67. Batch Mode

PyAero can run the same contour-preparation, mesh-generation, and mesh-export pipeline without opening the GUI. This is useful when you need to process several airfoils with one shared setup.

68. Starting Batch Mode

Run the application from the repository root:

python src/PyAero.py -no-gui data/Batch/batch_control.json

The batch control file can live anywhere. The shipped example in data/Batch/batch_control.json is the best starting point.

69. What the Control File Defines

The batch configuration contains:

  • the source directory for airfoils

  • the list of airfoil filenames to process

  • whether each airfoil should receive a finite-thickness trailing edge

  • the output directory

  • the requested export formats

  • the geometry-preparation settings

  • the mesh-block settings

The GUI and batch mode share the same workflow service underneath, so the settings map closely to what you see in the application.

70. Export Formats

The canonical export formats are:

  • flma

  • su2

  • gmsh

  • vtu

Batch mode also accepts common aliases such as VTK for VTU and MSH for Gmsh. Output filenames are created from the requested basename plus the appropriate extension.

71. Example Structure

The shipped example contains sections like:

  • Airfoils

  • Output formats

  • Airfoil contour refinement

  • Airfoil trailing edge

  • Airfoil contour mesh

  • Airfoil trailing edge mesh

  • Windtunnel mesh airfoil

  • Windtunnel mesh wake

Each airfoil in the list is loaded, prepared, meshed, and exported in sequence.

72. When to Use Batch Mode

Batch mode is useful when:

  • you want consistent settings across many airfoils

  • you are comparing several sections quickly

  • you already know your preferred refinement and mesh parameters

  • you want to export the same mesh set in several formats without manual clicking

73. Practical Notes

  • Start PyAero from the repository root so resource paths resolve correctly.

  • The batch pipeline assumes the same contour preparation order as the GUI.

  • Export failures are handled per airfoil, so one failing case does not necessarily stop the whole run.