Next Generation System for Efficient Remote Parallel Visualization of Large-Scale Time-Dependent CFD Data

The objective of this proposal is to develop easy to use, fast and efficient next generation visualization techniques that utilize client-server architecture, parallel processors and domain knowledge for the analysis and post-processing of large-scale,time dependent, rotorcraft, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) data sets. Large-scale, time-dependent 3D simulations of complex configurations using CFD have become increasingly critical in the design of aircraft, rotorcraft, aerospace vehicles andpropulsion systems. As the pace of simulation increases, the sheer volume of numerical data makes it increasingly critical that a stable and easy to operate post-processing/visualization methodology be developed. Technology innovations in this proposedwork will focus on robust streakline integration, visualization techniques optimized for rotorcraft grids and transient data, improved data access on remote computers and development of an Intelligent Graphical Object (IGO) database for the highlyinteractive 3D display of transient data including streaklines, streamlines, iso-surfaces, cutting planes, boundary surfaces and vortex cores. These visualization techniques, if fully developed, can have a significant impact on government and industry'sability to post-process large-scale time-dependent CFD simulation data. Large-scale, time-dependent 3D simulations of complex configurations using CFD have becoming increasingly critical in the design of aircraft, rotorcraft, aerospace vehicles andpropulsion systems. Army programs such as RAH-66 Comanche will benefit from this simulation technology. CFD users in the commercial sector (for example - Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Ford Motor Company, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Sikorsky, Pratt & Whitney),the Federal Government (Air Force, Navy, Army and NASA) and the National Laboratories are using this technology. These large organizations that make extensive use of CFD analysis have indicated that large-scale unsteady 3D CFD simulations are almostimpossible to post-process without huge investments in computer hardware and staffer's time. As the current state-of-the-art in post-processing large-scale time-dependent CFD data does not provide satisfactory performance for these problems, investment inthe next generation of such tools is required. The offeror perceives a need in the marketplace to address these issues in a commercial product offering that provides great benefits in usability, performance and data access. The proposed project will enablethe offeror to be responsive to the needs of the CFD community.