Object-oriented virtual environment for visualization of flexible multibody systems

An object-oriented event-driven virtual environment (VE) for viewing the simulation results of flexible multibody systems (FMS) is developed. The VE interfaces with the following output devices: immersive stereoscopic screen(s) and stereo speakers; and a variety of input devices including, head tracker, wand, joystick, mouse, microphone, and keyboard. The VE incorporates the following types of primitive software objects: user-interface objects, support objects, geometric entities, and finite elements. Each object encapsulates a set of properties, methods, and events that define its behavior, appearance, and functions. A "container" object allows grouping many objects into one object, which inherits the properties of its "children" objects. The VE allows real-time viewing and "fly-through" of photo-realistic models, vibrational mode-shapes, and animation of the dynamic motion of FMS. An application of this VE is presented for visualization of the dynamic analysis results of a large deployable space structure - NASA's Next Generation Space Telescope. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.