Realistic Interactive Visualization for Computational Fluid Dynamics
INVESTIGATORS
Dr. David S. Ebert (PI)
SPONSORSHIP
NSF Research Initiation Award, 1994-1997
ABSTRACT
Visualization of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations is an
important tool for CFD researchers. However, current visualization
systems are lacking in several ways. First, many systems fail to display
all of the three-dimensional information contained in the data, only
displaying stream-lines, contour plots, or isosurfaces. Second, most
systems are a post-processing step only and cannot be incorporated
into the development cycle for the computational model. Third, most
systems do not allow multiple flow variables to be displayed
simultaneously in an easily understandable format.
This project will develop an interactive surface and volumetric
visualization system for the three-dimensional visualization of CFD
simulations. This system will use realistic volume rendering
techniques for gases and fluids to display the complete
three-dimensional data from the CFD simulation, including the
simultaneous display of multiple flow variables. Three-dimensional
perception aids, such as accurate shadows, atmospheric attenuation,
and refraction, will be used to increase the understandability of the
data. Furthermore, the system will allow researchers to visualize and
to change their models interactively, aiding in the debugging of the
computational models and decreasing the development time of the CFD
simulation. This new system can be used as an interactive virtual wind
tunnel.
RELEVANT PAPERS
- Yagel, R., Ebert, D., Scott, J., and Kurzion, Y.,
"Grouping Volume Renderers for Enhanced Visualization in
Computational Fluid Dynamics," submitted to IEEE
Transactions on Visualization and Computer
Graphics, January 1995.
- Ebert, D., Carlson, W., and Parent, R., "Solid Spaces
and Inverse Particle Systems for Controlling
the Animation of Gases and Fluids," The Visual
Computer, Vol. 10, No. 4, 1994.
- Ebert, D., Yagel, R., Scott, J., and Kurzion, Y.,
"Volume Rendering Methods for Computational
Fluid Dynamics Visualization," Proceedings
Visualization '94, IEEE Computer Society
Press, pp. 232-240, October, 1994.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Contact David Ebert, ebert@cs.umbc.edu .