[constance13]

Hello everyone!

I am really new to OpenFOAM and I am wondering how I can define functions (for example velocity or forces or surface vectors in general as a function of coordinates).Can I write expressions inside the files of a case and specify functions, considering each patch? Or could I write different files and include them in the main ones (like a different file that's included in controlDict for instance)?




Thank you very much in advance!

Constance

[HPE]

Hi,

- I would start by looking at the links below, which contain lots of useful information, tutorials and examples. I don't know how familiar you are with OpenFOAM, or C++, or CFD, but if you are new to most of them, I would start small with perseverance. The learning curve for OpenFOAM gets smoother every year, but still steep.
- I think whatever one can do with bare C++ can be done in OpenFOAM, so the overall answer to your question is yes.
- It would help forum people a lot if you can isolate your question, if possible.

Good luck!

[constance13]

Originally Posted by HPE

Hi,

- I would start by looking at the links below, which contain lots of useful information, tutorials and examples. I don't know how familiar you are with OpenFOAM, or C++, or CFD, but if you are new to most of them, I would start small with perseverance. The learning curve for OpenFOAM gets smoother every year, but still steep.
- I think whatever one can do with bare C++ can be done in OpenFOAM, so the overall answer to your question is yes.
- It would help forum people a lot if you can isolate your question, if possible.

Good luck!

Hello again,

thank you very much for this fast reply and the links you provided,
very helpful. I'm starting from there and if I end up in dead end, I'll be
more specific to the next possible question.

Thanks!

[Tobi]

I just want to elaborate on the question a bit more.

• Yes, and no. You can add functionalities to the controlDict, which can handle objectFunctions. These functions are already programmed and ready to use. There are different scenarios available in the tutorial cases that show one how to use these functionObjects. It is a powerful tool and run-time adjustable as well as can be constructed on the fly (no recompiling or code development needed)
• If the functionObjects do not fit your needs, you can either program your function object, integrate it to the library, and use it afterward. Or you can modify the solver you are using. In either way, it means that you have to code your function and implement it to the solver or functionObject library
• At last, you can develop your complete library that analyzes the numerical data without using the FOAM namespace functions and classes or using them. It is identical to the second one, but you are not adding the function to the functionObject library. However, it does not matter which way you go

Summing up: If the function objects that are already included in the toolbox are fitting your needs, you are happy and can use them on the fly. Otherwise, you need to make your functionality. Hope this will help you.

Tobi

[constance13]

Originally Posted by Tobi

I just want to elaborate on the question a bit more.

• Yes, and no. You can add functionalities to the controlDict, which can handle objectFunctions. These functions are already programmed and ready to use. There are different scenarios available in the tutorial cases that show one how to use these functionObjects. It is a powerful tool and run-time adjustable as well as can be constructed on the fly (no recompiling or code development needed)
• If the functionObjects do not fit your needs, you can either program your function object, integrate it to the library, and use it afterward. Or you can modify the solver you are using. In either way, it means that you have to code your function and implement it to the solver or functionObject library
• At last, you can develop your complete library that analyzes the numerical data without using the FOAM namespace functions and classes or using them. It is identical to the second one, but you are not adding the function to the functionObject library. However, it does not matter which way you go

Summing up: If the function objects that are already included in the toolbox are fitting your needs, you are happy and can use them on the fly. Otherwise, you need to make your functionality. Hope this will help you.

Tobi

Greetings!

It is indeed helpful, getting to understand how it all works.
Thank you very much for your reply as well!