Automatically Exporting Data at Regular Intervals

When running a long simulation (either interactively or in batch mode) it is useful to enable the auto export feature. This feature causes Simcenter STAR-CCM+ to export the solution data automatically at regular intervals during the run, when the Export... command is disabled. This section includes a description of the properties of the Auto Export dialog.

  • For automatic export to CGNS files, follow the instructions in Exporting Data to CGNS Files.
  • For automatic export to other file formats, follow the instructions provided in this section.
  1. Select File > Auto Export... from the menu.
    The Auto Export dialog appears.

  2. Expand the Auto Export > Update node and activate Enabled .
To specify the file format that you want to export to:
  1. Select the file format from the drop-down list in the Values column of the File Format property.
  2. Specify the Base Name.
    The base name is the prefix of the name of the file that you want to export your data to.
  3. Specify the Export Directory if necessary.
    This directory is the location of the file that you want to export your data to. The default path is the same as the path of your simulation file. Clicking (Custom Editor) activates a dialog similar to the Save dialog. You can use this dialog to navigate to a new location for the file.
  4. Enter the type of separator that should be used in the Separator property.
    By default, when Simcenter STAR-CCM+ saves copies of the simulation file, it places a @ character to separate the base file name and the number of the trigger event. If the use of this character in this manner causes any problems with your system, you can enter a different one as the separator. If you attempt to leave this field blank, Simcenter STAR-CCM+ puts the @ character there by default.
  5. If you want to add the exported data to an existing file, activate Append To File.
  6. If you prefer not to export the mesh data, activate Export Solution Data Only.
  7. To export vertex data, activate Export Data on Vertices.
    This option is only available when your export includes solution data, and when you are exporting to an Ensight Gold file.
To select the scalar values that you want to export:
  1. Click (Custom Editor) next to Scalar Functions.
  2. In the Auto Export - Scalar Functions dialog, select the desired functions and click OK.
  3. Using the same method as defining the scalar functions, you can select vector functions, regions, boundaries, derived parts, and parts surfaces.
  4. Select the trigger type from the drop down menu of the Trigger property.
    This property specifies how the auto export operation is triggered. Unless you are running a transient analysis, leave the setting at Iteration. For more information, see Trigger Types.
  5. To control the number of intervals that pass between auto exports, expand the Trigger > Frequency node and enter the value that you want. See Trigger Properties.
  6. Click Close.
Simcenter STAR-CCM+ automatically exports during the next run at the intervals you specified. To deactivate this feature, simply reopen the Auto Export dialog and deactivate Enabled.