Computational Geometry, Spring 2003

Abstract:: Topics in surface modeling: b-splines, non-uniform rational b-splines, physically based deformable surfaces, sweeps and generalized cylinders, offsets, blending and filleting surfaces. Non-linear solvers and intersection problems. Solid modeling: constructive solid geometry, boundary representation, non-manifold and mixed-dimension boundary representation models, octrees. Robustness of geometric computations. Interval methods. Finite and boundary element discretization methods for continuum mechanics problems. Scientific visualization. Variational geometry. Tolerances. Inspection methods. Feature representation and recognition. Shape interrogation for design, analysis, and manufacturing. Involves analytical and programming assignments.

Abstract:: Topics in surface modeling: b-splines, non-uniform rational b-splines, physically based deformable surfaces, sweeps and generalized cylinders, offsets, blending and filleting surfaces. Non-linear solvers and intersection problems. Solid modeling: constructive solid geometry, boundary representation, non-manifold and mixed-dimension boundary representation models, octrees. Robustness of geometric computations. Interval methods. Finite and boundary element discretization methods for continuum mechanics problems. Scientific visualization. Variational geometry. Tolerances. Inspection methods. Feature representation and recognition. Shape interrogation for design, analysis, and manufacturing. Involves analytical and programming assignments.

No Strings Attached

Journeys through Earth and Space: Video and Video Resource Guide

Abstract:: Why are the Rocky Mountains so far inland? How do we preserve the changing Amazon rain forest? When will the Sun fling parts of itself towards Earth? The video magazine "Journeys through Earth and Space" follows three NASA research teams tackling these questions with supercomputers. "Journeys" begins with a short introduction that explains what supercomputers do and how scientists tap their power to recreate the universe mathematically. The three stories then show how the teams are using their software to better understand, and perhaps one day predict, nature. Researcher interviews mix with scientific imagery (observations, visualizations, animations), and stunning nature footage. An accompanying Video Resource Guide provides background material and classroom activities for Grades 9-12 (length: 18:00 minutes).

Abstract:: This subject exposes students to a variety of visualization techniques so that they learn to understand the work involved in producing them and to critically assess the power and limits of each. Students concentrate on areas where visualizations are crucial for meaning making and data production. Drawing on scholarship in science and technology studies on visualization, critical art theory, and core discussions in science and engineering, students work through a series of case studies in order to become better readers and producers of visualizations.