Table of Contents
Several files are used when performing an analysis using PetraSim. These include the PetraSim model file, the TOUGH input file, and TOUGH output files. It is important to understand the differences between these files to take full advantage of PetraSim's features
The PetraSim model file (*.sim) is a binary file that completely represents a PetraSim model. The PetraSim model contains all information needed to write a TOUGH input file.
The PetraSim model file (*.sim) should be used to save the model and share with other PetraSim users.
Execution of TOUGH is integrated into PetraSim. Before PetraSim executes TOUGH, an TOUGH input file (*.dat) is automatically written. This file is then read by the TOUGH executable. The TOUGH input file contains all information needed for an TOUGH analysis. The FDS input file is an ASCII file.
Most PetraSim users will never need to explicitly create or edit the TOUGH input file. In special cases, such as when a user has developed a special version of TOUGH, the user may need to edit the TOUGH input file before an analysis. In this case, PetraSim provides the option to export this file (File/Export/TOUGH File...) for manual editing.
PetraSim users should not use the TOUGH file to share models, since extra model information that is included in the PetraSim model file will be lost.
When PetraSim is started, it begins with an empty model. The user can immediately begin work on a new model. If another model has already been opened, select File->New... to clear the current model and start a new empty model. PetraSim always has one (and only one) active model.
To save the new model, select File->Save... and give the file name. Because the files written by TOUGH have a fixed name, it is recommended that the user create a new directory for each model. If this is not done, the TOUGH results from a first analysis will lost when a second model is run, even if the PetraSim model has a different name.