Preferences

General

Save a copy of the model and export

Automatically save a backup copy of the M-Star Pre simulation file (.msb) in the output directory when exporting files. This is useful when you want to create an archive of the preprocessing file used to generate the simulation data.

Shift model to positive quadrant

Automatically shift all components of the geometry to positive (x positive, y positive, z positive) such that the bottom left-hand corner is positioned at 0, 0, 0 in the output domain. This ensures that all output positions are positive.

Geometry Catalog Path

Enter a path to a local or network directory containing a library of geometry. See User Catalogs. Leave empty for default value of “Documents/M-Star Catalog.”

Global Scripts Path

New Default Document

Save an already-created model as your new default starting point for subsequent new documents. With this path specified, all new models will begin with an existing .msb file. Leave empty for default empty model.

Warn when model contains no output planes

Toggle between receiving or not receiving warning about a model containing no output planes.

3D Rendering

Anti-Aliasing

Smooth jagged edges on curved lines automatically.

Physically Based Rendering (PBR) Settings

These settings allow you to model the transmission and reflection of light in the viewing panel and modify the photorealism presented in the background. These settings only inform rendering in the viewing panel and have no bearing on simulation physics.

Enable PBR Environment

Activate physically based rendering of lighting and shading on your geometry.

Use PBR Environment Background

Show the environment background image used to generate the ambient light for the PBR.

Lighting

These settings allow you to change the properties of light in the viewing panel.

Ambient Light Intensity

Modify the overall brightness of the model.

Directional Light Intensity

Provides more contrast for shadowing and texture.

Apply View Settings

See the effects of the lighting in the viewing panel prior to final selection.

Colors

Background Fill

Set the background fill to a solid color or various gradients between two colors.

Background Color 1

Set the default color for a solid color background.

Background Color 2

Set the secondary color displayed with a gradient option.

Text Color

Customize the color of text in the viewing panel.

Default Static Body Child Geometry Color

Change the default color applied when you create a new static body.

Default Moving Body Child Geometry Color

Change the default color applied when you create a new moving body.

Default Particle Color

Change the default color applied when you create a new particle.

Default Scalar Color

Change the default color applied when you create a new scalar.

Mesh Preview Color

Change the mesh preview color.

Default to Shaded mode

Model Defaults

Up Direction

Define a model “Up Direction.” By default, the Up Direction points in the +y direction, and gravity points in the -y direction. See also Understanding M-Star CFD: Main Lattice.

Add 3 output planes to default model

Turn off the three defaut output planes. By default, three optional model planes are added to the system. See also Output Planes.

Note

To change other model defaults, consider using the “New Default Document” setting on the General tab