H&S Simulation and
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5.1 Post-Processing
Post-processing is a way to visualize and process the results obtained once the simulation run has finished; hence the word post-processing as opposed to pre-processing, which counts the steps taken to set up the simulation run.
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SimScale has its own integrated post-processor where the simulation results can be analyzed. There is also the possibility to download the raw result data and post-process using a third-party desktop application, e.g., ParaView.
5.1.1 Integrated Post-Processing Environment
SimScale’s integrated Post-processor is based on Ceetron’s technology.
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To open the simulation result data set for post-processing, either click on ‘Post-process results‘ in the run panel or on ‘Solution Fields‘ in the simulation tree. Since the rendering is done remotely, the initialization may take some time before anything is shown in the viewer.
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Figure 1: Simulation Runs
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In order to analyze our results, we will select the desired simulation run, and then we will click on ‘Post-process results’. Then, choose the ‘New Beta Interface’, which will launch the post-processing environment.
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5.1.2 Parts Color
This is the default filter. It applies color to our model, and it can either be a solid color, or a heat map based on the following fluid parameters: Pressure, Velocity and Passive Scalar. Both Pressure and Velocity go from their global minimum to their global maximum value, as defined by the simulation. However, the Passive Scalar goes from 0 to the concentration level we defined as our boundary condition.
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Figure 2: Passive Scalar
Legend Toggle
For this simulation, we are most interested in fluid velocity and pressure. Go to Colouring, click on the dropdown and select one of the velocity components/magnitude.
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Figure 3: Follow the steps above to visualize the velocity magnitude distribution on the model as your starting point.
Through the legend, you can switch between quantities. The pictures below show how the Legend toggle and the legend itself can be used.
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Figure 4: Toggle the legend and change the visualized quantity and its units.
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Figure 5: Change the range of the quantities to get a better visualization.
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**Keep in mind the legend is only displayed when there are results selected. When no results or filters are selected, there is no legend visible.
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Point Inspection
Sometimes the flow velocity is not uniform. To find out how the velocity varies at the outlet let’s use the Point inspection feature.
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The Point inspection tool extracts a flow quantity at a certain location. To use the Point inspection tool, follow the steps below:
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Select the Point inspection tool in the post-processor.
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Click on the point of interest. The quantity is the value of the variable as selected in the legend along with units. As an example, place the inspection points at the outlet of the pipe.
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Figure 6: Steps to display a flow quantity at points of interest using the Point inspection tool.
Use the point inspection tool when you want to get values at certain points of your model.
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Bulk calculator
The Bulk calculator shows additional values on a certain face or filter such as a velocity average. To use the Bulk calculator, click on icon and then select the part or area where the calculation will be done. The bulk calculator will appear on the bottom left of the post-processor along with the quantities.
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Figure 7: Example Bulk Calculator
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By using the Bulk calculator, not only can we get statistical values on the outlet but also the surface area of the outlet and the Volumetric Flow rate. These values can be used to validate the simulation results to an experiment or hand calculations.
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