DocumentCode :
2819060
Title :
A tool for visualizing the topology of three-dimensional vector fields
Author :
Globus, A. ; Levit, C. ; Lasinski, T.
fYear :
1991
fDate :
22-25 Oct 1991
Firstpage :
33
Abstract :
A description is given of a software system, TOPO, that numerically analyzes and graphically displays topological aspects of a three-dimensional vector field, v, to produce a single, relatively simple picture that characterizes v. The topology of v considered consists of its critical points (where v=0), their invariant manifolds, and the integral curves connecting these invariant manifolds. The field in the neighborhood of each critical point is approximated by the Taylor expansion. The coefficients of the first nonzero term of the Taylor expansion around a critical point are the 3×3 matrix Δv. Critical points are classified by examining Δv´s eigenvalues. The eigenvectors of Δv span the invariant manifolds of the linearized field around a critical point. Curves integrated from initial points on the eigenvectors a small distance from a critical point connect with other critical points (or the boundary) to complete the topology. One class of critical surfaces that is important in computational fluid dynamics is analyzed
Keywords :
Computer displays; Data visualization; Differential equations; Eigenvalues and eigenfunctions; Isosurfaces; Joining processes; NASA; Taylor series; Three dimensional displays; Topology;
fLanguage :
English
Publisher :
ieee
Conference_Titel :
Visualization, 1991. Visualization '91, Proceedings., IEEE Conference on
Conference_Location :
San Diego, CA
Print_ISBN :
0-8186-2245-8
Type :
conf
DOI :
10.1109/VISUAL.1991.175773
Filename :
175773
Link To Document :
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