A step function is a function whose magnitude transitions smoothly from one value to another value.
Given an initial function value F1 at a time T1, and a final function value F2 at a time T2, the actual function value is determined by:
If (time <= T1) F = F1
If (T1 < time < T2) F=F1+(F2 - F1)*[(Time - T1)/(T2 - T1)]2 * (3-2*[(Time - T1)/(T2-T1)]
If (time >= T2) F = F2
When the Step selection is active, the dialog box contains the following:
|
Initial Value |
Enter the value of the function before the step. |
|
Final Value |
Enter the value of the function after the step. |
|
Start Step Time |
Enter the time at which the step begins. |
|
End Step Time |
Enter the time at which the step ends. |
If the values in the text boxes are set as follows:
Initial Value = 50
Final Value = 100
Initial Time = 1
Final Time = 2
a function is produced that looks like:
The function makes a smooth transition from F = 50 at Time = 1.0, to F = 100 at Time = 2.0.