Three-dimensional Vector Field Topology

Gerik Scheuermann
UC Davis

Monday, July 24, 2000
1:00 - 2:00 PM
50F Conference Room

I will present an algorithm for the extraction and visualization of three-dimensional (3D) vector field topology. The method operates on tetrahedral grids using piecewise linear interpolation. The algorithm identifies sinks and sources in a vector field by computing all critical points in the whole domain, as well as all inflow and outflow regions on the boundary. The domain is segmented by calculating stream surfaces that generalize the separatrices in the two-dimensional (2D) case. Calculations are based on barycentric coordinates. The stream surfaces are calculated as ruled surfaces, starting with line segments on the faces of the tetrahedra. The method is aimed at supporting the analysis of velocity fields resulting from computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations.

Snacks will be provided.

See Conundrum Talks for more information about this series.