Meshing, Geometric Modeling and Numerical Simulation 3

Chapter 4High-Degree Mesh Visualization

Mesh visualization, with the different desirable points to be shown, presents some difficulties, especially if we want to be able to quickly visualize large meshes that are even composed of classical elements (read of degree 1). The increasing potential of high-order methods for both mesh elements and for the solutions provided by such meshes requires the design and development of specific algorithms. On the other hand, recent changes in standards and graphic libraries (and the ones to come that should be anticipated) require staying very close to these standards and tools.

In this chapter, we shall go beyond the mere visualization of a mesh, in fact, we will show how to develop investigation tools, a fine and interactive local analysis possible (and quick to do). The functionalities that seem interesting will be defined, in light of our studies, and then we shall show how they will be implemented based on the available graphic primitives (for example, by considering the OpenGL environment).

The point here is also (see Chapter 5) not about competing with big (commercial) software programs that propose many possibilities for visualizing the mesh¹. This is also not about casting a rather aesthetic look in nature on the results obtained but to represent meshes as they are simultaneously offering the possibility to observe them (for analysis) in a conventional manner (using enlargements, rotations, cross-sectional views, etc.) but also at ...