3D projection helps researchers analyse CFD data

Specialised research using real-time computational fluid dynamics data was the springboard for the new Virtalis VR system on the University of Genoa's Savona Campus.

Specialised research using real-time computational fluid dynamics (CFD) data was the springboard for the new Virtalis VR system on the University of Genoa's Savona Campus.

Prof.

Carlo Cravero explained: "We have established links with the University of Cambridge, who also use a Virtalis StereoWorks system to understand flow".

"We hope to take our research one step further and develop an interactive system using haptic devices to alter the CFD data in real time".

"We call this 'flow sculpting' and it will allow us to modify the geometry, thus facilitating real design improvements".

A partnership between local industry, regional government and the EU has provided the funding for the new facility.

Two of the principal supporters have been Ansaldo Energia and Piaggio Aerospace.

With industrial partners like them in mind, this StereoWorks configuration can operate either in lecture mode where a number of people can enjoy the benefits of 3D projection or in immersive mode where a single user's movements are tracked and they experience 3D via a head mounted display.

Andrew Connell, Virtalis' Technical Director, said: "This StereoWorks configuration consists of an enormous screen of 4 x 3m onto which stereoscopic images are rear projected by a Christie Mirage S+4K projector, which is capable of extremely high resolution and brightness".

"We integrated all of the room's functions into a control system operated by a wireless touch panel, so that light, sound and other inputs can be controlled by a single button press".

"To facilitate the haptics element of the research wirelessly, we have fitted a Polhemus Liberty tracker".

Prof.

Cravero and his team expect their new VR capability will be heavily used.

The massive screen will enable large simulations to be projected at a 1:1 scale.

As an illustration, gas turbines from Ansaldo Energia will be able to be simulated while under assembly.

The resulting life like virtual model can then be used for training.

Similarly, Piaggio Aerospace will benefit from a VR model that will offer all the variants of its jets and give people a real appreciation of the scale of the end product.

He said: "Active clustering visualisation is unusual in Italy and unheard of in our region".

"We are on a steep learning curve, but we hope to become a hub of expertise within the region".

"Active stereo systems were pioneered by Virtalis", David Cockburn-Price, Virtalis MD commented.

"The company now has dozens of its StereoWorks range in operation throughout Europe and the USA.

As the technology has matured, the cost of the various component parts has tumbled and we are able to pass on these savings to our customer".

"Gone are the days when cost constraints meant each university had just a single VR lab".

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