Visualization Examples

FDS results are visualized with Smokeview by displaying time dependant animations of particle flow, 2D slice contours, 2D vector slices, isosurfaces and surface boundary contours. Data at a particular time may also be visualized using 2D/3D contours and vector plots. Examples of these features are below in the General Visualization Features section.

On the Verification and Validation page, examples are taken from the Verification and Validation files for both FDS and Smokeview. For these examples, there will be a link to the FDS Input file in the SVN repository and an image or video of the results visualized in Smokeview. More information about these files may be found in the FDS User Guide for the Verification files and the FDS Validation Guide for the Validation files.

In the Visual Comparisons page, images and videos are used to demonstrate interesting comparisons between real world tests and simulations. Where possible, the FDS input file and/or test data or reports will be referenced.

General Visualization Features

3D Smoke and Fire Animation

FDS computes soot density data on the entire 3D domain. It then converts and compresses this data to values used by Smokeview to draw a series of parallel, partially transparent planes.

Particle Animations

FDS records the location and value of each particle at each selected time step. Particles are colored using criteria such as: temperature or whether they are water (sprinkler droplet). Particle animations are then drawn by Smokeview.

Slice Animations

FDS records slice file data within a rectangular array of grid points at each selected time step. Shaded contours plots are then drawn by Smokeview for simulation quantities such as temperature, gas velocity or heat release rate.

Vector Slice Animations

FDS records slice file data within a rectangular array of grid points at each selected time step for temperature and three components of velocity. Vector plots are then colored Smokeview using simulation quantities such as temperature, gas velocity or heat release rate. Vector lengths and directions are drawn using the recorded velocity data.

Boundary Surface Animations

Boundary files contain simulation data recorded at the surface or boundary of interior obstacles and the exterior bounding surfaces of the simulation at each recorded time step. Shaded contours are drawn for quantities such as wall surface temperature, radiative flux, etc.

Virtual Tours - Automated Motion Through A Smokeview Scene

The touring option allows one to specify arbitrary paths or tours through or around a Smokeview scene. One may then view the scenario from the vantage point of an observer moving along one of these paths as in the animation to the left or alternatively, one may observe the motion along all paths from an external vantage point.