As a post-processing software company, we watch with keen interest events that directly or indirectly impact scientists and engineers who use our post-processing tools. Most recently, as Hurricane Irene approached New York City, we witnessed an impressive mobilization of our government’s emergency management abilities:
- At noon on Saturday, the New York City subway closed down.
- Over 300,000 people were evacuated from low-lying areas.
- Airlines cancelled flights and moved planes out of harm’s way.
- Navy ships were moved out to sea.
- Power companies mobilized emergency crews.
- Beaches were closed and shore communities evacuated.
Impressive mobilization or overreaction? Social media was alive with the debate. Here at Tecplot, Inc., less important than taking sides is the ability to predict the path of the hurricane. Accurate predictions benefit everyone.
Researchers are Improving Weather Predictions with Software Modeling Despite the difficulties with predicting hurricanes like Irene, many companies have worked hard to improve weather prediction. The Danish Meteorological Institute (http://www.dmi.dk), in a 2004 study, studied the forecasting of operational numerical weather prediction models and other frequently used wind field models in order to provide better data. Tecplot, Inc. Software was used for graphical post-processing.
The full study is available on their website at http://fumapex.dmi.dk/Proj/Docu/Reports/FUMAPEX%20D3.1.fv.doc.
Tecplot Visualization Software Can Help
ENSCO, a company that provides engineering services and advanced technology solutions for government and private industry, conducted a study, also in 2004, of the fluid dynamic nature of hurricanes using micro and nanotechnology. Their study tested the movement of micro and nano probe releases through the atmosphere to improve weather forecasting.
Simulated movements of tiny airborne probes over North America, shown in this animation, were created using Tecplot, Inc., post-processing software. The accurate simulations of probe positions use a Lagrangian particle model embedded within a Computational Fluid Dynamics code known as the Advanced Regional Prediction System.
Animations like this one are possible with Tecplot, Inc.’s unique set of visualization and animation capabilities. Huge amounts of data are collected by studies of this type, and being quickly able to organize and analyze the data are a huge time and cost savings.
If You Can Visualize It, You Can Explain It
The ENSCO study (called GEMS) was concerned with the future application of airborne wireless probes. This technology was not operational at the time, so it was imperative that the company use 3-D modeling and simulations to test their hypotheses and support their conclusions. Equally important was the need to generate presentation quality graphics that could be used to communicate their findings to NASA and other research organizations. To accomplish these tasks, they relied heavily on Tecplot, Inc. visualization software.
Understanding Your Data With Revolutionary Post-Processing Software
With our soon-to-be-released simulation analytics software,Tecplot Chorus, scientists studying the fluid dynamics of weather data will have a far better way to “tame” the vast amounts of data they collect. Scientists and engineers using Tecplot Chorus will be able to evaluate overall system performance and visually compare hundreds of simulation results in a single environment thereby answering questions faster and with more accuracy. The results will likely be greater understanding, more accurate weather forecasting and cost savings for companies, governments and individuals.
We invite you to find out more about our new simulation analytics post-processing software, Tecplot Chorus. We think you will be impressed, and you will enjoy finding the truth in your data.