Prism: A Multi-view Visualization Tool for Multi-physics Simulation
David H. Rogers, Christopher J. Garasi
Sandia National Laboratories
P.O. Box 5800, Albuquerque, NM 87185
dhroger@sandia.gov, cjgaras@sandia.gov
Figure 1. Prism, a multi-view tool combining a geometric view (left) and a phase space view (right) to
help physicists understand both what is happening in a simulation, as well as where it is happening.
Abstract
Complex simulations (in particular, those involving mul-
tiple coupled physics) cannot be understood solely using
geometry-based visualizations. Such visualizations are nec-
essary in interpreting results and gaining insights into kine-
matics, however they are insufficient when striving to un-
derstand why or how something happened, or when investi-
gating a simulation’s dynamic evolution. For multi-physics
simulations (e.g. those including solid dynamics with ther-
mal conduction, magnetohydrodynamics, and radiation hy-
drodynamics) complex interactions between physics and
material properties take place within the code which must
be investigated in other ways.
Drawing on the extensive previous work in view coordi-
nation, brushing and linking techniques, and powerful vi-
sualization libraries, we have developed Prism, an appli-
cation targeted for a specific analytic need at Sandia Na-
tional Laboratories. This multi-view scientific visualization
tool tightly integrates geometric and phase space views of
simulation data and material models. Working closely with
analysts, we have developed this production tool to pro-
mote understanding of complex, multi-physics simulations.
We discuss the current implementation of Prism, along with
specific examples of results obtained by using the tool.
1. Introduction
Sandia National Laboratories runs complex multi-
physics simulations using large, state-of-the-art compute
clusters and advanced simulation codes such as ALEGRA-
MHD [15]. These simulations involve multiple coupled
physics (e.g. solid dynamics with thermal conduction, mag-
netohydrodynamics, and radiation hydrodynamics) whose
complex interactions are crucial to understanding physical
phenomena in experiments. Geometric visualization tech-
niques can help physicists understand spatially-based in-
formation (what is happening), but do not help in under-
standing the complex multi-physics and material interac-
Proceedings of the Third International Conference on Coordinated & Multiple Views in Exploratory Visualization (CMV’05)
0-7695-2396-X/05 $20.00 © 2005 IEEE