The Graphical User Interface (GUI) and Mesh Generation Research Group focuses on the development of visualization and user interface programs that facilitate the application of the NCCHE free surface models to complex, real-world engineering problems.

The NCCHE user interface programs are designed to simplify input data preparation and model operation, as well as to provide a convenient environment for the visualization and analysis of modeling results. These programs are being developed to support Integrated Modeling, in which two or more models or tools are used together, to enhance their capabilities in the solution of engineering problems. These programs are designed to be user-friendly and fully interactive, providing high-quality graphics and animations.

CCHE1D Graphical Interface

CCHE2D Graphical Interface

Mesh Generator

Research Goals

The main research goals of the GUI and Mesh Generation Group can be summarized as follows:

Develop state-of-the-art graphical interface programs to facilitate the use of NCCHE models, including input data preparation, model operation, and modeling data display and analysis.

Develop and implement techniques to support the integration of the NCCHE channel simulation models with other tools and simulation programs, such as upland erosion and watershed models, and Optimization and Decision Support Systems.

Develop new techniques for automated generation of computational grids for the CCHE2D and CCHE3D models.

Research Activities

The current research activities are focused on the following areas:

1. Mesh Generation

A graphical mesh generation program is being refined and improved. The program allows the creation of optimized structured grids for both CCHE2D and CCHE3D models.

2. Domain-Decomposition Research

The objective of the current research is to develop a reliable multi-block algorithm for the 2D hydrodynamic model to improve the efficiency and accuracy in handling complex geometries.

3. Interactive Graphical User Interfaces and Visualization

The main objective of this research is to design and develop fully interactive graphical interface programs for the main NCCHE models. These programs create graphical environments from which the user of the modeling system can provide the necessary input data, control the model simulations, and visualize the simulation results. At present, graphical interfaces for the CCHE1D and CCHE2D model are being revised and refined, while a 3D visualization and interface package is being developed for the CCHE3D model.

Projects

Listed are current Graphical User Interface (GUI) and Mesh Generation Research Group projects:

1. CCHE1D GIS-based GUI

Version 3.1 of the CCHE1D graphical interface is currently under development. The new version will provide support for the newly developed Water Quality module. It will also include new tools for the specification of modeling parameters, improved management of the simulation runs, and analysis of modeling results. Future versions will feature better integration with watershed models for the evaluation of erosion and sedimentation problems, and water quality problems related to excess nutrient release from upland areas.

2. CCHE2D-GUI

A new user interface for Windows is under development. It utilizes OpenGL to provide high-quality graphics and a set of new features. The new interface program is easier to use, and provides several improved tools for mesh editing and input data specification. The new interface also provides enhanced 2D visualization, with new tools for the analysis of simulation results. It also includes facilities to create computer animations from simulation results, as well as high-quality still images and plots. New Simulation Control features will facilitate the use of the CCHE2D model and the interpretation of its results.

3. CCHE3D-GUI

A three-dimensional visualization package is under development to provide advanced visualization facilities for the CCHE3D model. The interface program will also provide tools for automated data preparation and for simulation control and analysis of modeling results. The new interface is being designed to eventually supersede the current CCHE2D, allowing the integration of both 2D and 3D models into a single graphical, interactive program. Advanced features for this package include the management and visualization of time-dependent spatial data, and the use of new techniques for the visualization of 3D flows and solute transport. The new interface will also support popular GIS and CAD formats for enhanced visualization and analysis capabilities.

4. Mesh Generator for CCHE2D and CCHE3D Models

A complete interactive mesh generation program is being developed to support both the CCHE2D and CCHE3D models. It includes several useful techniques and methods, such as a two-boundary algebraic method based on the EDS stretching function, a variational method, three improved TTM methods, three improved RL mesh methods, a Laplacian smoothing technique, and a multi-block algorithm. The CCHE2D mesh generator has been applied to many cases, and it is a user-friendly, powerful, and useful tool for CFD analysis.

Researchers

Research Leader
Dr. Dalmo Vieira

Research Associate
Dr. Yaoxin Zhang

Software

CCHE1D
CCHE2D

Software developed by this Research Group is part of the CCHE1D and CCHE2D modeling packages. Both models are available free of charge for selected beta-testers.