Virtual-reality environment for visualization of unsteady three-dimensional CFD data

• A Virtual-Reality (VR) environment has been set up to visualize, explore and interact with steady and time-dependent three-dimensional CFD solutions in a fully immersive way. The paper presents the VR system and provides some examples of currently investigated applications in the area of computational aerodynamics, such as the unsteady flow over a full-span delta wing at high angle of attack, the steady hypersonic flow around an atmospheric reentry vehicle and the steady airflow around a human female standing in a strong headwind. These pre-computed three-dimensional flows have been visualized interactively in a six-sided CAVE, demonstrating that the sheer sensual impact of the immersive display has a powerful effect on the physical intuition. Several user can move around freely in the VR environment, without being distracted from the flow to be investigated by the analytical tools and menus. The users have a common experience and can discuss the visualized flow field while interacting with it. Our experience with using VR for visualizing, exploring and analyzing complex unsteady three-dimensional CFD data are summarized and benefits and limitations are highlighted.

Keyword

Virtual reality

CAVE

unsteady aerodynamics

CFD

visualization

delta wing

vortex breakdown

TECHNOLOGY

TEKNIKVETENSKAP

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

kon (subject category)