[Paraview] How to visualize multipart/multiblock models

[M. Nawijn]

Hello,

I am trying to find a way to subdivide a structural analysis model in
several parts in such a way that I can post-process the results in
Paraview. The primary objective for me is to be able to hide and show
different parts of the structure. The model itself is not too large
(say 50.000 cells). A bonus for me would be that I can assign a
different color (or different properties in general) to each of the
parts.

I have tried a few things with Paraview:
    1. Create a set of individual .VTU files and combine them in a
.PVD file. This works very nice for building result sequences of the
complete model.
    2. Create a set of individual .VTU files and combine them in a
.PVM file. This works in the sense that I can import a complete model
build up from several pieces, but I cannot assign colors to each of
the parts and are unable to hide and show individual parts (tried by
using the "extract datasets" filter).
    3. Create a XDMF XML file with 2 GRID elements in a single domain.
This again allows me to import the model and show hide individual
parts. I can still assign only 1 color to the complete model.

Is subdivision into multiple showable/hideable parts, including
individual color assignment, possible with either XDMF or VTK XML
files?
If so, can someone post a minimal example?


BTW. I hope this is not a double post. I posted this message
yesterday, but did not receive it though my subscription. I actually
found this message in the Paraview mail-archive. Maybe there is a
problem/restriction on the message format. I mailed from my GMAIL
account in the default rich text format. I will try now in plain text.
If it is a double post, please forgive me ;).


Kind regards,

Marco