Visualization Techniques in Computational Mechanics

Motivation and Content

The visualization and interpretation of simulation results is of crucial importance in the field of numerical mechanics. Especially the communication of results by means of meaningful, physically correct and at the same time aesthetically appealing visualizations is becoming increasingly important.

 

In this practical course, modern approaches for the visualization of numerical simulation results are investigated and tested. It focuses on the visualization of numerical solutions of differential equations discretized with the finite element method or particle approaches using the open source software ParaView and Blender. In addition to the basics needed to represent scalar and vector-valued quantities, especially simple tools for advanced solution analysis are developed. The students deal with problem-specific solutions for structure and fluid mechanics. In the practical course, besides classical visualization concepts, such as the creation of graphics and videos, new methods such as three-dimensional and interactive visualizations based on virtual reality techniques can be developed. For verification purposes, this visualization can be checked on VR glasses. During the lab course, students work on individually assigned topics that are supervised by an institute member and can be completed remotely and/or on site due to its format as well as flexible in time (as a block or during the semester).