Realistic Interactive Visualization for Computational Fluid Dynamics

INVESTIGATORS

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 .