Visualization of volumetric data from CFD simulations (Computational Fluid Dynamics)

Abstract

Fire dynamics simulation is a critical tool for simulating and storing fire data. In this thesis, we present a tool that can display fire from pre-computed volumetric data in Virtual Reality (VR). This data has been generated by simulating physical phenomena together with real images. Existing work in fire visualization primarily focuses on rendering fires that are being simulated in real-time. In this thesis we explore the particularities and chal- lenges that arise when trying to visualize an already pre-computed scenario that is stored in discrete timesteps of data instead of a continuously simulated environment. The tool implements a particle-based volume renderer, with several adjustable parameters that allow to tune the performance to the specific hardware specifications. The scalability of the renderer, together with the preprocessing done to the data, allows to visualize simulations of considerable size and resolution in real time. The final objective of this tool is to offer a more cost effective education plat- form for citizens to learn about the dangers related to fires and offer a virtual training ground to practice protection strategies.