Tecplot 360 Basics: Data Alter

Description

This quick tutorial about Data Alter covers the Specify Equations Syntax in Tecplot 360. We will be calculating a commonly desired variable which is often not included in exported data sets: velocity magnitude.

In Tecplot equation syntax, creating a new variable or referencing a variable by name requires surrounding it in curly braces. However, variables on the right side of equations may be referenced by two other methods:

First by the variable index. Or secondly, if they are defined as Tecplot’s assigned variables axis or velocity components, in this case u and v. This indicates Tecplot should use whatever variable is assigned to the u and v vector component variables.

Additionally, common mathematical functionality such as SIN, COS, SQRT and other common mathematical operands are available in the equation syntax. Notably, squared or second power is indicated by double star.

For our velocity magnitude calculation, all three of these equations will achieve the same result.
{Vmag} = sqrt({X Velocity}**2 + {Y Velocity}**2)
{Vmag} = sqrt(V4**2 + V7**2)
{Vmag} = sqrt(u**2 + v**2)

You might also be interested in:

• The blog, Calculating a New Variable »
• See what’s new in Tecplot 360 »
• Update your software to the latest version »

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