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The NASA Geometry Lab Mission
In engineering analysis, a critical component of the numerical solution
process is the development of a discrete representation for the
physical domain of interest. This discretization into surface and
volume grids is required for engineering methods like
computational fluids and structural analysis. When dealing with
complex configurations, the generation of such grids often
accounts for the major portion of the time to solution. The NASA Geometry Lab
is a laboratory in the
Systems Engineering Directorate
that was created to develop the tools, techniques, and expertise
necessary to streamline the grid generation process, and to provide an
effective resource to meet the multitude and variety of grid and
numerical geometry requirements at
LaRC.
The capabilities of the Geometry Lab include:
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advanced CAD and mathematical software to generate high-fidelity
surface definitions, surface grids, and volume grids
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Availability of high capacity workstations on which to develop and
visualize the geometry
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A team of geometry specialists with the expertise
to apply the tools and techniques to specific applications
The Geometry Lab operates as an open-shop. Researchers may make direct use of
the
hardware
and
software
resources.
They may also consult with
team members
to receive assistance with their applications. Some researchers may instead
wish to initiate a task request for the Geometry Lab to perform all, or portions of,
the geometry development. The services available in the Geometry Lab
eliminate the requirement for each researcher at the Center to be a
geometry expert, and enables her/him to concentrate on the other
aspects of the analysis process.
To insure continued excellence, Geometry Lab personnel also evaluate emerging
hardware and software technologies as applied to geometric modeling.
They develop special
tools
and interfaces such as to facilitate the grid generation and analysis process
when such tools do not exist elsewhere.
The NASA Geometry Lab is committed to the transfer
of this developed capability to the research community.
In addition to individual consultations,
training
is given as a means of increasing the general capability of the Center
in applying numerical geometry related tools and techniques.
As a result the Geometry Laboratory provides a unique resource within NASA that is being heavily used by LaRC. Past statistics have shown that with the inception of the NASA Geometry Lab,
the grid development process has improved more than an order of magnitude over previous capabilities.
More specific information about the Langley Research Center's Geometry Laboratory may be found
here.
Please look at our
FAQ
list to efficiently pre-screen your questions.
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