Controlling the Simulation

If you have loaded model data that was (1) exported from the preprocessor or, (2) prepared previously for VS2DT 2.5 or VS2DH 1.0, the postprocessor will initially be in "computational model."

• You may save the simulation results for later playback. The simulation results are saved in the file "vs2dt.sim" or "vs2dh.sim".
• If you save the simulation results, then at the end of the simulation, the postprocessor enters into "playback" mode. That is, the postprocessor displays the saved results by reading them from file.
• The maximum animation speed in replay mode can be significantly faster than the speed in computational mode.
• Playback mode is not available if you do not save the simulation results.

You can control a simulation (computation or playback) using the following buttons.

Runs the simulation. In computational mode, the solution for the next time step is computed and displayed. This continues until the entire simulation is completed. In playback mode, the saved results for the next time step are read from file and displayed. This continues until the entire file is read.

Stops the simulation. In computational mode, the model will not stop immediately. Instead, the model finishes the computation for the current time stop and then stops. Therefore, there will be a lag between the time when the "Stop" button is clicked and the time when computation is finished.

Advances one time step. In computational mode, the solution for the next time step is computed and displayed. In replay mode, the saved results for the next time step are read and displayed.

Restarts playback from beginning. Resets the playback to the start of the simulation. This option is available only in playback mode.

Additional Notes:

• You may terminate a simulation by clicking the "File" menu and then clicking "Terminate computation." If you have saved results, the postprocessor enters into playback mode. You can play back the saved results up to the time step at which the simulation is terminated.
• You may restart the computation from the beginning by clicking the "File" menu and then clicking "Restart computation". If you are in playback mode, the postprocessor enters into computational mode.
• If the animation is too fast, you may slow down the animation speed.

See also:

• Display simulation results
• Set drawing size and scale
• Zoom in and out of the display
• Enable or disable Graphics buffering
• Print the display
• Export the drawing as a bitmap
• Postprocessor--Standalone Mode