Computational Fluid Dynamics in Computer Graphics

Methods and Examples in Research, Industry, and Entertainment

2001-03-22, Mark Stock, mstock@umich.edu



Introduction

You are no doubt already familar with cinematic special effects that include prominent fluid effects, in the form of smoke, water, fire, or wind. Naturally, the best way to film a fluid effect is to completely recreate the phenomenon on the stage. While this is frequently possible, many storytellers call for fluid effects that are beyond what is realistically feasible, affordable, and safe. Computer technology, algorithm development, physical science, and rendering methods combine to provide a means for these effects to be created. Take out the rendering methods, and you have a field called Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD).

By the end of this presentation I hope you will have a deeper knowledge of the field of CFD and be able to answer the following questions:

What, really, is a fluid?
How does CFD work?
How has CFD been used in the computer graphics industry?
What software is used in research and industry, and by hobbyists?

Now, let's begin.

Table of Contents

Links to Directories

About the Author

Mark Stock is currently a PhD student in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at the University of Michigan. His research is in three-dimensional vortex methods for simulation of unsteady and turbulent flows with scalar transport and small density gradients. If you really want to know more, he asks that you check out his homepage by following the link at the bottom of the page.


Mark J. Stock, Aerospace Engineering, The University of Michigan