PC-based Graphics Research Articles

Novel Simulation Tools for Materials Engineering Education

A novel simulation interface is being developed as an educational tool to help students better understand fundamentals of materials science. This interface makes use of virtual reality (VR) technology consisting of PC-based graphics and a force-feedback haptic device. Visualization of atomistic processes with simultaneous tactile sensation via the haptic provides a powerful method for understanding complex phenomena that are otherwise difficult to comprehend. Modules are described that allow students to interactively explore interatomic bonding and single-atom diffusion through materials.

Implementing an anisotropic texture filter

Texture mapping is an important operation in high-quality computer graphics applications. The principles of image filtering are well established and understood and several high-quality texture filtering algorithms have been developed. However, these have tended to be either off-line software implementations or based on high-end computer graphics rendering systems. Current generation PC-based graphics acceleration utilises texture pre-filtering techniques based upon an isotropic filter kernel. The most common implementations are those based on MIP-map texture storage and bilinear or trilinear interpolation. Such filters give a reduction in image aliasing at the expense of introducing blurring. As acceleration hardware performance improves, tolerance of such compromises is falling leading to the adoption of “anisotropic” filtering solutions. In this paper we present a detailed description of a low-cost implementation of an anisotropic filtering unit for use within a contemporary graphics pipeline. The filter is shown to produce improved visible results for only a modest increase in hardware cost.

Digital mapping of Blakeney Point, North Norfolk

This second paper in a short series again presents an up-to-date digital map of a classic British coastal landform, Blakeney Point in north Norfolk, and argues for the wider use of readily available, PC-based graphics software in geomorphological cartography. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Personal computer-based visualization of three-dimensional scalar and vector fields: An application to molecular graphics

A desktop PC-based graphics package, UNIVIS, for visualization of three-dimensional numerical data is described. Apart from routine molecular model visualization, the package provides for a host of other features such as extraction of various surfaces, planar cross-sections of the three-dimensional data, and property texturing. Fast rendering and transparency are the strengths of the present package. These features are comprehensively discussed. The salient features of UNIVIS are presented in the form of visualization of a variety of molecular properties, which are of immense importance in understanding molecular structure and reactivity patterns.

ADINA applied toward simulation of progressive failure in underground mine structures

The U.S. Bureau of Mines (USBM) conducts research to develop simple and practical computer-based tools to assist mine planners in assessing the structural stability of underground mine structures. One area of research is focusing on developing a numerical procedure that will anticipate rock mass behaviour surrounding underground mine openings prior to and during actual mining. This paper briefly overviews our experience with existing ADINA material models, presents an example of how two-dimensional boundary-element models are coupled with two-dimensional finite-element models to simulate an approximate three-dimensional situation, and demonstrates the use of a simplified progressive failure procedure. Outputs from plan-view, linear-elastic, boundary-element models executed at different mining stages are used as input to detailed, section-view, finite-element ADINA models to estimate to what degree and extent the immediate roof and floor strata and the coal pillar ribs surrounding an excavated area will weaken or fail for a given set of mining parameters. Using a pseudo-elastic approach, elastic rock mass properties are continually updated as different zones are predicted to fail. The procedure is relatively easy to use and is being designed to work interactively with the user. Inputs include parameters easily obtained from the field and rock mechanics laboratories. Specialized preprocessing and postprocessing PC-based graphics software tailored specifically to mine geometries has been developed and is described. Examples of computer-generated output from sample models representing typical mining situations are presented and results discussed.

Analysis of Site Stratigraphy and Formation Processes Using Patterns of Pottery Sherd Dispersion

Analysis of hunter-forager pottery from the Zeekoe Valley, Cape Province, Republic of South Africa, has necessitated intensive refitting of the excavated assemblages. During this work, a method for examining the 3-dinzensional relationships between associated sherds was developed utilizing interactive PC-based graphics software. The “sherd dispersion surface” generated by this technique offers a new perspective for examining both stratigraphy and the post depositional formation processes that affect archaeological sites.

The Third Generation of PC Graphics Controllers

This article surveys the current market status of PC-based graphics controllers. It reviews the short history of these products and provides a historical context for the changes in the market. The implications of these transitions are projected into the future to forecast market directions.