47.4.26 Applying Butterworth filtering to an X–Y data object

Use the butterworthFilter function to apply a Butterworth filtering operation to a previously saved X–Y data object (a collection of ordered pairs) to produce a new X–Y data object. This filtering operation can be used, for example, to remove high-frequency noise.

The transfer function of a Butterworth filter is shown in Filtering output and operating on output in Abaqus/Explicit” in “Output to the output database, Section 4.1.3 of the Abaqus Analysis User's Guide.

Figure 47–23 illustrates the type of X–Y plot that can be produced using the butterworthFilter operation.

Figure 47–23 X–Y plot produced using the butterworthFilter operation.

The butterworthFilter function requires two arguments: the name of the X–Y data object (name) and the cutoff frequency (cutoffFrequency), which is the frequency above which the filter attenuates at least half of the input signal. A description of the optional arguments follows:

Your X–Y data object must have a constant time step for it to be filtered. If the time step is not constant, Abaqus/CAE computes additional points at constant intervals by interpolation. The constant time step for Butterworth filtering is defined by the smallest time step in the X–Y data object to be filtered.

To apply Butterworth filtering to an X–Y data object:

  1. Locate the Operate on XY Data dialog box.

    From the main menu bar, select ToolsXY DataCreate. Click Operate on XY data in the dialog box that appears; then click Continue. The Operate on XY Data dialog box appears.

  2. From the Operators listed, click butterworthFilter(X,F).

    The butterworthFilter function appears in the expression window.

  3. From the XY Data choices, click the name of the X–Y data object on which to operate and click Add to Expression. You can choose from all X–Y data objects previously saved within this session (listed alphabetically in the XY Data field).

    The X–Y data object name appears within the butterworthFilter function parentheses in the expression window.

  4. Position the cursor in the expression window before the second comma, and type in a value for the cutoff frequency.

  5. To continue to build your expression, position the cursor in the expression window and type in or select the functions, operators, and X–Y data you want to include.

  6. To evaluate and display your expression, click Plot Expression.

  7. To save your new X–Y data object, click Save As and then provide a name in the dialog box that appears.

    Saving your data object makes it available for future operations within this session and for inclusion in X–Y plots containing multiple data objects.

  8. When you are finished, click Cancel to close the dialog box.


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