Adding Probes to a Model
Adding probes to a model lets you measure, graph, and obtain specific information about various quantities, such as distance, volume, and pressure, for components and connections. Probes do not affect the quantities being measured. You can add probes to component connection lines, component ports or in some cases directly to the component. After probes are positioned you can select specific quantities to include in the simulation graphs and establish flow direction. Probes are saved as part of your model.
To see the simulation results for quantities you probed, select the Simulation Results tab of the Analysis window. For more information, see Running a Simulation and Viewing Stored Simulation Results.
There are two methods to attach a probe: from the Model Workspace toolbar or directly to the component or connection.
To attach a probe to a model from the Model Workspace toolbar:
In the Model Workspace toolbar, click Attach Probe ( ).
In the Model Workspace, hover your mouse pointer over the connection line or component port to which you want to attach a probe. When that line or port is highlighted, click it once to attach the probe 'sensor'.
Drag the probe 'indicator' to a suitable location and click once.
To attach a probe directly to the component or connection:
In the Model Workspace, hover your mouse pointer over the connection line, component or component port to which you want to attach a probe 'sensor'. When that line, component or port is highlighted, right-click (Control-click for Mac) it. A selection list appears.
From the list select Attach Probe. The probe 'sensor' attaches to the connection line, component or component port.
To park the probe, drag the probe 'indicator' to a suitable location and click once.
Note: In some cases attaching a probe directly to a component instead of a port presents more quantities.
To set quantities and flow direction for the simulation graphs:
Click the probe 'indicator' in the Model Workspace.
In the Properties tab ( ) at the right of the Model Workspace, select the specific quantities that you want to include in the simulation graphs.
(Optional) To display a custom name for the probe, enter a new name in the field at the top of the Properties tab and press Enter.
(Optional) To display a custom name for a quantity, enter a new name in the field beside the quantity name and press Enter.
Note: It is useful to know the flow direction of the through variable of the component you are modeling. Selecting a through variable such as current, force or fluid flow automatically places a directional arrow over the connection line to show the sign convention flow direction of the conserved quantity.
Additional Note: If you run a simulation and store the simulation results, and later you add or delete a probe, the stored results reflect the probes in the result, not the probes currently in the model.
See Also
Changing the Flow Direction of a Probe
Editing Probe Values
Running a Simulation
Viewing Stored Simulation Results
The Simulation Results Tab
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