp ) grout friction angle
sc grk( cp ) grout stiffness
sc grper( cp ) grout exposed perimeter
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

sc slide( cp ) large-strain sliding flag; nonzero value denotes large-strain

sliding is on
sc slidetol( cp ) large-strain sliding tolerance
Cable Response Functions
The cable responses include: force, stress and yield state of the cableSEL itself; and stress, displace-
ment and slip state of the shear coupling springs that represent the grout. Additional coupling-spring
information includes the current loading direction and the confining stress. The coupling-spring
information is accessed by specifying the end of the cableSEL. The end is designated by parameter
e ∈ {1, 2}, which corresponds with the order in the nodal-connectivity list — see s conn and s node
in Table 2.7. If a cable is created using the SEL cable command, then the nodes of each cableSEL
so created will be ordered such that the overall cable direction goes from the begin point to the end
point — i.e., the nodal connectivity of each cableSEL will be ordered such that the direction from
end 1 to end 2 corresponds with the direction from the begin point to the end point.
Table 2.15 Cable response functions

type function name
FLT sc force( SC PTR cp )
FLT sc nforce( SC PTR cp, INT e, INT d )
FLT sc stress( SC PTR cp )
INT sc yield( SC PTR cp, INT c )
FLT sc grconf( SC PTR cp, INT e )
FLT sc grdisp( SC PTR cp, INT e )
INT sc grslip( SC PTR cp, INT e )
FLT sc grstr( SC PTR cp, INT e )
FLT sc grstrdir( SC PTR cp, INT e, INT d )
sc force( cp ) average axial force in cableSEL (positive: tension; negative:

compression)
sc nforce( cp, e, d ) generalized nodal force (acting on the cableSEL) at end e (e
expressed in the global coordinate system. (See s conn and
s node.)
sc stress( cp ) average axial stress in cableSEL (positive: tension; negative:
compression)
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

sc yield( cp, c ) yield state (c ∈ {0, 1} denotes {compressive,tensile}) of ca-

bleSEL. Return value {0, 1, 2} denotes: never yielded, now
yielding or yielded in past, respectively.
sc grconf( cp, e ) confining stress acting on grout at end e of cableSEL (e
∈ {1, 2}; negative value is compression). Stress acts in plane
perpendicular to cable axis; principal values in this plane are
σ1 and σ2 ; effective confining stress is average of these two
values.
sc grdisp( cp, e ) displacement in grout (shear coupling spring) at end e of ca-
bleSEL (e ∈ {1, 2}; positive/negative with respect to average
axial direction of cable)
sc grslip( cp, e ) slip state of grout (shear coupling spring) at end e of ca-
bleSEL (e ∈ {1, 2}). Return value {0, 1, 2} denotes: never
slipped, now slipping or slipped in past, respectively.
sc grstr( cp, e ) stress in grout (shear coupling spring) at end e of cableSEL
(e ∈ {1, 2}; positive/negative with respect to average axial
direction of cable)
sc grstrdir( cp, e, d ) direction (unit vector in global system) in which cableSEL
is being loaded by coupling spring at end e (e ∈ {1, 2}; d-
component, d ∈ {1, 2, 3})
2.6.2.3 Pile Functions
Pile Property Functions (1)
Table 2.16 Pile property functions (1)

FLT sp dist( SP PTR pp, INT d ) yes
FLT sp length( SP PTR pp )
FLT sp volume( SP PTR pp )
sp dist( pp ) uniform applied distributed load acting on pileSEL in pile-

SEL system direction d (d ∈ {2, 3})
sp length( spp ) length
sp volume( pp ) volume (cross-sectional area times length)
FLAC 3D Version 3.0


FLT sp emod( SP PTR pp ) yes
FLT sp nu( SP PTR pp ) yes
FLT sp pmom( SP PTR pp ) yes
FLT sp xcarea( SP PTR pp ) yes
FLT sp xciy( SP PTR pp ) yes
FLT sp xciz( SP PTR pp ) yes
FLT sp xcj( SP PTR pp ) yes
FLT sp ydir( SP PTR pp, INT dof )
sp emod( pp ) Young’s modulus

sp nu( pp ) Poisson’s ratio
sp pmom( pp ) plastic moment capacity
sp xcarea( pp ) cross-sectional area
sp xciy( pp ) second moment with respect to pileSEL y-axis
sp xciz( pp ) second moment with respect to pileSEL z-axis
sp xcj( pp ) polar moment of inertia
sp ydir( pp, dof ) y-axis of pileSEL system (dof-component of unit vector, dof
∈ {1, 2, 3})
FLAC 3D Version 3.0


FLT sp csncoh( SP PTR pp ) yes
FLT sp csnfric( SP PTR pp ) yes
INT sp csngap( SP PTR pp ) yes
FLT sp csnk( SP PTR pp ) yes
FLT sp csscoh( SP PTR pp ) yes
FLT sp cssfric( SP PTR pp ) yes
FLT sp cssk( SP PTR pp ) yes
FLT sp per( SP PTR pp ) yes
INT sp slide( SP PTR pp ) yes
FLT sp slidetol( SP PTR pp ) yes
sp csncoh( pp ) normal coupling spring cohesive strength

sp csnfric( pp ) normal coupling spring friction angle
sp csngap( pp ) normal coupling spring gap-use flag; nonzero value denotes
gap is on
sp csnk( pp ) normal coupling spring stiffness
sp csscoh( pp ) shear coupling spring cohesive strength
sp cssfric( pp ) shear coupling spring friction angle
sp cssk( pp ) shear coupling spring stiffness
sp per( pp ) exposed perimeter
sp slide( pp ) large-strain sliding flag; nonzero value denotes large-strain
sliding is on
sp slidetol( pp ) large-strain sliding tolerance
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

Table 2.19 Pile property functions (rockbolt)

INT sp cscfinc( SP PTR pp ) yes
INT sp cscftab( SP PTR pp ) yes
INT sp cssctab( SP PTR pp ) yes
INT sp cssftab( SP PTR pp ) yes
INT sp rock( SP PTR pp ) yes
FLT sp tfstr( SP PTR pp ) yes
FLT sp tyield( SP PTR pp ) yes
sp cscfinc( pp ) shear direction incremental confining stress flag; nonzero

value denotes flag being set
sp cscftab( pp ) shear direction incremental confining stress factor table num-
ber
sp cssctab( pp ) shear direction cohesive strength table number
sp cssftab( pp ) shear direction friction angle table number
sp rock( pp ) rockbolt flag; nonzero value denotes rockbolt logic is on
sp tfstr( pp ) tensile failure strain (non-dimensional)
sp tyield( pp ) axial tensile yield strength (force units)
Pile Response Functions
The pile responses include force and moment acting on the pile itself, and stress, displacement and
yield state in both the normal and shear coupling springs. Additional coupling-spring information
includes the current loading direction, the confining stress, and the gap being tracked by the normal
springs.
The coupling-spring information is accessed by specifying the end of the pileSEL. In the pile
response functions, the end is designated by parameter e ∈ {1, 2}, which corresponds with the order
in the nodal-connectivity list — see s conn and s node in Table 2.7. If a pile is created using the
SEL pile command, then the nodes of each pileSEL so created will be ordered such that the overall
pile direction goes from the begin point to the end point — i.e., the nodal connectivity of each
pileSEL will be ordered such that the direction from end 1 to end 2 corresponds with the direction
from the begin point to the end point.
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

Table 2.20 Pile response functions

type function name
FLT sp force( SP PTR pp, INT e, INT d )
FLT sp mom( SP PTR pp, INT e, INT d )
FLT sp nforce( SP PTR pp, INT e, INT d )
FLT sp rconf( SP PTR pp, INT e )
FLT sp rdisp( SP PTR pp, INT s, INT e )
FLT sp rgap( SP PTR pp, INT e, INT g )
FLT sp rstr( SP PTR pp, INT s, INT e )
FLT sp rstrdir( SP PTR pp, INT s, INT e, INT d )
INT sp ryield( SP PTR pp, INT s, INT e )
sp force( pp, e, d ) force at end e of pileSEL (e ∈ {1, 2}; d-component, d ∈

{1, 2, 3}). These forces are expressed in terms of the pileSEL
coordinate system — see Figure 2.2 for sign convention.
sp mom( pp, e, d ) moment at end e of pileSEL (e ∈ {1, 2}; d-component, d
∈ {1, 2, 3}). These moments are expressed in terms of the
pileSEL coordinate system — see Figure 2.2 for sign con-
vention.
sp nforce( pp, e, d ) generalized nodal force (acting on the pileSEL) at end e (e
expressed in the global coordinate system.
sp rconf( pp, e ) confining stress at end e of pileSEL (e ∈ {1, 2}; negative
value is compression). Stress acts in plane perpendicular
to pile axis; principal values in this plane are σ1 and σ2 ;
confining stress is average of these two values.
sp rdisp( pp, s, e ) displacement in coupling spring s at end e of pileSEL (s
∈ {1, 2} denotes normal or shear, respectively; e ∈ {1, 2}).
Sign convention for shear spring is positive/negative with
respect to average axial direction of pile. Sign conven-
tion for normal spring is positive/negative, indicating sep-
aration/overlap. Direction in which force is acting given by
sp rstrdir.
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

sp rgap( pp, e, g ) gap component, g, in normal coupling spring at end, e, of

pileSEL (e ∈ {1, 2}). The gap forms a rectangular shape
in the pile cross-sectional plane, which is defined by the
local yz-axes of the pileSEL node. The gap consists of four
values denoting gap size in the positive and negative y- and z-
directions. The value of g ∈ {1, 2, 3, 4} denotes the positive
y-direction, negative y-direction, positive z-direction, and
negative z-direction, respectively. The gap is always being
tracked, but only affects behavior if gap-use flag is on.
sp rstr( pp, s, e ) stress in coupling spring, s, at end, e, of pileSEL (s ∈ {1, 2}
denotes normal or shear, respectively; e ∈ {1, 2}). Sign
convention for shear spring is positive/negative with respect
to average axial direction of pile. Sign convention for normal
spring is positive/negative, indicating separation/overlap.
sp rstrdir( pp, s, e, d ) direction (unit vector in global system) in which pileSEL is
being loaded by coupling spring, s, at end, e, (s ∈ {1, 2} de-
notes normal or shear, respectively; e ∈ {1, 2}; d-component,
d ∈ {1, 2, 3})
sp ryield( pp, s, e ) yield state of coupling spring s at end e of pileSEL (s ∈
{1, 2} denotes normal or shear, respectively; e ∈ {1, 2}).
Return value {0, 1, 2} denotes: never yielded, now yielding
or yielded in past, respectively.
2.6.2.4 Shell Functions
Shell Property Functions (1)
Table 2.21 Shell property functions (1)

FLT ss area( SS PTR sp )
INT ss etype( SS PTR sp )
FLT ss press( SS PTR sp ) yes
FLT ss volume( SS PTR sp )
ss area( sp ) surface area

ss etype( sp ) finite-element type. Return value {1, 2, . . . , 5} denotes:
DKT-CST, DKT-(CST Hybrid), DKT, CST or CST Hybrid,
respectively; returns 0 if type is unknown.
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

ss press( sp ) uniform applied pressure acting on shellSEL in its local z-

direction
ss volume( sp ) volume (surface area times thickness)
Shell Property Functions (2)
Table 2.22 Shell property functions (2)

FLT ss iso( SS PTR sp, INT p )
INT ss mprop( SS PTR sp )
FLT ss ortho( SS PTR sp, INT p )
FLT ss thick( SS PTR sp ) yes
ss iso( sp, p ) isotropic material property p ∈ {1, 2} to denote Young’s

modulus or Poisson’s ratio, respectively. If the shellSEL
has orthotropic material properties, then return 0.0 — see
ss mprop.
ss mprop( sp ) material property type. Return value {1, 2} denotes:
isotropic or orthotropic, respectively — see ss iso and
ss ortho.
ss ortho( sp, p ) orthotropic material property p ∈ {1, 2, 3, 4} to denote con-
stitutive values: ē11 , ē12 , ē22 or ē33 , respectively. If the
shellSEL has isotropic material properties, then return 0.0
— see ss mprop.
ss thick( sp ) thickness
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

Shell Response Functions

The shell responses include stresses in the shell (see ss nforce and the stress-recovery functions in
Section 2.6.2.7). The shell responses are accessed by specifying the node n of the shellSEL, where
n ∈ {1, 2, 3} corresponds with the order in the nodal-connectivity list — see s conn and s node in
Table 2.7. If a shell is created using the SEL shell command, then the nodes of each shellSEL so
created will be ordered counterclockwise with respect to the outside of the zone faces upon which
the shell was created.
Table 2.23 Shell response function

type function name
FLT ss nforce( SS PTR sp, INT n, INT d )
ss nforce( sp, n, d ) generalized nodal force (acting on the shellSEL) at node n (n

∈ {1, 2, 3}; d-component, d ∈ {1, 2, . . . , 6}). These forces
are expressed in the global coordinate system.
2.6.2.5 Geogrid Functions
Geogrid Property Functions (1)
Table 2.24 Geogrid property functions (1)

FLT sg area( SG PTR gp )
INT sg etype( SG PTR gp )
FLT sg press( SG PTR gp ) yes
FLT sg volume( SG PTR gp )
sg area( gp ) surface area

sg etype( gp ) finite-element type. Return value {1, 2, . . . , 5} denotes:
sg press( gp ) uniform applied pressure acting on geogridSEL in its local
z-direction
sg volume( gp ) volume (surface area times thickness)
FLAC 3D Version 3.0


FLT sg iso( SG PTR gp, INT p )
INT sg mprop( SG PTR gp )
FLT sg ortho( SG PTR gp, INT p )
FLT sg thick( SG PTR gp ) yes
sg iso( gp, p ) isotropic material property p ∈ {1, 2} to denote Young’s

modulus or Poisson’s ratio, respectively. If the geogridSEL
sg mprop.
sg mprop( gp ) material property type. Return value {1, 2} denotes:
isotropic or orthotropic, respectively — see sg iso and
sg ortho.
sg ortho( gp, p ) orthotropic material property p ∈ {1, 2, 3, 4} to denote con-
stitutive values: ē11 , ē12 , ē22 or ē33 , respectively. If the ge-
ogridSEL has isotropic material properties, then return 0.0
— see sg mprop.
sg thick( gp ) thickness

FLT sg csscoh( SG PTR gp ) yes
FLT sg cssfric( SG PTR gp ) yes
FLT sg cssk( SG PTR gp ) yes
INT sg slide( SG PTR gp ) yes
FLT sg slidetol( SG PTR gp ) yes
sg csscoh( gp ) coupling spring cohesion

sg cssfric( gp ) coupling spring friction angle
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

sg cssk( gp ) coupling spring stiffness

sg slide( gp ) large-strain sliding flag; nonzero value denotes large-strain
sliding is on
sg slidetol( gp ) large-strain sliding tolerance
Geogrid Response Functions
The geogrid responses include stresses in the geogrid itself (see sg nforce and the stress-recovery
functions in Section 2.6.2.7), and stress, displacement and yield state in the shear coupling springs.
Additional coupling-spring information includes the current loading direction and the confining
stress. The coupling-spring information is accessed by specifying the node, n, of the geogridSEL,
where n ∈ {1, 2, 3} corresponds with the order in the nodal-connectivity list — see s conn and
s node in Table 2.7. If a geogrid is created using the SEL geogrid command, then the nodes of each
geogridSEL so created will be ordered counterclockwise with respect to the outside of the zone
faces upon which the geogrid was created.
Table 2.27 Geogrid response function

type function name
FLT sg nforce( SG PTR gp, INT n, INT d )
FLT sg rconf( SG PTR gp, INT n )
FLT sg rdisp( SG PTR gp, INT n )
FLT sg rstr( SG PTR gp, INT n )
FLT sg rstrdir( SG PTR gp, INT n, INT d )
INT sg ryield( SG PTR gp, INT n )
sg nforce( gp, n, d ) generalized nodal force (acting on the geogridSEL) at node

n (n ∈ {1, 2, 3}; d-component, d ∈ {1, 2, . . . , 6}). These
forces are expressed in the global coordinate system.
sg rconf( gp, n ) confining stress at node n (n ∈ {1, 2, 3}; negative value is
compression). The confining stress is the stress component
acting perpendicular to the geogrid surface.
sg rdisp( gp, n ) displacement magnitude in coupling spring at node n of ge-
ogridSEL (n ∈ {1, 2, 3}). The coupling spring lies in the
tangent plane of the geogrid surface. Direction in which
force is acting, given by sg rstrdir.
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

sg rstr( gp, n ) stress magnitude in coupling spring at node n of geogridSEL

(n ∈ {1, 2, 3}). The coupling spring lies in the tangent plane
of the geogrid surface. Direction in which force is acting
given by sg rstrdir.
sg rstrdir( gp, n, d ) direction (unit vector in global system) in which geogridSEL
is being loaded by coupling spring at node n (n ∈ {1, 2, 3};
d-component, d ∈ {1, 2, 3})
sg ryield( gp, n ) yield state of coupling spring at node n of geogridSEL (n
∈ {1, 2, 3}). Return value {0, 1, 2} denotes: never yielded,
now yielding or yielded in past, respectively.
2.6.2.6 Liner Functions
Liner Property Functions (1)
Table 2.28 Liner property functions (1)

FLT sl area( SL PTR lp )
INT sl etype( SL PTR lp )
FLT sl press( SL PTR lp ) yes
FLT sl volume( SL PTR lp )
sl area( lp ) surface area

sl etype( lp ) finite-element type. Return value {1, 2, . . . , 5} denotes:
sl press( lp ) uniform applied pressure acting on linerSEL in its local z-
direction
sl volume( lp ) volume (surface area times thickness)
FLAC 3D Version 3.0


FLT sl iso( SL PTR lp, INT p )
INT sl mprop( SL PTR lp )
FLT sl ortho( SL PTR lp, INT p )
FLT sl thick( SL PTR lp ) yes
sl iso( lp, p ) isotropic material property p ∈ {1, 2} to denote Young’s

modulus or Poisson’s ratio, respectively. If the linerSEL
sl mprop.
sl mprop( lp ) material property type. Return value {1, 2} denotes:
isotropic or orthotropic, respectively — see sl iso and
sl ortho.
sl ortho( lp, p ) orthotropic material property p ∈ {1, 2, 3, 4} to denote con-
stitutive values: ē11 , ē12 , ē22 or ē33 , respectively. If the
linerSEL has isotropic material properties, then return 0.0
— see sl mprop.
sl thick( lp ) thickness

FLT sl csncut( SL PTR lp ) yes
FLT sl csnk( SL PTR lp ) yes
FLT sl csscoh( SL PTR lp ) yes
FLT sl csscohres( SL PTR lp ) yes
FLT sl cssfric( SL PTR lp ) yes
FLT sl cssk( SL PTR lp ) yes
INT sl slide( SL PTR lp ) yes
FLT sl slidetol( SL PTR lp ) yes
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

sl csncut( lp ) normal coupling spring tensile strength

sl csnk( lp ) normal coupling spring stiffness
sl csscoh( lp ) shear coupling spring cohesion
sl csscohres( lp ) shear coupling spring residual cohesion
sl cssfric( lp ) shear coupling spring friction angle
sl cssk( lp ) shear coupling spring stiffness
sl slide( lp ) large-strain sliding flag; nonzero value denotes large-strain
sliding is on
sl slidetol( lp ) large-strain sliding tolerance
Liner Response Functions
The liner responses include stresses in the liner itself (see sl nforce and the stress-recovery functions
in Section 2.6.2.7), and stress, displacement and yield state in both the normal and shear coupling
springs. Additional coupling-spring information includes the current loading direction and the
confining stress. The coupling-spring information is accessed by specifying the node n of the
linerSEL, where n ∈ {1, 2, 3} corresponds with the order in the nodal-connectivity list — see
s conn and s node in Table 2.7. If a liner is created using the SEL liner command, then the nodes of
each linerSEL so created will be ordered counterclockwise with respect to the outside of the zone
faces upon which the liner was created.
Table 2.31 Liner response function

FLT sl nforce( SL PTR lp, INT n, INT d ) yes
FLT sl rdisp( SL PTR lp, INT s, INT n )
FLT sl rstr( SL PTR lp, INT s, INT n )
FLT sl rstrdir( SL PTR lp, INT s, INT n, INT d )
INT sl ryield( SL PTR lp, INT n )
sl nforce( lp, n, d ) generalized nodal force (acting on the linerSEL) at node n (n

∈ {1, 2, 3}; d-component, d ∈ {1, 2, . . . , 6}). These forces
are expressed in the global coordinate system.
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

sl rdisp( lp, s, n ) displacement in coupling spring s at node n of linerSEL (s

∈ {1, 2} denotes normal or shear, respectively; n ∈ {1, 2, 3}).
Sign convention for normal spring is positive/negative, indi-
cating separation/overlap. Shear spring stores displacement
magnitude and lies in the tangent plane of the liner surface.
Direction in which forces are acting, given by sl rstrdir.
sl rstr( lp, s, n ) stress magnitude in coupling spring s at node n of linerSEL (s
∈ {1, 2} denotes normal or shear, respectively; n ∈ {1, 2, 3}).
Sign convention for normal spring is positive/negative, indi-
cating separation/overlap. Shear spring stores stress magni-
tude and lies in the tangent plane of the liner surface. Direc-
tion in which forces are acting, given by sl rstrdir.
sl rstrdir( lp, s, n, d ) direction (unit vector in global system) in which linerSEL
is being loaded by coupling spring s at node n (s ∈ {1, 2}
denotes normal or shear, respectively; n ∈ {1, 2, 3};
d-component, d ∈ {1, 2, 3})
sl ryield( lp, n ) yield state of shear coupling spring at node n of linerSEL (n
∈ {1, 2, 3}). Return value {1, 2, 3} denotes: never yielded,
now yielding or yielded in past, respectively.
2.6.2.7 Stress-Recovery Functions
Stress-Recovery Functions
Table 2.32 Stress-recovery functions

type function name
FLT nd ssys( ND PTR np, INT v, INT dof )
INT nd ssysx( ND PTR np, FLT x, FLT y, FLT z )
INT nd svalid( ND PTR np )
FLT sst depfac( SST PTR sp )
FLT sst pstr( SST PTR sp, INT l, INT d )
FLT sst sres( SST PTR sp, INT l, INT d )
INT sst sresvalid( SST PTR sp )
FLT sst str( SST PTR sp, INT l, INT d )
INT sst strvalid( SST PTR sp )
nd ssys( np, v, dof ) surface coordinate system (dof-component of unit vector in

direction v; v ∈ {1, 2, 3}; dof ∈ {1, 2, 3})
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

nd ssysx( np, x, y, z ) orients surface system of node np such that the x-direction
is aligned with the projection of the surfx vector (x, y, z)
onto the normal plane, which is defined by the z-direction.
This operation can only be performed upon nodes that have
a valid surface system (to ensure that the z-direction always
corresponds with the average normal direction of at least one
of the shell-type SELs using the node). Nonzero return value
indicates success.
nd svalid( np ) surface system validity flag; nonzero value denotes that the
surface system for node np is valid. The surface system can
be made valid by issuing a SEL recover surface command.
sst depfac( sp ) depth factor, F , at which stresses have been recovered. The
depth equals F t/2, where t is shell thickness. F equal to
+1/-1 corresponds with the outer/inner shell surface (outer
surface defined by positive shell z-direction), and F = 0
corresponds with the shell midsurface. The depth factor can
be modified by the SEL recover stress command.
sst pstr( sp, l, d ) principal stress at location l (l ∈ {0, 1, 2, 3} denotes cen-
troid, node-1, node-2 or node-3, respectively — see s conn
and s node; component d ∈ {1, 2, 3} denotes {σ1 , σ2 , σ3 }).
Compressive stresses are negative and σ1 ≤ σ2 ≤ σ3 . The
stresses correspond with a depth in the shell that is set by
the SEL recover stress command and can be queried by
sst depfac.
sst sres( sp, l, d ) stress resultant at location l (l ∈ {0, 1, 2, 3} denotes cen-
troid, node-1, node-2 or node-3, respectively — see s conn
and s node; component d ∈ {1, 2, . . . , 8} denotes {Mx , My ,
Mxy , Nx , Ny , Nxy , Qx , Qy }). Stress resultants are expressed
in the surface system — see the SEL recover surface com-
mand.
sst sresvalid( sp ) stress resultant validity flag; nonzero value denotes that
stress resultants are valid. Check this flag before querying
stress resultants.
sst str( sp, l, d ) stress at location l (l ∈ {0, 1, 2, 3} denotes centroid, node-1,
node-2 or node-3, respectively — see s conn and s node;
component d ∈ {1, 2, . . . , 6} denotes {σxx , σyy , σzz , σxy ,
σzy , σzx }). Stresses are expressed in the global system.
The stresses correspond with a depth in the shell that is set
by the SEL recover stress command and can be queried by
sst depfac.
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

sst strvalid( sp ) stress-validity flag; nonzero value denotes that stresses at

the current depth factor are valid. Check this flag before
querying stresses or principal stresses.
2.6.3 Node Functions
The node functions operate upon the node data structure. The functions are grouped into the
categories of support, property and response. Node memory addresses can be obtained from the
support functions in Table 2.6.
Node Support Functions
Table 2.33 Node support functions

ANY nd extra( ND PTR np ) yes
INT nd id( ND PTR np )
LK PTR nd link( ND PTR np )
INT nd mark( ND PTR np ) yes
ND PTR nd next( ND PTR np )
var = nd extra( np ) The value and type of the FISH-variable in the nd extra struc-
ture of node np is assigned to the regular FISH variable var.
nd extra( np ) = var The value and type of the regular FISH variable var is as-
signed to the nd extra structure of node np.
nd id( np ) ID number of node np. Each node has a unique ID number.
nd link( np ) link associated with node np. Returns null, if no link is
associated with the node.
nd mark( np ) mark flag. Note that the SEL logic may modify this flag
during command processing, cycling and plotting.
nd next( np ) address of next node in the global linked-list of nodes; last
node in the list returns null
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

Node Property Functions
Table 2.34 Node property functions

FLT nd apply( ND PTR np, INT dof ) yes
INT nd applysys( ND PTR np )
INT nd fix( ND PTR np, INT dof )
FLT nd ldamp( ND PTR np ) yes
INT nd lfix( ND PTR np ) yes
FLT nd lsys( ND PTR np, INT v, INT dof )
FLT nd mass( ND PTR np, INT dof )
FLT nd pos( ND PTR np, INT p, INT dof )
FLT nd stiff( ND PTR np, INT dof )
nd apply( np, dof ) generalized applied force expressed in system defined by

nd applysys (dof-component, dof ∈ {1, 2, . . . , 6}). If there
is no apply condition for the dof, then returns 0.0.
nd applysys( np ) coordinate system in which generalized applied forces are
expressed. Return value {1, 2} denotes: global or local, re-
spectively.
nd fix( np, dof ) velocity-fixity flag expressed in node-local system
(dof-component, dof ∈ {1, 2, . . . , 6}). Return value {1, 2, 3}
denotes: free, fixed or slaved to target velocity, respectively.
Slaved conditions arise from rigid attachment conditions,
and degrees-of-freedom that are slaved cannot be fixed.
nd ldamp( np ) local damping factor
nd lfix( np ) local coordinate system fixity flag; nonzero value denotes
that the node-local system is fixed and will not be altered
automatically by the SELs that use the node.
nd lsys( np, v, dof ) local coordinate system of node (dof-component of unit vec-
tor in direction v; v ∈ {1, 2, 3}; dof ∈ {1, 2, 3})
nd mass( np, dof ) mass in node-local system (dof-component, dof ∈
{1, 2, . . . , 6})
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

nd pos( np, p, dof ) position p (p ∈ {1, 2} denotes current or reference position,

respectively; dof-component, dof ∈ {1, 2, 3}). The reference
position is the configuration for which stiffness matrices have
been formed and does not change during a small-strain anal-
ysis. The current position is updated after each timestep.
During a large-strain analysis, the reference position is set
equal to the current position during each large-strain update.
nd stiff( np, dof ) stiffness in node-local system (dof-component, where dof
∈ {1, 2, . . . , 6})
Node Response Functions
The nodal responses include displacement and velocity as well as out-of-balance force.
Table 2.35 Node response functions

type function name
FLT nd rdisp( ND PTR np, INT s, INT dof )
FLT nd rfob( ND PTR np, INT s, INT dof )
FLT nd rvel( ND PTR np, INT s, INT dof )
nd rdisp( np, s, dof ) generalized displacement expressed in the s system (s ∈

{1, 2} denotes global or node-local system, respectively;
dof-component, dof ∈ {1, 2, . . . , 6})
nd rfob( np, s, dof ) generalized out-of-balance force expressed in the s system (s
∈ {1, 2} denotes global or node-local system, respectively;
nd rvel( np, s, dof ) generalized velocity expressed in the s system (s ∈ {1, 2}
denotes global or node-local system, respectively;
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

2.6.4 Link Functions
The link functions operate upon the link data structure. The functions are grouped into the categories
of support, property and response. Link memory addresses can be obtained from the support
function in Table 2.6 or from the nd link function in Table 2.33.
Link Support Functions
Table 2.36 Link support functions
type function name

INT lk delete( LK PTR lp )
INT lk id( LK PTR lp )
LK PTR lk next( LK PTR lp )
ND PTR lk node( LK PTR lp )
INT lk target( LK PTR lp )
INT lk type( LK PTR lp )
INT lk usedby( LK PTR lp )
lk delete( lp ) deletes link lp; return value is undefined. CAUTION: If

deleting a link while traversing the global linked-list of links,
do not attempt to access any information associated with the
deleted link after it has been deleted. The proper way to
delete the link with an ID of lid during a link scan is to
execute
lp = lk head
loop while lp # null
lnext = lk next(lp)
if lk id(lp) = lid then
ii=lk delete(lp)
end if
lp = lnext ; NOT lp = lk next(lp)
end loop
lk id( lp ) ID number of link lp. Each link has a unique ID number.

lk next( lp ) address of next link in the global linked-list of links; last link
in the list returns null
lk node( lp ) node from which the link emanates. Each link emanates
from a node.
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

lk target( lp ) target ID. Returns the ID number of the link target. For a
node-to-node link, the target is a node; for a node-to-zone
link, the target is a zone — see lk type, nd find and find zone.
lk type( lp ) link type. Return value {1, 2} denotes: node-to-node or
node-to-zone link, respectively.
lk usedby( lp ) SEL entity using this link. Return value {1, 2, . . . , 6} de-
notes: beam, cable, pile, shell, geogrid or liner, respectively.
May also return 0 to indicate that link conditions have been
modified and no longer correspond with those set during
SEL creation and positioning. Returns 0 for node-to-node
links.
Link Property Functions
Properties are only available for directions with linear deformable or normal-yield deformable
attachment conditions — see functions starting with lk ld and lk nd, respectively. Other properties
stored at links must be obtained from the SEL that uses the link — for example, grout properties of
cables are accessed by the functions in Table 2.14.
Table 2.37 Link property functions

INT lk attach( LK PTR lp, INT dof )
INT lk slide( LK PTR lp ) yes
FLT lk slidetol( LK PTR lp ) yes
FLT lk ldarea( LK PTR lp, INT d ) yes
FLT lk ldk( LK PTR lp, INT d ) yes
FLT lk ndarea( LK PTR lp, INT d ) yes
INT lk ndgap( LK PTR lp, INT d ) yes
FLT lk ndk( LK PTR lp, INT d ) yes
FLT lk ndycomp( LK PTR lp, INT d ) yes
FLT lk ndyten( LK PTR lp, INT d ) yes
lk attach( lp, dof ) generalized attachment condition (dof-component, dof ∈

{1, 2, . . . , 6}). Return value {1, 2, . . . , 5} denotes: free,
rigid, deformable linear, deformable normal-yield or de-
formable other, respectively.
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

lk slide( lp ) large-strain sliding flag; nonzero value denotes large-strain

sliding is on. This function only applies to node-to-zone
links, it does nothing for node-to-node links.
lk slidetol( lp ) large-strain sliding tolerance. This function only applies to
node-to-zone links; it does nothing for node-to-node links.
lk ldarea( lp, d ) area of linear spring in direction d ∈ {1, 2, . . . , 6}
lk ldk( lp, d ) stiffness of linear spring in direction d ∈ {1, 2, . . . , 6}
lk ndarea( lp, d ) area of normal-yield spring in direction d ∈ {1, 2, . . . , 6}
lk ndgap( lp, d ) gap-use flag of normal-yield spring in direction d, where
d ∈ {1, 2, . . . , 6}. Nonzero value denotes that gap is on.
lk ndk( lp, d ) stiffness of normal-yield spring in direction d ∈ {1, 2, . . . , 6}
lk ndycomp( lp, d ) compressive yield strength of normal-yield spring in direc-
tion d ∈ {1, 2, . . . , 6}
lk ndyten( lp, d ) tensile yield strength of normal-yield spring in direction
d ∈ {1, 2, . . . , 6}
Link Response Functions
Responses are only available for directions with linear deformable or normal-yield deformable
attachment conditions — see functions starting with lk ldr and lk ndr, respectively. Other responses
stored at links must be obtained from the SEL that uses the link — for example, grout responses of
cables are accessed by the functions in Table 2.15. Link responses include force and displacement
of the linear and normal-yield springs, and also gap and yield state of the normal-yield springs.
Table 2.38 Link response functions

type function name
FLT lk ldrdisp( LK PTR lp, INT d )
FLT lk ldrfor( LK PTR lp, INT d )
FLT lk ndrdisp( LK PTR lp, INT d )
FLT lk ndrfor( LK PTR lp, INT d )
FLT lk ndrgap( LK PTR lp, INT d, INT g )
INT lk ndryield( LK PTR lp, INT d )
lk ldrdisp( lp, d ) displacement in linear spring in direction d ∈ {1, 2, . . . , 6}
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

lk ldrfor( lp, d ) force in linear spring in direction d ∈ {1, 2, . . . , 6}

lk ndrdisp( lp, d ) displacement in normal-yield spring in direction d, where
d ∈ {1, 2, . . . , 6}
lk ndrfor( lp, d ) force in normal-yield spring in direction d ∈ {1, 2, . . . , 6}
lk ndrgap( lp, d, g ) gap component g in normal-yield spring in direction d, where
d ∈ {1, 2, . . . , 6}. The gap may form in both tensile-yield
(positive displacement) and compressive-yield (negative dis-
placement) conditions. The value of g ∈ {1, 2} denotes the
positive and negative directions, respectively. The gap is al-
ways being tracked, but only affects behavior if gap-use flag
is on.
lk ndryield( lp, d ) yield state of normal-yield spring in direction d ∈
{1, 2, . . . , 6}. Yield may occur in either tension (positive
displacement) or compression (negative displacement). Re-
turn value {0, 1, 2} denotes: never yielded, now yielding or
yielded in past, respectively.
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

2.7 FISH Extensions
This section covers extensions to FISH. While these extensions add to the power and capability
of FISH, they are not required for general operation. Each subsection describes the complete
functionality of the particular extension and includes examples.
2.7.1 FISH Plotting Routines
The set of FISH functions described in this section may be used to create user-defined plot items.
Arguments denoted by v, v1 or v2 are user-defined arrays with at least 3 elements. Each array serves
as a 3D vector.
draw circle(v, rad)
A circle is drawn at the location given by the coordinate vector, v, with
radius, rad. The vector normal to the plane of the circle points towards the
viewer.
draw line(v1, v2)
A line is drawn from location vector v1 to location vector v2.
draw poly(arr2, count, closure)
This function draws an open or closed polygon, consisting of (integer) count
points, in space. The variable arr2 must be a 2-dimensional array, where
the first index corresponds to the number of spatial components, and the
second index to sequential points. For example, in a 3-dimensional code,
the statement
array fred(3, 10)
would allow 10 3D coordinates to be stored and then plotted with the state-
ment
status = draw poly(fred, 10, 1)
The third argument, closure, must be an integer: 0 denotes that the polygon
is open; 1 denotes that it is closed.
draw string(v, s)
A string, s, is written at the location corresponding to the coordinate vector,
v. If s is not of type string, then an error results.
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

fill circle(v, rad)

A filled circle is drawn at the location given by the coordinate vector, v, with
radius, rad. The vector normal to the plane of the circle points towards the
viewer.
fill poly(arr2, count)
This function draws a filled, closed polygon, consisting of (integer) count
points, in space. The variable arr2 must be a 2-dimensional array, where
the first index corresponds to the number of spatial components, and the
second index to sequential points. For example, in a 3-dimensional code,
the statement
array fred(3, 10)
would allow 10 3D coordinates to be stored and then plotted with the state-
ment
status = fill poly(fred, 10)
line to(v)
The graphics current point is moved to the coordinate specified by v, drawing
a line from its previous position.
move to(v)
The graphics current point is moved to the coordinate specified by v.
set color(i)
The color index for subsequent plot objects will be set to the integer i. The
actual color is set with the PLOT command as usual.
set dash pattern(i)
sets the dash pattern type to i, where i varies from 0 to 6, with 0 giving a
solid line.
set line width(i)
The width of any subsequent line is set to i; 0 gives the thinnest line.
set fontsize(x)
A multiplier x is applied to the default font size — e.g., x = 0.5 will result
in a smaller font.
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

set RGB(r, g, b)
This command sets the RED BLUE GREEN values — r, g, b are of type
float in the range 0.0 to 1.0.
The following notes apply to all plot functions.
1) Plotting coordinate units are the same as the model units, using the current transformations
from model to screen units.
2) A user-written FISH function that contains calls to the plot functions listed above may
be named as a regular plot item (using the PLOT add fish name command, where name
is the name of the user-written function). The new plot item may be used anywhere that
the built-in plot items are expected, provided it is preceded by the keyword fish.
The use of the various plot functions is illustrated in Example 2.23.
Example 2.23 Using the FISH plotting extensions

def getCodeDim
codeDim = DIM
end
getCodeDim
;
def iniArrays
array aPoly1(codeDim, 3) aPoly2(codeDim, 3) v1(codeDim) v2(codeDim)
end
;
def poly1
aPoly1(1,1) = -2.0
aPoly1(2,1) = 0.0
aPoly1(3,1) = -2.0
aPoly1(1,2) = 0.0
aPoly1(2,2) = 0.0
aPoly1(3,2) = 2.0
aPoly1(1,3) = 2.0
aPoly1(2,3) = 0.0
aPoly1(2,3) = -2.0
status = set_line_width(4)
status = draw_poly(aPoly1, 3, 1)
end
def poly2
aPoly2( 1,1) = -1.0
aPoly2(codeDim,1) = -1.0
aPoly2( 1,2) = 0.0
aPoly2(codeDim,2) = 1.0
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

aPoly2( 1,3) = 1.0

aPoly2(codeDim,3) = -1.0
if codeDim = 3 then
aPoly2(2,1) = 0.0
aPoly2(2,2) = 0.0
aPoly2(2,3) = 0.0
endif
status = fill_poly(aPoly2, 3)
end
def line1
v1( 1) = -3
v1(codeDim) = -3
v2( 1) = 3
v2(codeDim) = -3
if codeDim = 3 then
v1(2) = 0
v2(2) = 0
endif
status = draw_line(v1, v2)
end
def text1
sMsg = ’How do you like this?’
status = draw_string(v1, sMsg)
end
;
pl cre test
pl add fish poly1 magenta
pl add fish poly2 white
pl add fish line1 black
pl add fish text1 yellow
pl set mode model
plot set mag 0.5
pl set distance 10 center 0 0 0
pl sh
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

2.7.2 FISH I/O Routines
The set of FISH functions described in this section enable data to be written to, and read from, a
file. There are two modes: an “ASCII” mode that allows a FISH program to exchange data with
other programs; and a “FISH” mode that enables data to be passed between FISH functions. In
FISH mode, the data are written in binary, without loss of precision, whereas numbers written out
in ASCII form may lose precision when read back into a FISH program. In FISH mode, the value
of the FISH variable is written to the file, not the name of the variable. Only one file may be open
at any one time.
close The currently open file is closed; 0 is returned for a successful operation.
open(filename, wr, mode)
This function opens a file, named filename, for writing or reading. The
variable filename can be a quoted string or a FISH string variable.
Parameter wr must be an integer with one of the following values:
0 file opened for reading; file must exist
1 file opened for writing; existing file will be overwritten
2 file opened for writing; existing file will be appended to
Parameter mode must be an integer with one of the following values:
0 read/write of FISH variables; only the data corresponding to the
FISH variable (integer, float or string) are transferred, not the
name of the variable.
1 read/write of ASCII data; on a read operation the data are
expected to be organized in lines, with CR/LF between lines. A
maximum of 80 characters per line is allowed.
2 sets binary read mode, whereby any file is opened for reading
in binary mode.
The returned value denotes the following conditions:
0 file opened successfully
1 filename is not a string
2 filename is a string, but is empty
3 wr or mode (not integers)
4 bad mode (not 0 or 1)
5 bad wr (not 0 or 1)
6 cannot open file for reading (e.g., file does not exist)
7 file already open
8 not a FISH mode file (for read access in FISH mode)
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

read(ar, n)
reads n records into the array ar. Each record is either a line of ASCII
data, or a single FISH variable. The array ar must be an array of at least n
elements. The returned value is:
0 requested number of lines were input without error
-1 error on read (except end-of-file)
n positive value indicates that end-of-file was encountered after
reading n lines
In FISH mode, the number and type of records must exactly match the
number and type of records written. It is up to the user to control this. If
an arbitrary number of variables is to be written, the first record could be
made to contain this number, so that the correct number could subsequently
be read.
If a file is opened in mode = 2, then n bytes are read into the array ar. If
less than n bytes exist, then the actual number is returned. The array must
have at least n elements.
write(ar, n)
writes n records from the first n elements of the array ar. Each record is
either a line of ASCII data, or a single FISH variable. For ASCII mode,
each element written must be of type string. The array ar must be an array
of at least n elements. The returned value is:
0 requested number of lines were output without error
-1 error on write
n positive value (in ASCII mode) indicates that the nth element
was not a string (hence only n − 1 lines were written). An error
message is also displayed on the screen.
The following intrinsic functions do not perform file operations, but can be used to extract items
from ASCII data that is derived from a file.
parse(s, i)
This function scans the string s and decodes the ith item, which it returns.
Integers, floats and strings are recognized. Delimiters are the same as for
general commands (i.e., spaces, commas, parentheses, tabs and equal signs).
If the ith item is missing, zero is returned. An error message is displayed
and zero is returned if the variable s is not a string.
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

pre parse(s, i)
This function scans the string s and returns an integer value according to
the type of the ith item, as follows.
0 missing item
1 integer
2 float
3 string missing (unable to interpret as int or float)
Example 2.24 illustrates the use of the FISH I/O functions.
Example 2.24 Using the FISH I/O functions

def setup
a_size = 20
IO_READ = 0
IO_WRITE = 1
IO_FISH = 0
IO_ASCII = 1
filename = ’junk.dat’
end
setup
;
def io
array aa(a_size) bb(a_size)
;
; ASCII I/O TEST ------------------
status = open(filename, IO_WRITE, IO_ASCII)
aa(1) = ’Line 1 ... Fred’
aa(2) = ’Line 2 ... Joe’
aa(3) = ’Line 3 ... Roger’
status = write(aa,3)
status = close
status = open(filename, IO_READ, IO_ASCII)
status = read(bb, a_size)
if status # 3 then
oo = out(’ Bad number of lines’)
endif
status = close
;
; now check results...
loop n (1,3)
if parse(bb(n), 2) # n then
oo = out(’ Bad 2nd item in loop’ + string(n))
exit
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

endif
endloop
;
if pre_parse(bb(3), 4) # 3 then
oo = out(’ Not a string’)
exit
endif
;
; FISH I/O TEST -----------------
status = open(filename, IO_WRITE, IO_FISH)
funny_int = 1234567
funny_float = 1.2345e6
aa(1) = ’---> All tests passed OK’
aa(2) = funny_int
aa(3) = funny_float
;
status = write(aa,3)
status = close
status = open(filename, IO_READ, IO_FISH)
status = read(bb, 3)
status = close
;
; now check results...
if type(bb(1)) # 3 then
oo = out(’ Bad FISH string read/write’)
exit
endif
if bb(2) # funny_int then
oo = out(’ Bad FISH integer read/write’)
exit
endif
if bb(3) # funny_float then
oo = out(’ Bad FISH float read/write’)
exit
endif
oo = out(bb(1)) ; (should be a good message)
command
sys del junk.dat
endcommand
end
;
io
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

2.8 Socket I/O Routines
FISH contains the option to allow data to be exchanged between two or more Itasca codes running
as separate processes, using socket connections (as used for TCP/IP transmission over the Internet).
At present, socket I/O connections can be made between FLAC 3D Version 3.0, FLAC Version 5.0
and PFC 2D Version 3.1 and PFC 3D Version 3.1. It is possible to pass data between two or more
instances of the same code (e.g., two instances of FLAC 3D ), but the main use is anticipated to be
coupling of dissimilar codes such as FLAC 3D and PFC 3D. An example is provided in Section 2.8.1
of such a coupling.
The data contained in FISH arrays may be passed in either direction between two codes. The data
are transmitted in binary with no loss of precision. Up to six data channels may be open at any
one time; these may exist between two codes, or may connect several codes simultaneously. The
following FISH intrinsics are provided. The word process denotes the instance of the code that is
currently running. All functions return a value of 10 if the ID number is invalid.
sopen(mode, ID)
The integer, mode, takes the value 0 or 1. A value of 1 causes the data
channel of number ID to be initiated, with the process acting as a server.
Another process can link to the server, with the same ID, by invoking sopen,
with mode = 0, which denotes the process as a client. The ID number must
be in the range 0 to 5, inclusive, giving a total of six possible channels
of communication. The server sopen function must be issued before the
client sopen function, for a given ID. While waiting for a connection, the
server process is unresponsive. The sopen function returns 0 when a good
connection has been made, and nonzero if an error has been detected.
sclose(ID)
Channel ID is closed.
swrite(arr, num, ID)
num FISH variables are sent on channel ID from array arr. The data in arr
may consist of a mixture of integers, reals or strings. Zero is returned for
a good data transmission, and nonzero if an error is detected. In addition,
error messages may be issued for various problems, such as incorrect array
size, etc.
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

sread(arr, num, ID)

num FISH variables are received from channel ID, and placed in array arr,
which is overwritten, and which must be at least num elements in size.
The returned value is zero if data is received without error, and nonzero if
an error has occurred. Note that the function sread does not return until
the requested number of items have been received. Therefore, a process
will appear to “lock up” if insufficient data have been sent by the sending
process.
In order to achieve socket communication between two processes, codes must be started separately
from separate directories. To illustrate the procedure, we can send messages between two instances
of FLAC 3D, and record the log files, as follows. The server log file is as follows.
Example 2.25 Server log file

def serve
array arr(3)
arr(1) = 1234
arr(2) = 57.89
arr(3) = ’hello from the server’
oo = sopen(1,1)
oo = swrite(arr,3,1)
oo = sread(arr,1,1)
oo = sclose(1)
oo = out(arr(1))
end
serve
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

The client log file is as follows.
Example 2.26 Client log file

def client
array arr(3)
oo = sopen(0,1)
oo = sread(arr,3,1)
oo = out(’ Received values ...’)
oo = out(’ ’+string(arr(1)))
arr(1) = ’greetings from the client’
oo = sclose(1)
end
client
Data have been passed both ways between the two code instances. A more useful example is given
below, in Section 2.8.1.
2.8.1 Example of Coupling between FLAC 3D and PFC 3D
One way of adding the effects of fluid interaction to a granular assembly modeled with PFC 3D
(Itasca 1999) is to represent the assembly as an equivalent porous continuum, for the purpose of
calculating the flow and pressure fields. Accordingly, in this example, FLAC 3D is used to determine
the fluid flow field in a box containing a uniform, isotropic material, and saved on file “FF.SAV.”
Figure 2.3 shows the results of executing file “FF.DAT,” in which fluid under pressure enters along
the lower part of the left wall, and exits along the right part of the upper wall (specified by FIX pp
boundary conditions).
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

FLAC3D 3.00
Step 2000 Model Perspective
12:41:32 Fri Mar 25 2005
Center: Rotation:
X: 1.000e+001 X: 0.000
Y: 2.500e+000 Y: 0.000
Z: 5.000e+000 Z: 0.000
Dist: 5.780e+001 Mag.: 1
Ang.: 22.500
Contour of Pore Pressure

Magfac = 0.000e+000
0.0000e+000 to 1.0000e+004
1.0000e+004 to 2.0000e+004
2.0000e+004 to 3.0000e+004
3.0000e+004 to 4.0000e+004
4.0000e+004 to 5.0000e+004
5.0000e+004 to 6.0000e+004
6.0000e+004 to 7.0000e+004
7.0000e+004 to 8.0000e+004
8.0000e+004 to 9.0000e+004
9.0000e+004 to 1.0000e+005
1.0000e+005 to 1.0000e+005
Interval = 1.0e+004
Flow Vectors
Maximum = 1.371e-006
Linestyle
Itasca Consulting Group, Inc.

Minneapolis, MN USA
Figure 2.3 Pressure contours and fluid flow vectors — FLAC 3D
An assembly of 1000 spheres is created with PFC 3D, and packed within an identical box composed
of walls, using the data file “PF.DAT,” and saved on file “PF.SAV.”
Both models are restarted with FLAC 3D and PFC 3D, respectively, running both codes simultaneously
on the same processor, and the pressure gradients from FLAC 3D are passed via socket I/O to PFC 3D,
which converts them to body forces on appropriate particles. This operation is executed using the
following procedure. After starting both codes, file “FFR.DAT” is input to FLAC 3D, which then
waits for a connection. Then “PFR.DAT” is input to PFC 3D, and data is exchanged between codes,
and a few steps are executed in PFC 3D, resulting in the plot shown in Figure 2.4, which illustrates
that the particles are starting to move in response to the imposed fluid pressure field imported from
FLAC 3D.
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

PFC3D 3.10
Settings: ModelPerspective
Step 1510 12:53:43 Fri Mar 25 2005
Center: Rotation
X: 1.000e+001 X: 0.000
Y: 2.506e+000 Y: 0.000
Z: 4.999e+000 Z: 0.000
Dist: 6.418e+001 Mag.: 1
Ang.: 22.500
Ball
Velocity
Maximum = 2.662e-002
Linestyle
Itasca Consulting Group, Inc.

Minneapolis, MN USA
Figure 2.4 Initial velocity vectors, due to imposed pressure gradient

— PFC 3D
The initial problem setup performed by files “FF.DAT” and “PF.DAT” is quite straightforward, but
the subsequent operations may require some explanation. The file “FFR.DAT” opens channel 1,
and sends some basic data — the number of zones in each box dimension. Then — for each zone
— the centroid coordinates and the three components of the pressure gradient are sent, the latter
being computed from
∂P qi
= (2.1)
∂xi k
where qi is the specific discharge vector and k is the (uniform) permeability given in the initial data
input.
In PFC 3D, the file “PFR.DAT” initially reads the zone-number data from channel 1, and sets up
appropriately sized arrays for the pressure gradient data. Then these data are read from the channel,
and used to apply body forces to each particle, according to the following formula:
4 ∂P
Fi = π R3 (2.2)
3 ∂xi
where R is the particle radius.
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

Note that the example is incomplete, and involves simplifications, for the sake of clarity. In partic-
ular, the following changes are suggested if the approach is to be used in a realistic simulation.
1. The problem should be better parameterized (and these parameters exchanged
between codes), to avoid assumptions (such as box coordinates and boundary
conditions).
2. In the example, the data flow is in one direction. For a complete model,
porosity data should be passed back from PFC 3D to FLAC 3D, and the flow
solution repeated as the particle model deforms, using — for example — an
empirical relation to derive local permeability values from porosity.
3. The pressure gradient used in the PFC 3D model by each sphere is the nearest
zone value. A more accurate approach would be to interpolate the gradient
between several zones surrounding a given particle, if the particle’s centroid
is not located exactly at a zone’s centroid.
4. Parameter studies should be made on the effect of FLAC 3D zone sizes compared
to PFC 3D particle sizes, keeping in mind the intent of the flow calculation
to represent the average pressure gradient over several particles. Thus, the
assumption of homogeneity (in the flow calculation) is only valid when many
particles are represented within each zone.
Example 2.27 “FF.DAT” — initialization of FLAC 3D data

; Flow example, coupled to PFC3D
config fluid
def setup
nZoneX = 20
nZoneY = 5
nZoneZ = 10
zPerm = 1e-10
end
setup
grid nZoneX nZoneY nZoneZ
model fl_iso
set mech off
ini fmod 1e9
prop perm zPerm
fix pp 1e5 range x -.1 .1 z=-.1 5.1
fix pp 0 range x 14.9 20.1 z=9.9 10.1
his gp pp 10 2.5 5
cyc 2000
save ff.sav
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

Example 2.28 “FFR.DAT” — FLAC 3D file to pass data to PFC 3D

res ff.sav
def InitialData
array arr(6)
oo = sopen(1,1)
arr(1) = nZoneX
arr(2) = nZoneY
arr(3) = nZoneZ
end
InitialData
def SwapData
zp = zone_head
loop while zp # null
arr(1) = z_xcen(zp) ; Zone centroid
arr(2) = z_ycen(zp)
arr(3) = z_zcen(zp)
arr(4) = z_qx(zp) / zPerm ; Pressure gradient
arr(5) = z_qy(zp) / zPerm
arr(6) = z_qz(zp) / zPerm
zp = z_next(zp)
endLoop
end
def CloseChannel
oo = close(1)
end
SwapData
CloseChannel
plo con pp out on flow
Example 2.29 “PF.DAT” — initialization of PFC 3D data

; Set up spheres packed into 3D box
wall id=1 kn 1e8 orig 0 0 0 norm 0 1 0
wall id=4 kn 1e8 orig 20 5 10 norm 0 -1 0
wall id=5 kn 1e8 orig 20 5 10 norm 0 0 -1
wall id=6 kn 1e8 orig 20 5 10 norm -1 0 0
gen id=1,1000 x 0 20 y 0 5 z 0 10 rad .25 .35
prop dens 1000 kn 1e8 ks 0.5e8
ini rad mul 1.35
cyc 500
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

ini rad mul 1.3

cyc 500
prop fric 0.1
cyc 500
save pf.sav
Example 2.30 “PFR.DAT” — PFC 3D file to receive data from FLAC 3D

res pf.sav
ini xv 0 yv 0 zv 0 xs 0 ys 0 zs 0 ; Zero velocities
ini xdis 0 ydis 0 zdis 0 ; and displacements
def InitialData
array arr(6)
oo = sopen(0,1)
oo = sread(arr,3,1)
nZoneX = arr(1)
nZoneY = arr(2)
nZoneZ = arr(3)
nZtot = nZoneX * nZoneY * nZoneZ
end
InitialData
def SwapData
array xgrad(nZoneX,nZoneY,nZoneZ) ; To store pressure gradients
array ygrad(nZoneX,nZoneY,nZoneZ)
array zgrad(nZoneX,nZoneY,nZoneZ)
loop n (1,nZtot)
oo = sread(arr,6,1)
iX = int(arr(1)+1.0) ; Assume index is same as coordinate
iY = int(arr(2)+1.0)
iZ = int(arr(3)+1.0)
xgrad(iX,iY,iZ) = arr(4)
ygrad(iX,iY,iZ) = arr(5)
zgrad(iX,iY,iZ) = arr(6)
endLoop
end
def ApplyForces
bp = ball_head
loop while bp # null
iX = max(1,min(nZoneX,int(b_x(bp))))
iY = max(1,min(nZoneY,int(b_y(bp))))
iZ = max(1,min(nZoneZ,int(b_z(bp))))
fac = 4.0 * pi * b_rad(bp)ˆ3 / 3.0
b_xfap(bp) = fac * xgrad(iX,iY,iZ)
b_yfap(bp) = fac * ygrad(iX,iY,iZ)
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

b_zfap(bp) = fac * zgrad(iX,iY,iZ)

bp = b_next(bp)
endLoop
end
def CloseChannel
oo = close(1)
end
SwapData
ApplyForces
CloseChannel
step 10
plot ball red vel yell
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

2.9 Reference
Itasca Consulting Group, Inc. PFC3D (Particle Flow Code in 3 Dimensions), Version 3.1. Min-
neapolis: ICG, 2005.
FLAC 3D Version 3.0

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FISH REFERENCE 2-1

2.1 Introduction and Overview

FLAC 3D Version 3.0

2.2 FISH Language Rules, Variables and Functions

FLAC 3D Version 3.0

2.2.2 Reserved Names for Functions and Variables

Example 2.1 Using the FISH identifier

FLAC 3D Version 3.0

FLAC 3D Version 3.0

FLAC 3D Version 3.0

FLAC 3D Version 3.0

FLAC 3D Version 3.0

By default, user-defined variables represent single numbers or strings. Multi-dimensional arrays

Example 2.2 Initializing and printing FISH arrays

Upon execution, the following output is produced.

FLAC 3D Version 3.0

2.2.3 Scope of Variables

2.2.4 Functions: Structure, Evaluation and Calling Scheme

Example 2.3 Construction of a function

(3) as a single word xxx on a FLAC 3D input line;

FLAC 3D Version 3.0

Example 2.4 A recursive function call

The same function should be coded as shown in Example 2.5, below.

FLAC 3D Version 3.0

Example 2.6 Evaluation of variables

The FLAC 3D commands to request histories might be:

2.2.5 Data Types

FLAC 3D Version 3.0

FLAC 3D Version 3.0

2.2.6 Arithmetic: Expressions and Type Conversions

Arithmetic follows the conventions used in most languages. The symbols

The expression is equivalent to

FLAC 3D Version 3.0

Example 2.7 Control of interactive input

FLAC 3D Version 3.0

Table 2.2 String manipulation characters

2.2.8 Redefining FISH Functions

FLAC 3D Version 3.0

2.3 FISH Statements

2.3.1 Specification Statements

is a valid statement if abc is the name of a three-dimensional array. Arrays may

FLAC 3D Version 3.0

FLAC 3D Version 3.0

2.3.2 Control Statements

Example 2.8 Usage of the CASE construct

FLAC 3D Version 3.0

FLAC 3D Version 3.0

LOOP var (expr1, expr2)

FLAC 3D Version 3.0

2.3.3 FLAC 3D Command Execution

FLAC 3D Version 3.0

2.4 Linkages to FLAC 3D

2.4.1 Modified FLAC 3D Commands

FLAC 3D Version 3.0

SET var value

2.4.2 Execution of FISH Functions

FLAC 3D Version 3.0

Example 2.9 FISH function with generic mesh-handling capability

FLAC 3D Version 3.0

Example 2.10 Using string variables

Example 2.11 Controlling a FLAC 3D run

FLAC 3D Version 3.0

gen zone brick size 3 5 3