Theses and Dissertations

Ketan Mehta

Issuing Body

Mississippi State University

Advisor

Jankun-Kelly, T.J.

Committee Member

Mohanraj, Rafendran

Committee Member

Moorhead, Robert

Date of Degree

8-5-2006

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Open Access

Major

Computer Science

Degree Name

Master of Science

College

James Worth Bagley College of Engineering

Department

Department of Computer Science and Engineering

Abstract

Visualization and exploration of nematic liquid crystal (NLC) data is a challenging task due to the multidimensional and multivariate nature of the data. Simulation study of an NLC consists of multiple timesteps, where each timestep computes scalar, vector, and tensor parameters on a geometrical mesh. Scientists developing an understanding of liquid crystal interaction and physics require tools and techniques for effective exploration, visualization, and analysis of these data sets. Traditionally, scientists have used a combination of different tools and techniques like 2D plots, histograms, cut views, etc. for data visualization and analysis. However, such an environment does not provide the required insight into NLC datasets. This thesis addresses two areas of the study of NLC data---understanding of the tensor order field (the Q-tensor) and defect detection in this field. Tensor field understanding is enhanced by using a new glyph (NLCGlyph) based on a new design metric which is closely related to the underlying physical properties of an NLC, described using the Q-tensor. A new defect detection algorithm for 3D unstructured grids based on the orientation change of the director is developed. This method has been used successfully in detecting defects for both structured and unstructured models with varying grid complexity.

URI

https://hdl.handle.net/11668/17320

Comments

disclination||visualization||tensor visualization||defect detection||nematic liquid crystal

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