The VT-CAVE

The VT-CAVE^TM: A Bridge Between Research & Education

Vision

The Proposal

NCSA Partnership

Information on the VT-CAVE

Projects coming to Tech

ACITC Floor Plans

The Proposal
The NSF Academic Research Infrastructure proposal was funded at $1.6M.
Both the CAVE(tm) White Paper and the CAVE(tm) Final Proposal are linked here along with other information below about CAVE(tm) technology.

Comments from Ron Kriz (Contact for Scientific Applications and NCSA liaison), kriz@wave.esm.vt.edu.
Comments from Debby Hix (Contact for Human Computer Interaction Applications), hix@vt.edu.

Recent Publications & a Collage of CAVE(tm) images.

NCSA Partnership
The CAVE(tm) proposal was written in partnership with NCSA as part of the University ACITC Visualization Group where both on- and off-campus programs will benefit from this ACITC resource. There are other proposals related to the CAVE(tm) proposal, also in partnership with NCSA. Other relevant links about CAVE(tm) programs at Virginia Tech are the NCSA-SGI Power Grid Alliance / Proposal (accepted) and the NSF NCSA-PACI Proposal (pending). With the discount from the NCSA-SGI Power Grid Alliance the College of Engineering is buying an ImmersaDesk.

Information about the VT CAVE(tm):
Management Plan / NCSA meetings
Training / Software / Hardware / Researchers / Research Projects / Proposals / Publications

Projects for use on the VT-CAVE

Diana Farkas, Materials Science and Engineering -- e-mail -- website

We are investigating intermetallic alloys in order to develop new structural materials for high temperature applications. The goal is to develop new alloys with increased strength and ductility. NiAl is a prime candidate and we are simulating the behavior of cracks propagating in this material.

The phenomena that occur at the crack tip are three dimensional in nature and the CAVE visualization will help understand the mechanisms of fracture in order to design materials with improved ductility. The CAVE allows us to virtually walk around the atoms at the critical region of the crack tip.


Click on images to enlarge

Interior Design Program -- website
Joan McLain-Kark, Principal Investigator -- e-mail
Co-Investigators: Lennie Scott-Weber, Anna Marshall-Baker, Eric Wiedegreen, Jeanette Bowker, and Bob Parsons.

We have researched computer simulation including modeling, rendering, animation, and virtual reality (VR) as potential methods to improve the interior design process. Simulation early in the design process can detect errors in design including those that cause physical or psychological harm.

Unlike most VR equipment which generates low resolution images, the CAVE provides a high-resolution virtual environment which is ideal for testing detailed designs. The CAVE could be used for virtual prototyping of interior components or entire environments. Our particular interests are in simulating designs for environments that coincide with the research expertise of the investigators. These include design for elderly (e.g. assisted living, nursing homes), neonatal units in hospitals, educational facilities, and office environments.

Below are models and renderings done by students in the Advanced CAD class taught by Joan McLain-Kark spring 1997. These were done in 10-12 hours using 3D Studio software by Autodesk. These models can be brought into the CAVE where 6-8 people can be "immersed" in the environment or feel very close to experiencing the actual environment.


Click on images to enlarge: From right to left: Jung Park / Eric Sweet / Chris Turner

Back to CAVE Homepage | Back to Visualization Homepage

Revised August 5, 1997
http://www.sv.vt.edu/future/vt-cave/docs/