THE ROLE OF VISUALIZATION IN-PROCESS SIMULATION

A variety of computer simulation codes have recently emerged in the market, enabling up-front simulation of manufacturing processes such as casting, forging, welding, powder-injection molding, and powder consolidation. Typically, a computer simulation consists of three distinct steps: preprocessing, analysis, and postprocessing. Visualization plays a key role in preprocessing and especially postprocessing, where it assists in the intelligent and rapid interpretation of a huge amount of data. A good visualization capability has now become an essential part of any comprehensive process simulation code. This article discusses recent work in developing visualization tools for pre- and postprocessing of casting and powder injection molding simulations. The essential features of these visualization tools are summarized and their applications are illustrated with the help of suitable examples showing details such as solid models, filling patterns, hot spots, porosity criteria functions, grain size, and weld line formation.