Discuss future of pre_exodus

[sebproell]

Within #598, we need to decide how we want to proceed with pre_exodus. Let's use this discussion to get feedback from @4C-multiphysics/developers.

Do we need pre_exodus?

• Are you using pre_exodus and think you still need it, i.e., none of the input generators do your job (or you don't know about it yet?)
• Are we relying on this tool in other crucial places, e.g., teaching?

Some technical aspects

• It wouldn't be that difficult to make pre_exodus work with a yaml header and emit a yaml input file. Still, if there are no users we should consider dropping this rather dated workflow.
• If we decide to remove it, we eventually need to document some/multiple other workflow to create an input file.

[davidrudlstorfer]

I've actually never used it and I do not even really know what it does.

[amgebauer]

I never used it. It does not provide necessary features needed for many biomechanical problems.

[bwirthl]

I still use it, but could probably find a better workflow with one of the input generators. I just never had the time to look into it, and my pre_exodus workflow worked fine for me.

[c-p-schmidt]

The same holds true for me.

[lkoeglmeier]

same for me.

[RShaw026]

same for me

[mayrmt]

Same here

[lauraengelhardt]

Same for me (I use it rarely).

[isteinbrecher]

I am not using it any more. For cubit/coreform as mesh generator, I (and I think most of the IMCS developers) use CubitPy which has an equivalent to pre-exodus coded in python.

[eulovi]

Same case for me

[dharinib98]

Same here

[sebproell]

#652 implements a first version of direct exodus support in 4C :) I believe we can get rid of pre_exouds this way with a superior alternative. The details will likely change a little bit over the next PRs and not all physics work yet. Feel free to have a look and participate with your ideas or requirements.

[sebproell]

There is a nice tutorial by @ischeider for the direct Exodus input! https://4c-multiphysics.github.io/4C/documentation/tutorials/tut_solid.html#

I believe at this point we can conclude that we can remove pre_exodus.

[sebproell]

See #751

[sebproell]

@4C-multiphysics/developers pre_exodus was removed from the code base. Instead, you can use direct input of Exodus meshes (see #653 and the updated tutorials) or look into our various associated input generators.