Visualization

New Data Sets that Simplify Evaluating and Plotting the Far Field Outside the Computational Mesh

The Parameterized Curve and Parameterized Surface data sets now support evaluation where there is no domain mesh by selecting the Only evaluate globally defined expressions checkbox. This way, the far-field variables can be evaluated outside the mesh on a predefined parameterized surface or curve. The new Grid Data Sets feature can be used to plot the far-field solution outside the computational domain, in volumes or surfaces. You may access the resolution for this grid through the Grid 3D settings window.

With version 5.1, you can now evaluate and visualize spatially varying expressions and fields outside the mesh. For example, electromagnetic or acoustics wave far-fields can be evaluated and visualized outside the mesh on a user-defined parameterized surface or curve. For visualizations throughout volumes, a new Grid data set is available.

The pressure field plotted outside the computational domain (outside the mesh) on the Piezoelectric Tonpilz Transducer example using the Grid 3D data set and the Far-Field Calculation feature. The postprocessing on the transducer is plotted on the model's mesh, while the postprocessing in the far field is plotted on a simple and invisible rectangular grid in the space encompassing the transducer. The pressure field plotted outside the computational domain (outside the mesh) on the Piezoelectric Tonpilz Transducer example using the Grid 3D data set and the Far-Field Calculation feature. The postprocessing on the transducer is plotted on the model's mesh, while the postprocessing in the far field is plotted on a simple and invisible rectangular grid in the space encompassing the transducer.

The pressure field plotted outside the computational domain (outside the mesh) on the Piezoelectric Tonpilz Transducer example using the Grid 3D data set and the Far-Field Calculation feature. The postprocessing on the transducer is plotted on the model's mesh, while the postprocessing in the far field is plotted on a simple and invisible rectangular grid in the space encompassing the transducer.

Point Trajectories Plot

It is now possible to plot the trajectory of geometric points or cut-points using the Point Trajectories option in the 3D Plot Group and 2D Plot Group subnodes. This new plot type is particularly useful for simulations using the Multibody Dynamics Module and is used in a number of the associated tutorial models.

Example of the Point Trajectory Plot feature in a model of a gyroscope. Example of the Point Trajectory Plot feature in a model of a gyroscope.

Example of the Point Trajectory Plot feature in a model of a gyroscope.

Visualizing Unit Cells as Arrays

A new data set for creating arrays of data has been introduced that can readily be used to plot periodic solutions. Array data sets are particularly useful for periodic wave simulations such as in acoustics, structural mechanics, and electromagnetics. These array data sets can, for example, be used to visualize solutions from models that utilize the Floquet periodic boundary condition.

The total pressure plotted in the Porous Absorber tutorial using the new Array 2D data set. The total pressure plotted in the Porous Absorber tutorial using the new Array 2D data set.

The total pressure plotted in the Porous Absorber tutorial using the new Array 2D data set.

Point Matrix Evaluation

The new Point Matrix Evaluation feature, a subnode to the Derived values feature, makes it possible to evaluate a vector, matrix, or tensor in one or more points. This feature, for example, enables the convenient display of tensor quantities at a point, which is particularly useful for modeling piezoelectric devices. These define tensor material properties in both the global and local coordinate systems. As a result, it is now possible to view, for example, the elasticity matrix in the global as well as the local system.

Time Integral and Time Average Data Set

As the names suggest, the new Time Integral and Time Average data sets make it easier to compute integrals and averages over time.

Polarization Ellipses

Plot polarization ellipses on ray and particle trajectories to visualize how the polarization changes.

Polarization ellipse of a circularly polarized ray passing through a series of linear wave retarders with parallel fast axes. Polarization ellipse of a circularly polarized ray passing through a series of linear wave retarders with parallel fast axes.

Polarization ellipse of a circularly polarized ray passing through a series of linear wave retarders with parallel fast axes.