# Points

A comprehensive guide to monitoring and analyzing flow properties at specific locations in the simulation domain using Points and PointArrays.

# 📋 Available Types

Type Description
Point Single monitoring location in 3D space
PointArray Multiple monitoring points along a straight line defined by its start and end points

# 🔍 Detailed Descriptions

# Point

Defines a single monitoring location in three-dimensional space for tracking flow properties.

# 📋 Point Parameters

Parameter Description Unit
Position Three-dimensional coordinates (x, y, z) length (e.g. m)

# PointArray

Creates an array of equally spaced points between start and end locations.

# 📋 PointArray Parameters

Parameter Description Unit
Start Position Three-dimensional coordinates (x, y, z) length (e.g. m)
End Position Three-dimensional coordinates (x, y, z) length (e.g. m)
Number of Points Integer > 2 -

# 📊 Output Data

Points and PointArrays provide access to flow field variables at their specified locations, allowing for detailed monitoring and analysis of local flow properties throughout the simulation.

  • Pressure
  • Temperature
  • Velocity components
  • Density
  • Turbulence quantities
  • Vorticity
  • Other solver-specific variables

💡 Tips
  • Position points in regions where significant flow phenomena are expected
  • Use PointArrays to capture gradients or transitions in the flow field
  • Ensure points are positioned within the computational domain
  • For boundary layer analysis, create points or arrays perpendicular to surfaces
  • Use meaningful naming conventions to easily identify point locations

Best Practices for Point Placement
  • Place points upstream of regions of interest to capture incoming flow conditions
  • Use multiple points around complex geometries to understand flow patterns
  • Consider placing points at locations where experimental data is available for validation
  • For unsteady simulations, ensure points are placed where significant temporal variations are expected

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

  • What flow variables can be monitored at points?

    Points can output pressure, temperature, velocity components, density, turbulence quantities, vorticity, and other solver-specific variables.

  • How do I choose the number of points for a PointArray?

    Consider the expected spatial resolution needed for your analysis. More points provide better resolution but increase computational overhead.

  • Can points be placed outside the computational domain?

    No, points must be positioned within the computational domain to provide valid results.

🐍 Python Example Usage

 
import flow360 as fl

# Create a single point at the leading edge
leading_edge_point = fl.Point(
    name="leading_edge",
    location=(1.0, 0.5, 0.0) * fl.u.m
)

# Create a point array for wake analysis
wake_profile = fl.PointArray(
    name="wake_profile",
    start=(0, 0, 0) * fl.u.m,
    end=(5, 0, 0) * fl.u.m,
    number_of_points=10
)

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