FILE NAMES

The user picks a name for the input file.    This file must have an ".inp" extension.   The output file name will have the same prefix except the extension is ".out"   Similarly, an optional output file with the extension ".plt" lists selected data for plotting.   For convenience, ".inp" files for each of the 14 examples in NASA RP-1311 Part II, 1996, are available from the File menu.   At any time the user may either make a new file or modify an existing file with the option to change the name.

Note one major difference between CEA2 files and CEAgui files is that CEAgui input files are for only one case whereas CEA2 input files may be a stack of any number of cases (e.g. all of the 14 examples).   Note: Results may vary a slightly from those published in RP-1311 because the thermodynamic data have been updated since 1996.

FILE MENU

• New - Clears all input screens to the default settings.
• Open - Opens an existing CEA2 input file with extension ".inp".    The CEAgui screens will be filled with the appropriate settings.
• Open Examples - Allows user to open any of the examples given in NASA RP-1311 Part II, 1996.   These example input files are stored in files xEx1.inp, xEx2.inp,..., xEx14.inp.   CEAgui may be used to revise the file.   Save As may be used to save the revised file with user-selected name either before or after execution.
• Save - Allows user the save current input file with current name.
• Save As - Allows user to select name for the current file.
• Exit - Exits CEAgui.

ACTIVITY MENU

• View current input file - View the input file being created by CEAgui.
• Execute CEA2 - Execute the current input file.
• View output file - View output file with extension ".out".
• View optional plot file - View optional file for plotting data with extension ".plt".    Numerical values for selected parameters from the output file are listed in vertical columns.    These same values are listed horizontally in the ".out" file.

CEA DATASETS IN TAB FORM

The input data for each case are divided into six "datasets."   CEAgui uses the six tabs listed below for entering these data.   The Problem and Reactant tabs must be completed before using the optional Only, Omit, or Insert tabs.   Clicking on another tab closes the current tab.   A closed tab may be revisited before execution.

• Problem Dataset - lists type of problem and associated input.   Relative amounts of fuel and oxidant may also be given here.
• Reactant Dataset - includes information concerning the reactants.   This tab must be completed before the optional tabs Only, Omit, or Insert are accessed.
• Only Dataset - option for user to indicate the only products to be considered.   Do not use in conjunction with an Omit list.
• Omit Dataset - option for user to omit any of the possible default products.   Do not use in conjunction with an Only list.
• Insert Dataset - option for user to specify which condensed species to insert as possible products for the initial point.    Sometimes convergence is not possible without the insertion of a condensed species.   For this situation an error message will suggest inserting a possible condensed species.
• Output Dataset - Contains many optional parameters associated with output including transport properties, numerical units, debug points and variables to be listed in the ".plt" file

DATASET HELP MENUS

Each screen has a Help menu to assist the user in filling in the data.

GETTING STARTED

1. Click on File and open the example most closely representing your interest.   Screens will be filled appropriately.   Input file is xExN.inp where N is the example number in NASA RP-1311 Part II, 1996.
2. Use the Activity menu to execute CEA2 and view the output.   Because the thermodynamic data have been updated, you may notice small differences in the results compared with those in the manual.   The output file is xExN.out where N is the example number.
3. Using the tabs and screens and Help menus, make any changes you might like to try.   Screen changes will be saved as you move to next tab or operation.   Use the Save As option in the File menu to save the input file with a new name.   Again, execute CEA2 and examine the output.
4. For new input, use New in the File menu.   Fill in Reactant and Problem screens before the optional Omit, Only, or Insert screens.   Follow instructions given in the Help menus.