Visualization with the The Visualization Toolkit and Python (COhPy)

This meeting of the Central Ohio Python Users Group will feature a talk by Pete Carswell on using VTK and Python to visualize metal-surface fracturing.

The Visualization Toolkit (VTK) is an open-source, freely available software system for 3D computer graphics, image processing and visualization. VTK consists of a C++ class library and several interpreted interface layers including Tcl/Tk, Java, and Python. The toolkit is maintained/distributed by Kitware (http://www.vtk.org)..., and offers support and consulting.

The libraries support a wide variety of sophisticated visualization algorithms, including: scalar, vector, tensor, texture, and volumetric methods. Advanced modeling techniques included are implicit modeling, polygon reduction, mesh smoothing and Delaunay triangulation. VTK has a suite of 3D interaction widgets to create servicable interaction with the resulting images. VTK is cross-platform, running on Linux, Windows, and Macs.

Pete Carswell will be giving a quick introduction to VTK, and will introduce a simulation, studying metal-surface fracturing using Voronoi Finite Element Methods. The study is being conducted by a research team at Ohio State University. He used Python and VTK to solve some complicated visualization problems.

In addition to Pete, we will also have two break-out sessions: developing the cohpy.org website and Learning More About Python.

Pop and snacks will be provided by Intellovations. We also have a stack of O'Reilly provided Python books in our library that can be checked out.

See you there!