Running Simulations¶
Follow this guide to execute bundled scenarios, manage timelines, and export outputs.
1. Generate a scenario¶
Use the provided Python helpers to emit JSON inputs. For example, the three-phase stator generator produces both CI-sized and high-resolution variants:
python3 python/gen_three_phase_stator.py --profile ci --out inputs/three_phase_stator_ci.json
Switch to the high-resolution preset via --profile hires. Each profile controls grid resolution, frame count, and output cadence while keeping the downstream pipeline identical.
2. Solve from the command line¶
./build/motor_sim --scenario inputs/three_phase_stator_ci.json --solve --vtk-series outputs/three_phase_ci.pvd
Add --parallel-frames to solve timeline entries concurrently. Warm starts (--warm-start) reuse the previous frame’s solution, typically halving CG iterations after the first frame. Prolongation (--use-prolongation with --coarse-nx/--coarse-ny) seeds fine grids from a coarse solve to accelerate convergence.
Outputs inherit _frame_### suffixes when a timeline is present, avoiding collisions across frames.
3. Timeline authoring¶
Augment a scenario with a timeline array to prescribe per-frame changes:
"timeline": [
{"t": 0.0, "wire_currents": [10.0, -10.0]},
{"t": 0.001, "wire_currents": [5.0, -5.0], "rotor_angles": {"rotor": 90.0}},
{
"t": 0.002,
"wires": [{"index": 0, "current": 0.0}, {"index": 1, "scale": 0.25}],
"magnets": [{"index": 0, "angle_deg": 45.0}],
"rotor_angles": [{"name": "aux_rotor", "angle_deg": -15.0}]
}
]
Each entry expands into an independent frame. Declare rotors under the top-level rotors key to group polygons, magnets, and wires that move together. Magnet overrides accept either rotation angles or explicit magnetisation vectors.
4. Inspecting results¶
Open the emitted .pvd series in ParaView to explore fields and outlines. The generator emits:
outputs/three_phase_frame_###.vti: cell-centred B/H fields per frame.outputs/three_phase_ci.pvd: ParaView time-series index (from--vtk-series).outputs/three_phase_outlines.vtp: geometry overlays for slots, stator surfaces, and wires.outputs/bore_angle.csv: bore-average flux magnitude and angle traces.
Use python/animate_three_phase.py to create annotated animations, or the python/visualize_scenario_field.py helper for static renders with streamlines and overlays.