This paper represents an entry to the SC|05 Analytics Challenge and describes a new scientific visualization tool designed to allow investigators to more effectively interrogate large unsteady datasets. By utilizing techniques such as data extracts and programmable graphics processing units, this new capability allows users to more freely interrogate time accurate Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) solutions in excess of 108 grid points. This tool known as the Advanced Technology Viewer (ATViewer) has been incorporated into Intelligent Light’s FIELDVIEW 11 product and applied here to interrogate two large unsteady datasets on the order of 60 gigabytes in size. The first is an unsteady Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes simulation of a wind turbine operating at a high yawed position. The other is a hybrid Large-Eddy simulation of an elastic helicopter rotor in forward flight.

The author explores some of the primary problems that face designers of hardware and software for visualization who are attempting to create tools that will be used and widely accepted. He describes possible solutions to some of these challenges that have been incorporated into Fieldview, a commercial tool for increasing engineering productivity in computational fluid dynamics (CFD).>

FIELDVIEW, a visual analysis tool designed to facilitate the interactive investigation of fluid mechanics data sets by providing an easy-to-use interface to the flow field data, is presented. Operating on NASA Plot three-dimensional format data, FIELDVIEW computes scalar and vector flow quantities and displays them using a variety of representations, including animation. An interactive viewing interface allows free motion around the data under study to allow the researcher to locate and study the interesting flow features of three-dimensional fluid dynamic data.>