from ..Step.StepBase import StepBase
from ..TableCollection.ActivateElements import ActivateElements


class TableCollectionStep(StepBase):
    """The Step object stores the parameters that determine the context of the step. The Step
    object is the abstract base type for other Step objects. The Step object has no explicit
    constructor. The methods and members of the Step object are common to all objects
    derived from the Step.

    .. note:: 
        This object can be accessed by:

        .. code-block:: python

            import step
            mdb.models[name].steps[name]
    """

    def ActivateElements(
        self,
        tableCollection: str,
        activation: str,
        eigenTimeConst: str = "",
        expansionTimeConstant: str = "",
    ) -> ActivateElements:
        """This method creates an ActivateElements object.

        .. note:: 
            This function can be accessed by:

            .. code-block:: python

                mdb.models[name].ActivateElements

        Parameters
        ----------
        tableCollection
            A String specifying the name of the tableCollection object.
        activation
            A string specifying the name of progressive element activation.
        eigenTimeConst
            A Double specifying the time constant used to ramp up the eigenstrains at element
            activation.
        expansionTimeConstant
            A Double specifying the time constant used to ramp up the thermal strains at element
            activation.

        Returns
        -------
        elements: ActivateElements
            An :py:class:`~abaqus.TableCollection.ActivateElements.ActivateElements` object.
        """
        self.activateElements["activation"] = activateElements = ActivateElements(
            tableCollection, activation, eigenTimeConst, expansionTimeConstant
        )
        return activateElements
