A method for ripple simulation based on GPU

Abstract

To improve the simulation of ripple on a personal workstation, a novel vector algebra model based on Graphic Process Unit (GPU) is proposed. First, the data structures and rules for data operation are established to meet the needs of vector algebra model. Second, the physical equation governing ripple motion is transformed discretely for vector multiplication, which will be solved by the Conjugate Gradient Method. Finally, the simulation of ripple is achieved from the height map providing normal information used by the calculation of light reflection and refraction in real time. Experiment results show that the method is robust and efficient to achieve real-time ripple simulation by making full use of the excellent computation power of programmable GPU.