Visualizing a three dimensional hydrodynamic model

Abstract

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Waterways Experiment Station is currently participating in an investigation of the effects of deepening the ship channel in Galveston Bay. WES researchers have constructed a three-dimensional finite element hydrodynamic model of the bay as part of the investigation. They are employing the model to simulate tidal cycles in the bay over a one-year period in order to view changes in water velocities and salinity. This case study documents a project undertaken cooperatively by the WES Hydraulics Laboratory and the Information Technology Laboratory Scientific Visualization Center to visualize the simulation results.The project comprised three overall stages, 1) analyzing model requirements and determining suitable visualization techniques, 2) visualizing a preliminary, smaller scale model to verify the techniques chosen in the first stage, and 3) visualizing the full- scale model. The first two stages are completed. The third stage is ongoing. Problems encountered and resolutions of problems at each stage are described. Validation as well as insights revealed about the model through the preliminary and final visualization are discussed. Current application of visualization techniques to the model is reported. Conclusions and benefits of the cooperative project to both the hydraulics researchers and the visualization team are presented.