def sensitivity_analysis_payload(
    variable_parameter_name="",
    variable_parameter_range="",
    variable_parameter_ref_val="",
    output_parameter_names=None,
):
    """format the parameters required to request a sensitivity analysis in a specific JSON"""
    if output_parameter_names is None:
        output_parameter_names = []
    return {
        "sensitivity_analysis_settings": {
            "variable_parameter_name": variable_parameter_name,
            "variable_parameter_range": variable_parameter_range,
            "variable_parameter_ref_val": variable_parameter_ref_val,
            "output_parameter_names": output_parameter_names,
        }
    }