Workbench allows you to create connections between multiple systems that enable the systems to access the same data. This is useful, for instance, when you want to compare the results from multiple Polyflow-based systems in the same Ansys CFD-Post session. In this case, you would connect the various Solution cells to one Results cell (either in one of your Polyflow-based systems or in a separate Results system). When you double-click that Results cell, the results from all connected systems will be loaded into Ansys CFD-Post at the same time.
Workbench supports two different types of connections:
Connections that share data are used when the inputs and outputs of the two connected cells are identical. Shared data connections can only be created between two cells of the same type. Note that Polyflow-based systems can only have shared data connections between Geometry cells and (when you drag and drop a system) Mesh cells. A shared data connection is represented on the Project Schematic by a line with a square on its right (target) side (see Figure 2.3: Connected Systems Within Workbench).
Connections that transfer data are used when the output of one cell is used as the input to the connected cell. Transfer data connections are usually created between two cells of different types. One exception is that a transfer data connection can be used between the Solution cells of two Polyflow-based systems when you want to use the current data from one system as the initial data for the other system. A transfer data connection is represented in the Project Schematic by a line with a circle on its right (target) side (see Figure 2.3: Connected Systems Within Workbench).
There are four ways to create connected systems in Workbench.
Right-click a cell in one system, and then drag (that is, hold the mouse button and move the pointer) and drop it onto (that is, release the mouse button while the pointer is over) a compatible cell in another system.
Left-click a system in the Toolbox, and then drag and drop it onto a compatible system in the Project Schematic.
Use the Duplicate command from the Geometry or Mesh cell of a Polyflow-based system (see Duplicating Polyflow-Based Systems).
Right-click a cell and select one of the options under Transfer Data From New or Transfer Data To New (these options are not available for all cells).
When you left-click a system in the Toolbox, Workbench highlights all of the compatible drop targets in the Project Schematic. As you drag the mouse over a drop target, it is highlighted in red and a message appears in the Project Schematic that informs you what the result will be if you drop the system onto that target.
Important: There are usually several compatible drop targets on empty space in the Project Schematic. Dropping the system onto one of these targets will create a stand-alone system in that location.
Similarly, when you right-click a cell and begin to drag it, Workbench highlights all of the compatible drop targets in the Project Schematic. As you drag the mouse over a drop target, it is highlighted in red and a message appears in the Project Schematic that informs you what the result will be if you drop the cell onto that target.
For more information about connecting systems, see the Workbench online help.