A fast algorithm for visualizing 3D unstructured grid data on outer surfaces
An efficient algorithm for data visualization is presented. Its purpose is to display the data distribution on the outside of three-dimensional (3D) unstructured grid. For speeding up the visualization procedure, two algorithms for classifying element surfaces of the grid into outer surfaces and inner surfaces are presented, their efficiency is discussed, and algorithm 2 based on related surfaces of the minimum (or maximum) element node number is chosen as the better one in rendering the data distribution on outer surfaces. The algorithm has higher efficiency than other algorithms available, and can be implemented easily.
unstructured grid outer surface distribution z-buffer algorithm visualization in scientific computing