Current volume rendering techniques for flow-field visualization rely on 3D graphic projections onto a two-dimensional CRT based display. This creates a serious problem because a comprehensive understanding of complex 3D aerodynamic data can only be obtained by analyzing it in a full 3D context. In addition, current analysis techniques do not fully utilize the capabilities of graphic workstations for interpreting and rendering a three-dimensional database. A new 3D volumetric laser display system and volume rendering techniques that exploit the capabilities of this display is proposed. The display system consists of a raster scan laser beam array which is modulated by a multiple channel acousto-optic modulator (AOM) and syncronized with a rotating translucent helix surface. A key feature of this display is that it can be viewed from all angles, with the naked eye. Display capabilities include high spatial resolution, multiple colors and realtime animation. Phase I effort will consist of a detailed design of the 3D laser display system interfaced to a graphic workstation. Volume rendering techniques that exploits the capabilities of this new display will be developed and their applicability to a representative subset of steady, three-dimensional, aerodynamic data will be demonstrated.
