Previewing the 3D geometry and creating sensors in Flux Skew before solving

A new special function for Flux Skew module that enables the pre-visualization of the skewed 3D geometry and the creation of sensors before solving a scenario.

Introduction

Since Flux 2023.1, Flux Skew module has been upgraded with the Create preview 3D command which is a special function. A function that allows users to produce a dummy scenario called PREVIEW3D from which it is possible to:
  • Verify that the 3D skewed geometry generated by the extrusion performed by Flux Skew and the corresponding physical description are correct.
  • Create sensors before solving the actual users' scenarios. In Flux Skew, this procedure allows a faster evaluation of the sensors when compared with evaluating sensors created after solving.

Where to find this special function

In Flux Skew module and for all applications while in pre-processing the Create preview 3D command can be accessed through the Solving menu as depicted in Figure 1.



Figure 1. Access Create preview 3D command

At a second step a pop up window prompts for a project name (Figure 2). The user may choose a new name for that project or overwrite it by providing the current project name.



Figure 2. Select a name for the new project

At this point, Flux Skew will build a scenario called PREVIEW3D, which becomes automatically active (Figure 3). The user can then explore the skewed design in 3D and eventually create sensors.

Figure 3. PREVIEW3D scenario is active


Allowed post-processing actions within the PREVIEW3D scenario

The most important actions that are allowed in the PREVIEW3D scenario are summarized in Table 1 below. The availability of the same actions in the regular 2D context of Flux Skew (before solving) and in a proper scenario (after solving) are also shown in that table, for the sake of comparison.

Table 1. Availability of certain actions in the Flux Skew PREVIEW3D scenario.
Context in Flux Skew
Possible actions 2D view (before solving) PREVIEW3D scenario Regular solved scenario
Create sensors
Change 2D geometry and physics
Check skewed geometry
Create new scenario
Important: Another consequence of this development is that the beta mode feature that allowed the initialization of state variables from the solution of a Flux 2D project is no longer provided in the graphical user interface of Flux Skew (for Magneto Static and Steady State AC). Consequently, in Solving process options (menu Solve→Edit, Advanced tab) , the option With 2D solution (beta) is no longer available from the Initialization of state variables at the beginning of a step drop-down menu. The corresponding python command remains available.

Transitioning between the pre-processing (2D view), preview 3D and post-processing contexts (Regular solved scenario) of a project in Flux Skew

Figure 4 below illustrates the different states of a Flux Skew project and the actions required to transit between them.



Figure 4. Possible transitions between the different states of a Flux Skew project.