This work presents an approach to effectively integrate into one unified modular fire simulation framework the major processes related to fire, namely: a burning process, chemical combustion, heat distribution, decomposition and deformation of burning solids, and rigid body simulation of the residue. Simulators for every stage are described, and the modular structure enables switching to different simulators if more accuracy or more interactivity is desired. A “Stable Fluids” based three gas system is used to model the combustion process, and the heat generated during the combustion is used to drive the flow of the hot air. Objects, if exposed to enough heat, ignite and start burning. The decomposition of the burning object is modeled as a level set method, driven by the pyrolysis process, where the burning object releases combustible gases. Secondary deformation effects, such as bending burning matches and crumpling burning paper, are modeled as a proxy based deformation. Physically based simulation, done at interactive rates, enables the user to ef- ficiently test different setups, as well as interact and change the conditions during the simulation. The graphics card is used to generate additional frames for real-time visualization. This work further proposes a method for controlling and directing high resolution simulations. An interactive coarse resolution simulation is provided to the user as a “preview” to control and achieve the desired simulation behavior. A higher resolution “final” simulation that creates all the fine scale behavior is matched to the preview simulation such that the preview and final simulations behave in a similar manner. In this dissertation, we highlighted a gap within the CG community for the simulation of fire. There has not previously been a physically based yet interactive simulation for fire. This dissertation describes a unified simulation framework for physically based simulation of fire and burning. Our results show that our implementation can model fire, objects catching fire, burning objects, decomposition of burning objects, and additional secondary deformations. The results are plausible even at interactive frame rates, and controllable.

Tornado simulations in the visual effects industry have always been an interesting problem. Developing tools to provide more control over such effects is an important and challenging task. Current methods to achieve these effects use either particle systems or fluid simulation. Particle systems give a lot of control over the simulation but do not take into account the fluid characteristics of tornadoes. The other method which involves fluid simulation models the fluid behavior accurately but does not give control over the simulation. In this thesis, a novel method to model tornado behavior is presented. A tool based on this method was also created. The method proposed in this thesis uses a hybrid approach that combines the flexibility of particle systems while producing interesting swirling motions inherent in the fluids. The main focus of the research is on providing easy-to-use controls for art directors to help them achieve the desired look of the simulation effectively. A variety of controls is provided which include the overall shape, path, rotation, debris, surface, swirling motion, and interaction with the environment. The implementation was done in Houdini, which is a 3D animation software whose node based system allows an algorithmic approach to the problem and integrates well with the current tools. The tool allows the user to create animations that reflect the visual characteristics of real tornadoes. The usefulness of the tool was evaluated among participants who had some experience in 3D animation software. The results from the simulation and evaluation feedback reveal that the tool successfully allowed the users to create tornadoes of their choice efficiently.

This work presents an approach to effectively integrate into one unified modular fire simulation framework the major processes related to fire, namely: a burning process, chemical combustion, heat distribution, decomposition and deformation of burning solids, and rigid body simulation of the residue. Simulators for every stage are described, and the modular structure enables switching to different simulators if more accuracy or more interactivity is desired. A "Stable Fluids" based three gas system is used to model the combustion process, and the heat generated during the combustion is used to drive the flow of the hot air. Objects, if exposed to enough heat, ignite and start burning. The decomposition of the burning object is modeled as a level set method, driven by the pyrolysis process, where the burning object releases combustible gases. Secondary deformation effects, such as bending burning matches and crumpling burning paper, are modeled as a proxy based deformation. Physically based simulation, done at interactive rates, enables the user to ef- ficiently test different setups, as well as interact and change the conditions during the simulation. The graphics card is used to generate additional frames for real-time visualization. This work further proposes a method for controlling and directing high resolution simulations. An interactive coarse resolution simulation is provided to the user as a "preview" to control and achieve the desired simulation behavior. A higher resolution "final" simulation that creates all the fine scale behavior is matched to the preview simulation such that the preview and final simulations behave in a similar manner. In this dissertation, we highlighted a gap within the CG community for the simulation of fire. There has not previously been a physically based yet interactive simulation for fire. This dissertation describes a unified simulation framework for physically based simulation of fire and burning. Our results show that our implementation can model fire, objects catching fire, burning objects, decomposition of burning objects, and additional secondary deformations. The results are plausible even at interactive frame rates, and controllable.

Thesis (M.L.A.)--University of Hong Kong, 2001. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves.

Computers are being employed in a variety of ways by a variety of individuals to create imagery. Much work has been done to accurately model natural phenomena in the context of computer graphics as well as model specific artists' tools and techniques. Focusing on the dynamics of water flow across surfaces, it is the goal of this work to develop a physically inspired texturing tool that allows artists to create interesting staining and wearing effects on surfaces. Weathering or the wearing down of materials by natural forces can create complex and beautiful patterns on a variety of surfaces. In this process lies the very essence of the creative act. To distill the essence of the elements of the water staining process, we employ a computer generated particle system in a phenomenological model. The motion of these particles is controlled by physically based constraints, such as wind, gravity, mass, etc. The way in which each particle interacts with or modifies the look of the surface is further controlled by parameters such as surface roughness, surface color and surface hardness. Each particle can remove or deposit material as it flows across the surface, creating complex patterns.

Specialiosios pedagogikos magistriniame darbe Lietuvoje pirmą kartą bandoma: moksliškai pagrįsti judėjimo negalią turinčių asmenų dailinio ugdymo galimybes neformaliojo švietimo proce-se, siekiant ugdyti jų naujus socialinius adaptacinius įgūdžius, aktyviai įtraukiant į socialinę veiklą; skatinti ugdytinių dailinę saviraišką, išryškinant jos terapinį poveikį, t.y. padedant įsisąmoninti ne-galės poveikyje pasikeitusio gyvenimo prasmę, priimti ir išspręsti atsiradusias dvasines ir psichikos problemas, susikurti naują Aš vaizdą, atstatyti pusiausvyrą tarp savęs ir aplinkos. Tyrimo objektas: suaugusiųjų asmenų, turinčių judėjimo negalią, meninė socializacija. Tyrimo tikslas: nustatyti neįgaliųjų socializacijos galimybes dailinio ugdymo procese. Uždaviniai: 1) išanalizuoti teorinius tyrimo problemos pagrindus ir negalią turinčių asmenų socializacijos paradigmas; 2) diagnozuoti projekte dalyvaujančių ugdytinių dailinės saviraiškos galimybes taikant inova-tyvius metodus; 3) pagrįsti dailinės saviraiškos įtaką judėjimo negalią turinčio suaugusio asmens psichologi-nės reabilitacijos procesui ir jo rezultatams ugdomojo projekto metu; 4) pateikti tyrimo išvadas ir rekomendacijas. Tyrimo metu adaptuotos ir aprobuotos inovatyvių – Asmeninės prasmės įsisąmoninimo (APM) ir Emocinio imitavimo (EIM) – metodų galimybės specialiųjų poreikių asmenų dailinio ug-dymo procese. APM taikymo sėkmę akcentuoja tokios pagrindinės metodinės nuostatos: 1) kūrinio pažinimo individualumas, percepcijos... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / For the first time in Lithuania in postgraduate study of special educology it is attempting to substantiate scientifically the potential of artistic training for people with physical disability in the process of informal education on purpose to develop their new social adaptation skills actively involving them into social action; to promote artistic self-expression highlighting its therapeutic effect, that means helping people to realize the meaning of life that has been changed with an effect of disability, accept and solve psychic and mind problems, develop new view of himself, re-establish the balance between himself and environment. The object of research: artistic socialization of physically disabled adult people. The goal of research: to estimate the potential of disabled people socialization in the process of artistic education. Tasks: 1. to analyze theoretic background of research problem and paradigms of disabled people socialization; 2. diagnose artistic self-expression potential using innovative methods for participants of the project; 3. substantiate the effect of artistic self-expression to the process of psychological rehabilitation of people with motional disorder and to results during educational project; 4. adduce conclusions and recommendations of the research. In the period of the research there were adapted and approved innovative opportunities of methods – Personal Experience Awareness (PEA) and Emotional Imitation (EIM) in the process of artistic... [to full text]

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This study assessed and described the self-concept of adolescents with physically disabilities in inclusive secondary schools, in Lagos state, Nigeria. Both quantitative and qualitative research methods were employed to generate information and to answer the critical questions posed for this study. The choice of methodological triangulation was based on the complex nature of self-concept and the philosophical perception of "self", especially as it relates to the Nigerian cultural society. The instruments used to collect data, were the Self-Concept Scale (SCS), which measured the respondents' self-concept from the perspective of others' judgement of them and the Student Problem Inventory (SPI), which measured the respondents' self-concept from the perspective of their own judgements of themselves. Academic Achievement (ACA) obtained from the students academic records was used to determine the relationship between academic achievement and self-concept. Semi-Structured Interviews and Observations were used to obtain complementary data, and to further assess the elements of the self-concept, which were not assessed on SCS and SPI. The purpose of interview was also to allow the physically disabled to tell their stories which expressed the development of their self-concept overtime. Results of the study revealed that the physically disabled description of their self-concept is low or negative. It was found that many factors influenced their negative self-concept, which includes the attitudes of the society towards the disabled, their socio-economic status, their schooling condition and above all the way in which they internalised these actions and reactions from their environment. Results also revealed no gender differences in self-concept. Statistically significant relationship was however found between academic achievement and the self-concept. A statistically significant relationship was also found between respondents' personal problems and their academic achievement. Respondents with positive perception of school had high self-concept and those with negative perception of school had low or negative self-concept. It was suggested that researchers should create more interest in the study of physically disabled students, particularly those in inclusive secondary schools and more concern should be shown to the investigation of other factors that could affect the behaviour of this group of disabled. It was also recommended that the Lagos state government should become more concerned and serious about the education of the physically disabled in Lagos state. It is apparent that with proper policy decisions, the disabled students' condition could improve and their self-concept enhanced. This would result to positive adjustment and consequently fully functioning individuals that are ready to contribute positively to nation building. / Thesis (Ph.D.) - University of Durban-Westville, 2003.

Thesis (M.L.A.)--University of Hong Kong, 2001. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves. Also available in print.