# Slices

Slices are two-dimensional planes used to extract and visualize flow field data in Flow360. They are essential tools for analyzing flow characteristics at specific locations within the computational domain.

# 📋 Available Options

Option Description Unit
Normal Three-dimensional vector specifying the orientation of the slice plane -
Origin Reference point that lies on the slice plane length (e.g. m)

# 🔍 Detailed Descriptions

# Normal

A three-dimensional vector (X, Y, Z) that defines the direction perpendicular to the slice surface.

  • Default: (0, 0, 1)
  • Example: (1, 0, 0) for a YZ plane
  • Notes: The vector must be non-zero and will be normalized internally.

# Origin

A point in 3D space (X, Y, Z) that defines where the slice plane is positioned.

  • Default: (0, 0, 0)
  • Example: (0, 0, 0)
  • Notes: Coordinates are specified in m, cm, mm, ft or inch.

💡 Tips
  • Choose normal directions that capture the most relevant flow features
  • Create multiple slices for comprehensive flow field analysis
  • Consider the underlying mesh resolution when positioning slices
  • Position slices at critical locations in your geometry

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

  • What flow variables can I visualize on a slice?

    Slices can display various quantities including pressure, temperature, velocity components, density, Mach number, and other solver-specific variables.

  • How is the data interpolated onto the slice?

    The flow field data is interpolated from the three-dimensional computational mesh onto the two-dimensional slice plane.

  • Does the slice resolution depend on the mesh?

    Yes, the resolution of the visualized data on the slice depends on the resolution of the underlying computational mesh.

🐍 Python Example Usage

 
import flow360 as fl

# Create a slice at the wing mid-section
wing_slice = fl.Slice(
    name="wing_section",
    normal=(0, 1, 0),  # Normal in Y direction
    origin=(0, 3.5, 0) * fl.u.m
)

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