Test Data Tab
The Test Data tab (next to Results and Notes, bottom right of the main window) lets you bring real motor-test data into BurnSim and compare it against a simulation.
Importing
- Import File... - import a CSV file; see Import from CSV for the required format
- Import Clipboard - paste data copied from a spreadsheet directly, in the same Time/Pressure/Thrust column order
- Each import becomes a named dataset, selectable from the dropdown at the top of the tab; Delete removes the selected one
Working with a Dataset
- Use in simulation - when checked, the dataset's pressure/thrust traces are drawn on the graph alongside the simulated ones, so you can see how closely the simulation matches reality
- The grid below is a live, editable view of the dataset's raw points - edit a cell, or use Add Row / Delete Row to fix bad points
- Trim... - cut the dataset down to just the burn itself, discarding leading/trailing zeros or noise
On the Graph
With a dataset checked "Use in simulation", three extra checkboxes appear above the graph (see Graph):
- Imported Pressure - the dataset's raw pressure trace
- Imported Thrust - the dataset's raw thrust trace, if it has one
- Thrust From Imported Pc - thrust back-calculated from the imported pressure trace through the motor's actual nozzle, useful when your test data only recorded pressure
Characterizing a Propellant from Test Data
BurnSim 4 does not yet have BurnSim 3's dedicated automated characterization tool (the one that grid-searches for a best-fit burn rate exponent/coefficient against test data directly). For now, this tab is still useful for characterization work: import your test points, overlay them against a simulation using a candidate a/n, and adjust by eye until the traces line up. For deriving a/n from a set of burn-rate/pressure data points directly, see Propellant Characterization.