Starting a Simulation

The first step to creating your own simulation is to open a file. It can be an existing example, an existing simulation, or a completely new simulation.

Creating a Simulation from an Example

To run one of the examples in VSim, one must first copy the example file, and any correlated files, to a new directory. Choose New -> From Example from the File menu. See Fig. 7.

Fig. 7 Create new simulation from example

Select Example Template

The Examples dialog box will open and you can choose an example template to run. Here a short description and image of the available examples will be displayed. Examples are split into VSim Modules. You must possess the correct license for an example to run, though you can see them all.

Upon selecting an example from the Available Templates pane, either double click the example you have chosen or single click and then click the Choose button.

For this demonstration we have chosen the Electromagnetic Plane Wave example from the VSim for Basic Physics module. See Fig. 8.

Fig. 8 Selecting an example from the Examples dialog

Choose a Name for the New Simulation

Upon selection of the example template, the window Choose a Simulation Name will open. Here you can choose the folder, or create a new folder, and set the name of the new simulation.

When the name and directory have both been chosen, click the Save button to proceed. See Fig. 9.

Fig. 9 Choose name and directory to use for the simulation

Proceed to the Setup Window

From here, Composer will automatically take you to the Setup window where you are free to explore and alter the parameters of the example you have chosen. See Fig. 10.

Fig. 10 Proceed to the setup window

Opening an Existing Simulation

If you have a simulation already created, you can double-click on the simulation .sdf or .pre file that appears under Recent Simulations in the VSim Composer Welcome menu.

Or, if your simulation does not show under the Recent Simulations heading, you can go to File -> Open Simulation and use the Open Simulation file navigation window to select the simulation .sdf or .pre file you would like to open. See Fig. 11.

Fig. 11 Open an existing simulation .sdf or .pre file

From here, Composer will automatically take you to the Setup window where you are free to explore and alter the parameters of your simulation.

Creating a Blank Simulation

Create New Visual Setup Simulation

To create a completely custom visual-based simulation, you must choose New -> Simulation from the File menu. Creating an entirely new simulation requires knowledge of topics covered in later sections. See Fig. 12.

Fig. 12 Choose to create a new visual setup simulation

Proceed to the Setup Window

You are automatically taken to the Setup window. You are now free to create your own custom simulation and explore the power and versatility of the Vorpal engine. See Fig. 13.

Fig. 13 A blank slate

Choose Simulation Name and Save

When you are ready to save your simulation, go to File -> Save Simulation and choose a location and name for your new simulation. See Fig. 14.

Fig. 14 Choose a name and directory for your new visual setup simulation

Create New Text Setup Simulation

To create a completely custom text based simulation, you must choose New -> Text-setup Simulation from the File menu. Creating an entirely new simulation requires knowledge of topics covered in later sections. See Fig. 15.

Fig. 15 Choose to create a new text setup simulation

Choose New Simulation Name And Save

A new window entitled Choose a name for the new simulation will pop up. Here, you choose a name for your new simulation along with a location where the simulation will be saved. See Fig. 16.

Fig. 16 Choose a name and directory for your new text simulation

Proceed to the Setup Window

You are automatically taken to the Setup window. You are now free to create your own custom simulation and explore the power and versatility of the Vorpal engine. See Fig. 17.

Fig. 17 A blank slate