Virtual reality based interface for CAE analysis

This thesis investigates how Virtual Reality can be used to support the analysis and discussion of Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) results, with particular focus on Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), in a more interactive and accessible way. The work focuses on typical limitations in immersive visualisation: when CFD results are transferred from post-processing software to VR, part of their technical meaning can be lost due to changes in colour mapping, lack of temporal coherence, or the impossibility of reading local numerical values directly on the model. To overcome this problem, a workflow was developed using ParaView, Blender, Autodesk VRED and Unity. ParaView was used to inspect and export the CFD data, Blender to convert the original colour information into baked textures, VRED to create an immersive visualisation with coherent animations and colour representation, and finally Unity to introduce interactive tools for point data inspection. The workflow allows exploring the results in VR and obtaining quantitative values directly on the model when needed, turning the visualisation into a practical tool for analysis and design review. The workflow was tested on the Fiat 500 of A.P.D. ProtoCorse Team under two operating conditions, 150 km/h and 190 km/h. The results showed that the proposed pipeline was able to preserve the original LUT-based, create consistency animation, and allow reliable value request inside the virtual environment. Feedback from 12 participants also confirmed the usefulness of the prototype and validated the work. This thesis demonstrates that VR can be used not only as a visualisation tool, but also as a practical support for technical review and engineering discussion.