A workflow for viewing biomedical computational fluid dynamics results and corresponding data within virtual and...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Computational Science

Background:

• Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling generates complex, 3D data often viewed statically, limiting biological insight.
• Current CFD post-processing methods reduce dynamic, multi-case data to static 2D images, hindering detailed analysis and discovery of mechanical stimuli-response relationships.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a simplified, semi-automated workflow for visualizing CFD results in an immersive virtual environment (IVE).
• To enhance the extraction of information from CFD data by leveraging stereoscopic viewing and interactivity.

Main Methods:

• Developed a straightforward, semi-automated workflow compatible with standard CFD software.
• Integrated visualization of CFD results with associated data within an Immersive Virtual Environment (IVE).

Main Results:

• The workflow was successfully completed by novice users in approximately one hour, demonstrating ease of use.
• Demonstrated utility across diverse clinical research areas and various IVE platforms.
• Provided online resources including instructional materials and sample data to support community adoption.

Conclusions:

• The developed workflow simplifies and accelerates the use of immersive CFD viewing.
• This advancement is expected to improve collaboration between engineers and clinicians by facilitating more comprehensive data analysis.
• Initial clinical feedback suggests the potential for this approach to foster deeper understanding of CFD results.