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We propose a novel vortex core line extraction method based on the λ2 vortex region criterion in order to improve the detection of vortex features for 3D flow visualization. The core line is defined as a curve that connects λ2 minima restricted to planes that are perpendicular to the core line. The basic algorithm consists of the following stages: (1) λ2 field construction and isosurface extraction; (2) computation of the curve skeleton of the λ2 isosurface to build an initial prediction for the core line; (3) correction of the locations of the prediction by searching for λ2 minima on planes perpendicular to the core line. In particular, we consider the topology of the vortex core lines, guaranteeing the same topology as the initial curve skeleton. Furthermore, we propose a geometry-guided definition of vortex bifurcation, which represents the split of one core line into two parts. Finally, we introduce a user-guided approach in order to narrow down vortical regions taking into account the graph of λ2 along the computed vortex core line. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our method by comparing our results to previous core line detection methods with both simulated and experimental data; in particular, we show robustness of our method for noise-affected data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present a visualization and tracking system for coherent structures. For this purpose, we propose to consider shear stress-the stretching and shear of particles inside a flow-in vortex dynamics. Based on a discussion and comparison of recent methods for computing shear stress, we introduce visualization techniques in order to provide a representation of shear layers according to their physical interpretation. This paper contributes a combination of theory in fluid mechanics and the corresponding visualization: 1) shear layer criteria are assessed according to how well they can be combined with common vortex identification criteria; 2) sheets of maximal shear are introduced as an appropriate visual representation of shear layers; 3) a visualization method is described for simultaneous tracking of vortices and shear layers as well as their interaction; and 4) the relevance of shear layers in vortex dynamics is demonstrated by means of several examples. We have implemented these new techniques in an interactive visualization system for time-dependent 3D flow. The system is used by fluid mechanics experts in their research of shear-vortex interaction.

This paper presents an interactive technique for the dense texture-based visualization of unsteady 3D flow, taking into account issues of computational efficiency and visual perception. High efficiency is achieved by a 3D graphics processing unit (GPU)-based texture advection mechanism that implements logical 3D grid structures by physical memory in the form of 2D textures. This approach results in fast read and write access to physical memory, independent of GPU architecture. Slice-based direct volume rendering is used for the final display. We investigate two alternative methods for the volumetric illumination of the result of texture advection: First, gradient-based illumination that employs a real-time computation of gradients, and, second, line-based lighting based on illumination in codimension 2. In addition to the Phong model, perception-guided rendering methods are considered, such as cool/warm shading, halo rendering, or color-based depth cueing. The problems of clutter and occlusion are addressed by supporting a volumetric importance function that enhances features of the flow and reduces visual complexity in less interesting regions. GPU implementation aspects, performance measurements, and a discussion of results are included to demonstrate our visualization approach.

This paper describes methods for explanatory and illustrative visualizations used to communicate aspects of Einstein's theories of special and general relativity, their geometric structure, and of the related fields of cosmology and astrophysics. Our illustrations target a general audience of laypersons interested in relativity. We discuss visualization strategies, motivated by physics education and the didactics of mathematics, and describe what kind of visualization methods have proven to be useful for different types of media, such as still images in popular science magazines, film contributions to TV shows, oral presentations, or interactive museum installations. Our primary approach is to adopt an egocentric point of view: The recipients of a visualization participate in a visually enriched thought experiment that allows them to experience or explore a relativistic scenario. In addition, we often combine egocentric visualizations with more abstract illustrations based on an outside view in order to provide several presentations of the same phenomenon. Although our visualization tools often build upon existing methods and implementations, the underlying techniques have been improved by several novel technical contributions like image-based special relativistic rendering on GPUs, special relativistic 4D ray tracing for accelerating scene objects, an extension of general relativistic ray tracing to manifolds described by multiple charts, GPU-based interactive visualization of gravitational light deflection, as well as planetary terrain rendering. The usefulness and effectiveness of our visualizations are demonstrated by reporting on experiences with, and feedback from, recipients of visualizations and collaborators.