2.6 Connecting Systems in Workbench

Workbench allows you to create connections between multiple systems that enable the systems to access the same data. This is useful, for instance, when you want to compare the results from multiple FLUENT-based systems in the same ANSYS CFD-Post session. In this case, you would connect the various Solution cells to one Results cell (either in one of your FLUENT-based systems or in a separate Results system). When you double-click on that Results cell, the results from all connected systems will be loaded into ANSYS CFD-Post at the same time.

Workbench supports two different types of connections:

• Connections that share data are used when the inputs and outputs of the two connected cells are identical. Shared data connections can only be created between two cells of the same type. A shared data connection is represented on the Project Schematic by a line with a square on its right (target) side (see Figure  2.6.1).

• Connections that transfer data are used when the output of one cell is used as the input to the connected cell. Transfer data connections are usually created between two cells of different types. One exception is that a transfer data connection can be used between the Solution cells of two FLUENT-based systems when you want to use the current data from one system as the initial data for the other system. A transfer data connection is represented in the Project Schematic by a line with a circle on its right (target) side (see Figure  2.6.1).

There are four ways to create connected systems in Workbench.

• Right-click on a cell in one system, then drag and drop it onto a compatible cell in another system.

• Right-click on a system in the Toolbox, then drag and drop it onto a compatible system in the Project Schematic.

• Create a duplicate system (see Section  2.7).

• Right-click on a cell and select one of the options under Transfer Data From New... or Transfer Data To New... (these options are not available for all cells).

When you highlight a system in the Toolbox, Workbench highlights all of the compatible drop targets in the Project Schematic. As you move the mouse over a drop target, it is highlighted in red and a message appears in the Project Schematic that informs you what the result will be if you drop the system onto that target.

There are usually several compatible drop targets on empty space in the Project Schematic. Dropping the system onto one of these targets will create a standalone system in that location.

Similarly, when you highlight a cell and begin to drag it, Workbench highlights all of the compatible drop targets in the Project Schematic. As you move the mouse over a drop target, it is highlighted in red and a message appears in the Project Schematic that informs you what the result will be if you drop the cell onto that target.

Figure 2.6.1: Connected Systems Within Workbench

For more information about connecting systems, see the Workbench on-line help.