# Output Formats

Flow360 supports multiple file formats for simulation results. This page explains the available formats and their usage.

# Supported Formats

Flow360 supports the following output formats:

  • ParaView - Open-source multi-platform visualization application
  • Tecplot - Commercial visualization software with advanced CFD features
  • CSV - Simple tabular data format for Excel or other analysis tools

When creating outputs in the GUI, you can select the desired format using the Output Format dropdown menu. Options include:

  • paraview - ParaView format only
  • tecplot - Tecplot format only
  • both - Both ParaView and Tecplot formats

# Format Details

# ParaView Format

ParaView is an open-source, multi-platform data analysis and visualization application.

  • Volume Output: .vtu files (unstructured grid)
  • Surface Output: .vtp files (polygonal data)
  • Slice Output: .vtp files (polygonal data)
  • Isosurface Output: .vtp files (polygonal data)

# Tecplot Format

Tecplot format is a commercial visualization format with strong CFD-specific features.

  • Volume Output: .szplt files
  • Surface Output: .szplt files
  • Slice Output: .szplt files
  • Isosurface Output: .szplt files

# CSV Format

CSV (Comma-Separated Values) is a simple tabular format that can be opened in Excel or any spreadsheet application.

  • Probe Output: .csv files
  • Surface Probe Output: .csv files
  • Surface Integral Output: .csv files
  • Aeroacoustic Output: .csv files

# Multi-File Management

# Single Files vs. Multiple Files

For surface outputs, Flow360 provides options to manage multiple geometry elements:

  • Write to Single File: When enabled, all surfaces are written to a single file
  • Write to Multiple Files: When disabled, each surface gets its own file

# Time Series Management

For time-dependent simulations:

  • Time series data is organized into separate files per time step
  • ParaView can automatically detect and load these as time series
  • The frequency of output is controlled by the Frequency setting

# File Naming Convention

Output files follow this naming convention:

  • <CaseName>_<OutputType>_<OutputName>_<TimeStep>.<extension>

Example: Aircraft_SurfaceOutput_WingPressure_00100.vtp

# Format-Specific Features

# ParaView-Specific Features

  • Multi-block datasets for complex geometries
  • Easy visualization of vector fields
  • Extensive color mapping options
  • Streamline, particle trace, and pathline visualization
  • Volume rendering for 3D scalar fields
  • Python scripting for automation

# Tecplot-Specific Features

  • Specialized aerodynamic analysis tools
  • Advanced XY plotting
  • Integrated forces and moments calculation
  • Specialized boundary layer analysis
  • Streamtrace seeding control
  • Multi-frame layouts

# File Size Considerations

Output file sizes can vary significantly depending on:

  1. Mesh Size: Larger meshes generate larger output files
  2. Output Frequency: More frequent outputs generate more files
  3. Number of Output Fields: Each additional field increases file size
  4. Output Type: Volume outputs are typically much larger than surface outputs

To manage file sizes:

  • Be selective about which output fields to include
  • Use appropriate output frequency
  • Consider using slices or isosurfaces instead of full volume outputs
  • Use probes for tracking key variables over time

# Post-Processing Workflow

  1. Generate Outputs: Configure desired outputs in Flow360
  2. Load Files: Open the generated files in ParaView, Tecplot, or other compatible tools
  3. Visualize: Create appropriate visualizations (contours, vectors, streamlines, etc.)
  4. Analyze: Extract quantitative data, compare with experimental results
  5. Export: Save images or videos for reports and presentations

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