Difference between output map and field map outputs in Actran?

Output Map

• Purpose: Exports color maps (e.g., pressure, velocity) on the finite element mesh used in the simulation (the computational domain).
• Usage: Use Output Map when you want to visualize results directly on the mesh where the physics were solved (e.g., inside the duct, on the structure, or in the acoustic domain).
• Configuration: In the Actran input or GUI, you define an Output Map by specifying the domain (part of the mesh) and the quantities to export. The results can be saved in an NFF database (e.g., model_output_map.nff).
• Limitation: Only available for domains/components that are part of the simulation (i.e., have a component assigned).

Field Map

• Purpose: Exports color maps on a user-defined post-processing mesh, which can be different from the computational mesh. This is often used to visualize results in the far field or in regions not meshed for computation.
• Usage: Use Field Map when you want to visualize results on a mesh that is not part of the original simulation, such as a plane or volume in the far field, or a regular grid for post-processing.
• Configuration: You must first create a field mesh (e.g., a structured grid or a set of points/planes) and then define a Field Map output. The results can be saved in a separate NFF database (e.g.,model_field_map.nff).
• Advantage: Allows visualization and extraction of results in regions not covered by the original mesh, which is especially useful for directivity plots, far-field analysis, or custom post-processing.