Overview of Data

The primary means of data interpretation after a groundwater analysis is the viewing of data contours directly on the model. The Slide2 Interpret program allows the user to display contoured data from the finite element analysis, by selecting a data type from the drop-down list in the toolbar.

By default, when a file is opened (or when a new window is opened for an already open file), the contours of the Pressure Head will always be displayed on the model. To view contours of other data, use the mouse to select the desired data from the drop-down list in the toolbar.

Basic Data

The following data types will always be available for contouring after a Groundwater analysis:

• Pressure Head
• Total Head
• Pressure
• Horizontal Discharge Velocity
• Vertical Discharge Velocity
• Total Discharge Velocity
• Horizontal Hydraulic Gradient
• Vertical Hydraulic Gradient
• Total Hydraulic Gradient
• Horizontal Permeability
• Vertical Permeability
• Degree of Saturation

User Data

The User Data option allows the user to contour user-defined functions of input or output analysis variables. If User Data has been defined, then the names of these variables will appear at the end of the list of variables available from the drop-down list in the toolbar. See the User Data topic for details.

Notes:

1. Many options are available in the Contour Options dialog, allowing the user to change the style, range, etc. of the contour plots. The Contour Options operate on a per-view basis so that each view can have its own set of contour options applied (if multiple views are open).
2. If the user wants to simultaneously view more than one data type for a single file (e.g. Pressure Head and Total Head), then they must select New Window from the Window menu. This will generate a new window with a Pressure Head contour plot. The user can then plot any data they wish in the new window.
3. Any number of new windows can be opened for a given file, allowing the user to view different data in different windows, or to view different parts of the model in different windows, for example.
4. Selecting a new data option from the toolbar updates the contour plot in the active view only.
5. If multiple views have been opened, the user can select Tile Horizontally or Tile Vertically from the Window menu, to automatically tile the views within the application window.