Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

Visualization is the act of presenting numerical data in a graphical form—anything from a simple X-Y graph of one dependent variable against one independent variable, to a 2D or 3D pseudocolored object, to a virtual reality that allows one to become immersed in the data. WCI is now developing new 3D physics simulations capability. Development of these complex simulation codes requires visualization to help validate the code against old and new experimental results, and 2D simulation results. SND uses visualization with data from NIF and other experimental laboratory results to further refine our codes. Qualitative graphics provide a quick first look to determine if the codes are nearly debugged, and then quantitative graphics directly assist in the validation.

To handle massive data structures (e.g., 10 million mesh points and larger), SND often use a graphics client on the desktop that is connected to a powerful graphics server. The server in turn is connected to a supercomputer through a high-speed line.

SND uses commercial software to minimize development costs, but computer scientists often write specialty graphics, using other software to handle 3D meshes, including Adaptive Mesh Refinement (AMR) meshes and generalized, arbitrary meshes. WCI often invites visualization collaboration from universities and encourage interested students and summer employees to research stimulating challenges. SND is developing highly-optimized, parallel algorithms for rendering massive data sets of AMR or arbitrary structures.

Simulation showing 3D shape

Visualization technique shows 3D shape and boundary, object interior, relative value, positional value, and computational mesh.

Sophisticated graphics and movies are increasingly used to convey complex concepts to viewers. Below are sites you may enjoy visiting.