Plotting a result along a path through the model

You can display several results using the Path Plot plot type.

The Path Plot plot type is an XY plot with the result on the Y axis and the coordinate, or distance from path origin, of the locations that you select on the model. This enables you to plot, for example, pressure as a function of distance from the gate, or part deflection values along an edge of the part.

  1. Click New PlotResults tab > Plots panel > New Plot > Plots.
  2. Select the required plot in the Available results list.
  3. Select Path plot in the Plot type area.
  4. In the Plot Properties tab, select the Path Plot tab.
  5. In the X Axis drop-down list, select the variable you want to display on the X axis of the plot. As you select points along a path through the part, the X axis can display either the net distance from the first location you selected (the path origin), the cumulative distance of each of the line segments joining the locations, or the X, Y or Z coordinate of each selected location. Note that the coordinates will be on the corresponding global axis unless you have defined and activated a local coordinate system.
    Note: For ease of plotting the path on the model, it is best to display the model's element lines. Click on the Mesh Display tab and select Element lines from the Edge display on undeformed part box.
  6. Click OK to create the new plot. You will see an empty XY graph with the part visible behind it.
  7. Click on the part to specify the start location of where you want to trace through the part. Continue to click on the part along the desired path. As you select each location, the selected node is displayed in the Entity IDs dialog and the XY graph is updated with the result on the Y axis and your selected variable on the X axis.
  8. To edit or clear the XY graph and start again, select and delete the node numbers list in the Entity IDs dialog and press Return.
  9. Repeat the previous step to create more curves on the XY graph.
Note: If you activate a different tool while working with the probe XY plot, you need to reselect Add XY CurveResults tab > Plots panel > Add XY Curve to create new curves.
Parent topic: New plot