5. Beginning: Plotting

5.1. Introduction

This use case shows a user how to plot cell and point data. Plotting can be along a line that cuts through your data, or a location with respect to time.

5.2. Plot along a line

  • Open can.ex2.

  • Apply.

  • Drag the can around with the left mouse button until you can see the can.

  • Select Filter → Data Analysis → Plot Over Line.

  • Drag the top of the line to intersect the top of the can. Note that hitting the p key will also place the line on the surface of your object. You can also use the 1 and 2 keys to set the beginning and end of the line.

  • Apply.

  • In the Properties tab, unselect all variables except DISPL (Magnitude).

  • Lower on the Properties tab, select Left Axis Use Custom Range, and enter 0.0 and 20.0.

  • Select Bottom Axis Use Custom Range, and enter 0.0 and 20.0.

  • Play the animation forward, and notice what happens to the plot.

  • You can also add plot labels and axis labels on the properties tab.

../../_images/Beginning_plotting_1.png

5.3. Plot point over time

  • Edit → Reset Session.

  • Open can.ex2.

  • Apply.

  • Drag the can around with the left mouse button until you can see the can.

  • We want to plot a point over time.

  • First, we need to select a point.

  • Click on Select Points On icon.

  • Then, click on a point on the can.

  • Filters → Data Analysis → Plot Point Over Time.

  • Apply.

  • In the Properties tab, unselect everything except DISPL (Magnitude).

  • You now have a plot of the displacement. at your point.

  • Extra Credit:

    • Using Select Cells On icon, and Plot Cell Over Time, plot EQPS over time.

../../_images/Beginning_plotting_2.png

5.4. Plot two variables at same time

  • Follow the steps for Plot Point over time, as described above.

  • In the Properties tab, turn off DISPL (Magnitude), and turn on variables VEL (Magnitude) and ACCL (Magnitude).

  • Select the line that says ACCL (Magnitude), causing this row to turn gray.

  • At the bottom of the Properties tab, change Chart Axes to Bottom-Right.

  • Note below that the ACCL (Magnitude) color has been changed to blue.

../../_images/Beginning_plotting_3.png

5.5. Plot multiple points (statistics plot version)

  • Edit → Reset Session.

  • Open can.ex2.

  • Apply.

  • Drag the can around with the left mouse button until you can see the can.

  • We want to plot numerous points over time. First, we need to select the points.

  • Click on Select Points On icon. Then, rubber band select a dozen points.

  • Filters → Data Analysis → Plot Selection Over Time.

  • Apply.

  • On the Properties tab, turn off all variables, and then turn on variables VEL (Magnitude) and ACCL (Magnitude).

  • Select the line that says ACCL (Magnitude), causing this row to turn gray.

  • In the Properties tab, change Chart Axes to Bottom-Right.

../../_images/Beginning_plotting_4.png

5.6. Plot multiple points (spaghetti plot version)

  • Edit → Reset Session.

  • Open can.ex2.

  • Apply.

  • Drag the can around with the left mouse button until you can see the can.

  • We want to plot numerous points over time. First, we need to select the points.

  • Click on Select Points On icon. Then, rubber band select about four points.

  • Filters → Data Analysis → Plot Selection Over Time.

  • Apply.

  • On the Properties. tab, unselect the Only Report Selection Statistics checkbox.

  • Apply.

  • On the Properties tab, display section, click on Root, turning on all of the points or cells.

  • On the Properties tab, turn off everything, then turn on all variables VEL (Magnitude).

../../_images/Beginning_plotting_4b.png

5.7. Plot min, max and average for all points of a block over time

  • Edit → Reset Session.

  • Open can.ex2.

  • Apply.

  • Drag the can around with the left mouse button until you can see the can.

  • We want to plot all of the can points over time. First, we need to select the points.

  • Click on Select Block icon.

  • Select the can.

  • Filters → Data Analysis → Extract Selection.

  • Apply.

  • We now have the can.

  • Select Edit -> Find Data.

  • Set Data Producer to ExtractSelection1.

  • Set Element Type to Point.

  • Use ID and is >= and 0.

  • Find Data.

  • Plot Selection Over Time.

  • Apply.

  • In Series Parameters, turn off everything except DISPL (Magnitude)

../../_images/Beginning_plotting_6.png

5.8. Plot data

  • Edit → Reset Session.

  • Open can.ex2.

  • Apply.

  • Drag the can around with the left mouse button until you can see the can.

  • We want to plot two variables against each other, for all points (or cells) of the can.

  • Filters → Data Analysis → Plot Data.

  • Apply.

  • On the Properties tab, turn off Use Index for X Array and for X Array Name select DISPL_Z

  • In Series Parameters, turn off everything except DISPL (Magnitude)

  • Play

../../_images/Beginning_plotting_5.png