Flow Visualization Using Natural Textures

Abstract

The use of natural textures provides a richly diverse set of possibilities for the visualization of flow data. In this paper, we present methods that utilize the qualities and attributes of natural textures to visualize multiple scalar distributions and multiple vector fields obtained across a 2D domain in a turbulent boundary layer flow. First, we illustrate how different attributes of textures can represent scalar quantities along streamlines. We then present a technique that allows for the perception of two separate vector fields within the same image by utilizing different textures. Finally, we illustrate how textures have the ability to indicate specific regions of interest within flow images.