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title Post-Processing and Visualization
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Post-Processing and Visualization

This page explains how to post-process and visualize outputs from MBE and FSG simulations. ParaView is used for visualization of the simulation geometry and computed metrics. To learn the basic layout of ParaView, please see the ParaView User's Guide.

1. Install ParaView

Download ParaView from the official site:

2. Load Time-Series VTK Data

  1. Open ParaView
  2. Go to File → Open
  3. Select your .vtk or .vtu file(s). If you have a time series, select all files in the sequence
  4. Click Apply in the Properties panel
  5. Use the time controls (top toolbar) to scroll through time

3. Warp Geometry by Displacement

To visualize deformation:

  1. Select your dataset in the Pipeline Browser
  2. Go to Filters → Alphabetical → Warp By Vector
  3. In the Properties panel:
    • Set Vectors = displacement (or equivalent field)
  4. Click Apply

Notes:

  • Use Scale Factor = 1 for true deformation, adjust Scale Factor if needed

4. Inspect Quantities of Interest

4.1 Color by Field

  1. In the toolbar, change Coloring to desired field:

    • stress
    • relative_volume (volume ratio)
    • etc

  2. Adjust color map:

    • Click Color Map Editor
    • Use Rescale to Data Range or Custom Range

4.2 Probe Values

To inspect values at a point select Hover Points/Cells On

4.3 Plot Over Time

  1. Select dataset using Interactive Select Points/Cells On
  2. Go to Filters → Data Analysis → Plot Data Over Time
  3. Click Apply

Useful for:

  • Tracking stress/strain at a point
  • Monitoring global quantities

5. Animate Time Series

  1. Use the Play button in the time toolbar
  2. Adjust playback speed in Animation View
  3. Optionally:
    • Add camera motion
    • Add annotations (time, scale)

6. Save Screenshots

  1. Go to File → Save Screenshot
  2. Choose:
    • Resolution (e.g., 300 dpi for publications)
    • Transparent background (optional)
  3. Save as .png or .tiff

Tips:

  • Use View → Full Screen for clean exports
  • Lock colorbar range before exporting multiple frames

7. Export Data

Use Plot Selection Over Time for tracked points. Use Spreadsheet View to inspect raw values.

8. Tips for MBE / FSG Simulations

  • Check consistency of:
    • Reference vs deformed configuration
    • Units (stress, length, pressure)
  • For growth/remodeling:
    • Track relative_volume (volume change)
  • Use consistent color limits across time for comparisons

10. Common Issues

  • No time controls visible
    Ensure files are loaded as a time series

  • Warp looks incorrect
    Check displacement field name and scale factor

  • Color map misleading
    Fix range manually instead of auto-rescaling