Timestep value plotted in animation, CFX 5.5 POST
 

Dear CFX-users

I would like to plot the timestep/total time value in a transient animation. I have no idea how to do that, as I cannot load the value of the timestep (though see it of course in the time-step selector), nor see it available in the expression editor. Me stupid ;-)?

Could somebody help me with this? Thanks in advance!

Kind regards, Sjoerd

Re: Timestep value plotted in animation, CFX 5.5 P
 

2 Workarounds:

1) Read your output file into Excel. Sort, cut, paste, sort, cut, etc. This way you should be able to view the things you want to see.

2) Write a script that reads your output file and pick the things you need. Then, save the total time and timesteps in a text file. Read it into Excel and make a nice plot.

That is how we do it, Astrid

Re: Timestep value plotted in animation, CFX 5.5 P
 

Thank you for your answer Astrid. I understand what you write, but it does not solve my problem. I think I did not pose my question clear enough. Let's give it another try.

When I make a movie (animation) in CFX-POST of a transient run, I'd like to see the total time in the movie itself plotted. The reason is that I don't use a constant time step between each sweep of a the transient iteration, which results in a non-linear time if I make a movie with only one frame per time step. So, if possible, I want to create a movie that shows the total time so you can see the time marching together with the changing phenomena...

Regards, Sjoerd

Re: Timestep value plotted in animation, CFX 5.5 P
 

Hi Sjoerd, I know in CFX Visualise you can plot the Time value or Time Step using Annotate. However I'm not sure in Post if you can do that, I imagine you can somewhere. One possible way would be to write some Perl using the Power Syntax and creat your own Heading using this. Have a look on the on line help at the Power Syntax- it should give you some clues. You may also need to setup the animation using the power syntax as well, I'm not sure on that. Good Luck Stuart

Re: Timestep value plotted in animation, CFX 5.5 P
 

Hi Stuart,

Thanks for your reply. Unforunately, I have not much experience with Perl, which makes it hard for me to get this working. I read through the help files and concluded, that since I am working on a short project, I do not have enough time to invest in learning Perl and the Power Syntax language to get this fixed.

I still think it is a bit awkward that an essential feature like plotting the timestep in a movie is not easily accessible. And it was indeed in the previous version...

Regards, Sjoerd

Re: Timestep value plotted in animation, CFX 5.5 P
 

Sjoerd Yes I agree, but I also must say that just because I don't know how to do it doesn't mean that its not easily available. Have you tried contacting the CFX Support team. They are very helpfull and can usually provide a quick and simple solution to most problems. Stuart

Re: Timestep value plotted in animation, CFX 5.5 P
 

Hi Stuart,

True, they are quick and usually solve your problems. Unfortunately not in this case. FYI, the answer from technical support form CFX:

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From: "CFX Technical Services" <CFX.Support@cfx.aeat.com>

Dear Sjoerd,

I have just heard back from Canada [development centre]. I had asked whether it was possible to obtain a label to show the time value as text as you could in CFX-Visualise. Unfortunately it is not yet available but is planned for CFX-5.6 which will be released at the end of this year.

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Re: Timestep value plotted in animation, CFX 5.5 P
 

Sjoerd, Oh well looks like it may be the Perl way then. Sorry, but thanks for passing on the information. If i have time I'll see if I can get something together in Perl (not sure if its even possible yet), as i will be wanting to plot the animation time for our work. If I get something to work I'll send you a copy. Good Luck Stuart