Problem:

What are AutoPIPE's file extension, and can they be be deleted without affecting the model?

Solution:

Please see the following AutoPIPE help section:
Help > Contents> Contents Tab> Bentley AutoPIPE> File Reference> Working Directory Files

Each of the files listed in this subsection are stored in the current working directory. The working directory is established from the directory where the file was created/opened using either the File/New or File/Open commands. Otherwise, AutoPIPE places each of them in the program directory. The file name for all permanent, unformatted files is the same as the name of the model. Other file names are as noted.

Unformatted Working Directory Files

Formatted Working Directory Files

The most import file types are the model *.DAT and *.CMB with the model's specified library files. All the other files in the model directory are created after applying loads, analyzing the model, and reviewing results. However, if the certain files are deleted from the directory the analysis results will be different.

Example:

Person A created a model that had performed a fluid transient analysis and created an Output report. Person A sends only the *.DAT and *.CMB files to Person B who plans to recreate the original results. Person B opens the model and runs the analysis. However, the results does not include the time history results, why?

The reason is because the THL and TIH files were missing from Persons B file directory. These files are automatically created by completing the Load> Fluid Transient dialog screen. 

The correct procedure would be to save an AutoPIPE Archive APC file. This single file will contain most of the files require to run the analysis correctly. 

As of March 2022, a DAT file is not a readable file. Information inside of a DAT file can only be read by Bentley Development team. Maybe one day the DAT file will be readable by any user. 

See Also

File / Model Management

Bentley AutoPIPE