GUI-based input generation for NPARC

Abstract

Generating input files and initial conditions for Navier-Stokes flow solvers can be extremely timeconsuming and error prone for complex applications. User-friendly pre-processing computational tools can improve the usability of Navier-Stokes flow solvers. PRENPARC is a Graphical User Interface (GUI) developed to assist the user in preparation of input for the NPARC flow solver. PRENPARC can create an input file, read an existing NAMELIST file, or convert existing 2D NAMELIST files to 3D and vice versa. Extensive diagnostic checks of the input file can be made, detecting errors before attempts are made to use the input to execute NPARC. ICEES is another GUI developed for use with NPARC to create an initial conditions restart file or to be used as a file conversion package, converting NPARC restart files to PLOT3D files or vice versa using any combination of data file formats (i.e., unformatted, binary or formatted). The GUI's described below have contributed to the reduction in preparation time of an NPARC application by eliminating careless errors made during input generation and by providing the user a means of creating a better set of initial conditions. These computational tools are a step toward providing a complete analysis package.