View 3D Structures Manual

This software may be used for simple "ad-hoc" data analysis and visualization of 3D particle data. However, I do not intent to replace any other software – this is just a small tool for basic usage. Everything is provided as-is, so feel free to modify it for your own purpose. Nevertheless, this software may contain bugs and issues. — Philip.

Setup

This software requires Windows Vista or any higher Version of Windows (for example Windows 7, 2008 R2) and the DirectX 11 runtime. Of course, all published service packs, patches and runtime updates (net 4.0) should be installed.

Furthermore, a graphics processing unit with DirectX 10 feature level is required. If you are not sure about your hardware capabilities then have a look which shader model is supported; shader model SM 4.0 is needed. This level of hardware features was introduced by nVidia GeForce 8 Series, AMD/ATI Radeon HD 2000 Series and Intel GMA X3100.

There are no other prerequisites to this software. Just copy all files in the folder of your choice. I compiled one Version for x86 and one for x64 systems.

Basics

The most fundamental task in the data analysis is, of course, the import of 3D data. The application will start with an empty window (except toolbars etc.). Click the Import-Button [1] to load your 3D data. First you select the file which contains the data and then you select the corresponding import filter (for example MPE F-Praktikum).

If your data import was completed with success the application will offer several options for data analysis. Details will be described in the next section. For the moment just use the default settings, so you will get an impression of your 3d structures.

Startup Window

The camera position can be modified by mouse, keyboard or UI buttons. While the right mouse button is down the camera follows your mouse. Zoom in or out of the scene with your mouse wheel. All functions are also available via keyboard:

W
turn camera upward
S
turn camera down
A (or D)
turn camera left (or right)
Q (or E)
zoom in (or zoom out)
Z
reset camera (polar angle only)
H
reset camera (azimutal angle only)
N
reset zoom
Q
shows buttons (for easier usage with pointing devices)
The current position of the camera is shown in the status bar [5]. In some situations it might be helpful to freeze the camera in a specific direction. This can be done using the buttons [6,7] which lock either the azimutal or the polar angle of the camera. It is also possible to set the camera position using a dialog [4].

Data Analysis

Files

Configuration

Data File Specifications

Programming Tutorial

References

  1. Structural properties of dense hard sphere packings, B.A. Klumov, S.A. Khrapak, G. E. Morfill, arXiv:1101.5545v1 [cond-mat.soft] (2011)
  2. Accurate determination of crystal structures based on averaged local bond oder parameters, W. Lechner and C. Dellago, JCP 129, 114 707 (2008)
  3. Structural properties of complex plasmas in a homogeneous dc discharge, S. Mitic et al., PRL 101, 123002 (2008)