The Contour Plot through Plane option is used to produce a color-coded contour plot for a particular output parameter through a plane in the model. Contour plots are generated with a freely distributable version of DPlot Jr (http://www.dplot.com/other.htm#junior) that is packaged with EverStressFE. The user can choose to plot any of the normal strain components, shear strain components, or displacement components (exx, eyy, ezz, gxy, gyz, and gzx, Ux, Uy, and Uz). The user can choose to examine the output parameter by "cutting" through the X-Z plane, the Y-Z plane, or the X-Y plane. The user can also specify the coordinate for the "cut plane." The "cut plane" must always intersect the centerline of the applied wheel load(s), but the extents of the plane may be specified by the user.
The user can also choose to specify the Contour Limits for the parameter that is being examined. If this option is not selected, the maximum and minimum contour values automatically take on the maximum and minimum values in the data set. The user also has the ability to overlay outlines on the contour plot by choosing Outline Layers or Outline Elements. The Outline Layers option may help orient the user by relating the contour values to "physical" boundaries. The Outline Elements option may be a useful tool for visually verifying that the level of mesh refinement is adequate to capture the regions where the strain/displacement gradients are relatively large. The user also has the ability to Show Tire Contact, which provides an additional reference for orienting the user. The Graphics tab at the bottom of the Results tab displays a non-interactive graphic that is intended to help orient the user when using the Contour Plot through Plane visualization option. A sample screenshot of the EverStressFE program showing the Contour Plot through Plane visualization of results is shown in Figure 1 (see the Tutorial Example for more information).
Figure 1: Results Tab with Contour Plot Option Selected