Simulation files

Results from OrcaFlex calculations (statics or dynamics) are saved to simulation files (.sim). These are binary files containing the following sections:

• The model data. This section is essentially a binary data file.
• The latest calculated state (positions, loads etc.) of the model. This section allows static state results to be retrieved and also enables partially-run dynamic simulations to be continued.
• Optional restart state to facilitate mid-simulation restarts.
• The log file which contains results for a dynamic simulation. This section is not present for static state simulation files.

Simulation files can be generated in a number of different ways:

• Interactively from the main OrcaFlex window. After a calculation (statics or dynamics) has performed then a simulation can be saved using the File | Save or File | Save as menu items.
• From the batch processing form
• From Distributed OrcaFlex
• From the OrcaFlex programming interface (OrcFxAPI)

Similarly, results can be post-processed from simulation files in a number of different ways:

• Interactively from the results form
• From the OrcaFlex spreadsheet
• From the OrcaFlex programming interface
• Using post calculation actions