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As simulation file sizes get bigger and bigger, we are always looking
for ways to decrease the amount of data stored. A new option has been
added to CFD-ACE+ that allows you to NOT save the restart data to the
DTF file. This can reduce file size by as much as 40% for some large
models.
Basically, a DTF file contains two sets of solution data: one is for visualization (what you see in
CFD-VIEW) and is node-based; the other is for restart purposes (allowing you to restart the
simulation to run further or restart it with different parameters) and is cell-based.
Note that in CFD-VIEW 2010.0 onwards, cell-based solution data can be imported and visualized.
In many instances, a simulation will be run to convergence only once, and will never be used as a
restart point. Up until now, both the visualization and restart data were written to DTF files,
which can make them unnecessarily large.
Available since CFD-ACE+ version 2008.2.9 is the ability to choose whether or not the restart data
will be written to the DTF file. This option can be found (since CFD-ACE-GUI V2010.0 Release) in
the 'OUT' panel, under the 'Restart' tab, as shown in figure 1.
Figure 1. Restart data check box in CFD-ACE-GUI
By default, the "Write Restart Solution Data" option is activated, meaning that the
restart data WILL be written to the DTF file. Uncheck this option and the restart data will not
be written to the DTF file, thus making it much smaller, with up to a 40% size reduction.
Be careful though, as you will not be able to use the file as initial conditions for steady or
unsteady simulations, nor will you be able to import cell-center data in CFD-VIEW.
If you have any questions about this feature or would like us to discuss other topics in the future,
please let us know.
Regards,
Olivier Demaneuf
ESI CFD Support Team
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