Optimise
Use the Optimise option to perform a 4D pit optimisation. The option generates a group of nested pits based on a range of values.
4D pit optimisation can also be performed through using the fdop program. The program, which is run through a shell window, must exist in the directory pointed to by the WHITTLE_EXE environment variable. To run it, use the full path name, for example, $WHITTLE_EXE/fdop.
Instructions
- Select Block menu
- Select Whittle 4D submenu
- Select Optimise option
The following panel displays.
Whittle-4D FDOP panel
Create log file
Select this check box to create a log file of the optimisation process. You will need to specify the log file name. The maximum size is 30 alphanumeric characters. The file extension is automatically added (either the hard-coded extension or the extension from the fd.ini file depending on your selection in the Set Up option).
Print file
Enter, or select from the drop-down list, the name of the screen output file generated by the optimisation process. The maximum size is 30 alphanumeric characters. The file extension is automatically added (either the hard-coded extension or the extension from the fd.ini file depending on your selection in the Set Up option).
| Note: A temporary file will be used if no print file name is provided. |
Normal/Restart Run
The optimisation process can either be performed as a normal run or as a restart run.
A normal run performs a pit optimisation from the beginning. A restart run performs an optimisation from the last processes stored in the work file. This is particularly useful if a power failure occurs during a complicated/detailed optimisation.
Parameters file
Applicable only for normal runs
Enter, or select from the drop-down list, the name of the parameters file to be used. The file extension is automatically added (either the hard-coded extension or the extension from the fd.ini file depending on your selection in the Set Up option).
Model file
Applicable only for normal runs
Enter, or select from the drop-down list, the name of the Whittle block model file. The chosen block model MUST match the model parameters.
Structure arcs file
Applicable only for normal runs
Enter, or select from the drop-down list, the name of the file that contains the structure arcs. The file extension is automatically added (either the hard-coded extension or the extension from the fd.ini file depending on your selection in the Set Up option). The chosen file MUST match the model parameters.
Work file
Enter, or select from the drop-down list, the name of the file in which to store the temporary information generated by the optimisation. The file extension is automatically added (either the hard-coded extension or the extension from the fd.ini file depending on your selection in the Setup option). The work file can then be used to restart an optimisation that was terminated abnormally. Refer to a Whittle 4D Manual for details on restarting an optimisation.
Note: A temporary file will be used if no print file name is provided.
Results file
Enter the name of the file that contains the mined blocks. The file extension is automatically added (either the hard-coded extension or the extension from the FD.INI file depending on your selection in the Set Up option).
Select OK.
The optimisation occurs in a separate window. This window also lists its progress and any error messages if applicable.
