The user can select a file from the Select File window and click Open to load the file. eta/Post can read in various types of result files generated from LS-DYNA. The number of result files generated from LS-DYNA is related to the type of analysis and output result setting in pre-processor. The user may simultaneously load many files into the current database for processing, as shown in Figure 9.3.1.

Figure 9.3.1  Graph control window

There are several List boxes in the Graph control window. The number of list boxes varies with the type of result file. The detailed description of each function is given below.

1.       RESULT FILE

The Result File list box displays the name of result files loaded in the current session. The user can select the specified file name from the list box to display the related data.

2.       TYPE

The items in Type list box depend on the type of result file. For example, there are two items in the type list box (N/A and Wall-1), as shown in Figure 9.3.1. N/A indicates the first data type is not available.

3.       COMPONENT

The COMPONENT list box lists the components related to the selected result file and type. The user may display multiple components simultaneously in a graph window. The user may select a component by clicking the name in the list, or select multiple components by pressing the SHIFT or CTRL key while clicking the mouse button.

The program plots a curve with a unique color for each selected component.

4.       PLOT

This function plots the selected component(s) into the current graph window. Figure 9.3.2 shows a typical graph window. The user may move the graph window to a different location by dragging the title bar in the graph window.

Figure 9.3.2  Graph

5.       NEW GRAPH

This function allows the user to create a new graph window to plot the new curve(s). By default, the new curve is plotted in the current graph window when the user clicks APPLY. This is the same as the NEW GRAPH function in the CURVE OPERATION window.

6.       EXIT

Click this button to exit the Graph module.