Use of computer graphics for visualization of flow fieldsA high-performance graphics workstation has been combined with software developed for flow-field visualization to yield a highly effective tool for analysis of fluid-flow dynamics. After the flow fields are obtained from experimental measurements or computer simulations, the workstation permits one to interactively view the dynamics of the flow fields; e.g., the viewer can zoom into a region or rotate his viewing position about the region to study it in more detail. Several techniques for visualization of flow fields with this workstation are described in this paper and illustrated with a videotape available from the authors. The computer hardware and software required to create effective flow visualization displays are discussed. Additional software and hardware required to create videotapes or 16mm movies are also described. Limitations imposed by current workstation performance is addressed and future workstation performance is forecast.
Document ID
19950028518
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Watson, Val (NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Buning, Pieter (NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Choi, Diana (NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Bancroft, Gordon (Sterling Software, Palo Alto, CA United States)
Merritt, Fergus (Sterling Software, Palo Alto, CA United States)
Rogers, Stuart (Sterling Software, Palo Alto, CA United States)