Array with variables and expression builder

Question

Hello all, 
 I would like to know if anyone has developed a way to produce a polar array (rectangular or linear would be of interest also) with variables and expression builder for either 2d or 3d. Ultimately I would like to create a plate that has holes in it. The plate OD would be based on the bolt circle. The bolt hole would then be arrayed at a value of 6,8 or 10. An extrusion of the plate would be controlled by another variable. Or am I SOL and have to use GC? On that note, is GC for v8i still free? We don't have AECOSim licensing so we can't use connect. 
 Thanks in advance, 
 Connect version update 12 
 windows 10

Jeff Berleth · Accepted Answer

Ok everyone, 
 Looks like I have answered my own question. Let's see if I can go over what I did. File attached for review. 
 I defined a few variables: plate thickness, outside diameter, bolt distance (aka bolt circle), bolt hole and array value. All types are distances except the last which is integer. 
 I then modeled parts of the plate with the variables. Made a cylinder, made a circle, cut solids with curves, attached constraints to bolt hole, outside diameter, bolt distance (bolt circle) 
 I then arrayed the hole with array feature not the array command and specified the integer value I predefined and made sure the total angle was 360. 
 It worked exactly how I wanted it to. I have since made some changes to the math so I'm comparing apples to apples for radii and such and can also add another variable for the delta. Note that when you go to array the cut hole you will see some very interesting reactions out of the array. I'm pretty sure I can find a way to exploit these anomalies. 
 Anyway, let me know if you have questions. 
 plate_w-holes_array.dgn

Array with variables and expression builder

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