> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://dante-solutions-inc.gitbook.io/dante-6.3-help-documentation/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://dante-solutions-inc.gitbook.io/dante-6.3-help-documentation/readme/installation/directory-and-file-structure.md).
# Directory and File Structure
When DANTE models are executed, the **material database** files are expected to be in particular locations so that the DANTE user subroutines know where to look for the data files. The directory structure and file locations are explained in this section.
The DANTE files, including the dynamic library link (.dll) files, the material database files, example files, and tutorials are structured as described below. Figure 1 shows the DANTE directory (including versions 6.1a, and 6.2a) and Figure 11 shows a schematic of the DANTE file structure.
*Figure 1: DANTE directory and its subdirectories.*
The highest-level directory is the “DANTE” directory. Inside the DANTE directory, down one level, is the specific version directory (6\_1a in this case). Figure 2 shows its subdirectory content. The "unins000.exe" is used to uninstall the current DANTE version.
*Figure 2: Subdirectories located in version subdirectory.*
***DCTRLA***: This subdirectory contains the Control File. This file controls the maximum amount of change for carbon, nitrogen, phase fraction, and temperature from one time increment to the next during the analysis. This file can be edited to help with convergence or accuracy issues. Please contact DANTE engineers at for guidance on editing this file.
***DANTE\_Utility\_Tools***: This subdirectory contains DANTE utility tools to support process design, material customization, etc. Separate license(s) other than DANTE FEA will be needed to use these tools.
***Abaqus\_Link***: This subdirectory contains subdirectories that are unique to the Abaqus version of DANTE. The subdirectories which reside in the Abaqus\_Link subdirectories are shown in Figure 3 and are described below.
*Figure 3: Subdirectories located in the Abaqus\_Link subdirectory.*
***DANTE\_Library***: This subdirectory contains another subdirectory, called “dante\_x\_xx\_prx”, shown in Figure 4, where the x’s are the DANTE version number; the DANTE version shown in Fig. 4 is version 6.2a\_pr1. Inside the dante\_x\_xx\_prx subdirectory are subdirectories containing the compiled user subroutines for the user’s specific Abaqus version; e.g., Abaqus version 2019, version 2020, etc. Figure 5 shows the subdirectory containing the Abaqus version specific subdirectories. The compiled user subroutines inside the Abaqus version specific subdirectories are the mathematical models and algorithms used to model the heat treatment process.
*Figure 4: Subdirectories located in the DANTE\_Library subdirectory.*
*Figure 5: Subdirectories located in the dante\_x\_xx\_prx subdirectory.*
Continuing with the subdirectories shown in Figure 3:
***DANTE\_PlugIn***: This subdirectory contains Abaqus specific subdirectories containing the DANTE Plug-In. The DANTE Plug-In can be used to make DANTE model setup easier and more efficient.
***Examples***: This subdirectory contains examples to common models; e.g., gas carburize / oil quench, LPC / HPGQ, etc. The files in this subdirectory are the input files (.inp) and any other files needed to execute the models. The examples are there as a reference to allow the user to see how to properly set up process specific DANTE heat treatment models. Information, such as material definitions, initial conditions, and film properties (i.e., thermal boundary conditions) can also be copied from these files and pasted in a user’s input file. For step-by-step instructions on setting up DANTE heat treatment models, please see the tutorials provided in the Tutorials subdirectory.
***Generic\_HTC\_Data***: General heat transfer coefficients as functions of part surface temperature for different processes are included in this subdirectory. Processes include furnace heating, oil quenching, salt baths, etc. A user may also populate this subdirectory with HTC data describing their heating/quenching vessels, and are encouraged to do so for more accurate model results.
***Help\_Documentation***: This subdirectory contains the DANTE help file.
***Install\_Test***: This subdirectory contains an input file used to ensure that the DANTE software was installed successfully. The input file is for a quench hardening thermal model.
***Tutorials***: This subdirectory contains step-by-step instructions on how to set up common heat treatment models; e.g. gas carburize / oil quench, LPC / HPGQ, etc.
***DANTEDB\_SDB***: (Located in the same level as “Abaqus\_link”. This subdirectory contains standard material database)
One level down from the DANTE directory, in the same subdirectory level as Abaqus\_Link, is the DANTE material database, DANTEDB\_SDB. This subdirectory contains subdirectories for the different metal alloys available for simulation, and an identification file (Material\_ID subdirectory). Figure 6 shows the subdirectories located in the DANTEDBx\_x directory, followed by a brief explanation of each subdirectory.
*Figure 6: Subdirectories located in the DANTEDB\_SDB subdirectory.*
***ALUM***: This subdirectory contains the material data files for aluminum alloys.
***Material\_ID***: This subdirectory is used by the DANTE Plug-In to populate the Material Name in the Material/Section tab. Materials must be added to this file using the name of the material in the DANTEDB\_SDB subdirectory for the names to be displayed by the DANTE Plug-In.
***NICKEL***: This subdirectory contains the material data files for nickel alloys.
***STEEL***: This subdirectory contains the material data files for steel alloys.
Each alloy subdirectory (i.e., ALUM, NICKEL, and STEEL) contains a standard material database (SDB), which defines the material and its diffusion, thermal, and mechanical properties, as well as a file to control maximum variable value changes from time step to time step. Figure 7 shows the subdirectories with a list of the available steel grades.
*Figure 7: Subdirectories of steel grades located in the STEEL subdirectory.*
This is the standard material database, in binary format, that is delivered to each customer, populated with common carburizing grades of steel and some low and medium alloy steels. These files **cannot** be edit. To adjust any properties in these files; e.g., to increase the hardenability slightly due to a slight increase in the chromium content, please contact DANTE engineers at for assistance in creating a user material in the UDB subdirectory.
Continuing with the main directory as shown in Figure 1, there are “DANTEDB\_UDB”, “Equipment”, and “License” subdirectories.
***Equipment***: This subdirectory the available equipment data for specific heat treating shops for setting up the HTPSim model specifically. This data is not used in DANTE FEA with Abaqus solver.
***DANTEDB\_UDB***: This subdirectory contains user defined materials, in ASCII format under a specific version subdirectory (User defined material data for different versions should be stored under specific version subdirectory). They can be a material not found in the standard database or a modification to an existing material. For assistance in creating the parameters needed, and to determine appropriate mechanical and phase transformation testing, please contact DANTE engineers at .
*Figure 8: User Material Subdirectory under specific version.*
One level down from the DANTE main directory, is the DANTE License subdirectory, as shown in Figure 9. This subdirectory contains all the files necessary to install and configure the DANTE license server. The license file is delivered separate from the software package, and it is recommended be placed in this subdirectory for ease of installation.
*Figure 9: Files located in the DANTE License subdirectory.*
The “License.CTL” file is used to configure the license setting (license file location), and license type (COMMERCIAL, RESEARCH, or TECHINING). An example of its content is displayed in Figure 10.
*Figure 10: Example of License.CTL file content.*
Figure 11 shows a schematic of the DANTE file structure. The ‘x.xx’ are version numbers installed in the same directory. The subdirectory names will vary depending on DANTE version, Abaqus version, and operating system type.
*Figure 11: Schematic of the DANTE file structure.*
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