Reference fields

Reference fields let you create fields from post-processed results.

Reference fields store information that allows them to access numerical data in the solver output file and not the actual numerical data used to create the post view. Thus, if you revise and rerun the model, the reference field accesses the new results.

Reference fields account for the post view settings. Thus, if averaged results are displayed in the post view, the reference field averages the data it accesses in the solver output file.

Supported result types

You can create reference fields for the following types of results:

• Nodal results for scalar quantities like temperature.

• Nodal results for vector quantities like displacement.

• Elemental results for vector quantities like heat flux.

• Element-nodal results for vector quantities like grid point force.

• Elemental results for second-order tensor quantities like stress.

• Element-nodal results for second-order tensor quantities like stress.

Creating a reference field from multiple steps or subcases

You can create a reference field for results of a run that contains a single solve or a run that contains solves at multiple time or frequency steps. If you create a reference field from a run that contains multiple time or frequency steps, you can define the reference field over the full range of time or frequency steps, or you can define the reference field for the displayed time or frequency step only.

If you create a reference field for the results of a run that contains multiple subcases, the reference field points to the results in the subcase of the displayed results. If you create a reference field for the results of a run that contains an iterative solve, the reference field ignores the intermediate results and points to the converged results only.

Independent domain options

The independent domain options for a reference field depend on whether the results are from a run that contains a single solve or a run that contains solves at multiple time or frequency steps, whether the model is axisymmetric, and which type of result is displayed in the post view when the reference field is created.

For more information on independent domain options for reference fields, see Independent domain options for reference fields.

Dependent domain options

The dependent domain options for a reference field depend on the type of result that is displayed in the post view when the reference field is created.

For more information on dependent domain options for reference fields, see Dependent domain options for reference fields.

Interpolation methods

For a run that contains a single solve, the software evaluates a reference field as follows:

1. The software identifies the element in the mesh of the model that the lookup point lies within.

2. The software interpolates the values at the nodes of the element to obtain the value at the lookup point.

When the software evaluates a reference field created from a run that contains multiple solves, the interpolation method is similar to that used to evaluate a table of fields. The software first performs a spatial interpolation of the reference field for each of the two bounding values of the non-spatial independent variable using the procedure described above. Then, the software linearly interpolates these two values with respect to the non-spatial independent variable to obtain the final lookup value.

Editing options for reference fields

You can edit the name, label, description, lookup option for values outside the range of data, and, if applicable, the spatial map of a reference field.

Where do I find it?

Creating a reference field

Application	Pre/Post
Prerequisite	An active post view with results
Post Processing Navigator	Right-click a post view→Create Field from Results
Location in dialog box	Type=Reference Field

Editing a reference field

Application	Pre/Post
Prerequisites	A reference field is listed in the Simulation Navigator
Simulation Navigator	Expand the Fields node→right-click the reference field→Edit

How do I

Create a reference field

Define a boundary condition using a reference field

Use a reference field in a thermal stress analysis

Learn more

Specifying the range of fields created from results

Reference fields vs. table fields

Look up more details

Independent domain options for reference fields

Dependent domain options for reference fields

Quick links

Command reference

Pre/Post video examples

Bulk Entry Descriptions

Simcenter 3D tutorials

Browse Simcenter 3D help by product area

Reference fields, Simcenter 3D 2021.1 Series

© 2020 Siemens

window.mainLanguage="en_US"

window.delivId=""

window.projectId=""

MathJax.Hub.Config({ TeX: { extensions: ["autoload-all.js"] }, tex2jax: { displayMath: [ ] }, "SVG": { scale: 125 } });