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VTK Data Along Line

In one sentence: Samples one or more result fields along a straight line through the mesh and displays the values as an X-Y plot.

Overview

Workbench: FEM
Menu: FEM → Results → Data Along Line

Places a sampling line between two user-defined points, interpolates the result field at evenly-spaced positions along the line, and plots the values as a graph. Used to extract through-thickness stress profiles, axial temperature gradients, and cross-section velocity profiles.

Step-by-step

  1. Add a Data Along Line filter to the VTK pipeline.
  2. Set the Start Point coordinates.
  3. Set the End Point coordinates.
  4. Set the Resolution (number of sample points along the line).
  5. Choose the field(s) to plot.
  6. A graph panel appears showing field value versus position (0–1 normalised along the line, or absolute distance).

Use cases

  • Wall stress profile: Sample Von Mises stress from the inside surface to the outside surface of a pressure vessel wall.
  • Thermal gradient: Plot temperature from a hot surface to a cold surface to check the gradient against an analytical estimate.
  • Velocity profile: Sample flow velocity across a channel to confirm a parabolic laminar profile.
  • Prerequisite for Linearised Stresses: A through-thickness Data Along Line is required as input to the Linearised Stresses tool.

See also