Introduction to TDFUtility
ThermoAnalytics’ TDFUtility is a stand-alone program with two primary functions: 1. To allow users to view and edit the properties of each component in a RadTherm thermal model file in a spreadsheet-style format, and 2. To convert the TDF file data into a collection of data files used by the program EnSight™. EnSight is an advanced data visualization code from CE International (www.ceintl.com). This Technical Bulletin covers only the conversion of a TDF file into a collection of files for loading into EnSight.

EnSight Export
Step 1: Create and run a thermal model in RadTherm (or WinTherm, MuSES, or RadThermIR). The model can be steady state or transient, and can include fluid nodes (fluid parts) with advection links. Save the model after the run (filename.TDF) and exit.

Step 2: Start the TDFUtility program (available from ThermoAnalytics at the email address below).

Step 3: Click on the EnSight tab. Open your TDF file using File > Open (you must click on the EnSight tab before opening the TDF File). The filename will appear on the page.

Step 4: Select the specific boundary conditions and results that you wish to view. NOTE: Advection data will be used to create a geometric representation of the advection links of geometry-less fluid nodes (parts).

Step 5: Resize the window, if necessary by dragging the lower right-hand corner of the window (this may be necessary on small monitors, to expose the “Run” button at the bottom of the window).

Step 6: When you have selected all of the data you wish to export, click Run.

Step 7: TDFUtility will ask you to select a DIRECTORY where the exported files should be located. Because EnSight uses individual files for each type of data (as opposed to single-file data in RadTherm’s TDF file) you should create a directory to house the numerous files that will be created. Click on the "Create Directory" button in the window, and name it. Then select the DIRECTORY but do not enter it. TDFUtility needs a directory name in the FILENAME text box. Click OK. TDFUtility will automatically create the files and save them into the named directory. Close TDFUtility. 

Step 8: Start EnSight, and click File > Data Reader.

Step 9: Browse to the location where you exported the data, and select the case (.cas) file.

Step 10: Click the Set Case button and click OK. The Part Loader Dialog Box should pop-up

Step 11: Use the default Element Visual Rep. (3D border, 2D full). Click Load All, or select a subset of the available parts and click Load Selected. Most variable names begin with either F_ for Front Side or B_ for Back Side of an element.

NOTE: To geometrically illustrate fluid nodes at the spatial centroid of the parts to which they are connected:

Step 1: Click Edit > Part Feature Detail Editor.

Step 2: Click on Select Part Type, and choose Advection Fluid Nodes.

Step 3: Check the Node, Element, and Line Attribute box. In the ‘Node Representation’ box, ‘Dot’ is shown. Use the pull down arrow to select Sphere. Change the sphere size, if desired, by adjusting the Detail variable. Click Done.