Calculate and display normal vectors

Problem: How can I calculate and display vectors normal to a surface? Solution: Load your dataset and then perform the following steps to calculate normal vectors in Tecplot 360 (not available in Tecplot Focus): Click on the Analyze menu and select Calculate Variables Select Grid K Unit Normal (vector) Set the New Var Location to Cell Center or Node, depending on the desired vector location with respect to the grid. […]

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AVI animations on Linux or Macintosh platforms

Problem: I have difficulty playing AVI animations created in my Tecplot product when I try to play them on my Macintosh or Linux platform. When I try to play them on my Linux platform the AVI files work with Xanim but Xanim itself does not work very well anymore. On a Macintosh platform, I use Quicktime but the AVI files that the Tecplot product creates do not open in Quicktime. […]

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Cannot find font input file

Problem: I tried to run Tecplot and got this error message when Tecplot tried to start up. What does it mean? Solution: This error message means that the environment variable that holds the path down to the Tecplot installation directory is not set correctly. That name of that variable depends on the product you are installing. For our latest products (2008 series) that variable will be called TEC_FOCUS_2008 or TEC_360_2008. […]

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2D Probe calculation

Problem: What process does Tecplot use for probing? Also for streamtrace placement contour labeling linear interpolation and polyline extraction in 2D. Solution: In two dimensions Tecplot interpolates for dataset values at the chosen point using bilinear interpolation. For triangular cells, this is a straightforward interpolation of the three nodal values of the triangle that encloses the point:1. Determine the triangle that encloses the chosen point. 2. Determine the weighting to […]

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3D Probe Calculation

Problem: What process does Tecplot use for probing in 3D? Also for streamtrace placement contour labeling linear interpolation and polyline extraction in 3D. Solution: Tecplot determines the tetrahedron that the point is inside and then does a weighted average of the data set values at the four corners of the tetrahedron to get the values at the point. This method is not the most accurate – especially if your grid […]

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Cannot find shared library

Problem: When I try to start Tecplot I get the message: Cannot find shared library. Solution: Solution 1: Set or add to SHLIB_PATH to include /usr/lib/X11R5. (HP-UX 10.x: The system file locations are different.) Solution 2: We use 2 permanent links that seem to take care of all the main problems. Link /lib to /usr/lib and link /bin to /usr/bin.


Better interpolation results

Problem: How can I get better results from interpolation? Solution: Be sure your destination zone has a greater density of points than your original data set and that the destination zone is a good match for the region defined by your points. To create specially shaped 3D zones use one of the add-ons included with Tecplot 9.2 or later. See the documentation for Tetra Grid Extrude and Prism Grid. Axis […]

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Add-on cannot be loaded.

Problem: I wrote an add-on that runs fine on my machine. But when a co-worker tries to load it on his PC he get the message: Add-on xxx.dll cannot be loaded. (126): The specified module could not be found. Solution: 1. Make sure that the add-on is compiled as a release build. 2. Verify that the add-on dll is located in a directory which is in the current path. 3. […]

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Banner flash but Tecplot doesn’t open.

Note: Tecplot 360 EX is native to the Mac and doesn’t rely on an X Windows System. Download the latest release or get a free trial. Problem: XDarwin also won’t launch. Solution: Installing XDarwin is a two-step process. Be sure to install the patch after installing XDarwin.


Animation is incomplete

Problem: I am creating an animation file with a macro but not all changes that I make to my plot appear in the animation. Solution: There are two possible solutions: For each plot change that should appear in your animation enter a $!RedrawAll command then an $!Export command. If you use any $!Drawgraphics commands be sure $!Drawgraphics = Yes is placed before the $!RedrawAll command.