In the context of file paths, particularly when utilized with the INCLUDE statement within MSC Nastran, the sequence “../..” signifies moving two directory levels up from the current directory. For instance, if an input file resides in “C:\Project\Subfolder\Input.dat” and an INCLUDE statement uses “../..\Material.dat”, MSC Nastran will search for “Material.dat” in “C:\Project\”. This mechanism allows for referencing files located outside the immediate directory where the current input file is stored.
This relative path specification offers significant advantages in organizing and maintaining large simulation projects. It enables the creation of modular input files, where common definitions, such as material properties or analysis parameters, can be stored in centralized locations and referenced by multiple analysis decks. Utilizing relative paths enhances portability, as the directory structure within the project can be moved without requiring modification to the INCLUDE statements, provided the relative relationships between files remain constant. Historically, such techniques have been crucial for managing complex simulations, promoting reusability, and minimizing redundancy in input data.
