Data

tecplot.data

Dataset access and manipulation.

A Dataset consists of a matrix of Zones and Variables. Each Zone <data_access>-Variable pair corresponds to a data object which can always be treated as a 1D array, but which may be interpreted as 2D or 3D in the case of ijk-ordered data. In general, the Zone defines the size, shape and connectivity of the data while the Variable defines the underlying data type and whether the data is nodal or cell-centered.

Warning

Zero-based Indexing

It is important to know that all indexing in PyTecplot scripts are zero-based. This is a departure from the macro language which is one-based. This is to keep with the expectations when working in the python language. However, PyTecplot does not modify strings that are passed to the Tecplot Engine. This means that one-based indexing should be used when running macro commands from python or when using execute_equation().

Loading Data

data.load_tecplot()

tecplot.data.load_tecplot(filenames, frame=None, read_data_option=<ReadDataOption.Append: 1>, reset_style=None, initial_plot_first_zone_only=None, initial_plot_type=None, zones=None, variables=None, collapse=None, skip=None, assign_strand_ids=True, add_zones_to_existing_strands=None, include_text=None, include_geom=None, include_custom_labels=None, include_data=None)[source]

Read a tecplot data file.

Parameters:
  • filenames (string or list of strings) – Files to be read. (See note below conerning absolute and relative paths.)
  • frame (Frame, optional) – The Frame to attach the resulting Dataset. If None, the currently active Frame is used and the zones are appended by default.
  • read_data_option (ReadDataOption, optional) –

    Specify how the data is loaded into Tecplot. (default: ReadDataOption.Append)

    Possible values are:

    Default: ReadDataOption.Append

  • reset_style (boolean, optional) – Reset the style for destination Frame, if False, the Frame’s current style is preserved. (default: True)
  • initial_plot_first_zone_only (boolean, optional) – Informs the Tecplot Engine that after the data is loaded it only needs to activate the first enabled Zone for the initial plot. This option is particularly useful if you have many Zones and want to get the data into the Tecplot Engine and the first Zone drawn as fast as possible. The inactive Zones can always be activated when needed. (default: False)
  • initial_plot_type (PlotType, optional) – Forces a specific type of plot upon loading of the data. Only used if resetstyle is True. To have Tecplot 360 determine the most appropriate plot type for the data, use PlotType.Automatic. Possible values are: PlotType.Automatic (default), Cartesian3D, Cartesian2D, XYLine, PlotType.Sketch, PolarLine.
  • zones (set of integers, optional) – Set of Zones to load. Use None to load all zones. (default: None)
  • variables (set of strings or integers, optional) – Set of Variables to load. Use None to load all variables. (default: None)
  • collapse (boolean, optional) – Reindex Zones and Variables if any are disabled. (default: False)
  • skip – (3-tuple of integers, optional) The ijk-skip. A value of (1,1,1) loads every data point in the (i,j,k) directions. A value of (2,2,2) loads every other data point and so forth. This only applies to ordered data. (default: (1,1,1))
  • assign_strand_ids (boolean, optional) – Assign strand ID’s to zones that have a strand ID of -1. (default: True)
  • add_zones_to_existing_strands (boolean, optional) – Add the Zones to matching strands, if they exist. Otherwise, if the new data specifies strands, new ones will be created beginning after the last strand in the Dataset. (default: False)
  • include_text (boolean, optional) – Load any text, geometries, or custom labels (default: True)
  • include_geom (boolean, optional) – Load geometries. (default: True)
  • include_custom_labels (boolean, optional) – (default: True)
  • include_data (boolean, optional) – Load data. Set this to False if you only want annotations such as text or geometries. (default: True)
Returns:

Dataset – The Dataset holding the loaded data.

Raises:

Note

Absolute and relative paths with PyTecplot

Unless file paths are absolute, saving and loading files will be relative to the current working directory of the parent process. This is different when running the PyTecplot script in batch mode and when running in connected mode with tecplot.session.connect(). In batch mode, paths will be relative to Python’s current working directory as obtained by os.getcwd(). When connected to an instance of Tecplot 360, paths will be relative to Tecplot 360’s‘ start-up folder which is typically the Tecplot 360 installation “bin” folder.

data.load_tecplot_szl()

tecplot.data.load_tecplot_szl(filenames, frame=None, read_data_option=<ReadDataOption.Append: 1>, reset_style=None, initial_plot_first_zone_only=None, initial_plot_type=None, assign_strand_ids=True, add_zones_to_existing_strands=None, server=None, connection_method=None, user=None, ssh_private_keyfile=None)[source]

Read tecplot SZL data file.

Parameters:
  • filenames (string or list of strings) – Files to be read. (See note below conerning absolute and relative paths.)
  • frame (Frame, optional) – The Frame to attach the resulting Dataset. If None, the currently active Frame is used and the zones are appended by default.
  • read_data_option (ReadDataOption, optional) –

    Specify how the data is loaded into Tecplot. (default: ReadDataOption.Append)

    Possible values are:
  • reset_style (boolean, optional) – Reset the style for destination Frame, if False, the Frame’s current style is preserved. (default: True)
  • initial_plot_first_zone_only (boolean, optional) – Informs the Tecplot Engine that after the data is loaded it only needs to activate the first enabled Zone for the initial plot. This option is particularly useful if you have many Zones and want to get the data into the Tecplot Engine and the first Zone drawn as fast as possible. The inactive Zones can always be activated when needed. (default: False)
  • initial_plot_type (PlotType, optional) – Forces a specific type of plot upon loading of the data. Only used if resetstyle is True. To have Tecplot 360 determine the most appropriate plot type for the data, use PlotType.Automatic. Possible values are: PlotType.Automatic (default), Cartesian3D, Cartesian2D, XYLine, PlotType.Sketch, PolarLine.
  • assign_strand_ids (boolean, optional) – Assign strand ID’s to zones that have a strand ID of -1. (default: True)
  • add_zones_to_existing_strands (boolean, optional) – Add the Zones to matching strands, if they exist. Otherwise, if the new data specifies strands, new ones will be created beginning after the last strand in the Dataset. (default: False)
  • server (string, optional) – Load the data remotely from this server address. (default: None)
  • connection_method (RemoteConnectionMethod, optional) – When server is given, this specifies the type of connection to be made. Possible values are: RemoteConnectionMethod.Tunneled (default), RemoteConnectionMethod.Direct, RemoteConnectionMethod.Manual.
  • user (string, optional) – When server is given, this specifies the username to use when logging into the server. This will default to the client’s user name.
  • private_ssh_keyfile (string, optional) – When server is given, this specifies the full path to the private SSH keyfile which defaults to ~/.ssh/id_rsa where ~ expands out to the local user’s home directory.
Returns:

Dataset – The Dataset holding the loaded data.

Note

Absolute and relative paths with PyTecplot

Unless file paths are absolute, saving and loading files will be relative to the current working directory of the parent process. This is different when running the PyTecplot script in batch mode and when running in connected mode with tecplot.session.connect(). In batch mode, paths will be relative to Python’s current working directory as obtained by os.getcwd(). When connected to an instance of Tecplot 360, paths will be relative to Tecplot 360’s‘ start-up folder which is typically the Tecplot 360 installation “bin” folder.

data.load_cgns()

tecplot.data.load_cgns(filenames, frame=None, read_data_option=<ReadDataOption.Append: 1>, reset_style=None, initial_plot_first_zone_only=None, initial_plot_type=None, zones=None, variables=None, load_convergence_history=None, combine_fe_sections=None, average_to_nodes='Arithmetic', uniform_grid=None, assign_strand_ids=None, add_zones_to_existing_strands=None, include_boundary_conditions=True)[source]

Read CGNS data files.

Parameters:
  • filenames (string or list of strings) – CGNS data files to be read. (See note below conerning absolute and relative paths.)
  • frame (Frame, optional) – The Frame to attach the resulting Dataset. If None, the currently active Frame is used and the zones are appended by default.
  • read_data_option (ReadDataOption, optional) –

    Specify how the data is loaded into Tecplot. (default: ReadDataOption.Append)

    Possible values are:
  • reset_style (boolean, optional) – Reset the style for destination Frame, if False, the Frame’s current style is preserved. (default: True)
  • initial_plot_first_zone_only (boolean, optional) – Informs the Tecplot Engine that after the data is loaded it only needs to activate the first enabled Zone for the initial plot. This option is particularly useful if you have many Zones and want to get the data into the Tecplot Engine and the first Zone drawn as fast as possible. The inactive Zones can always be activated when needed. (default: False)
  • initial_plot_type (PlotType, optional) – Forces a specific type of plot upon loading of the data. Only used if resetstyle is True. To have Tecplot 360 determine the most appropriate plot type for the data, use PlotType.Automatic. Possible values are: PlotType.Automatic (default), Cartesian3D, Cartesian2D, XYLine, PlotType.Sketch, PolarLine.
  • zones (list of integers, optional) – List of zone indexes to load starting from zero. None implies loading all zones. (default: None)
  • variables (list of integers, optional) – List of variable indexes, beyond the first coordinate variables, to load starting from zero. None implies loading all variables. The grid will always be loaded and an index of zero indicates the first non-coordinate variable. (default: None)
  • load_convergence_history (boolean, optional) – Load the global convergence history rather than any grid or solution data. (default: False)
  • combine_fe_sections (boolean, optional) – Combine all finite-element sections with the zone cell-dimension into one zone. (default: False)
  • average_to_nodes (string, optional) – Average cell-centered data to grid nodes using the specified method. (Options: None, “Arithmetic”, “Laplacian”, default: “Arithmetic”)
  • uniform_grid (boolean, optional) – Indicates the grid structure is the same for all time steps. (default: True)
  • assign_strand_ids (boolean, optional) – Assign strand ID’s to zones that have a strand ID of -1. (default: True)
  • add_zones_to_existing_strands (boolean, optional) – Add the Zones to matching strands, if they exist. Otherwise, if the new data specifies strands, new ones will be created beginning after the last strand in the Dataset. (default: False)
  • include_boundary_conditions (boolean, optional) – Load the boundary conditions along with the data. Upon loading, the associated fieldmaps will remain inactive. For unstructured data, boundary conditions are always loaded and this option is ignored. (default: True)
Returns:

Dataset – The Dataset holding the loaded data.

Raises:

Note

Absolute and relative paths with PyTecplot

Unless file paths are absolute, saving and loading files will be relative to the current working directory of the parent process. This is different when running the PyTecplot script in batch mode and when running in connected mode with tecplot.session.connect(). In batch mode, paths will be relative to Python’s current working directory as obtained by os.getcwd(). When connected to an instance of Tecplot 360, paths will be relative to Tecplot 360’s‘ start-up folder which is typically the Tecplot 360 installation “bin” folder.

data.load_fluent()

tecplot.data.load_fluent(case_filenames=None, data_filenames=None, frame=None, append=True, zones=None, variables=None, all_poly_zones=None, average_to_nodes='Arithmetic', time_interval=None, assign_strand_ids=True, add_zones_to_existing_strands=None, include_particle_data=None, include_additional_quantities=True, save_uncompressed_files=None)[source]

Read Fluent data files.

Parameters:
  • case_filenames (string or list of strings, optional) – Case (.cas, .cas.gz) files to be read. Compressed files with extension .gz are supported. (See note below conerning absolute and relative paths.)
  • data_filenames (string or list of strings, optional) – Data (.dat, .xml, .dat.gz, .fdat, .fdat.gz, etc.) files to be read. Compressed files with extension .gz are supported.
  • frame (Frame, optional) – The Frame to attach the resulting Dataset. If None, the currently active Frame is used and the zones are appended by default.
  • append (boolean, optional) – Append the data to the existing Dataset. If False, the existing data attached to the Frame is deleted and replaced. (default: True)
  • zones (string or list of integers, optional) – List of zone indexes (zero-based) to load or string specifying the type of zones to load. Possible values are: “CellsAndBoundaries”, “CellsOnly” and “BoundariesOnly”. Specifying one of these options is mutually exclusive with the variables option. (default: “CellsAndBoundaries”)
  • variables (list of strings, optional) – List of variable names to load. None implies loading all variables. (default: None)
  • all_poly_zones (boolean, optional) – Converts all zones to Tecplot polytope (polyhedral or polygonal) zones. (default: False)
  • average_to_nodes (string, optional) – Average cell-centered data to grid nodes using the specified method. (Options: None, “Arithmetic”, “Laplacian”, default: “Arithmetic”)
  • time_interval (float, optional) – Use a constant time interval between each .dat file. If None, the flow-data parameter of each solution .dat file is used. (default: None)
  • assign_strand_ids (boolean, optional) –

    Assign strand ID’s to zones that have a strand ID of -1. (default: True)

    Note

    assign_strand_ids only applies if you have also provided a time_interval, otherwise it will be ignored.

  • add_zones_to_existing_strands (boolean, optional) – Add the Zones to matching strands, if they exist. Otherwise, if the new data specifies strands, new ones will be created beginning after the last strand in the Dataset. (default: False)
  • include_particle_data (boolean, optional) – Load particle data from the .dat files. If loading particle data from an XML file, the XML file should be included in the data_filenames list. (default: False)
  • include_additional_quantities (boolean, optional) – Load quantities that were derived from the FLUENT’s standard quantities. (default: True) New in Tecplot 360 2017 R2.
  • save_uncompressed_files (boolean, optional) – Save the uncompressed files to the compressed files’ location.
Returns:

Dataset – The Dataset holding the loaded data.

Raises:

Note

Absolute and relative paths with PyTecplot

Unless file paths are absolute, saving and loading files will be relative to the current working directory of the parent process. This is different when running the PyTecplot script in batch mode and when running in connected mode with tecplot.session.connect(). In batch mode, paths will be relative to Python’s current working directory as obtained by os.getcwd(). When connected to an instance of Tecplot 360, paths will be relative to Tecplot 360’s‘ start-up folder which is typically the Tecplot 360 installation “bin” folder.

Notes

The zones option takes either a list of zone indexes to be imported or one of “CellsAndBoundaries”, “CellsOnly” or “BoundariesOnly” to indicate the type of zones the user wants to load, however these options are mutually exclusive with the variables option:

>>> import tecplot
>>> dataset = tecplot.data.load_fluent(['one.cas', 'two.cas'],
...     data_filenames=['one.dat', 'two.dat'],
...     variables = ['Pressure','Velocity'],
...     zones = [0,1,3])

data.load_plot3d()

tecplot.data.load_plot3d(grid_filenames=None, solution_filenames=None, function_filenames=None, name_filename=None, frame=None, append=True, data_structure=None, is_multi_grid=None, style=None, ascii_is_double=None, ascii_has_blanking=None, uniform_grid=None, assign_strand_ids=True, add_zones_to_existing_strands=True, append_function_variables=None, include_boundaries=True)[source]

Read Plot3D data files.

Parameters:
  • grid_filenames (list of strings, optional) – One or more grid file names to be read. (See note below conerning absolute and relative paths.)
  • solution_filenames (list of strings, optional) – One or more solution data file names to be read.
  • function_filenames (list of strings, optional) – One or more function file names.
  • name_filename (string, optional) – Path to the name file.
  • frame (Frame, optional) – The Frame to attach the resulting Dataset. If None, the currently active Frame is used and the zones are appended by default.
  • append (boolean, optional) – Append the data to the existing Dataset. If False, the existing data attached to the Frame is deleted and replaced. (default: True)
  • data_structure (string, optional) – Specifies the data structure and overrides the automatic detection. Options are: 1D, 2D, 3DP, 3DW, UNSTRUCTURED. Setting this requires is_multi_grid and style to be set as well.
  • is_multi_grid (boolean, optional) – Sets data as multi-grid and overrides the automatic data structure detection. Setting this requires data_structure and style to be set as well.
  • style (boolean, optional) – Specifies the data style and overrides the automatic data structure detection. Options are: PLOT3DCLASSIC, PLOT3DFUNCTION, OVERFLOW. Setting this requires data_structure and is_multi_grid to be set as well.
  • ascii_is_double (boolean, optional) – Indicates that floating-point numbers found in the text data files should be store with 64-bit precision. (default: False)
  • ascii_has_blanking (boolean, optional) – Indicates that the text data files contain blanking. (default: False)
  • uniform_grid (boolean, optional) – Indicates the grid structure is the same for all time steps. (default: True)
  • assign_strand_ids (boolean, optional) – Assign strand ID’s to zones that have a strand ID of -1. (default: True)
  • add_zones_to_existing_strands (boolean, optional) – Add the Zones to matching strands, if they exist. Otherwise, if the new data specifies strands, new ones will be created beginning after the last strand in the Dataset. (default: True)
  • append_function_variables (boolean, optional) – Append variables in function files to those found in solution files. (default: False)
  • include_boundaries (boolean, optional) – Loads boundary zones found in the “.g.fvbnd” file located in the same directory as the grid file, if available. (default: True)
Returns:

Dataset – The Dataset holding the loaded data.

Raises:

Note

Absolute and relative paths with PyTecplot

Unless file paths are absolute, saving and loading files will be relative to the current working directory of the parent process. This is different when running the PyTecplot script in batch mode and when running in connected mode with tecplot.session.connect(). In batch mode, paths will be relative to Python’s current working directory as obtained by os.getcwd(). When connected to an instance of Tecplot 360, paths will be relative to Tecplot 360’s‘ start-up folder which is typically the Tecplot 360 installation “bin” folder.

Note

Data structure is automatically detected by default.

The options data_structure, is_multi_grid and style must be supplied together or not at all. When all of these are None, the data structure is automatically detected.

The variables from the function files can be appended to the dataset upon loading:

>>> dataset = tecplot.data.load_plot3d(
...     grid_filenames = 'data.g',
...     solution_filenames = ['t0.q', 't1.q'],
...     function_filenames = ['t0.f', 't1.f'],
...     append_function_variables = True)

Saving Data

data.save_tecplot_ascii()

tecplot.data.save_tecplot_ascii(filename, frame=None, dataset=None, zones=None, variables=None, include_text=None, precision=None, include_geom=None, include_data=None, include_data_share_linkage=None, include_autogen_face_neighbors=None, use_point_format=None)[source]

Write Tecplot ASCII data file.

Parameters:
  • filename (string) – Name of the data file to write. (See note below conerning absolute and relative paths.)
  • frame (Frame, optional) – The Frame which holds the Dataset to be written. If this option and dataset are both None, the currently active Frame is used. (default: None)
  • dataset (Dataset, optional) – The Dataset to write out. If this and frame are both None, the Dataset of the currently active Frame is used. (default: None)
  • include_text (boolean, optional) – Write out all text, geometries and custom labels. (default: True)
  • include_geom (boolean, optional) – Write out all geometries. (default: True)
  • include_data (boolean, optional) – Write out the data. Set this to False if you only want to write out annotations. (default: True)
  • include_data_share_linkage (boolean, optional) – Conserve space and write the variable and connectivity linkage wherever possible. If False, this will write out all data, losing the connectivity sharing linkage for future dataset reads of the file. (default: True)
  • include_autogen_face_neighbors (boolean, optional) – Save the face neighbor connectivity. This may produce very large data files. (default: False)
  • use_point_format (boolean, optional) – Write out point format, otherwise use block format. (default: False)
  • zones (list of Zones, optional) – Zones to write out. Use None to write out all Zones. (default: None)
  • variables (list of Variables, optional) – Variables to write out. Use None to write out all Variables. (default: None)
  • precision (integer, optional) – ASCII decimal precision to use. (default: 12)
Returns:

Dataset – The Dataset read from when saving.

Raises:

Note

Absolute and relative paths with PyTecplot

Unless file paths are absolute, saving and loading files will be relative to the current working directory of the parent process. This is different when running the PyTecplot script in batch mode and when running in connected mode with tecplot.session.connect(). In batch mode, paths will be relative to Python’s current working directory as obtained by os.getcwd(). When connected to an instance of Tecplot 360, paths will be relative to Tecplot 360’s‘ start-up folder which is typically the Tecplot 360 installation “bin” folder.

Example

In this example, we load sample data and save the data in Tecplot ASCII format.

from os import path
import tecplot
examples_directory = tecplot.session.tecplot_examples_directory()
infile = path.join(examples_directory,
                   'OneraM6wing', 'OneraM6_SU2_RANS.plt')
dataset = tecplot.data.load_tecplot(infile)
variables_to_save = [dataset.variable(V)
                     for V in ('x','y','z','Pressure_Coefficient')]

zone_to_save = dataset.zone('WingSurface')
# write data out to an ascii file
tecplot.data.save_tecplot_ascii('wing.dat', dataset=dataset,
                                variables=variables_to_save,
                                zones=[zone_to_save])

data.save_tecplot_plt()

tecplot.data.save_tecplot_plt(filename, frame=None, dataset=None, zones=None, variables=None, version=None, include_text=None, include_geom=None, include_data=None, include_data_share_linkage=None, include_autogen_face_neighbors=None, associate_with_layout=None)[source]

Write Tecplot binary PLT data file.

Parameters:
  • filename (string) – Name of the data file to write. (See note below conerning absolute and relative paths.)
  • frame (Frame, optional) – The Frame which holds the Dataset to be written. If this option and dataset are both None, the currently active Frame is used. (default: None)
  • dataset (Dataset, optional) – The Dataset to write out. If this and frame are both None, the Dataset of the currently active Frame is used. (default: None)
  • zones (list of Zones, optional) – Zones to write out. If None, all Zones will be saved.
  • variables (list of Variables, optional) – Variables to write out. If None, all Variables will be saved.
  • include_text (boolean, optional) – Write out all text, geometries and custom labels. (default: True)
  • include_geom (boolean, optional) – Write out all geometries. (default: True)
  • include_data (boolean, optional) – Write out the data. Set this to False if you only want to write out annotations. (default: True)
  • include_data_share_linkage (boolean, optional) – Conserve space and write the variable and connectivity linkage wherever possible. If False, this will write out all data, losing the connectivity sharing linkage for future dataset reads of the file. (default: True)
  • include_autogen_face_neighbors (boolean, optional) – Save the face neighbor connectivity. This may produce very large data files. (default: False)
  • associate_with_layout (boolean, optional) – Associate this data file with the current layout. Set to False to write the datafile without modifying Tecplot’s current data file to layout association. If version is set to anything other than BinaryFileVersion.Current, this association is not possible, and this parameter will be ignored. (default: True)
  • version (BinaryFileVersion, optional) – Specifies the file version to write. Note that some data may be excluded from the file if it cannot be supported in the specified version. Possible values are: Tecplot2006, Tecplot2008, Tecplot2009 and BinaryFileVersion.Current. (default: BinaryFileVersion.Current)
Returns:

Dataset – The Dataset read from when saving.

Raises:

Note

Absolute and relative paths with PyTecplot

Unless file paths are absolute, saving and loading files will be relative to the current working directory of the parent process. This is different when running the PyTecplot script in batch mode and when running in connected mode with tecplot.session.connect(). In batch mode, paths will be relative to Python’s current working directory as obtained by os.getcwd(). When connected to an instance of Tecplot 360, paths will be relative to Tecplot 360’s‘ start-up folder which is typically the Tecplot 360 installation “bin” folder.

Example

In this example, we load sample data and save the data in Tecplot binary PLT format.

from os import path
import tecplot
examples_directory = tecplot.session.tecplot_examples_directory()
infile = path.join(examples_directory,
                   'OneraM6wing', 'OneraM6_SU2_RANS.plt')
dataset = tecplot.data.load_tecplot(infile)
variables_to_save = [dataset.variable(V)
                     for V in ('x', 'y', 'z',
                               'Pressure_Coefficient')]

zone_to_save = dataset.zone('WingSurface')
# write data out to a binary file
tecplot.data.save_tecplot_plt('wing.plt', dataset=dataset,
                                variables=variables_to_save,
                                zones=[zone_to_save])

data.save_tecplot_szl()

tecplot.data.save_tecplot_szl(filename, frame=None, dataset=None)[source]

Write Tecplot SZL data file.

Parameters:
  • filename (string) – Name of the data file to write. (See note below conerning absolute and relative paths.)
  • frame (Frame, optional) – The Frame which holds the Dataset to be written. If this option and dataset are both None, the currently active Frame is used. (default: None)
  • dataset (Dataset, optional) – The Dataset to write out. If this and frame are both None, the Dataset of the currently active Frame is used. (default: None)
Returns:

Dataset – The Dataset read from when saving.

Note

Absolute and relative paths with PyTecplot

Unless file paths are absolute, saving and loading files will be relative to the current working directory of the parent process. This is different when running the PyTecplot script in batch mode and when running in connected mode with tecplot.session.connect(). In batch mode, paths will be relative to Python’s current working directory as obtained by os.getcwd(). When connected to an instance of Tecplot 360, paths will be relative to Tecplot 360’s‘ start-up folder which is typically the Tecplot 360 installation “bin” folder.

Example

In this example, we load sample data and save it in Tecplot SZL format.

from os import path
import tecplot
examples_directory = tecplot.session.tecplot_examples_directory()
infile = path.join(examples_directory,
                   'OneraM6wing', 'OneraM6_SU2_RANS.plt')
dataset = tecplot.data.load_tecplot(infile)
tecplot.data.save_tecplot_szl('wing.szplt')

Data Queries

data.query.probe_at_position()

tecplot.data.query.probe_at_position(x, y, z=None, nearest=False, starting_cell=None, starting_zone=None, zones=None, dataset=None, frame=None)[source]

Returns field values at a point in space.

Note

The position is taken according to the axis assignments of the Frame which may be any of the associated variables in the Dataset and not necessarily (X, Y, Z). See: Cartesian3DFieldAxis.variable.

Parameters:
  • x,y,z (float, z is optional) – position to probe for field values.
  • nearest (bool) – Returns the values at the nearest node to the given position. Probe position must be inside the volume of the data being queried, otherwise this will return None.
  • starting_cell (3-tuple of integers, optional) – The (i,j,k)-index of the cell to start looking for the given position. This must be used with starting_zone.
  • starting_zone (Zone, optional) – The first zone to start searching. This is required only when starting_cell is specified.
  • zones (list of Zones, optional) – Limits the search to the given zones. None implies searching all zones. (default: None)
  • dataset (Dataset, optional) – The Dataset to probe. (defaults to the active Dataset.)
  • frame (Frame, optional) – The Frame which determines the spatial variable assignment (X,Y,Z). (defaults to the active Frame.)
Returns:

namedtuple

(data, cell, zone):

data (list of floats)

The values of each variable in the dataset at the given position.

cell (3-tuple of integers)

(i,j,k) of the cell containing the given position.

zone (Zone)

Zone containing the given position

Note

Returns None if the position can’t be probed.

This method will return None if the position is outside the volume of the data being queried. This means one should capture the results in a single variable and test it against None before proceeding:

result = tp.data.query.probe_at_position(1.0, 2.0, 3.0)
if result is None:
    print('probe failed.')
else:
    data, cell, zone = result

Additionally, with Tecplot 360 versions 2018 R1 and later, this function will raise an exception if Tecplot 360 was interrupted via the GUI during the probe operation.

data.query.probe_on_surface()

tecplot.data.query.probe_on_surface(positions=((0, ), (0, ), (0, )), zones=None, variables=None, probe_nearest=<ProbeNearest.Position: 0>, obey_blanking=True, num_nearest_nodes=20, tolerance=1e-05, dataset=None, frame=None)[source]

Returns field values at points on a surface closest the points given.

Note

The positions are processed according to the axis assignments of the Frame which may be any of the associated variables in the Dataset and not necessarily (but usually) (X, Y, Z). See: Cartesian3DFieldAxis.variable.

Parameters:
  • positions (2D float array) – Array of points to probe dimensioned by (3, N) where the first dimension corresponds to (x, y, z). A 1D float array is accepted for single point probes, however this should be avoided when probing several positions as the internal algorithm is optimized for probing many positions at once.
  • zones (list of Zones, optional) – Limits the search to the given zones. None implies searching all active relevant surface zones including surfaces of ordered volume zones. To search FE or polygonal volume boundaries, include the volume zones in this list. (default: None)
  • variables (list of Variables, optional) – The variables within the dataset to probe. None implies all variables. (default: None)
  • probe_nearest (ProbeNearest, optional) – Probe at the nodal location (ProbeNearest.Node) or interpolate to nearest location on the surface (ProbeNearest.Position, default). The return parameter cells_or_nodes will be cells if set to ProbeNearest.Position (default), or nodes if set to ProbeNearest.Node.
  • obey_blanking (bool, optional) – Do not search blanked cells according the frame’s style settings. (default: True)
  • num_nearest_nodes (integer, optional) – Only consider surface cells that contain one of the closest N nodes to the probed position. For highly varying surfaces, the nearest cell may or may not contain the nearest nodes to the probe position and so this value should be increased accordingly, however doing so increases the search-space linearly. (default: 20)
  • tolerance (float, optional) – The percentage of the longest cartesian (x, y, z) dimension subtended by the polygons of the surface. This is used in several parts of the algorithm to find the nearest position on the surface zones and should be increased when probing imprecise nodal position data. (default: 1e-5)
  • dataset (Dataset, optional) – The Dataset to probe. (defaults to the active Dataset.)
  • frame (Frame, optional) – The Frame which determines the spatial variable assignment (X,Y,Z). (defaults to the active Frame.)
Returns:

namedtuple(data, cells_or_nodes, planes, zone):

data (list of floats)

Flattened float array which can be reshaped to (V, N) where V is the number of variables returned (either the number of variables in the dataset or the length of variables input parameter) and N is the number of points probed.

cells_or_nodes (list of integers)

The index to the cells (or nodes if ProbeNearest.Node was passed in to probe_nearest) containing the returned positions.

planes (list of IJKPlanes)

For ordered zones, these are the plane-orientations of the cells for each probed position.

zones (list of Zones)

Zones containing the given positions.

New in version 2018.1: Probe on surface requires Tecplot 360 2018 R1 or later.

Note

The frame’s plot type must be set to PlotType.Cartesian3D

Probe on surface requires the spatial variables to be set according to the frame’s style. This can be done by setting the plot type to PlotType.Cartesian3D. Example:

tp.active_frame().plot_type = tp.constant.PlotType.Cartesian3D

For probing on 2D data, use probe_at_position().

Note

Linear zones will always return nearest nodal values.

If linear zones, which are ignored by default, are included in the zones parameter, the resulting values on that zone will always be nodal and no interpolation on the position will be done.

Note

Irregular or jaggged surfaces may behave poorly.

For performance reasons, this algorithm has the potential to miss the closest position on highly varying surfaces. This can be addressed by first increasing num_nearest_nodes to search more of the zones and then by increasing the tolerance to allow for imprecise position data.

Example usage:

>>> from os import path
>>> import numpy as np
>>>
>>> import tecplot as tp
>>> from tecplot.constant import PlotType
>>>
>>> examples = tp.session.tecplot_examples_directory()
>>> datafile = path.join(examples, 'SimpleData', 'F18.plt')
>>> ds = tp.data.load_tecplot(datafile)
>>> fr = tp.active_frame()
>>> fr.plot_type = PlotType.Cartesian3D
>>>
>>> # probe a single point
>>> res = tp.data.query.probe_on_surface((13.5, 4.0, 0.6 ))
>>> print(res.data)
(13.499723788684996, 3.9922783797612795, 0.49241572276992346,
0.0018958827755862578, 0.07313805429221854, 0.997276718375976,
0.06335166319722907)
>>>
>>> # probe multiple points
>>> points = np.array([[13.5,  4.0, 0.6],  # just above starboard wing
>>>                    [13.5, -4.0, 0.6]]) # just above port wing
>>>
>>> res = tp.data.query.probe_on_surface(points.transpose())
>>> values = np.array(res.data).reshape((-1, len(points))).transpose()
>>>
>>> # print probed position and the result of the probe
>>> for pt, v in zip(points, values):
>>>     print(pt, v)
[ 13.5   4.    0.6] [  1.34997238e+01   3.99227838e+00   4.92415723e-01
   1.89588278e-03   7.31380543e-02   9.97276718e-01   6.33516632e-02]
[ 13.5  -4.    0.6] [  1.34997238e+01  -3.99227838e+00   4.92415723e-01
   1.89588278e-03   7.31380543e-02   9.97276718e-01   6.33516632e-02]

Data Operations

data.operate.Range()

tecplot.data.operate.Range(min, max, step)

Limit the data altered by the execute_equation function.

The Range specification of I,J,K range indices for execute_equation follow these rules:

  • All indices start with 0 and go to some maximum index m.
  • Negative values represent the indexes starting with the maximum at -1 and continuing back to the beginning of the range.
  • A step of None, 0 and 1 are all equivalent and mean that no elements are skipped.
  • A negative step indicates a skip less than the maximum.

Example

Add one to variable ‘X’ for a zone ‘Rectangular’ for data points in I Range 1 to max, skipping every three points:

>>> execute_equation('{X} = {X}+1', i_range=Range(1, None, 3),
...                  zone_set='Rectangular')

data.operate.execute_equation()

tecplot.data.operate.execute_equation(equation, zones=None, i_range=None, j_range=None, k_range=None, value_location=None, variable_data_type=None, ignore_divide_by_zero=None)[source]

The execute_equation function operates on a data set within the Tecplot Engine using FORTRAN-like equations.

Parameters:
  • equation (string) –

    String containing the equation. Multiple equations can be processed by separating each equation with a newline. See Section 20 - 1 “Data Alteration through Equations” in the Tecplot User’s Manual for more information on using equations. Iterable container of Zone objects to operate on. May be a list, set, tuple, or any iterable container. If None, the equation will be applied to all zones.

    Note

    In the equation string, variable names should be enclosed in curly braces. For example, ‘{X} = {X} + 1’

  • zones – (Iterable container of Zone objects, optional): Iterable container of Zone objects to operate on. May be a list, set, tuple, or any iterable container. If None, the equation will be applied to all zones.
  • i_range (Range, optional) – Tuple of integers for I: (min, max, step). If None, then the equation will operate on the entire range. Not used for finite element nodal data.
  • j_range (Range, optional) – Tuple of integers for J: (min, max, step). If None, then the equation will operate on the entire range. Not used for finite element nodal data.
  • k_range (Range, optional) – Tuple of integers for K: (min, max, step). If None, then the equation will operate on the entire range. Not used for finite element nodal data.
  • value_location (ValueLocation, optional) – Variable ValueLocation for the variable on the left hand side. This is used only if this variable is being created for the first time. If None, Tecplot Engine will choose the location for you.
  • variable_data_type (FieldDataType, optional) – Data type for the variable on the left hand side. This is used only if this variable is being created for the first time. If None, Tecplot Engine will choose the type for you.
  • ignore_divide_by_zero (bool, optional) – bool value which instructs Tecplot Engine to ignore divide by zero errors. The result is clamped such that 0/0 is clamped to zero and (+/-N)/0 where N != 0 clamps to +/-maximum value for the given type.

Warning

Zero-based Indexing

It is important to know that all indexing in PyTecplot scripts are zero-based. This is a departure from the macro language which is one-based. This is to keep with the expectations when working in the python language. However, PyTecplot does not modify strings that are passed to the Tecplot Engine. This means that one-based indexing should be used when running macro commands from python or when using execute_equation().

Add one to variable ‘X’ for zones ‘Rectangular’ and ‘Circular’ for every data point:

>>> dataset = tecplot.active_frame().dataset
>>> execute_equation('{X} = {X} + 1', zones=[dataset.zone('Rectangular'),
>>>                  dataset.zone('Circular')])

Create a new, double precision variable called DIST:

>>> execute_equation('{DIST} = SQRT({X}**2 + {Y}**2)',
...                  variable_data_type=FieldDataType.Double)

Set a variable called P to zero along the boundary of an IJ-ordered zone:

>>> execute_equation('{P} = 0', i_range=Range(step=-1))
>>> execute_equation('{P} = 0', j_range=Range(step=-1))

data.operate.interpolate_linear()

tecplot.data.operate.interpolate_linear(destination_zone, source_zones=None, variables=None, fill_value=None, plot=None)[source]

Linear interpolation onto a destination zone.

Parameters:
  • destination_zone (zone or integer) – The destination zone (or zone index) for interpolation.
  • source_zones (zones or integers, optional) – Zones (or zone indices) used to obtain the field values for interpolation. By default, all zones except the destination_zone will be used. All source zones must be FE-Tetra, FE-Brick or be IJK-ordered when doing linear interpolation in 3D.
  • variables (variables or integers, optional) – Variables (or variable indices) to interpolate. By default, all variables except those assigned to the axes will be used and is in general dependent on the active plot type of the frame.
  • fill_value (float, optional) – Constant value to which all points outside the data field are set. By default, the values outside the field are preserved.
  • plot (Plot, optional) – The plot to use when interpolating which determines the dimensionality and spatial variables. By default, the active plot on the active frame will be used.

Note

Cartesian 2D and 3D plots only.

This interpolation method relies on the coordinates, \((x, y)\) for 2D or \((x, y, z)\) for 3D, set for the active (or given) plot which must be either Cartesian2D or Cartesian3D.

The following example loads a 2D dataset and uses interpolation to merge information from two independent zones:

import os
import numpy as np
import tecplot as tp
from tecplot.constant import *

# Use interpolation to merge information from two independent zones
examples_dir = tp.session.tecplot_examples_directory()
datafile = os.path.join(examples_dir, 'SimpleData', 'RainierElevation.plt')
dataset = tp.data.load_tecplot(datafile)
# Get list of source zones to use later
srczones = list(dataset.zones())

fr = tp.active_frame()
plot = fr.plot(PlotType.Cartesian2D)
plot.activate()
plot.show_contour = True
plot.show_edge = True

# Show two section of the plot independently
plot.contour(0).legend.show = False
plot.contour(1).legend.show = False
plot.contour(1).colormap_name = 'Diverging - Blue/Red'
for scrzone in srczones:
    plot.fieldmap(scrzone).edge.line_thickness = 0.4
plot.fieldmap(0).contour.flood_contour_group = plot.contour(1)

# export image of original data
tp.export.save_png('interpolate_2d_source.png', 600, supersample=3)

# use the first zone as the source, and get the range of (x, y)
xvar = plot.axes.x_axis.variable
yvar = plot.axes.y_axis.variable
ymin, xmin = 99999,99999
ymax, xmax = -99999,-99999
for scrzone in srczones:
    curxmin, curxmax = scrzone.values(xvar.index).minmax()
    curymin, curymax = scrzone.values(yvar.index).minmax()
    ymin = min(curymin,ymin)
    ymax = max(curymax,ymax)
    xmin = min(curxmin,xmin)
    xmax = max(curxmax,xmax)

# create new zone with a coarse grid
# onto which we will interpolate from the source zone
xpoints = 40
ypoints = 40
newzone = dataset.add_ordered_zone('Interpolated', (xpoints, ypoints))

# setup the (x, y) positions of the new grid
xx = np.linspace(xmin, xmax, xpoints)
yy = np.linspace(ymin, ymax, ypoints)
YY, XX = np.meshgrid(yy, xx, indexing='ij')
newzone.values(xvar.index)[:] = XX.ravel()
newzone.values(yvar.index)[:] = YY.ravel()

# perform linear interpolation from the source to the new zone
tp.data.operate.interpolate_linear(newzone, source_zones=srczones)

# show the new zone's data, hide the source
plot.fieldmap(newzone).show = True
plot.fieldmap(newzone).contour.show = True
plot.fieldmap(newzone).contour.flood_contour_group = plot.contour(0)
plot.fieldmap(newzone).edge.show = True
plot.fieldmap(newzone).edge.line_thickness = .4
plot.fieldmap(newzone).edge.color = Color.Orange

for scrzone in srczones:
    plot.fieldmap(scrzone).show = False

# export image of interpolated data
tp.export.save_png('interpolate_linear_2d_dest.png', 600, supersample=3)
../_images/interpolate_2d_source.png

Source data.

../_images/interpolate_linear_2d_dest.png

Interpolated data.

data.operate.interpolate_inverse_distance()

tecplot.data.operate.interpolate_inverse_distance(destination_zone, source_zones=None, variables=None, exponent=3.5, min_radius=0.0, point_selection=<PtSelection.OctantN: 2>, num_points=8, plot=None)[source]

Inverse-Distance interpolation onto a destination zone.

Parameters:
  • destination_zone (zone or integer) – The destination zone (or zone index) for interpolation.
  • source_zones (zones or integers, optional) – Zones (or zone indices) used to obtain the field values for interpolation. By default, all zones except the destination_zone will be used. All source zones must be FE-Tetra, FE-Brick or be IJK-ordered when doing linear interpolation in 3D.
  • variables (variables or integers, optional) – Variables (or variable indices) to interpolate. By default, all variables except those assigned to the axes will be used and is in general dependent on the active plot type of the frame.
  • exponent (float, optional) – Exponent for the inverse-distance weighting. (default: 3.5)
  • num_radius (float, optional) – Minimum distance used for the inverse-distance weighting. (default: 0.0)
  • point_selection (PtSelection, optional) – Method for determining which source points to consider for each destination data point. Possible values: PtSelection.OctantN (default) closest num_points selected by coordinate-system octants, PtSelection.NearestN closest num_points to the destination point, PtSelection.All all points in the source zone.
  • num_points (integer, optional) – Number of source points to consider for each destination data point if point_selection is PtSelection.OctantN or PtSelection.NearestN. (default: 8)
  • plot (Plot, optional) – The plot to use when interpolating which determines the dimensionality and spatial variables. By default, the active plot on the active frame will be used.

Note

Cartesian 2D and 3D plots only.

This interpolation method relies on the coordinates, \((x, y)\) for 2D or \((x, y, z)\) for 3D, set for the active (or given) plot which must be either Cartesian2D or Cartesian3D.

The following example loads a 2D dataset and interpolates the first zone to a new one with a larger grid spacing:

import os
import numpy as np
import tecplot as tp
from tecplot.constant import *

# Use interpolation to merge information from two independent zones
examples_dir = tp.session.tecplot_examples_directory()
datafile = os.path.join(examples_dir, 'SimpleData', 'RainierElevation.plt')
dataset = tp.data.load_tecplot(datafile)
# Get list of source zones to use later
srczones = list(dataset.zones())

fr = tp.active_frame()
plot = fr.plot(PlotType.Cartesian2D)
plot.activate()
plot.show_contour = True
plot.show_edge = True

# Show two section of the plot independently
plot.contour(0).legend.show = False
plot.contour(1).legend.show = False
plot.contour(1).colormap_name = 'Diverging - Blue/Red'
for scrzone in srczones:
    plot.fieldmap(scrzone).edge.line_thickness = 0.4
plot.fieldmap(0).contour.flood_contour_group = plot.contour(1)

# export image of original data
tp.export.save_png('interpolate_2d_source.png', 600, supersample=3)

# use the first zone as the source, and get the range of (x, y)
xvar = plot.axes.x_axis.variable
yvar = plot.axes.y_axis.variable
ymin, xmin = 99999,99999
ymax, xmax = -99999,-99999
for scrzone in srczones:
    curxmin, curxmax = scrzone.values(xvar.index).minmax()
    curymin, curymax = scrzone.values(yvar.index).minmax()
    ymin = min(curymin,ymin)
    ymax = max(curymax,ymax)
    xmin = min(curxmin,xmin)
    xmax = max(curxmax,xmax)

# create new zone with a coarse grid
# onto which we will interpolate from the source zone
xpoints = 40
ypoints = 40
newzone = dataset.add_ordered_zone('Interpolated', (xpoints, ypoints))

# setup the (x, y) positions of the new grid
xx = np.linspace(xmin, xmax, xpoints)
yy = np.linspace(ymin, ymax, ypoints)
YY, XX = np.meshgrid(yy, xx, indexing='ij')
newzone.values(xvar.index)[:] = XX.ravel()
newzone.values(yvar.index)[:] = YY.ravel()

# perform linear interpolation from the source to the new zone
tp.data.operate.interpolate_inverse_distance(newzone, source_zones=srczones)

# show the new zone's data, hide the source
plot.fieldmap(newzone).show = True
plot.fieldmap(newzone).contour.show = True
plot.fieldmap(newzone).contour.flood_contour_group = plot.contour(0)
plot.fieldmap(newzone).edge.show = True
plot.fieldmap(newzone).edge.line_thickness = .4
plot.fieldmap(newzone).edge.color = Color.Orange

for scrzone in srczones:
    plot.fieldmap(scrzone).show = False

# export image of interpolated data
tp.export.save_png('interpolate_invdst_2d_dest.png', 600, supersample=3)
../_images/interpolate_2d_source.png

Source data.

../_images/interpolate_invdst_2d_dest.png

Interpolated data.

data.operate.interpolate_kriging()

tecplot.data.operate.interpolate_kriging(destination_zone, source_zones=None, variables=None, krig_range=0.3, zero_value=0.0, drift=<Drift.Linear: 1>, point_selection=<PtSelection.OctantN: 2>, num_points=8, plot=None)[source]

Kriging interpolation onto a destination zone.

Parameters:
  • destination_zone (zone or integer) – The destination zone (or zone index) for interpolation.
  • source_zones (zones or integers, optional) – Zones (or zone indices) used to obtain the field values for interpolation. By default, all zones except the destination_zone will be used. All source zones must be FE-Tetra, FE-Brick or be IJK-ordered when doing linear interpolation in 3D.
  • variables (variables or integers, optional) – Variables (or variable indices) to interpolate. By default, all variables except those assigned to the axes will be used and is in general dependent on the active plot type of the frame.
  • krig_range (float, optional) – Distance beyond which source points become insignificant. Must be between zero and one, inclusive. (default: 0.3)
  • zero_value (float, optional) – Semi-variance at each source data point on a normalized scale from zero to one. (default: 0.0)
  • drift (Drift, optional) – Overall trend for the data. Possible values: Drift.None_ no trend, Drift.Linear (default) linear trend, Drift.Quad quadratic trend.
  • point_selection (PtSelection, optional) – Method for determining which source points to consider for each destination data point. Possible values: PtSelection.OctantN (default) closest num_points selected by coordinate-system octants, PtSelection.NearestN closest num_points to the destination point, PtSelection.All all points in the source zone.
  • num_points (integer, optional) – Number of source points to consider for each destination data point if point_selection is PtSelection.OctantN or PtSelection.NearestN. (default: 8)
  • plot (Plot, optional) – The plot to use when interpolating which determines the dimensionality and spatial variables. By default, the active plot on the active frame will be used.

Note

Cartesian 2D and 3D plots only.

This interpolation method relies on the coordinates, \((x, y)\) for 2D or \((x, y, z)\) for 3D, set for the active (or given) plot which must be either Cartesian2D or Cartesian3D.

The following example loads a 2D dataset and interpolates the first zone to a new one with a larger grid spacing:

import os
import numpy as np
import tecplot as tp
from tecplot.constant import *

# Use interpolation to merge information from two independent zones
examples_dir = tp.session.tecplot_examples_directory()
datafile = os.path.join(examples_dir, 'SimpleData',
                        'RainierElevation.plt')
dataset = tp.data.load_tecplot(datafile)
# Get list of source zones to use later
srczones = list(dataset.zones())

fr = tp.active_frame()
plot = fr.plot(PlotType.Cartesian2D)
plot.activate()
plot.show_contour = True
plot.show_edge = True

# Show two section of the plot independently
plot.contour(0).legend.show = False
plot.contour(1).legend.show = False
plot.contour(1).colormap_name = 'Diverging - Blue/Red'
for scrzone in srczones:
    plot.fieldmap(scrzone).edge.line_thickness = 0.4
plot.fieldmap(0).contour.flood_contour_group = plot.contour(1)

# export image of original data
tp.export.save_png('interpolate_2d_source.png', 600, supersample=3)

# use the first zone as the source, and get the range of (x, y)
xvar = plot.axes.x_axis.variable
yvar = plot.axes.y_axis.variable
ymin, xmin = 99999,99999
ymax, xmax = -99999,-99999
for scrzone in srczones:
    curxmin, curxmax = scrzone.values(xvar.index).minmax()
    curymin, curymax = scrzone.values(yvar.index).minmax()
    ymin = min(curymin,ymin)
    ymax = max(curymax,ymax)
    xmin = min(curxmin,xmin)
    xmax = max(curxmax,xmax)

# create new zone with a coarse grid
# onto which we will interpolate from the source zone
xpoints = 20
ypoints = 20
newzone = dataset.add_ordered_zone('Interpolated', (xpoints, ypoints))

# setup the (x, y) positions of the new grid
xx = np.linspace(xmin, xmax, xpoints)
yy = np.linspace(ymin, ymax, ypoints)
YY, XX = np.meshgrid(yy, xx, indexing='ij')
newzone.values(xvar.index)[:] = XX.ravel()
newzone.values(yvar.index)[:] = YY.ravel()

# perform linear interpolation from the source to the new zone
tp.data.operate.interpolate_kriging(newzone, source_zones=srczones,
                                    drift=Drift.None_, num_points=1)

# show the new zone's data, hide the source
plot.fieldmap(newzone).show = True
plot.fieldmap(newzone).contour.show = True
plot.fieldmap(newzone).contour.flood_contour_group = plot.contour(0)
plot.fieldmap(newzone).edge.show = True
plot.fieldmap(newzone).edge.line_thickness = .4
plot.fieldmap(newzone).edge.color = Color.Orange

for scrzone in srczones:
    plot.fieldmap(scrzone).show = False

# export image of interpolated data
tp.export.save_png('interpolate_krig_2d_dest.png', 600, supersample=3)
../_images/interpolate_2d_source.png

Source data.

../_images/interpolate_krig_2d_dest.png

Interpolated data.

Data Extractions

data.extract.extract_slice()

tecplot.data.extract.extract_slice(origin=(0, 0, 0), normal=(0, 0, 1), source=None, multiple_zones=None, copy_cell_centers=None, assign_strand_ids=None, frame=None, dataset=None)[source]

Create new zone slices from the zones in a dataset.

Parameters:
  • origin (array of three floats) – Point in space, \((x, y, z)\), that lies on the slice plane.
  • normal (array of three floats) – Vector direction, \((x, y, z)\), indicating the normal of the slice plane.
  • source (SliceSource) – Source zone types to consider when extracting the slice. Possible values: SliceSource.LinearZones, SliceSource.SurfaceZones, SliceSource.SurfacesOfVolumeZones, SliceSource.VolumeZones (default).
  • multiple_zones (boolean) – If True, this allows the extracted slice to consist of one zone per contiguous region. By default, only a single zone is created. (default: False)
  • copy_cell_centers (boolean) – If True, cell-center values will be copied when possible to the extracted slice plane. Cell-centers are copied when a variable is cell-centered for all the source zones through which the slice passes. Otherwise, extracted planes use node-centered data, which is calculated by interpolation. (default: False)
  • assign_strand_ids (boolean) – automatically assign strand IDs to the data extracted from transient sources. This is only available if multiple_zones is False. (default: True)
Returns:

One or a list of Zones representing a planar slice.

Warning

Slicing is only available when the plot type is set to 3D:

>>> from tecplot.constant import PlotType
>>> frame.plot_type = PlotType.Cartesian3D

Note

This function returns a list of zones if multiple_zones is set to True. Otherwise, a single zone is returned.

This example shows extracting a slice zone from the surface a wing:

import os
import tecplot as tp
from tecplot.constant import PlotType, SliceSource

examples_dir = tp.session.tecplot_examples_directory()
datafile = os.path.join(examples_dir, 'OneraM6wing',
                        'OneraM6_SU2_RANS.plt')
dataset = tp.data.load_tecplot(datafile)

frame = tp.active_frame()
frame.plot_type = PlotType.Cartesian3D

# set active plot to 3D and extract
# an arbitrary slice from the surface
# data on the wing
extracted_slice = tp.data.extract.extract_slice(
    origin=(0, 0.25, 0),
    normal=(0, 1, 0),
    source=SliceSource.SurfaceZones,
    dataset=dataset)

# switch plot type in current frame, clear plot
plot = frame.plot(PlotType.XYLine)
plot.activate()
plot.delete_linemaps()

# create line plot from extracted zone data
cp_linemap = plot.add_linemap(
    name='Quarter-chord C_p',
    zone=extracted_slice,
    x=dataset.variable('x'),
    y=dataset.variable('Pressure_Coefficient'))

# set style of linemap plot and
# update axes limits to show data
cp_linemap.line.color = tp.constant.Color.Blue
cp_linemap.line.line_thickness = 0.8
cp_linemap.y_axis.reverse = True
plot.view.fit()

# export image of pressure coefficient as a function of x
tp.export.save_png('wing_slice_pressure_coeff.png', 600, supersample=3)
../_images/wing_slice_pressure_coeff.png

Data Access

Dataset

class tecplot.data.Dataset(uid, frame)[source]

Table of Arrays identified by Zone and Variable.

This is the primary data container within the Tecplot Engine. A Dataset can be shared among several Frames, though any particular Dataset object will have a handle to at least one of them. Any modification of a shared Dataset will be reflected in all Frames that use it.

Though a Dataset is usually attached to a Frame and the plot style associated with that, it can be thought of as independent from any style or plotting representation. Each Dataset consists of a list of Variables which are used by one or more of a list of Zones. The Variable determines the data type, while the Zone determines the layout such as shape and ordered vs unordered.

The actual data are found at the intersection of a Zone and Variable and the resulting object is an Array. The data array can be obtained using either path:

>>> # These two lines obtain the same object "x"
>>> x = dataset.zone('My Zone').values('X')
>>> x = dataset.variable('X').values('My Zone')

A Dataset is the object returned by most data-loading operations in PyTecplot:

>>> dataset = tecplot.data.load_tecplot('my_data.plt')

Under Dataset, there are a number methods to create and delete Zones and variables.

Attributes

VariablesNamedTuple A collections.namedtuple object using variable names.
aux_data Auxiliary data for this dataset.
num_solution_times Number of solution times for all zones in the dataset.
num_variables Number of Variables in this Dataset.
num_zones Number of Zones in this Dataset.
solution_times List of solution times for all zones in the dataset.
title Title of this Dataset.

Methods

add_fe_zone(zone_type, name, num_points, …) Add a single finite-element Zone to this Dataset.
add_ordered_zone(name, shape, **kwargs) Add a single ordered Zone to this Dataset.
add_poly_zone(zone_type, name, num_points, …) Add a single polygonal Zone to this Dataset.
add_variable(name[, dtypes, locations]) Add a single Variable to the active Dataset.
add_zone(zone_type, name, shape[, dtypes, …]) Add a single Zone to this Dataset.
branch_connectivity(zones) Breaks connectivity sharing between zones.
branch_variables(zones, variables[, copy_data]) Breaks data sharing between zones.
copy_zones(*zones, **kwargs) Copies Zones within this Dataset.
delete_variables(*variables) Remove Variables from this Dataset.
delete_zones(*zones) Remove Zones from this Dataset.
share_connectivity(source_zone, …) Share connectivity between zones.
share_variables(source_zone, …) Share field data between zones.
variable(pattern) Returns the Variable by index or string pattern.
variables([pattern]) Yields all Variables matching a pattern.
zone(pattern) Returns Zone by index or string pattern.
zones([pattern]) Yields all Zones matching a pattern.
Dataset.VariablesNamedTuple

A collections.namedtuple object using variable names.

The variable names are transformed to be unique, valid identifiers suitable for use as the key-list for a collections.namedtuple. This means that all invalid characters such as spaces and dashes are converted to underscores, Python keywords are appended by an underscore, leading numbers or empty names are prepended with a “v” and duplicate variable names are indexed starting with zero, padded left with zeros variable names duplicated more than nine times. The following table gives some specific examples:

Variable names Resulting namedtuple fields
'x', 'y' 'x', 'y'
'x', 'x' 'x0', 'x1'
'X', 'Y=f(X)' 'X', 'Y_f_X_'
'x 2', '_', '_' 'x_2', 'v0', 'v1'
'def', 'if' 'def_', 'if_'
'1', '2', '3' 'v1', 'v2', 'v3'

This example shows how one can use this n-tuple type with the result from a call to tecplot.data.query.probe_at_position:

>>> from os import path
>>> import tecplot as tp
>>> examples_dir = tp.session.tecplot_examples_directory()
>>> datafile = path.join(examples_dir,'SimpleData','DownDraft.plt')
>>> dataset = tp.data.load_tecplot(datafile)
>>> result = tp.data.query.probe_at_position(0,0.1,0.3)
>>> data = dataset.VariablesNamedTuple(*result.data)
>>> msg = '(RHO, E) = ({:.2f}, {:.2f})'
>>> print(msg.format(data.RHO, data.E))
(RHO, E) = (1.17, 252930.37)
Dataset.add_fe_zone(zone_type, name, num_points, num_elements, **kwargs)[source]

Add a single finite-element Zone to this Dataset.

Parameters:

See also

Dataset.add_zone

Keyword arguments are passed to the parent zone creation method Dataset.add_zone.

Warning

When connected to a running instance of Tecplot 360 using the TecUtil Server, care must be taken to ensure that the GUI does not try to render the data between the creation of the zone and the setting of the connectivity, through the Facemap or Nodemap objects. This can be achieved by setting the plot type of the frame(s) holding on to the dataset to PlotType.Sketch before creating the zone and only going to PlotType.Cartesian3D after the connectivity is set. Tecplot 360 may get into a bad state, corrupting loaded data, if it attempts to render (especially polytope) data without connectivity.

Note

When performing many data-manipulation operations including adding zones, adding variables, modifying field data or connectivity, and especially in connected mode, it is recommended to do this all with the tecplot.session.suspend(). This will prevent the Tecplot engine from trying to “keep up” with the changes. Tecplot will be notified of all changes made upon exit of this context. This may result in significant performance gains for long operations. See the documentation for tecplot.session.suspend() for more information.

The number of points (also known as nodes) per finite-element is determined from the zone_type parameter. The follow table shows the number of points per element for the available zone types along with the resulting shape of the nodemap based on the number of points specified (\(N\)):

Zone Type Points/Element Nodemap Shape
FELineSeg 2 (\(N\), \(2 N\))
FETriangle 3 (\(N\), \(3 N\))
FEQuad 4 (\(N\), \(4 N\))
FETetra 4 (\(N\), \(4 N\))
FEBrick 8 (\(N\), \(8 N\))

For more details, see the “working with datasets” examples shipped with PyTecplot in the Tecplot 360 distribution.

Dataset.add_ordered_zone(name, shape, **kwargs)[source]

Add a single ordered Zone to this Dataset.

Parameters:
  • name (string) – Name of the new Zone. This does not have to be unique.
  • shape (integer or list of integers) – Specifies the length and dimension (i, j, k) of the new Zone. A 1D Zone is assumed if a single int is given.
  • **kwargs – These arguments are passed to Dataset.add_zone.

See also

Dataset.add_zone

Keyword arguments are passed to the parent zone creation method Dataset.add_zone.

Note

When performing many data-manipulation operations including adding zones, adding variables, modifying field data or connectivity, and especially in connected mode, it is recommended to do this all with the tecplot.session.suspend(). This will prevent the Tecplot engine from trying to “keep up” with the changes. Tecplot will be notified of all changes made upon exit of this context. This may result in significant performance gains for long operations. See the documentation for tecplot.session.suspend() for more information.

This example creates a 10x10x10 ordered zone of double-precision floating-point numbers:

>>> from tecplot.constant import FieldDataType
>>> my_zone = dataset.add_zone('My Zone', (10, 10, 10),
...                            dtype=FieldDataType.Double)

Here is a full example:

import numpy as np
import tecplot as tp
from tecplot.constant import PlotType, Color

# Generate data
x = np.linspace(-4, 4, 100)

# Setup Tecplot dataset
dataset = tp.active_frame().create_dataset('Data', ['x', 'y'])

# Create a zone
zone = dataset.add_ordered_zone('sin(x)', len(x))
zone.values('x')[:] = x
zone.values('y')[:] = np.sin(x)

# Create another zone
zone = dataset.add_ordered_zone('cos(x)', len(x))
zone.values('x')[:] = x
zone.values('y')[:] = np.cos(x)

# And one more zone
zone = dataset.add_ordered_zone('tan(x)', len(x))
zone.values('x')[:] = x
zone.values('y')[:] = np.tan(x)

# Set plot type to XYLine
plot = tp.active_frame().plot(PlotType.XYLine)
plot.activate()

# Show all linemaps and make the lines a bit thicker
for lmap in plot.linemaps():
    lmap.show = True
    lmap.line.line_thickness = 0.6

plot.legend.show = True

tp.export.save_png('add_ordered_zones.png', 600, supersample=3)
../_images/add_ordered_zones.png
Dataset.add_poly_zone(zone_type, name, num_points, num_elements, num_faces, **kwargs)[source]

Add a single polygonal Zone to this Dataset.

Parameters:
  • zone_type (ZoneType) – The type of Zone to be created. Possible values are: FEPolyhedron and FEPolygon.
  • name (string) – Name of the new Zone. This does not have to be unique.
  • num_points (integer) – Number of points in this zone.
  • num_elements (integer) – Number of elements in this zone.
  • num_faces (integer) – Number of faces in this zone.
  • **kwargs – These arguments are passed to Dataset.add_zone.

See also

Dataset.add_zone

Keyword arguments are passed to the parent zone creation method Dataset.add_zone.

Warning

When connected to a running instance of Tecplot 360 using the TecUtil Server, care must be taken to ensure that the GUI does not try to render the data between the creation of the zone and the setting of the connectivity, through the Facemap or Nodemap objects. This can be achieved by setting the plot type of the frame(s) holding on to the dataset to PlotType.Sketch before creating the zone and only going to PlotType.Cartesian3D after the connectivity is set. Tecplot 360 may get into a bad state, corrupting loaded data, if it attempts to render (especially polytope) data without connectivity.

Note

When performing many data-manipulation operations including adding zones, adding variables, modifying field data or connectivity, and especially in connected mode, it is recommended to do this all with the tecplot.session.suspend(). This will prevent the Tecplot engine from trying to “keep up” with the changes. Tecplot will be notified of all changes made upon exit of this context. This may result in significant performance gains for long operations. See the documentation for tecplot.session.suspend() for more information.

Note

The num_faces is the number of unique faces.

The number of unique faces, given an element map can be obtained using the following function for polygon data:

def num_unique_faces(elementmap):
    return len(set( tuple(sorted([e[i], e[(i+1)%len(e)]]))
                for e in elementmap for i in range(len(e)) ))

This function creates a unique set of node pairs (edges around the polygons) and counts them. For polyhedron data, the following can be used:

def num_unique_faces(elementmap):
    return len(set( tuple(sorted(f)) for e in elementmap
                                     for f in e ))

which merely counts the number of unique faces defined in the element map.

For more details, see the “working with datasets” examples shipped with PyTecplot in the Tecplot 360 distribution.

Dataset.add_variable(name, dtypes=None, locations=None)[source]

Add a single Variable to the active Dataset.

Parameters:
Returns:

Variable

Note

When performing many data-manipulation operations including adding zones, adding variables, modifying field data or connectivity, and especially in connected mode, it is recommended to do this all with the tecplot.session.suspend(). This will prevent the Tecplot engine from trying to “keep up” with the changes. Tecplot will be notified of all changes made upon exit of this context. This may result in significant performance gains for long operations. See the documentation for tecplot.session.suspend() for more information.

The added Variable will be available for use in each Zone of the dataset. This method should be used in conjunction with other data creation methods such as Dataset.add_zone:

import math
import tecplot as tp
from tecplot.constant import PlotType

# Setup Tecplot dataset
dataset = tp.active_frame().create_dataset('Data')
dataset.add_variable('x')
dataset.add_variable('s')
zone = dataset.add_ordered_zone('Zone', 100)

# Fill the dataset
x = [0.1 * i for i in range(100)]
zone.values('x')[:] = x
zone.values('s')[:] = [math.sin(i) for i in x]

# Set plot type to XYLine
tp.active_frame().plot(PlotType.XYLine).activate()

tp.export.save_png('add_variables.png', 600, supersample=3)
../_images/add_variables.png
Dataset.add_zone(zone_type, name, shape, dtypes=None, locations=None, face_neighbor_mode=None, parent_zone=None, solution_time=None, strand_id=None, index=None)[source]

Add a single Zone to this Dataset.

Parameters:
Returns:

Zone

Warning

When connected to a running instance of Tecplot 360 using the TecUtil Server, care must be taken to ensure that the GUI does not try to render the data between the creation of the zone and the setting of the connectivity, through the Facemap or Nodemap objects. This can be achieved by setting the plot type of the frame(s) holding on to the dataset to PlotType.Sketch before creating the zone and only going to PlotType.Cartesian3D after the connectivity is set. Tecplot 360 may get into a bad state, corrupting loaded data, if it attempts to render (especially polytope) data without connectivity.

Note

When performing many data-manipulation operations including adding zones, adding variables, modifying field data or connectivity, and especially in connected mode, it is recommended to do this all with the tecplot.session.suspend(). This will prevent the Tecplot engine from trying to “keep up” with the changes. Tecplot will be notified of all changes made upon exit of this context. This may result in significant performance gains for long operations. See the documentation for tecplot.session.suspend() for more information.

The added Zone will be able to use all Variables defined in the dataset. This method should be used in conjunction with other data creation methods such as Frame.create_dataset. Example usage:

>>> from tecplot.constant import ZoneType
>>> zone = dataset.add_zone(ZoneType.Ordered, 'Zone', (10, 10, 10))

Note

The relationship and meaning of this method’s parameters change depending on the type of zone being created. Therefore, it is recommended to use the more specific zone creation methods:

Dataset.aux_data

Auxiliary data for this dataset.

Returns:AuxData

This is the auxiliary data attached to the dataset. Such data is written to the layout file by default and can be retrieved later. Example usage:

>>> frame = tp.active_frame()
>>> aux = frame.dataset.aux_data
>>> aux['Result'] = '3.14159'
>>> print(aux['Result'])
3.14159
Dataset.branch_connectivity(zones)[source]

Breaks connectivity sharing between zones.

Parameters:zones (list of Zones) – Zones to be branched.

Example usage:

>>> z = dataset.zone('My Zone')
>>> zcopy = z.copy()
>>> print([zn.index for zn in z.shared_connectivity])
[0,1]
>>> dataset.branch_connectivity(zcopy)
>>> print([zn.index for zn in z.shared_connectivity])
[]
Dataset.branch_variables(zones, variables, copy_data=True)[source]

Breaks data sharing between zones.

Parameters:
  • zones (list of Zones) – Zones to be branched.
  • variables (list of Variables) – Variables to be branched.
  • copy_data (bool, optional) – Allocate space for the branched values and copy the data. If False, the new variables will be passive. (default: True)

Example usage:

>>> z = dataset.zone('My Zone')
>>> zcopy = z.copy(share_variables=True)
>>> print([zn.index for zn in z.values(0).shared_zones])
[0,1]
>>> dataset.branch_variables(zcopy,dataset.variable(0))
>>> print([zn.index for zn in z.values(0).shared_zones])
[]
>>> print([zn.index for zn in z.values(1).shared_zones])
[0,1]
Dataset.copy_zones(*zones, **kwargs)[source]

Copies Zones within this Dataset.

Parameters:
  • *zones (Zone, optional) – Specific Zones to copy. All zones will be copied if none are supplied.
  • shared_variables (bool or list of Variables) – Variables to be shared between original and generated zones. (default: False)
Returns:

list of the newly created Zones.

Note

When performing many data-manipulation operations including adding zones, adding variables, modifying field data or connectivity, and especially in connected mode, it is recommended to do this all with the tecplot.session.suspend(). This will prevent the Tecplot engine from trying to “keep up” with the changes. Tecplot will be notified of all changes made upon exit of this context. This may result in significant performance gains for long operations. See the documentation for tecplot.session.suspend() for more information.

Example usage:

>>> new_zones = dataset.copy_zones()
Dataset.delete_variables(*variables)[source]

Remove Variables from this Dataset.

Parameters:*variables (Variable or index integer) – Variables to remove from this dataset.
>>> print([v.name for v in dataset.variables()])
['X','Y','Z']
>>> dataset.delete_variables(dataset.variable('Z'))
>>> print([v.name for v in dataset.variables()])
['X','Y']

Warning

Deleting Variables invalidates iterators referencing them in the containing Dataset such as those obtained from Dataset.variables(). It is recommended to create a list of the Variables you want to delete and to pass that into a single call to Dataset.delete_variables()

Notes

Multiple Variables can be deleted at once, though the last Variable can not be deleted. The following example deletes all but the first Variable in the Dataset (usually X):

>>> # Try to delete all variables:
>>> dataset.delete_variables(dataset.variables())
>>> # Dataset requires at least one variable to
>>> # exist, so it leaves the first one:
>>> print([v.name for v in dataset.variables()])
['X']
Dataset.delete_zones(*zones)[source]

Remove Zones from this Dataset.

Parameters:*zones (Zones or index integers) – Zones to remove from this dataset.
>>> print([z.name for z in dataset.zones()])
['Zone 1', 'Zone 2']
>>> dataset.delete_zones(dataset.zone('Zone 2'))
>>> print([z.name for z in dataset.zones()])
['Zone 1']

Warning

Deleting Zones invalidates iterators referencing them in the containing Dataset such as those obtained from Dataset.zones(). It is recommended to create a list of the Zones you want to delete and to pass that into a single call to Dataset.delete_zones()

Notes

Multiple Zones can be deleted at once, though the last Zone can not be deleted. The following example deletes all but the first Zone in the Dataset:

>>> dataset.delete_zones(dataset.zones())
Dataset.num_solution_times

Number of solution times for all zones in the dataset.

Type:int (read-only)

Example usage:

>>> print(dataset.num_solution_times)
10

New in version 2017.3: Solution time manipulation requires Tecplot 360 2017 R3 or later.

Dataset.num_variables

Number of Variables in this Dataset.

Type:integer

This count includes disabled variables which were skipped when the data was loaded. Example usage:

>>> for i in range(dataset.num_variables):
...     variable = dataset.variable(i)
Dataset.num_zones

Number of Zones in this Dataset.

Type:integer

This count includes disabled zones which were skipped when loading the data. Example usage:

>>> for i in range(dataset.num_zones):
...     zone = dataset.zone(i)
Dataset.share_connectivity(source_zone, destination_zones)[source]

Share connectivity between zones.

This method links the connectivity (nodemap or facemap) of the destination zones to the connectivity of the source zone. Modifying the connectivity of one zone will affect all others in this group.

Parameters:
  • source_zone (Zone) – Zone which provides data to be shared.
  • destination_zones (list of Zones) – Zones where connectivity list will be overwritten.

Example usage:

>>> z = dataset.zone('My Zone')
>>> zcopy = z.copy()
>>> print([zn.index for zn in z.shared_connectivity])
[0,1]
>>> dataset.branch_connectivity(zcopy)
>>> print([zn.index for zn in z.shared_connectivity])
[]
>>> dataset.share_connectivity(z,zcopy)
>>> print([zn.index for zn in z.shared_connectivity])
[0,1]
Dataset.share_variables(source_zone, destination_zones, variables)[source]

Share field data between zones.

This method links the underlying data arrays of the destination zones to the data of the source zone. Modifying the array data of one zone will affect all others in this group.

Parameters:
  • source_zone (Zone) – Zone which provides data to be shared.
  • destination_zones (list of Zones) – Zones where data will be overwritten.
  • variables (list of Variables) – Variables to be branched.

Example usage:

>>> z = dataset.zone('My Zone')
>>> zcopy = z.copy(share_variables=False)
>>> print([zn.index for zn in z.values(0).shared_zones])
[]
>>> dataset.share_variables(zcopy,[z],[dataset.variable(0)])
>>> print([zn.index for zn in z.values(0).shared_zones])
[0,1]
>>> print([zn.index for zn in z.values(1).shared_zones])
[]
Dataset.solution_times

List of solution times for all zones in the dataset.

Type:list of floats (read-only)

Example usage:

>>> print(dataset.solution_times)
[0.0, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0, 7.0, 8.0, 9.0]

New in version 2017.3: Solution time manipulation requires Tecplot 360 2017 R3 or later.

Dataset.title

Title of this Dataset.

Type:string

Example usage:

>>> dataset.title = 'My Data'

Changed in version 2017.3: of Tecplot 360 The dataset title property requires Tecplot 360 2017 R3 or later.

Dataset.variable(pattern)[source]

Returns the Variable by index or string pattern.

Parameters:pattern (integer or string) – Zero-based index or glob-style pattern in which case, the first match is returned.
Raises:TecplotIndexError

The Variable.name attribute is used to match the pattern to the desired Variable though this is not necessarily unique:

>>> ds = frame.dataset
>>> print(ds)
Dataset:
  Zones: ['Rectangular zone']
  Variables: ['x', 'y', 'z']
>>> x = ds.variable('x')
>>> x == ds.variable(0)
True
Dataset.variables(pattern=None)[source]

Yields all Variables matching a pattern.

Parameters:pattern (string pattern, optional) – glob-style pattern used to match variable names or None which will return all variables. (default: None)

Example usage:

>>> for variable in dataset.variables('A*'):
...     array = variable.values('My Zone')
Dataset.zone(pattern)[source]

Returns Zone by index or string pattern.

Parameters:pattern (integer or string) – Zero-based index or glob-style pattern in which case, the first match is returned.
Returns:OrderedZone, ClassicFEZone or PolyFEZone depending on the zone type.
Raises:TecplotIndexError

The Zone.name attribute is used to match the pattern to the desired Zone though this is not necessarily unique:

>>> ds = frame.dataset
>>> print(ds)
Dataset:
  Zones: ['Rectangular zone']
  Variables: ['x', 'y', 'z']
>>> rectzone = ds.zone('Rectangular zone')
>>> rectzone == ds.zone(0)
True
Dataset.zones(pattern=None)[source]

Yields all Zones matching a pattern.

Parameters:pattern (string pattern, optional) – glob-style pattern used to match zone names or None which will return all zones. (default: None)
Returns:OrderedZone, ClassicFEZone or PolyFEZone depending on the zone type.

Example usage:

>>> for zone in dataset.zones('A*'):
...     x_array = zone.variable('X')

Use list comprehension to construct a list of all zones with ‘Wing’ in the zone name:

>>> wing_zones = [Z for Z in dataset.zones() if 'Wing' in Z.name]

Variable

class tecplot.data.Variable(uid, dataset)[source]

Key value for a data array within a Dataset.

Variables can be identified (uniquely) by the index within their parent Dataset or (non-uniquely) by name. In general, a Zone must also be selected to access the underlying data array. This object is used by several style controlling classes such as contours and vectors. The following example sets the contour variable for the first contour group to the first variable named ‘S’:

>>> plot.contour(0).variable = dataset.variable('S')

Attributes

aux_data Auxiliary data for this variable.
index Zero-based position within the parent Dataset.
name Returns or sets the name.
num_zones Number of Zones in the parent Dataset.

Methods

max() Upper bound of the values stored in this variable across all zones.
min() Lower bound of the values stored in this variable across all zones.
minmax() Limits of the values stored in this variable across all zones.
values(pattern) Returns Array by index or string pattern.
Variable.aux_data

Auxiliary data for this variable.

Returns:AuxData

This is the auxiliary data attached to the variable. Such data is written to the layout file by default and can be retrieved later. Example usage:

>>> frame = tp.active_frame()
>>> aux = frame.dataset.variable('X').aux_data
>>> aux['X_weighted_avg'] = '3.14159'
>>> print(aux['X_weighted_avg'])
3.14159
Variable.index

Zero-based position within the parent Dataset.

Type:Index

Example usage:

>>> plot.contour(0).variable_index = dataset.variable('S').index
Variable.max()[source]

Upper bound of the values stored in this variable across all zones.

Type:float

This always returns a float regardless of the underlying data type:

>>> print(dataset.variable('x').max())
10
Variable.min()[source]

Lower bound of the values stored in this variable across all zones.

Type:float

This always returns a float regardless of the underlying data type:

>>> print(dataset.variable('x').min())
0
Variable.minmax()[source]

Limits of the values stored in this variable across all zones.

Type:2-tuple of floats

This always returns floats regardless of the underlying data type:

>>> print(dataset.variable('x').minmax())
(0, 10)
Variable.name

Returns or sets the name.

Type:string

Example usage:

>>> print(dataset.variable(0).name)
X
Variable.num_zones

Number of Zones in the parent Dataset.

Type:integer

Example usage, looping over all zones by index:

>>> for zindex in range(dataset.num_zones):
...     zone = dataset.zone(zindex)
Variable.values(pattern)[source]

Returns Array by index or string pattern.

Parameters:pattern (integer or string) – Zero-based index or glob-style pattern in which case, the first match is returned, or a Zone object.

Note

Data operations can make use of Numpy when installed.

When doing large data transfers into and out of Tecplot using PyTecplot, it is recommended to install the Python array-processing module Numpy. PyTecplot will automatically use this to optimize data transfers which may result in significant performance gains.

The Zone.name attribute is used to match the pattern to the desired Array though this is not necessarily unique:

>>> ds = frame.dataset
>>> print(ds)
Dataset:
  Zones: 'Rectangular zone'
  Variables: 'x', 'y', 'z'
>>> x = ds.variable('x')
>>> rectzone = x.values('Rectangular zone')
>>> rectzone == x.values(0)
True

Zones

tecplot.data.zone

Zones describe the size, shape, element (cell) geometry, connectivity and solution time of arrays in a dataset. Zones created as “ordered,” “classic finite-element,” or “polytopal finite-element” along with the number of nodes and elements which can not be changed (without creating a new zone). Ordered zones are always considered to be logically-rectangular grids of one, two or three dimensions depending on the shape. Classic finite-element zones must use a fixed-type element throughout. This means that each element has the same number of faces and nodes. Polytopal zones can have a varying number of faces and nodes for each element. The connectivity is implied in ordered zones and explicitly provided by the user for finite-element zones.

In PyTecplot, there are three zone class objects: OrderedZone, ClassicFEZone and PolyFEZone. The OrderedZone and ClassicFEZone classes use the FaceNeighbors class to handle “global” face-neighbor connections from one zone to another. The connectivity for the ClassicFEZone objects are accessed through the Nodemap class. The PolyFEZone objects provide element definition and connectivity access through the Facemap class.

OrderedZone

class tecplot.data.OrderedZone(uid, dataset)[source]

An ordered (i, j, k) zone within a Dataset.

Ordered zones contain nodal or cell-centered arrays where the connectivity is implied by the dimensions and ordering of the data.

Zones can be identified (uniquely) by the index with their parent Dataset or (non-uniquely) by name. In general, a Variable must be selected to access the underlying data array. This object is used by fieldmaps and linemaps to apply style to specific zones. Here we obtain the fieldmap associated with the zone named ‘My Zone’:

>>> fmap = plot.fieldmap(dataset.zone('My Zone'))

Attributes

aux_data Auxiliary data for this zone.
dimensions Nodal dimensions along (i, j, k).
face_neighbors The face neighbor list for this ordered zone.
index Zero-based position within the parent Dataset.
name The name of the zone.
num_elements Number of cells in this zone.
num_faces Number of faces in this zone.
num_faces_per_element Number of faces per element in this ordered zone.
num_points Total number of nodes within this zone.
num_points_per_element Points per cell for ordered zones.
num_variables Number of Variables in the parent Dataset.
rank Number of dimensions of the data array.
solution_time The solution time for this zone.
strand The strand ID number.
zone_type The ZoneType indicating structure of the data contained.

Methods

copy([share_variables]) Duplicate this Zone in the parent Dataset.
values(pattern) Returns an Array by index or string pattern.
OrderedZone.aux_data

Auxiliary data for this zone.

Returns:AuxData

This is the auxiliary data attached to the zone. Such data is written to the layout file by default and can be retrieved later. Example usage:

>>> frame = tp.active_frame()
>>> aux = frame.dataset.zone('My Zone').aux_data
>>> aux['X_weighted_avg'] = '3.14159'
>>> print(aux['X_weighted_avg'])
3.14159
OrderedZone.copy(share_variables=False)

Duplicate this Zone in the parent Dataset.

The name is also copied but can be changed after duplication.

Parameters:share_variables (bool or list of Variables) – Variables to be shared between original and generated zones. If variables are not shared they will be created as passive variables. Default: False.
Returns:Zone – The newly created zone.

Example:

>>> new_zone = dataset.zone('My Zone').copy()
>>> print(new_zone.name)
My Zone
>>> new_zone.name = 'My Zone Copy'
>>> print(new_zone.name)
My Zone Copy
OrderedZone.dimensions

Nodal dimensions along (i, j, k).

Returns:tuple of integers(i, j, k) for ordered data.

Example usage:

>>> print(zone.dimensions)
(128, 128, 128)
OrderedZone.face_neighbors

The face neighbor list for this ordered zone.

Type:FaceNeighbors

Example usage:

>>> zone = dataset.zone(0)
>>> print(zone.face_neighbors.mode)
FaceNeighborMode.LocalOneToOne
OrderedZone.index

Zero-based position within the parent Dataset.

Type:Index

This is the value used to obtain a specific zone if you have duplicately named zones in the dataset:

>>> tp.new_layout()
>>> frame = tp.active_frame()
>>> dataset = frame.create_dataset('Dataset', ['x', 'y'])
>>> dataset.add_ordered_zone('Zone', (10,10,10))
>>> dataset.add_ordered_zone('Zone', (3,3,3))
>>> # getting zone by name always returns first match
>>> print(dataset.zone('Zone').index)
0
>>> # use index to get specific zone
>>> print(dataset.zone(1).dimensions)
(3, 3, 3)
OrderedZone.name

The name of the zone.

Type:string

Example usage:

>>> dataset.zone(0).name = 'Zone 0'
OrderedZone.num_elements

Number of cells in this zone.

Type:integer

Example usage:

>>> zone = dataset.zone('My Zone')
>>> print(zone.dimensions)
(128, 128, 128)
>>> print(zone.num_elements)
2048383
OrderedZone.num_faces

Number of faces in this zone.

Type:integer

This is the same as the number of elements times the number of faces per element. Example usage:

>>> print(dataset.zone('My Zone').num_faces)
1048576
OrderedZone.num_faces_per_element

Number of faces per element in this ordered zone.

Type:integer

This is determined by the rank of the zone:

Rank Faces Per Element
0 0
1 1
2 4
3 6

Example usage:

>>> zone = dataset.zone('My Zone')
>>> print(zone.dimensions)
(1, 10, 10)
>>> print(zone.rank)
2
>>> print(zone.num_faces_per_element)
4
OrderedZone.num_points

Total number of nodes within this zone.

Type:integer

This is number of nodes within the zone and is equivalent to the product of the values in OrderedZone.dimensions. Example usage:

>>> zone = dataset.zone('My Zone')
>>> print(zone.dimensions)
(128, 128, 128)
>>> print(zone.num_points)
2097152
OrderedZone.num_points_per_element

Points per cell for ordered zones.

Type:integer

For ordered zones, this is \(2^{d}\) where \(d\) is the number of dimensions greater than one:

Rank Faces Per Element
0 0
1 2
2 4
3 8

Example usage:

>>> zone = dataset.zone('My Zone')
>>> print(zone.dimensions)
(10, 10, 1)
>>> print(zone.rank)
2
>>> print(zone.num_points_per_element)
4
OrderedZone.num_variables

Number of Variables in the parent Dataset.

Type:integer

Example usage, iterating over all variables by index:

>>> for i in range(dataset.num_variables):
...     variable = dataset.variable(i)
OrderedZone.rank

Number of dimensions of the data array.

Type:integer

This will return the number of dimensions which contain more than one value:

>>> zone = dataset.zone('My Zone')
>>> print(zone.dimensions)
(10, 10, 1)
>>> print(zone.rank)
2
OrderedZone.solution_time

The solution time for this zone.

Type:float

Example usage:

>>> dataset.zone('My Zone').solution_time = 3.14

Note

Possible side-effect when connected to Tecplot 360.

Changing the solution times in the dataset or modifying the active fieldmaps in a frame may trigger a change in the active plot’s solution time by the Tecplot 360 interface. This is done to keep the GUI controls consistent. In batch mode, no such side-effect will take place and the user must take care to set the plot’s solution time with the plot.solution_time or plot.solution_timestep properties.

OrderedZone.strand

The strand ID number.

Type:integer

Example usage:

>>> dataset.zone('My Zone').strand = 2

Note

Possible side-effect when connected to Tecplot 360.

Changing the solution times in the dataset or modifying the active fieldmaps in a frame may trigger a change in the active plot’s solution time by the Tecplot 360 interface. This is done to keep the GUI controls consistent. In batch mode, no such side-effect will take place and the user must take care to set the plot’s solution time with the plot.solution_time or plot.solution_timestep properties.

OrderedZone.values(pattern)

Returns an Array by index or string pattern.

Parameters:pattern (integer or string) – Zero-based index, glob-style pattern in which case, the first match is returned, or a Variable object.

Note

Data operations can make use of Numpy when installed.

When doing large data transfers into and out of Tecplot using PyTecplot, it is recommended to install the Python array-processing module Numpy. PyTecplot will automatically use this to optimize data transfers which may result in significant performance gains.

The Variable.name attribute is used to match the pattern to the desired Array though this is not necessarily unique:

>>> ds = frame.dataset
>>> print(ds)
Dataset:
  Zones: ['Rectangular zone']
  Variables: ['x', 'y', 'z']
>>> zone = ds.zone('Rectangular zone')
>>> x = zone.values('x')
>>> x == zone.values(0)
True
OrderedZone.zone_type

The ZoneType indicating structure of the data contained.

Type:ZoneType

The specific type of zone this object represents:

>>> print(dataset.zone(0).zone_type)
ZoneType.Ordered

ClassicFEZone

class tecplot.data.ClassicFEZone(uid, dataset)[source]

A classic finite-element zone within a Dataset.

Classic finite-element zones are arrays of nodes that are connected explicitly into pre-defined geometric shapes called “elements.” The geometry is consistent across the whole zone so that the number of nodes per element is constant.

Zones can be identified (uniquely) by the index with their parent Dataset or (non-uniquely) by name. In general, a Variable must be selected to access the underlying data array. This object is used by fieldmaps and linemaps to apply style to specific zones. Here we obtain the fieldmap associated with the zone named ‘My Zone’:

>>> fmap = plot.fieldmap(dataset.zone('My Zone'))

Attributes

aux_data Auxiliary data for this zone.
face_neighbors The face neighbor list for this finite-element zone.
index Zero-based position within the parent Dataset.
name The name of the zone.
nodemap The connectivity Nodemap for this classic finite-element zone.
num_elements Number of cells in this finite-element zone.
num_faces Number of faces in this zone.
num_faces_per_element Number of faces per element.
num_points Total number of nodes within this zone.
num_points_per_element Points per element for classic finite-element zones.
num_variables Number of Variables in the parent Dataset.
rank Number of dimensions of the data array.
shared_connectivity list of Zones sharing connectivity.
solution_time The solution time for this zone.
strand The strand ID number.
zone_type The ZoneType indicating structure of the data contained.

Methods

copy([share_variables]) Duplicate this Zone in the parent Dataset.
values(pattern) Returns an Array by index or string pattern.
ClassicFEZone.aux_data

Auxiliary data for this zone.

Returns:AuxData

This is the auxiliary data attached to the zone. Such data is written to the layout file by default and can be retrieved later. Example usage:

>>> frame = tp.active_frame()
>>> aux = frame.dataset.zone('My Zone').aux_data
>>> aux['X_weighted_avg'] = '3.14159'
>>> print(aux['X_weighted_avg'])
3.14159
ClassicFEZone.copy(share_variables=False)

Duplicate this Zone in the parent Dataset.

The name is also copied but can be changed after duplication.

Parameters:share_variables (bool or list of Variables) – Variables to be shared between original and generated zones. If variables are not shared they will be created as passive variables. Default: False.
Returns:Zone – The newly created zone.

Example:

>>> new_zone = dataset.zone('My Zone').copy()
>>> print(new_zone.name)
My Zone
>>> new_zone.name = 'My Zone Copy'
>>> print(new_zone.name)
My Zone Copy
ClassicFEZone.face_neighbors

The face neighbor list for this finite-element zone.

Type:FaceNeighbors

Example usage:

>>> zone = dataset.zone(0)
>>> print(zone.face_neighbors.mode)
FaceNeighborMode.LocalOneToMany
ClassicFEZone.index

Zero-based position within the parent Dataset.

Type:Index

This is the value used to obtain a specific zone if you have duplicately named zones in the dataset:

>>> tp.new_layout()
>>> frame = tp.active_frame()
>>> dataset = frame.create_dataset('Dataset', ['x', 'y'])
>>> dataset.add_ordered_zone('Zone', (10,10,10))
>>> dataset.add_ordered_zone('Zone', (3,3,3))
>>> # getting zone by name always returns first match
>>> print(dataset.zone('Zone').index)
0
>>> # use index to get specific zone
>>> print(dataset.zone(1).dimensions)
(3, 3, 3)
ClassicFEZone.name

The name of the zone.

Type:string

Example usage:

>>> dataset.zone(0).name = 'Zone 0'
ClassicFEZone.nodemap

The connectivity Nodemap for this classic finite-element zone.

Type:Nodemap

Example usage:

>>> zone = dataset.zone(0)
>>> print(zone.nodemap.num_points_per_element)
4
ClassicFEZone.num_elements

Number of cells in this finite-element zone.

Type:integer

Example usage:

>>> print(dataset.zone('My Zone').num_elements)
1048576
ClassicFEZone.num_faces

Number of faces in this zone.

Type:integer

This is the same as the number of elements times the number of faces per element. Example usage:

>>> print(dataset.zone('My Zone').num_faces)
1048576
ClassicFEZone.num_faces_per_element

Number of faces per element.

Type:integer

This is dependent on the type of element this zone contains:

Zone Type Faces Per Element
FELineSeg 1
FETriangle 3
FEQuad 4
FETetra 4
FEBrick 6

Example usage:

>>> print(dataset.zone('My Zone').num_faces_per_element)
4
ClassicFEZone.num_points

Total number of nodes within this zone.

Type:integer

This is the total number of nodes in the zone. Example usage:

>>> print(dataset.zone('My Zone').num_points)
2048
ClassicFEZone.num_points_per_element

Points per element for classic finite-element zones.

Type:integer

The number of points (also known as nodes) per finite-element is determined from the zone_type parameter. The follow table shows the number of points per element for the available zone types along with the resulting shape of the nodemap based on the number of points specified (\(N\)):

Zone Type Points/Element Nodemap Shape
FELineSeg 2 (\(N\), \(2 N\))
FETriangle 3 (\(N\), \(3 N\))
FEQuad 4 (\(N\), \(4 N\))
FETetra 4 (\(N\), \(4 N\))
FEBrick 8 (\(N\), \(8 N\))

Example usage:

>>> zone = dataset.zone('My Zone')
>>> print(zone.zone_type)
ZoneType.FETriangle
>>> print(zone.num_points_per_element)
3
ClassicFEZone.num_variables

Number of Variables in the parent Dataset.

Type:integer

Example usage, iterating over all variables by index:

>>> for i in range(dataset.num_variables):
...     variable = dataset.variable(i)
ClassicFEZone.rank

Number of dimensions of the data array.

Type:integer

This indicates the dimensionality of the data and is dependent on the type of element this zone contains:

Zone Type Rank
FELineSeg 1
FETriangle 2
FEQuad 2
FETetra 3
FEBrick 3

Example usage:

>>> zone = dataset.zone('My Zone')
>>> print(zone.zone_type)
ZoneType.FEBrick
>>> print(zone.rank)
3
ClassicFEZone.shared_connectivity

list of Zones sharing connectivity.

Type:list of Zones

Example usage:

>>> dataset.zone('My Zone').copy()
>>> for zone in dataset.zone('My Zone').shared_connectivity:
...     print(zone.index)
0
1
ClassicFEZone.solution_time

The solution time for this zone.

Type:float

Example usage:

>>> dataset.zone('My Zone').solution_time = 3.14

Note

Possible side-effect when connected to Tecplot 360.

Changing the solution times in the dataset or modifying the active fieldmaps in a frame may trigger a change in the active plot’s solution time by the Tecplot 360 interface. This is done to keep the GUI controls consistent. In batch mode, no such side-effect will take place and the user must take care to set the plot’s solution time with the plot.solution_time or plot.solution_timestep properties.

ClassicFEZone.strand

The strand ID number.

Type:integer

Example usage:

>>> dataset.zone('My Zone').strand = 2

Note

Possible side-effect when connected to Tecplot 360.

Changing the solution times in the dataset or modifying the active fieldmaps in a frame may trigger a change in the active plot’s solution time by the Tecplot 360 interface. This is done to keep the GUI controls consistent. In batch mode, no such side-effect will take place and the user must take care to set the plot’s solution time with the plot.solution_time or plot.solution_timestep properties.

ClassicFEZone.values(pattern)

Returns an Array by index or string pattern.

Parameters:pattern (integer or string) – Zero-based index, glob-style pattern in which case, the first match is returned, or a Variable object.

Note

Data operations can make use of Numpy when installed.

When doing large data transfers into and out of Tecplot using PyTecplot, it is recommended to install the Python array-processing module Numpy. PyTecplot will automatically use this to optimize data transfers which may result in significant performance gains.

The Variable.name attribute is used to match the pattern to the desired Array though this is not necessarily unique:

>>> ds = frame.dataset
>>> print(ds)
Dataset:
  Zones: ['Rectangular zone']
  Variables: ['x', 'y', 'z']
>>> zone = ds.zone('Rectangular zone')
>>> x = zone.values('x')
>>> x == zone.values(0)
True
ClassicFEZone.zone_type

The ZoneType indicating structure of the data contained.

Type:ZoneType

The specific type of zone this object represents:

>>> print(dataset.zone(0).zone_type)
ZoneType.FEBrick

PolyFEZone

class tecplot.data.PolyFEZone(uid, dataset)[source]

A polygonal finite-element zone within a Dataset.

A polygonal zone consists of arrays of nodes which are connected explicitly into arbitrary and varying geometric elements. These elements are 2D or 3D in nature and have a number of faces (connections between nodes) which hold the concept of a left and right neighbor.

Zones can be identified (uniquely) by the index with their parent Dataset or (non-uniquely) by name. In general, a Variable must be selected to access the underlying data array. This object is used by fieldmaps and linemaps to apply style to specific zones. Here we obtain the fieldmap associated with the zone named ‘My Zone’:

>>> fmap = plot.fieldmap(dataset.zone('My Zone'))

Attributes

aux_data Auxiliary data for this zone.
facemap The connectivity Facemap for this polygonal finite-element zone.
index Zero-based position within the parent Dataset.
name The name of the zone.
num_elements Number of cells in this finite-element zone.
num_faces Number of faces in this finite-element zone.
num_points Total number of nodes within this zone.
num_variables Number of Variables in the parent Dataset.
rank Number of dimensions of the data array.
shared_connectivity list of Zones sharing connectivity.
solution_time The solution time for this zone.
strand The strand ID number.
zone_type The ZoneType indicating structure of the data contained.

Methods

copy([share_variables]) Duplicate this Zone in the parent Dataset.
values(pattern) Returns an Array by index or string pattern.
PolyFEZone.aux_data

Auxiliary data for this zone.

Returns:AuxData

This is the auxiliary data attached to the zone. Such data is written to the layout file by default and can be retrieved later. Example usage:

>>> frame = tp.active_frame()
>>> aux = frame.dataset.zone('My Zone').aux_data
>>> aux['X_weighted_avg'] = '3.14159'
>>> print(aux['X_weighted_avg'])
3.14159
PolyFEZone.copy(share_variables=False)

Duplicate this Zone in the parent Dataset.

The name is also copied but can be changed after duplication.

Parameters:share_variables (bool or list of Variables) – Variables to be shared between original and generated zones. If variables are not shared they will be created as passive variables. Default: False.
Returns:Zone – The newly created zone.

Example:

>>> new_zone = dataset.zone('My Zone').copy()
>>> print(new_zone.name)
My Zone
>>> new_zone.name = 'My Zone Copy'
>>> print(new_zone.name)
My Zone Copy
PolyFEZone.facemap

The connectivity Facemap for this polygonal finite-element zone.

Type:Facemap

Example usage:

>>> zone = dataset.zone(0)
>>> print(zone.facemap.num_faces)
4500
PolyFEZone.index

Zero-based position within the parent Dataset.

Type:Index

This is the value used to obtain a specific zone if you have duplicately named zones in the dataset:

>>> tp.new_layout()
>>> frame = tp.active_frame()
>>> dataset = frame.create_dataset('Dataset', ['x', 'y'])
>>> dataset.add_ordered_zone('Zone', (10,10,10))
>>> dataset.add_ordered_zone('Zone', (3,3,3))
>>> # getting zone by name always returns first match
>>> print(dataset.zone('Zone').index)
0
>>> # use index to get specific zone
>>> print(dataset.zone(1).dimensions)
(3, 3, 3)
PolyFEZone.name

The name of the zone.

Type:string

Example usage:

>>> dataset.zone(0).name = 'Zone 0'
PolyFEZone.num_elements

Number of cells in this finite-element zone.

Type:integer

Example usage:

>>> print(dataset.zone('My Zone').num_elements)
1048576
PolyFEZone.num_faces

Number of faces in this finite-element zone.

Type:integer

The number of faces may be 0 if unknown or facemap creation is deferred. Example usage:

>>> print(dataset.zone('My Zone').num_faces)
1048576
PolyFEZone.num_points

Total number of nodes within this zone.

Type:integer

This is the total number of nodes in the zone. Example usage:

>>> print(dataset.zone('My Zone').num_points)
2048
PolyFEZone.num_variables

Number of Variables in the parent Dataset.

Type:integer

Example usage, iterating over all variables by index:

>>> for i in range(dataset.num_variables):
...     variable = dataset.variable(i)
PolyFEZone.rank

Number of dimensions of the data array.

Type:integer

This indicates the dimensionality of the data and is dependent on the type of element this zone contains:

Zone Type Rank
FEPolygon 2
FEPolyhedron 3

Example usage:

>>> zone = dataset.zone('My Zone')
>>> print(zone.zone_type)
ZoneType.FEPolygon
>>> print(zone.rank)
2
PolyFEZone.shared_connectivity

list of Zones sharing connectivity.

Type:list of Zones

Example usage:

>>> dataset.zone('My Zone').copy()
>>> for zone in dataset.zone('My Zone').shared_connectivity:
...     print(zone.index)
0
1
PolyFEZone.solution_time

The solution time for this zone.

Type:float

Example usage:

>>> dataset.zone('My Zone').solution_time = 3.14

Note

Possible side-effect when connected to Tecplot 360.

Changing the solution times in the dataset or modifying the active fieldmaps in a frame may trigger a change in the active plot’s solution time by the Tecplot 360 interface. This is done to keep the GUI controls consistent. In batch mode, no such side-effect will take place and the user must take care to set the plot’s solution time with the plot.solution_time or plot.solution_timestep properties.

PolyFEZone.strand

The strand ID number.

Type:integer

Example usage:

>>> dataset.zone('My Zone').strand = 2

Note

Possible side-effect when connected to Tecplot 360.

Changing the solution times in the dataset or modifying the active fieldmaps in a frame may trigger a change in the active plot’s solution time by the Tecplot 360 interface. This is done to keep the GUI controls consistent. In batch mode, no such side-effect will take place and the user must take care to set the plot’s solution time with the plot.solution_time or plot.solution_timestep properties.

PolyFEZone.values(pattern)

Returns an Array by index or string pattern.

Parameters:pattern (integer or string) – Zero-based index, glob-style pattern in which case, the first match is returned, or a Variable object.

Note

Data operations can make use of Numpy when installed.

When doing large data transfers into and out of Tecplot using PyTecplot, it is recommended to install the Python array-processing module Numpy. PyTecplot will automatically use this to optimize data transfers which may result in significant performance gains.

The Variable.name attribute is used to match the pattern to the desired Array though this is not necessarily unique:

>>> ds = frame.dataset
>>> print(ds)
Dataset:
  Zones: ['Rectangular zone']
  Variables: ['x', 'y', 'z']
>>> zone = ds.zone('Rectangular zone')
>>> x = zone.values('x')
>>> x == zone.values(0)
True
PolyFEZone.zone_type

The ZoneType indicating structure of the data contained.

Type:ZoneType

The specific type of zone this object represents:

>>> print(dataset.zone(0).zone_type)
ZoneType.FEPolygon

Array

class tecplot.data.Array(zone, variable)[source]

Low-level accessor for underlying data within a Dataset.

Note

The data manipulation context referred to below is currently being developed and should show up in an up-coming revision.

This object exposes a list-like interface to the underlying data array. Using it, values can be directly queried and modified. After any modification to the data, the Tecplot Engine will have to be notified of the change. This notification will happen automatically in most cases, but can be turned off using the data manipulation context for a significant performance increase on large datasets.

Accessing values within an Array is done through the standard [] syntax:

>>> print(array[3])
3.1415

The numbers passed are interpreted just like Python’s built-in slice object:

>>> # print the values at indices: 5, 7, 9
>>> print(array[5:10:2])
[1.0, 1.0, 1.0]

Elements within an array can be manipulated in-place with the assignment operator:

>>> array[3] = 5.0
>>> print(array[3])
5.0

Element-by-element access is not guaranteed to be performant and users should avoid writing loops over indices in Python. Instead, whole arrays should be used. This will effectively push the loop down to the underlying native library and will be much faster in virtually all cases.

Consider this array of 10k elements:

>>> import tecplot as tp
>>> ds = tp.active_frame().create_dataset('Dataset', ['x'])
>>> zn = ds.add_ordered_zone('Zone', 10000)
>>> array = zn.values('x')

The following loop, which takes the sine of all values in the array will require several Python function calls per element which is a tremendous overhead:

>>> import math
>>> for i in range(len(ar)):
...     ar[i] = math.sin(ar[i])

An immediate improvement on this can be made by looping over the elements in Python only when reading the values, but assigning them using the whole array. This will be several times faster for even modest arrays:

>>> ar[:] = [math.sin(x) for x in ar]

But there is still a large performance penalty for looping over elements directly in Python and PyTecplot supports two solutions for large arrays: tecplot.data.operate.execute_equation and tecplot.extension.numpy. Please refer to these for details. Continuing with the example above, we could accomplish the same thing with either of the following using execute_equation (assuming the array is identified by the first zone, first variable):

>>> from tecplot.data.operate import execute_equation
>>> execute_equation('V1 = SIN(V1)', zones=[dataset.zone(0)])

or by using the numpy library:

>>> import numpy as np
>>> ar[:] = np.sin(ar[:])

In both of these cases, the calculation of the sine and loop over elements is pushed to the low level library and is much faster.

Attributes

c_type ctypes compatible data type of this array.
data_type FieldDataType indicating the underlying value type of this array.
location The location of the data points with respect to the elements.
passive Boolean indicating an unallocated zone-variable combination.
shape (i, j, k) shape for this array.
shared_zones list of all Zones sharing this array.

Methods

as_numpy_array(arr)
copy([offset, size]) Copy the whole or part of the array into a ctypes array.
max() Upper bound of the values stored in this array.
min() Lower bound of the values stored in this array.
minmax() Limits of the values stored in this array.
Array.as_numpy_array(arr)
Array.c_type

ctypes compatible data type of this array.

This is the ctypes equivalent of Array.data_type and will return one of the following:

and can be used to create a ctypes array to store a copy of the data:

import tecplot as tp
frame = tp.active_frame()
dataset = frame.create_dataset('Dataset', ['x'])
dataset.add_ordered_zone('Zone', (3,3,3))
x = dataset.zone('Zone').values('x')
# allocate array using Python's ctypes
x_array = (x.c_type * len(x))()
# copy values from Dataset into ctypes array
x_array[:] = x[:]
Array.copy(offset=0, size=None)[source]

Copy the whole or part of the array into a ctypes array.

Parameters:
  • offset (integer, optional) – Zero-based offset for starting index to copy. (default: 0)
  • size (integer, optional) – Number of values to copy into the resulting array. A value of None will copy to the end of the array. (default: None)

Here we will copy out chunks of the data, do some operation and set the values back into the dataset:

>>> import tecplot as tp
>>> tp.new_layout()
>>> frame = tp.active_frame()
>>> dataset = frame.create_dataset('Dataset', ['x'])
>>> dataset.add_ordered_zone('Zone', (2, 2, 2))
>>> x = dataset.zone('Zone').values('x')
>>> # loop over array copying out 4 values at a time
>>> for i, offset in enumerate(range(0, len(x), 4)):
...     x_array = x.copy(offset, 4)
...     x_array[:] = [i] * 4
...     x[offset:offset + 4] = x_array
>>> print(x[:])
[0.0, 0.0, 0.0, 0.0, 1.0, 1.0, 1.0, 1.0]
Array.data_type

FieldDataType indicating the underlying value type of this array.

Type:FieldDataType

Example usage:

>>> print(dataset.zone('Zone').values('X').data_type)
FieldDataType.Float
Array.location

The location of the data points with respect to the elements.

Type:ValueLocation

Possible values are ValueLocation.CellCentered and ValueLocation.Nodal. Example usage:

>>> print(dataset.zone(0).values('X').location)
ValueLocation.Nodal
Array.max()[source]

Upper bound of the values stored in this array.

Type:float

This always returns a float regardless of the underlying data type:

>>> print(dataset.zone('Zone').values('x').max())
10
Array.min()[source]

Lower bound of the values stored in this array.

Type:float

This always returns a float regardless of the underlying data type:

>>> print(dataset.zone('Zone').values('x').min())
0
Array.minmax()[source]

Limits of the values stored in this array.

Type:2-tuple of floats

This always returns floats regardless of the underlying data type:

>>> print(dataset.zone('Zone').values('x').minmax())
(0, 10)
Array.passive

Boolean indicating an unallocated zone-variable combination.

Type:bool

Passive variables are placeholders where no data is defined for a zone variable combination. Passive variables will always return zero when queried.

Example:

>>> import tecplot as tp
>>> ds = tp.active_page().add_frame().create_dataset('D', ['x','y'])
>>> z = ds.add_ordered_zone('Z1', (3,))
>>> z.values(0).passive
False
Array.shape

(i, j, k) shape for this array.

Type:tuple of floats

This is defined by the parent zone and can be used to reshape arrays. The following example assumes 32-bit floating point array and copies the Tecplot-owned data into the numpy-owned array:

>>> import numpy as np
>>> data = dataset.zone('Zone').values('X')
>>> array = np.empty(data.shape, dtype=np.float32)
>>> arr_ptr = array.ctypes.data_as(POINTER(data.c_type))
>>> memmove(arr_ptr, data.copy(), sizeof(data.c_type) * len(data))

The data array presented is normally one-dimensional. For ordered data, you may wish to reshape the array indexing according to the dimensionality given by the shape attribute:

>>> import numpy as np
>>> import tecplot as tp
>>> frame = tp.active_frame()
>>> dataset = frame.create_dataset('Dataset', ['x'])
>>> zone = dataset.add_ordered_zone('Zone', shape=(3,3,3))
>>> x = np.array(zone.values('X')[:])
>>> print(x)
[ 0.  0.  0.  0.  0.  0.  0.  0.  0.  0.  0.  0.  0.  0.
  0.  0.  0.  0.  0.  0.  0.  0.  0.  0.  0.  0.  0.]
>>> x.shape = zone.values('X').shape
>>> print(x)
[[[ 0.  0.  0.]
  [ 0.  0.  0.]
  [ 0.  0.  0.]]

 [[ 0.  0.  0.]
  [ 0.  0.  0.]
  [ 0.  0.  0.]]

 [[ 0.  0.  0.]
  [ 0.  0.  0.]
  [ 0.  0.  0.]]]
Array.shared_zones

list of all Zones sharing this array.

Type:list of Zones

Example usage:

>>> dataset.zone('My Zone').copy(share_variables=True)
>>> for z in dataset.zone('My Zone').values(0).shared_zones:
...     print(z.index)
0
1

Nodemap

class tecplot.data.Nodemap(zone)[source]

Connectivity list definition and control for classic FE zones.

A nodemap holds the connectivity between nodes and elements for classic finite-element zones. It is nominally a two-dimensionaly array of shape \((N_e, N_{npe})\) where \(N_e\) is the number of elements and \(N_{npe}\) is the number of nodes per element. The nodemap interface has flat-array access through the Nodemap.array property as well as reverse look-up with Nodemap.num_elements() and Nodemap.element().

The nodemap behaves mostly like a two-dimensional array and can be treated as such:

>>> nodemap = dataset.zone('My Zone').nodemap
>>> print('nodes in the first element:', nodemap[0])
nodes in the first element: [0, 1, 2, 3]
>>> print(nodemap[:3])
[[0, 1, 2, 3], [2, 3, 4, 5], [4, 5, 6, 7]]
>>> nodemap[0] = [6, 7, 8, 9]
>>> print(nodemap[0])
[6, 7, 8, 9]

Just for clarity, the nodemap indexing is by element first, then offset within that element:

>>> element = 6
>>> offset = 2
>>> node = nodemap[element][offset]
>>> print(node)
21

Setting node indices must be done for an entire element because getting values out of the nodemap and into Python always creates a copy. For example, this will not work:

>>> nodemap = dataset.zone('My Zone').nodemap
>>> # Trying to set the 3rd node of the element 10
>>> nodemap[10][2] = 5  # Error: nodemap[10] returns a copy

To modify a single node in a nodemap, it is neccessary to do a round trip like so:

nodemap = dataset.zone('My Zone').nodemap
>>> nodes = nodemap[10]
>>> nodes[2] = 5
>>> nodemap[10] = nodes  # OK: setting whole element at a time
>>> print(nodemap[10])
[20, 21, 5, 22]

The following script creates a quad of two triangles from scratch using the PyTecplot low-level data creation interface. The general steps are:

  1. Setup the data
  2. Create the tecplot dataset and variables
  3. Create the zone
  4. Set the node locations and connectivity lists
  5. Set the (scalar) data
  6. Write out data file
  7. Adjust plot style and export image

The data created looks like this:

Node positions (x,y,z):

               (1,1,1)
              3
             / \
            /   \
 (0,1,.5)  2-----1  (1,0,.5)
            \   /
             \ /
              0
               (0,0,0)

Breaking up the two triangular elements, the faces look like this. Notice the first element (index: 0) is on the bottom:

Element 1 Faces:
                   *
   (nodes 3-2)  1 / \ 0  (nodes 1-3)
                 /   \
                *-----*
                   2
                    (nodes 2-1)

Element 0 Faces:
                    (nodes 1-2)
                   1
                *-----*
                 \   /
   (nodes 2-0)  2 \ / 0  (nodes 0-1)
                   *

The nodes are created as a list of \((x, y, z)\) positions:

[(x0, y0, z0), (x1, y1, z1)...]

which are transposed to lists of \(x\), \(y\) and \(z\)-positions:

[(x0, x1, x2...), (y0, y1, y2...)...]

and passed to the \((x, y, z)\) arrays. The nodemap, or connectivity list, is given as an array of dimensions \((N, D)\) where \(N\) is the number of elements and \(D\) is the number of nodes per element. The order of the node locations determines the indices used when specifying the connectivity list. The Nodemap can be set individually and separately or all at once as shown here.

import tecplot as tp
from tecplot.constant import *

# (x, y, z) locations of nodes
nodes = (
    (0, 0, 0  ), # node 0
    (1, 0, 0.5), # node 1
    (0, 1, 0.5), # ...
    (1, 1, 1  ),
    )

scalar_data = [0, 1, 2, 3]

# Connectivity list
# (n0, n1, n2) node indexes which make up the triangles
conn = (
    (0, 1, 2), # element 0 consisting of faces
               #     node connections: 0-1, 1-2, 2-0
    (1, 3, 2), # element 1
    )

# Setup dataset and zone
ds = tp.active_frame().create_dataset('Data', ['x','y','z','s'])
z = ds.add_fe_zone(ZoneType.FETriangle,
                   name='FE Triangle Float (4,2) Nodal',
                   num_points=len(nodes), num_elements=len(conn))

# Fill in node locations
z.values('x')[:] = [n[0] for n in nodes]
z.values('y')[:] = [n[1] for n in nodes]
z.values('z')[:] = [n[2] for n in nodes]

# Set the nodemap
z.nodemap[:] = conn

# Set the scalar data
z.values('s')[:] = scalar_data

### Now we setup a nice view of the data
plot = tp.active_frame().plot(PlotType.Cartesian3D)
plot.activate()

plot.contour(0).colormap_name = 'Sequential - Yellow/Green/Blue'
plot.contour(0).colormap_filter.distribution = ColorMapDistribution.Continuous

for ax in plot.axes:
    ax.show = True

plot.show_mesh = False
plot.show_contour = True
plot.show_edge = True
plot.use_translucency = True

fmap = plot.fieldmap(z)
fmap.surfaces.surfaces_to_plot = SurfacesToPlot.All
fmap.effects.surface_translucency = 40

# View parameters obtained interactively from Tecplot 360
plot.view.distance = 10
plot.view.width = 2
plot.view.psi = 80
plot.view.theta = 30
plot.view.alpha = 0
plot.view.position = (-4.2, -8.0, 2.3)

# Showing mesh, we can see all the individual triangles
plot.show_mesh = True
plot.fieldmap(z).mesh.line_pattern = LinePattern.Dashed

tp.export.save_png('fe_triangles1.png', 600, supersample=3)
../_images/fe_triangles1.png

Attributes

array Flattened array accessor for this nodemap.
c_type The underlying data type for this nodemap.
num_points_per_element Points per element for classic finite-element zones.
shape Shape of the nodemap array.
size Total number of nodes stored in the nodemap array.

Methods

assignment() Context manager for assigning to the nodemap.
element(node, offset) The element containing a given node.
num_elements(node) The number of elements that use a given node.
Nodemap.array

Flattened array accessor for this nodemap.

Type:1D view of the nodemap.

The nodemap is normally dimensioned by \((N_e, N_{npe})\) where \(N_e\) is the number of elements and \(N_{npe}\) is the number of nodes per element. This property represents a flattened view into the array which is of length \(N_e \times N_{npe}\). This may be more convenient than flattening the array in your script using a looping construct.

Standard Python list slicing works for both fetching values and assignments. Example usage:

>>> nmap = dataset.zone('My Zone').nodemap
>>> nmap.array[:] = mydata
>>> print(nmap.array[:10])
[1, 10, 8, 0, 5, 18, 6, 12, 18, 11]
Nodemap.assignment()[source]

Context manager for assigning to the nodemap.

When setting values to the nodemap, a state change is emitted to the engine after every statement. This can degrade performance if in the script the nodemap is being set many times. This context provides a way to suspend the state change notification until all assignments have been completed. In the following example, the state change is emitted only after the nodemap.assignment() context exits:

>>> nodemap = dataset.zone('My Zone').nodemap
>>> with nodemap.assignment():
...     for elem, nodes in enumerate(mydata):
...         nodemap[elem] = nodes
Nodemap.c_type

The underlying data type for this nodemap.

Type:One of: ctypes.c_int32, ctypes.c_int64

Note

This property is read-only.

This is the ctypes integer type used by the Tecplot Engine to store the nodemap data. This is used internally and is not normally needed for simple nodemap access.

Nodemap.element(node, offset)[source]

The element containing a given node.

Parameters:
  • node (integer) – Zero-based index of a node.
  • offset (integer) – Zero-based index of the element that uses the given node.
Returns:

integer - Zero-based index of the element.

Example usage:

>>> nodemap = dataset.zone('My Zone').nodemap
>>> print(nodemap.element(3, 7))
324
Nodemap.num_elements(node)[source]

The number of elements that use a given node.

Parameters:node – (integer): Zero-based index of a node.
Returns:integer - The number of elements that use this node.

Example usage:

>>> nodemap = dataset.zone('My Zone').nodemap
>>> nodemap.num_elements(3)
8
Nodemap.num_points_per_element

Points per element for classic finite-element zones.

Type:integer

Note

This property is read-only.

The number of points (also known as nodes) per finite-element is determined from the zone_type parameter. The following table shows the number of points per element for the available zone types along with the resulting shape of the nodemap based on the number of points specified (\(N\)):

Zone Type Points/Element Nodemap Shape
FELineSeg 2 \((N, 2 N)\)
FETriangle 3 \((N, 3 N)\)
FEQuad 4 \((N, 4 N)\)
FETetra 4 \((N, 4 N)\)
FEBrick 8 \((N, 8 N)\)

Example usage:

>>> zone = dataset.zone('My Zone')
>>> print(zone.zone_type)
ZoneType.FETriangle
>>> print(zone.nodemap.num_points_per_element)
3
Nodemap.shape

Shape of the nodemap array.

Type:tuple of integers

Note

This property is read-only.

This is defined by the zone type and is equal to \((N_e, N_{npe})\) where \(N_e\) is the number of elements and \(N_{npe}\) is the number of nodes per element. Example usage:

>>> print(dataset.zone(0).nodemap.shape)
(1024, 4)
Nodemap.size

Total number of nodes stored in the nodemap array.

Type:integer

Note

This property is read-only.

This is defined by the zone type and is equal to \(N_e \times N_{npe}\) where \(N_e\) is the number of elements and \(N_{npe}\) is the number of nodes per element. Example usage:

>>> print(dataset.zone(0).nodemap.shape)
(1024, 4)
>>> print(dataset.zone(0).nodemap.size)
4096

Facemap

class tecplot.data.Facemap(zone)[source]

Connectivity list definition and control.

A facemap holds the connectivity for a polytopal finite-element zone. This includes node-to-element and element-to-element connections. The following script creates a quad of two triangles from scratch using the PyTecplot low-level data creation interface. The data created looks like this:

Node positions (x,y,z):

               (1,1,1)
              3
             / \
            /   \
 (0,1,.5)  2-----1  (1,0,.5)
            \   /
             \ /
              0
               (0,0,0)

Element indices are used when identifying the left and right of each face, where \(-1\) is used to indicate no element:

    *
-1 / \ -1
  / 1 \
 *-----*
  \ 0 /
-1 \ / -1
    *
import tecplot as tp
from tecplot.constant import *

nodes = ((0, 0, 0  ),
         (1, 0, 0.5),
         (0, 1, 0.5),
         (1, 1, 1  ))
faces = ((0, 1),
         (1, 2),
         (2, 0),
         (1, 3),
         (3, 2))
elements = (( 0, 0,  0,  1,  1),  # elements to the left of each face
            (-1, 1, -1, -1, -1))  # elements to the right of each face
num_elements = 2
scalar_data = (0, 1, 2, 3)

ds = tp.active_frame().create_dataset('Data', ['x','y','z','s'])
z = ds.add_poly_zone(ZoneType.FEPolygon,
                     name='FE Polygon Float (4,2,5) Nodal',
                     num_points=len(nodes),
                     num_elements=num_elements,
                     num_faces=len(faces))

z.values('x')[:] = [n[0] for n in nodes]
z.values('y')[:] = [n[1] for n in nodes]
z.values('z')[:] = [n[2] for n in nodes]
z.facemap.set_mapping(faces, elements)
z.values('s')[:] = scalar_data

### setup a view of the data
plot = tp.active_frame().plot(PlotType.Cartesian3D)
plot.activate()

cont = plot.contour(0)
cont.colormap_name = 'Sequential - Yellow/Green/Blue'
cont.colormap_filter.distribution = ColorMapDistribution.Continuous

for ax in plot.axes:
    ax.show = True

plot.show_mesh = False
plot.show_contour = True
plot.show_edge = True
plot.use_translucency = True

fmap = plot.fieldmap(z)
fmap.surfaces.surfaces_to_plot = SurfacesToPlot.All
fmap.effects.surface_translucency = 40

# View parameters obtained interactively from Tecplot 360
plot.view.distance = 10
plot.view.width = 2
plot.view.psi = 80
plot.view.theta = 30
plot.view.alpha = 0
plot.view.position = (-4.2, -8.0, 2.3)

# Turning on mesh, we can see all the individual triangles
plot.show_mesh = True
plot.fieldmap(z).mesh.line_pattern = LinePattern.Dashed
tp.export.save_png('polygons1.png', 600, supersample=3)
../_images/polygons1.png

Two triangle polygons showing edge and mesh lines.

Attributes

element_c_type The data type of the element indices.
node_c_type The data type of the node indices.
num_unique_nodes The number of unique nodes in this Facemap.

Methods

alloc(face_nodes[, boundary_faces, …]) Allocate space for the facemap.
assignment() Context manager for assigning facemap connections.
boundary_connection(face, offset[, element]) The connected element and zone along a boundary face.
face(element, offset) Face index on a specific element.
left_element(face[, element]) The element to the left of a specific face.
node(face, offset[, element]) The node index along a specific face.
num_boundary_connections([face, element]) The number of boundary connections for a given face.
num_faces([element]) The number of faces of an element in this Facemap.
num_nodes([face, element]) The number nodes for a given face in this Facemap.
right_element(face[, element]) The element to the right of a specific face.
set_boundary_connections(elements, zones) Set the boundary connections.
set_elementmap(elementmap) Define connectivity per element.
set_elements(left_elements, right_elements) Sets the polytope connectivity.
set_mapping(facemap, elements[, …]) Set the node and element connectivity for this polytope zone.
set_nodes(facemap) Sets the polytope connectivity.
Facemap.alloc(face_nodes, boundary_faces=0, boundary_connections=0)[source]

Allocate space for the facemap.

Parameters:
  • face_nodes (int) – Total number of nodes for all faces. This is not the number of unique nodes but the total number. For example if a facemap defines two triangle polygons that share a common face, faces would be 5 and face_nodes would be 6, not 4.
  • boundary_faces (int, optional) – Total number of boundary faces. (default: 0)
  • boundary_connections (int, optional) – Total number of boundary face elements or boundary face element/zone pairs. (default: 0)
Returns:

Facemap

This is called when using the Facemap.set_mapping() method which is the preferred method for filling the connectivity of polytope zones. If the zone does not already have space allocated for a facemap and if you wish to use the Facemap.set_nodes() and Facemap.set_elements() methods to fill in the connectivity, then this must be called first:

>>> facemap = zone.facemap.alloc(400, 25, 50)

Note

Tecplot version 2017.2 or later.

Setting the boundary faces and boundary connections using PyTecplot requires Tecplot version 2017.2 or later.

Facemap.assignment()[source]

Context manager for assigning facemap connections.

This context ensures the proper book keeping is done when setting the connectivity list and must be used with Facemap.set_nodes(), Facemap.set_elements() and Facemap.set_boundary_connections(), which are used to define the connectivity of the zone.

Facemap.boundary_connection(face, offset, element=None)[source]

The connected element and zone along a boundary face.

Parameters:
  • face (integer) – The zero-based index of the face.
  • offset (integer) – The zero-based index of the node being requested.
  • element (integer, optional) – Zero-based index of an element. If given, face will be locally indexed within this element, otherwise face is globally indexed over the whole zone.
Returns:

namedtuple

(element, zone):
element

The zero-based index of the neighboring element.

zone

The zone holding the neighboring element.

Example usage:

>>> bconn = zone.facemap.boundary_connection(0, 2)
>>> print(bconn.element)
128
>>> print(bconn.zone.index)
2
Facemap.element_c_type

The data type of the element indices.

Possible values: ctypes.c_int32, ctypes.c_int64

Note

This property is read-only.

Facemap.face(element, offset)[source]

Face index on a specific element.

Parameters:
  • element (integer) – The zero-based index of the element.
  • offset (integer) – The zero-based index of the face being requested.
Returns:

integer Zero-based index of the face at the specified location.

Example usage:

>>> print(zone.facemap.face(0, 2))
128
Facemap.left_element(face, element=None)[source]

The element to the left of a specific face.

Parameters:
  • face (integer) – The zero-based index of the face.
  • element (integer, optional) – Zero-based index of an element. If given, face will be locally indexed within this element, otherwise face is globally indexed over the whole zone.
Returns:

integer

A negative number indicates there is no element to the left of this face. Example usage:

>>> print(zone.facemap.left_element(0))
128
Facemap.node(face, offset, element=None)[source]

The node index along a specific face.

Parameters:
  • face (integer) – The zero-based index of the face.
  • offset (integer) – The zero-based index of the node being requested.
  • element (integer, optional) – Zero-based index of an element. If given, face will be locally indexed within this element, otherwise face is globally indexed over the whole zone.
Returns:

integer The node at the specified location.

Example usage:

>>> print(zone.facemap.face_node(0, 2))
128
Facemap.node_c_type

The data type of the node indices.

Possible values: ctypes.c_int32, ctypes.c_int64

Note

This property is read-only.

Facemap.num_boundary_connections(face=None, element=None)[source]

The number of boundary connections for a given face.

Parameters:
  • face (integer, required if no element is given) – The zero-based index of the face.
  • element (integer, optional) – Zero-based index of an element. If given, face will be locally indexed within this element, otherwise face is globally indexed over the whole zone.
Returns:

integer The number of boundary connections.

Example usage:

>>> print(zone.facemap.num_boundary_connections(1))
1
Facemap.num_faces(element=None)[source]

The number of faces of an element in this Facemap.

Parameters:element (integer, optional) – Zero-based index of an element. If no element is given, the total number of faces in the map are returned.
Returns:integer

Example usage:

>>> print(zone.facemap.num_faces())
1048576
Facemap.num_nodes(face=None, element=None)[source]

The number nodes for a given face in this Facemap.

Parameters:
  • face (integer, required if no element is given) – The zero-based index of the face either within the given element or globally. If no face is given, the number of nodes on the given element are returned.
  • element (integer, required if no face is given) – The zero-based index of an element. If no element is given, then face is globally indexed from zero over the whole zone.
Returns:

integer The number of nodes.

Example usage:

>>> print(zone.facemap.num_nodes(face=1))
4
Facemap.num_unique_nodes

The number of unique nodes in this Facemap.

Type:integer

Note

This property is read-only.

Example usage:

>>> print(zone.facemap.num_unique_nodes)
4194304
Facemap.right_element(face, element=None)[source]

The element to the right of a specific face.

Parameters:
  • face (integer) – The zero-based index of the face.
  • element (integer, optional) – Zero-based index of an element. If given, face will be locally indexed within this element, otherwise face is globally indexed over the whole zone.
Returns:

integer

A negative number indicates there is no element to the right of this face. Example usage:

>>> print(zone.facemap.right_element(0))
-1
Facemap.set_boundary_connections(elements, zones)[source]

Set the boundary connections.

Parameters:
  • elements (2D array of integers) – Zero-based indices of the connected elements. This is a “ragged” array of dimension \((N,E_i)\) where \(N\) is the number of boundary faces and \(E_i\) is the number of boundary connected elements for the \(i^{th}\) face.
  • zones (2D array of integers) – Zero-based indices of the zones for each entry given in elements. This must be the same shape as elements.

The facemap must first be allocated with Facemap.alloc() and must be called from within a Facemap.assignment() context, and should follow calls to Facemap.set_nodes() and Facemap.set_elements() to complete the connectivity map information needed for rendering. Using Facemap.set_mapping() is recommended, which does all the required book keeping.

Facemap.set_elementmap(elementmap)[source]

Define connectivity per element.

Parameters:elementmap (integers) – Zero-based indices of the nodes that make up each face of each element. For polygons, the map is a list of elements, each made of up a list of nodes. For polyhedrons, this is a list of elements, made up a list of faces, each made up of a list of nodes.

Warning

This method is mutually exclusive with the Facemap.set_mapping() and Facemap.assignment(), Facemap.set_nodes(), Facemap.set_elements() and Facemap.set_boundary_connections() family of methods. The size of the underlying arrays are calculated based on the elementmap given and a call to Facemap.alloc() is made which will override any previous allocation.

This may be a more convenient way to describe the connectivity of a polytope zone, however it does not support boundary face connections to other zones (see Facemap.set_mapping()).

Here is an example of an elementmap for two triangles (polygons):

nodes = ((0, 0, 0  ),
         (1, 0, 0.5),
         (0, 1, 0.5),
         (1, 1, 1  ))
elementmap = ((0, 1, 2),  # polygon 0, 3 faces
              (1, 3, 2))  # polygon 1, 3 faces

This is an example of an elementmap for two tetrahedrons (polyhedrons):

nodes = ((0, 0, 0),
         (1, 1, 0),
         (1, 0, 1),
         (0, 1, 1),
         (0, 0, 1))
elementmap = (((0, 1, 2),  # polyhedron 0, 4 faces
               (0, 1, 3),
               (1, 3, 2),
               (0, 2, 3)),
              ((0, 2, 3),  # polyhedron 1, 4 faces
               (2, 3, 4),
               (0, 2, 4),
               (0, 4, 3)))
Facemap.set_elements(left_elements, right_elements)[source]

Sets the polytope connectivity.

Parameters:
  • left_elements (array of zero-based integers) – This is an array of the elements to the left of each face in the facemap and must be the same length as the number of faces.
  • right_elements (array of zero-based integers) – Same as left_elements for the right side of each face.

The facemap must first be allocated with Facemap.alloc() and must be called from within a Facemap.assignment() context and should follow a call to Facemap.set_nodes() to complete the connectivity map information needed for rendering. Using Facemap.set_mapping() is recommended, which does all the required book keeping.

Facemap.set_mapping(facemap, elements, boundary_elements=None, boundary_zones=None)[source]

Set the node and element connectivity for this polytope zone.

Parameters:
  • facemap (2D array of zero-based integers) – The list of lists which need not all be the same length, defining the individual elements by their nodes.
  • elements (2D array of zero-based integers) – This is a \((2,N)\) array where \(N\) is the number of faces and the items are a list of the elements to the left and right of the face respectively.
  • boundary_elements (2D array of integers, optional) – Zero-based indices of the connected elements. This is a “ragged” array of dimension \((N, E_i)\) where \(N\) is the number of boundary faces and \(E_i\) is the number of boundary connected elements for the \(i^{th}\) face.
  • boundary_zones (2D array of integers, optional) – Zero-based indices of the zones for each entry given in elements. This must be the same shape as elements.

See the code example for the Facemap class object for details.

Facemap.set_nodes(facemap)[source]

Sets the polytope connectivity.

Parameters:facemap (2D array of zero-based integers) – The list of lists which need not all be the same length, defining the individual elements by their nodes.

The facemap must first be allocated with Facemap.alloc() and must be called from within a Facemap.assignment() context and should be followed by a call to Facemap.set_elements() to complete the connectivity map information needed for rendering. It is recomended to use the Facemap.set_mapping() which does all the required book keeping.

FaceNeighbors

class tecplot.data.FaceNeighbors(zone)[source]

Face neighbor definition and control.

Face neighbors are used when the face of an element overlaps with another face from another element. Specifying these two (or more) overlapping faces as “face neighbors” indicates element connections outside the implicit faces of the nodemap. By specifying face neighbors it ensures that plot elements like shading, creases and edges are treated continously even if there is a zone or cell boundry.

The neighbors can be completely “local”, within a single zone, or “global” conntecting two or more zones together. Furthermore, the connections made can be one-to-one meaning there any given face can only neighbor one other face, or one-to-many where a single face can neighbor several other faces.

This example creates two triangles in two different zones. Global one-to-one face neighbors are then used to stitch the two triangles into a quad. The data created looks like this:

Node positions (x,y,z):

               (1,1,1)
              *
             / \
            /   \
 (0,1,.5)  *-----*  (1,0,.5)
            \   /
             \ /
              *
               (0,0,0)

The two triangles will have separate nodes at the shared locations:

Nodes:
                   2
    Zone 1:       / \
                 /   \
                1-----0
                2-----1
                 \   /
    Zone 0:       \ /
                   0
import tecplot as tp
from tecplot.constant import *

# Triangle 0
nodes0 = (
    (0, 0, 0  ),
    (1, 0, 0.5),
    (0, 1, 0.5))
scalar_data0 = (0, 1, 2)
conn0 = ((0, 1, 2),)
neighbors0 = ((None, 0, None),)
neighbor_zones0 = ((None, 1, None),)

# Triangle 1
nodes1 = (
    (1, 0, 0.5),
    (0, 1, 0.5),
    (1, 1, 1  ))
scalar_data1 = (1, 2, 3)
conn1 = ((0, 1, 2),)
neighbors1 = ((0, None, None),)
neighbor_zones1 = ((0, None, None),)

# Create the dataset and zones
ds = tp.active_frame().create_dataset('Data', ['x','y','z','s'])
z0 = ds.add_fe_zone(ZoneType.FETriangle,
                    name='FE Triangle Float (3,1) Nodal 0',
                    num_points=len(nodes0), num_elements=len(conn0),
                    face_neighbor_mode=FaceNeighborMode.GlobalOneToOne)
z1 = ds.add_fe_zone(ZoneType.FETriangle,
                    name='FE Triangle Float (3,1) Nodal 1',
                    num_points=len(nodes1), num_elements=len(conn1),
                    face_neighbor_mode=FaceNeighborMode.GlobalOneToOne)

# Fill in and connect first triangle
z0.values('x')[:] = [n[0] for n in nodes0]
z0.values('y')[:] = [n[1] for n in nodes0]
z0.values('z')[:] = [n[2] for n in nodes0]
z0.nodemap[:] = conn0
z0.values('s')[:] = scalar_data0

# Fill in and connect second triangle
z1.values('x')[:] = [n[0] for n in nodes1]
z1.values('y')[:] = [n[1] for n in nodes1]
z1.values('z')[:] = [n[2] for n in nodes1]
z1.nodemap[:] = conn1
z1.values('s')[:] = scalar_data1

# Set face neighbors
z0.face_neighbors.set_neighbors(neighbors0, neighbor_zones0, obscures=True)
z1.face_neighbors.set_neighbors(neighbors1, neighbor_zones1, obscures=True)


### Setup a view of the data
plot = tp.active_frame().plot(PlotType.Cartesian3D)
plot.activate()

plot.contour(0).colormap_name = 'Sequential - Yellow/Green/Blue'
plot.contour(0).colormap_filter.distribution = ColorMapDistribution.Continuous

for ax in plot.axes:
    ax.show = True

plot.show_mesh = False
plot.show_contour = True
plot.show_edge = True
plot.use_translucency = True

# View parameters obtained interactively from Tecplot 360
plot.view.distance = 10
plot.view.width = 2
plot.view.psi = 80
plot.view.theta = 30
plot.view.alpha = 0
plot.view.position = (-4.2, -8.0, 2.3)

for fmap in plot.fieldmaps():
    fmap.surfaces.surfaces_to_plot = SurfacesToPlot.All
    fmap.effects.surface_translucency = 40

# Turning on mesh, we can see all the individual triangles
plot.show_mesh = True
for fmap in plot.fieldmaps():
    fmap.mesh.line_pattern = LinePattern.Dashed
tp.export.save_png('fe_triangles1.png', 600, supersample=3)
../_images/fe_triangles1.png

Two triangles in two separate zones, stitched together using global face neighbors, showing the edge and mesh.

Attributes

c_type Underlying storage type used by the Tecplot Engine.
mode FaceNeighborMode of this zone.

Methods

add_local_neighbors(neighbors[, offset]) Assign all local one-to-one face neighbors at once.
add_neighbors(element, face, neighbors[, …]) Connect boundary of an element’s face to a neighboring face.
assignment() Context manager for assigning face neighbors.
is_obscured(element, face[, active_zones]) Obscuration of the specified face.
neighbors(element, face) Get the neighboring elements and zones of a specific face.
set_neighbors(neighbors[, zones, obscures]) Clear and set face neighbors from the given array.
FaceNeighbors.add_local_neighbors(neighbors, offset=0)[source]

Assign all local one-to-one face neighbors at once.

Parameters:
  • neighbors (2D array of integers) – \((E,F)\) Array of the face neighbors where \(E\) is the number of elements and \(F\) is the number of faces per element.
  • offset (integer, optional) – Offset in Tecplot’s face neighbor array to begin assigning the supplied neighbor elements. (default: 0)

This method must be called from within a FaceNeighbors.assignment() context which will clear any previously existing face neighbor data:

>>> with zone.face_neighbors.assigment():
...     zone.face_neighbors.add_local_neighbors(neighbors)

See the example code for FaceNeighbors class object for more details on how to set up user-defined face neighbors.

FaceNeighbors.add_neighbors(element, face, neighbors, zones=None, obscure=False)[source]

Connect boundary of an element’s face to a neighboring face.

This sets the boundary connection face neighbors within an open face neighbor assignment sequence for the specified element and face.

Parameters:
  • element (int) – The element number (zero-based).
  • face (int) – The face number on the element (zero-based).
  • neighbors (list of integers or None) – List of zero-based indices of the neighboring faces.
  • zones (list of zone objects, optional) – List of zones for global neighbors. This must be the same length as neighbors. Use None to indicate these are local neighbors. (default: None)
  • obscure (boolean, optional) – Indicates that the neighbors completely obscure the face. (default: False)

This method must be called from within a FaceNeighbors.assignment() context which will clear any previously existing face neighbor data:

>>> with zone.face_neighbors.assigment():
...     for elem, face, neighbors, zn in face_neighbor_data:
...         zone.face_neighbors.add_neighbors(elem, face,
...                                           neighbors, zn)

See the example code for FaceNeighbors class object for more details on how to set up user-defined face neighbors.

FaceNeighbors.assignment()[source]

Context manager for assigning face neighbors.

This context ensures the proper book keeping is done when setting face neighbors. After the face neighbors are specified, this context will valid the connections and make appropriate changes to the zone metadata. It must be used with the FaceNeighbors.add_local_neighbors() and/or FaceNeighbors.add_neighbors() methods. See the FaceNeighbors example code for more details on how to set up user-defined face neighbors.

FaceNeighbors.c_type

Underlying storage type used by the Tecplot Engine.

Possible values: ctypes.c_int32, ctypes.c_int64`.

Note

This property is read-only.

FaceNeighbors.is_obscured(element, face, active_zones=None)[source]

Obscuration of the specified face.

Parameters:
  • element (integer) – The zero-based index of the element.
  • face (integer) – The zero-based index of the face on the element.
  • active_zones (list of Zones) – List of zones to consider when global face neighbors are present. If None, the active zones of the dataset’s parent frame will be used.
Returns:

boolean

Note

Because datasets can be shared between frames, the default frame used to identify the active zones may not be the one you want. In this case, you can use the Frame.active_zones() method to provide the active zones for a specific frame. Furthermore, the plot type of the frame must have the concept of active zones - i.e. it must not be in “sketch” mode.

Example usage:

>>> zone.face_neighbors.is_obscured(element=0, face=1)
True
FaceNeighbors.mode

FaceNeighborMode of this zone.

Type:FaceNeighborMode
Possible values: FaceNeighborMode.LocalOneToOne,
FaceNeighborMode.LocalOneToMany, FaceNeighborMode.GlobalOneToOne, FaceNeighborMode.GlobalOneToMany.

Note

This property is read-only.

Face neighbors are used when the face of an element overlaps with another face from another element. The neighbors can be completely “local”, within a single zone, or “global” conntecting two or more zones together. Furthermore, the connections made can be one-to-one meaning there any given face can only neighbor one other face, or one-to-many where a single face can neighbor several other faces. The face neighbor mode is set on zone creation and can not be changed afterwards:

>>> zone = dataset.add_fe_zone(ZoneType.FETriangle, 'Zone', 4, 2,
...    face_neighbor_mode=FaceNeighborMode.LocalOneToMany)
>>> print(zone.face_neighbors.mode)
FaceNeighborMode.LocalOneToMany
FaceNeighbors.neighbors(element, face)[source]

Get the neighboring elements and zones of a specific face.

Parameters:
  • element (integer) – The zero-based index of the element.
  • face (integer) – The zero-based index of the face on this element.
Returns:

list of namedtuples

(element, zone):
element:

The zero-based index of the neighboring element.

zone:

The zone holding the neighboring element. A value of None indicates this is a local (intra-zone) neighbor connection.

Example getting the neighboring faces of a zone’s first element, second face:

>>> neighbors = zone.face_neighbors.neighbors(element=0, face=1)
>>> for neighbor in neighbors:
...     elem, zn = neighbor
...     print(elem, zn.index)
21 2
FaceNeighbors.set_neighbors(neighbors, zones=None, obscures=False)[source]

Clear and set face neighbors from the given array.

Parameters:
  • neighbors (array of integers) – Zero-based Element indices of the neighbors for each face in the zone. A value of \(-1\) or None indicates no neighbor.
  • zones (array of Zones, optional) – This parameter is only used when the face neighbor mode is global one-to-one or global one-to-many. (default: None)
  • obscures (array of booleans, optional) – Indicates that the neighbors completely obscure the face. (default: False)

This method uses the FaceNeighbors.assignment() context internally to ensure the proper book keeping is done. See the example code for FaceNeighbors class object for details on how to use this method.

Auxiliary Data

AuxData

class tecplot.session.AuxData(parent, object_type, object_index=None)[source]

Auxiliary data.

The Tecplot Engine can hold auxiliary data attached to one of the following objects:

Auxiliary data is an ordered key-value pair that behaves like an ordered dictionary, or OrderedDict. Keys are strings which are ordered alphabetically and values can additionally be access by index. The keys must be alphanumeric (special characters “.” and “_” are allowed), must not contain spaces, and must begin with a non-numeric character or underscore. Values, on the other hand, are arbitrary strings and can contain anything except the null character. In this example, we query the auxiliary data attached to the dataset and add some information to it. Notice that the stored order is alphabetical:

>>> import tecplot as tp
>>> aux = tp.active_frame().aux_data
>>> aux['info'] = 'Here is some information.'
>>> aux['Xavg'] = 3.14159
>>> aux['note'] = 'Aux data values are always converted to strings.'
>>> for k, v in aux.items():
...     print('{}: {}'.format(k,v))
info: Here is some information.
note: Aux data values are always converted to strings.
Xavg: 3.14159

Methods

as_dict() Returns a Python dict of the Aux Data attached to the parent.
clear() Deletes all Aux Data from the associated object.
index(key) Returns the zero-based index of the element based on key.
items() Yields all key/value pairs of the Aux Data attached to the parent.
key(index) Returns the key at a specific zero-based index.
keys() Yields all keys of the Aux Data attached to the parent.
update(*other, **kwargs) Update Aux Data with key/value pairs from another Aux Data or dict.
values() Yields all values of the Aux Data attached to the parent.
AuxData.as_dict()[source]

Returns a Python dict of the Aux Data attached to the parent.

Note that this will remove the alphabetical ordering guarantee that Aux Data has since Python dict objects are unordered. Example usage:

>>> frame = tp.active_frame()
>>> frame.aux_data['result'] = '3.1415'
>>> frame.aux_data['other_info'] = '128'
>>> aux = frame.aux_data.as_dict()
>>> print(aux)
{'result': '3.1415', 'other_info': '128'}
AuxData.clear()[source]

Deletes all Aux Data from the associated object.

Example usage:

>>> print(frame.aux_data)
{'bb': 'test bb', 'cc': 'test cc', 'aa': 'test aa'}
>>> frame.aux_data.clear()
>>> print(frame.aux_data)
{}
AuxData.index(key)[source]

Returns the zero-based index of the element based on key.

Example usage:

>>> frame = tp.active_frame()
>>> frame.aux_data['result'] = '3.1415'
>>> frame.aux_data['other_info'] = '128'
>>> print(frame.aux_data.index('other_info'))
0
>>> print(frame.aux_data.index('result'))
1
AuxData.items()[source]

Yields all key/value pairs of the Aux Data attached to the parent.

Elements are always ordered alphabetically by the keys. Example usage:

>>> frame = tp.active_frame()
>>> frame.aux_data['result'] = '3.1415'
>>> frame.aux_data['other_info'] = '128'
>>> for key, value in frame.aux_data.items():
...     print(key, value)
other_info 128
result 3.1415
AuxData.key(index)[source]

Returns the key at a specific zero-based index.

Example usage:

>>> frame = tp.active_frame()
>>> frame.aux_data['result'] = '3.1415'
>>> frame.aux_data['other_info'] = '128'
>>> print(frame.aux_data.key(0))
other_info
>>> print(frame.aux_data.key(1))
result
AuxData.keys()[source]

Yields all keys of the Aux Data attached to the parent.

Elements are always ordered alphabetically by the keys. Example usage:

>>> frame = tp.active_frame()
>>> frame.aux_data['result'] = '3.1415'
>>> frame.aux_data['other_info'] = '128'
>>> for value in frame.aux_data.keys():
...     print(value)
other_info
result
AuxData.update(*other, **kwargs)[source]

Update Aux Data with key/value pairs from another Aux Data or dict.

Example usage:

>>> frame = tp.active_frame()
>>> frame.aux_data.update({'result': '3.1415', 'other_info': '128'})
>>> print(frame.aux_data)
{'result': '3.1415', 'other_info': '128'}
AuxData.values()[source]

Yields all values of the Aux Data attached to the parent.

Elements are always ordered alphabetically by the keys. Example usage:

>>> frame = tp.active_frame()
>>> frame.aux_data['result'] = '3.1415'
>>> frame.aux_data['other_info'] = '128'
>>> for value in frame.aux_data.values():
...     print(value)
128
3.1415