NATURAL graphics
The hardware and software developments in computer graphics are discussed. Major topics include: system capabilities, hardware design, system compatibility, and software interface with the data base management system.
Jones, R. H.↗
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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.
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Computer graphic visualization of orbiter lower surface boundary-layer transition
Computer graphic techniques are applied to the processing of Shuttle Orbiter flight data in order to create a visual presentation of the extent and movement of the boundary-layer transition front over the orbiter lower surface during entry. Flight-measured surface temperature-time histories define the onset and completion of the boundary-layer transition process at any measurement location. The locus of points which define the spatial position of the boundary-layer transition front on the orbiter planform is plotted at each discrete time for which flight data are available. Displaying these images sequentially in real-time results in an animated simulation of the in-flight boundary-layer transition process.
Throckmorton, D. A.↗
Radiation View-Factor Program With Interactive Graphics
VIEW is six computer programs for determining view factors, graphically displaying surfaces, and evaluating solar irradiation of assemblage of surfaces. Programs offer thermal engineer powerful system for view-factor determination. Central program of system (VIEWC) computes longwave radiantenergy exchange factors between surfaces that make up enclosure. Other VIEW programs support user working with VIEWC.
Emery, A. F.↗
Printer Graphics Package
Printer Graphics Package (PGP) is tool for making two-dimensional symbolic plots on line printer. PGP created to support development of Heads-Up Display (HUD) simulation. Standard symbols defined with HUD in mind. Available symbols include circle, triangle, quadrangle, window, line, numbers, and text. Additional symbols easily added or built up from available symbols.
Blanchard, D. C.↗
Interactive graphics nonlinear constrained optimization
An interactive computer graphics environment was used for nonlinear constrained optimization analysis. It is found that by combining the power of a digital computer with the subtlety of engineering judgment during program execution, final results can be substantially better than the ones achieved by the numerical algorithm by itself.
Saouma, V. E.↗
Translational control of a graphically simulated robot arm by kinematic rate equations that overcome elbow joint singularity
An operator commands a robot hand to move in a certain direction relative to its own axis system by specifying a velocity in that direction. This velocity command is then resolved into individual joint rotational velocities in the robot arm to effect the motion. However, the usual resolved-rate equations become singular when the robot arm is straightened. To overcome this elbow joint singularity, equations were developed which allow continued translational control of the robot hand even though the robot arm is (or is nearly) fully extended. A feature of the equations near full arm extension is that an operator simply extends and retracts the robot arm to reverse the direction of the elbow bend (difficult maneuver for the usual resolved-rate equations). Results show successful movement of a graphically simulated robot arm.
Barker, L. K.↗
Two Interactive Graphics Postprocessors for NASTRAN
Two interactive computer graphics postprocessors, MAGGRAF and NASTEK, used for displaying NASTRAN-generated results are described. MAGGRAF is capable of displaying magnetic potentials or fields computed from results generated by a NASTRAN magnetostatic analysis. NASTEK is capable of displaying NASTRAN-generated PLT2 files on most Tektronic terminals. Examples of the plotting capabilities for each of the programs will be presented including plots of drawn with solid and dotted lines.
Lipman, R. R.↗
Solar physics applications of computer graphics and image processing
Computer graphics devices coupled with computers and carefully developed software provide new opportunities to achieve insight into the geometry and time evolution of scalar, vector, and tensor fields and to extract more information quickly and cheaply from the same image data. Two or more different fields which overlay in space can be calculated from the data (and the physics), then displayed from any perspective, and compared visually. The maximum regions of one field can be compared with the gradients of another. Time changing fields can also be compared. Images can be added, subtracted, transformed, noise filtered, frequency filtered, contrast enhanced, color coded, enlarged, compressed, parameterized, and histogrammed, in whole or section by section. Today it is possible to process multiple digital images to reveal spatial and temporal correlations and cross correlations. Data from different observatories taken at different times can be processed, interpolated, and transformed to a common coordinate system.
Altschuler, M. D.↗
Graphics and flow visualization in computational fluid dynamics
Techniques for displaying two- and three-dimensional flowfield solutions are described. Several methods of illustrating flow structure are addressed including particle tracing, simulated oil flow, and shock finding. These are incorporated into an interactive graphics program for CFD flowfields, called PLOT3D. Emphasis is made on the difficulty in visualizing three-dimensional flow features, and the importance of color, fast 3D image manipulation, and dynamic movie play-back in displaying such flows. The need for advanced algorithms to identify shock waves, vortices, and separation lines is pointed out. It is likely that the supercomputer will be needed for this process because of the size of 3D and/or unsteady CFD databases.
Buning, P. G.↗
Graphics Programs for the DEC VAX Computer
Variety of plots available in video or printed form. LONGLIB library of computer programs set of subroutines designed for vector plotting on cathode-ray tubes and dot-matrix printers. LONGLIB subroutines invoked by program calls similar to standard CALCOMP routines. In addition to basic plotting routines, LONGLIB contains extensive set of routines to allow viewport clipping, extended character sets, graphic input, gray-level plots, polar plots, and three-dimensional plotting with or without removal of hidden lines. LONGLIB written in FORTRAN 77 and C for batch execution.
Long, D.↗
Study of journal bearing dynamics using 3-dimensional motion picture graphics
Computer generated motion pictures of three dimensional graphics are being used to analyze journal bearings under dynamically loaded conditions. The motion pictures simultaneously present the motion of the journal and the pressures predicted within the fluid film of the bearing as they evolve in time. The correct prediction of these fluid film pressures can be complicated by the development of cavitation within the fluid. The numerical model that is used predicts the formation of the cavitation bubble and its growth, downstream movement, and subsequent collapse. A complete physical picture is created in the motion picture as the journal traverses through the entire dynamic cycle.
Brewe, D. E.↗
Graphical techniques to assist in pointing and control studies of orbiting spacecraft
Computer generated graphics are developed to assist in the modeling and assessment of pointing and control systems of orbiting spacecraft. Three-dimensional diagrams are constructed of the Earth and of geometrical models which resemble the spacecraft of interest. Orbital positioning of the spacecraft model relative to the Earth and the orbital ground track are then displayed. A star data base is also available which may be used for telescope pointing and star tracker field-of-views to visually assist in spacecraft pointing and control studies. A geometrical model of the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) is constructed and placed in Earth orbit to demonstrate the use of these programs. Simulated star patterns are then displayed corresponding to the primary mirror's FOV and the telescope's star trackers for various telescope orientations with respect to the celestial sphere.
Howell, L. W.↗
USSAERO version D computer program development using ANSI standard FORTRAN 77 and DI-3000 graphics
The D version of the Unified Subsonic Supersonic Aerodynamic Analysis (USSAERO) program is the result of numerous modifications and enhancements to the B01 version. These changes include conversion to ANSI standard FORTRAN 77; use of the DI-3000 graphics package; removal of the overlay structure; a revised input format; the addition of an input data analysis routine; and increasing the number of aeronautical components allowed.
Wiese, M. R.↗
A graphical treatment of combined evaporation and segregation contributions to impurity profiles for zone-refining in vacuum
Impurity concentration profiles have been calculated for zone-refining when both segregation and evaporation of impurities are operative, assuming a uniform initial concentration. Graphic profiles are presented for selected values of effective segregation coefficient k, effective evaporation coefficient g, and number of zone passes n. Some examples of impurity profiles for float-zoned silicon are also presented.
Ciszek, T. F.↗
Applications of computer-graphics animation for motion-perception research
The advantages and limitations of using computer animated stimuli in studying motion perception are presented and discussed. Most current programs of motion perception research could not be pursued without the use of computer graphics animation. Computer generated displays afford latitudes of freedom and control that are almost impossible to attain through conventional methods. There are, however, limitations to this presentational medium. At present, computer generated displays present simplified approximations of the dynamics in natural events. Very little is known about how the differences between natural events and computer simulations influence perceptual processing. In practice, the differences are assumed to be irrelevant to the questions under study, and that findings with computer generated stimuli will generalize to natural events.
Proffitt, D. R.↗
An interactive editor for definition of touch-sensitive zones for a graphic display
In the continuing effort to develop more efficient man-machine communications methods, touch displays have shown potential as straightforward input systems. The development of software necessary to handle such systems, however, can become tedious. In order to reduce the need for redundant programming, a touch editor has been developed which allows a programmer to interactively define touch-sensitive areas for a graphic display. The information produced during the editing process is written to a data file, which can be accessed easily when needed by an application program. This paper outlines the structure, logic, and use of the editor, as well as the hardware with which it is presently compatible.
Monroe, Burt L., III↗
Engineering graphics and image processing at Langley Research Center
The objective of making raster graphics and image processing techniques readily available for the analysis and display of engineering and scientific data is stated. The approach is to develop and acquire tools and skills which are applied to support research activities in such disciplines as aeronautics and structures. A listing of grants and key personnel are given.
Voigt, Susan J.↗
The use of computer graphic simulation in the development of robotic systems
This paper describes the use of computer graphic simulation techniques to resolve critical design and operational issues for robotic systems. Use of this technology will result in greatly improved systems and reduced development costs. The major design issues in developing effective robotic systems are discussed and the use of ROBOSIM, a NASA developed simulation tool, to address these issues is presented. Three representative simulation case studies are reviewed: off-line programming of the robotic welding development cell for the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME); the integration of a sensor to control the robot used for removing the Thermal Protection System (TPS) from the Solid Rocket Booster (SRB); and the development of a teleoperator/robot mechanism for the Orbital Maneuvering Vehicle (OMV).
Fernandez, K.↗