Authors:
Nuno Verdelho Trindade
1
;
Óscar Amaro
2
;
David Brás
3
;
Daniel Gonçalves
1
;
João Madeiras Pereira
1
and
Alfredo Ferreira
1
Affiliations:
1
INESC-ID, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Rua Alves Redol, 9, 1000-029 Lisbon, Portugal
;
2
Group of Lasers and Plasma (GoLP), Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Complexo Interdisciplinar, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
;
3
Department of Computer Science and Engineering (DEI), Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal
Keyword(s):
Virtual Reality, Immersive Visualization, Scientific Visualization, Plasma Physics, Data Analysis.
Abstract:
Plasma physics simulations create complex datasets for which researchers need state-of-the-art visualization tools to gain insights. These datasets are 3D in nature but are commonly depicted and analyzed using 2D idioms displayed on 2D screens. These offer limited understandability in a domain where spatial awareness is key. Virtual reality (VR) can be used as an alternative to conventional means for analyzing such datasets. This study presents PlasmaVR, a proof-of-concept VR tool for visualizing datasets resulting from plasma physics simulations. It enables immersive multidimensional data visualization of particles, scalar, and vector fields. The study includes user evaluation with domain experts where PlasmaVR was employed to assess the possible benefits of immersive environments in plasma physics visualization. Participants manifested a high level of engagement when using the prototype, considering it more enjoyable than conventional means. The participant’s perception of the usef
ulness of VR in plasma simulations also increased after experiencing the prototype.
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