Optimizing an Interactive CFD Simulation on a Supercomputer for Computational Steering in a Virtual Reality Environment

This article presents a computational steering research project coupling a supercomputer with a virtual reality (VR) environment to allow for interaction during a real-time CFD simulation using an immersive high-end visualization interface. Interaction comprises not only the changing of parameters, but also the modification of geometry, e.g. removing, adding and transforming objects in a virtual CAD-generated room during runtime. The underlying CFD computation and grid generation is processed on a high-performance computer (HPC) to enable a real-time simulation which instantly reacts to user manipulations. Based on the Lattice-Boltzmann method, the simulation kernel shows good parallel efficiency on the Hitachi SR8000 pseudo-vector supercomputer at the Leibniz Computing Center (LRZ) in Munich. For post-processing and steering in virtual reality a stereoscopic projection screen and a tracked wand input device is used. To achieve optimal immerson a head-tracked view is supported and complemented by a context-sensitive 3D VR menu.     «

This article presents a computational steering research project coupling a supercomputer with a virtual reality (VR) environment to allow for interaction during a real-time CFD simulation using an immersive high-end visualization interface. Interaction comprises not only the changing of parameters, but also the modification of geometry, e.g. removing, adding and transforming objects in a virtual CAD-generated room during runtime. The underlying CFD computation and grid generation is processed on...     »