A comprehensive guide to monitoring and analyzing flow properties at specific locations in the simulation domain using Points and Point Arrays.
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Point | Single monitoring location in 3D space |
| Point array | Multiple monitoring points along a straight line defined by its start and end points |
Defines a single monitoring location in three-dimensional space for tracking flow properties.
Point Parameters:
- Position: Three-dimensional coordinates (x, y, z)
Creates an array of equally spaced points between start and end locations.
Point array Parameters:
- Start Position: Three-dimensional coordinates (x, y, z)
- End Position: Three-dimensional coordinates (x, y, z)
- Number of Points: Integer > 2
Points and Point arrays 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
- Position points in regions where significant flow phenomena are expected
- Use Point arrays 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
- 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
-
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.
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
)