Application of Java and VRML visualisation tools in store release wind-tunnel testing

摘要

The use of Java and Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) to view 3D animations related to store release testing is presented. The method offers a versatile means (platform independent) of generating interactive 3D animations without the need for specialised system requirements. The resulting animations are accessible on any network attached PC through a standard web browser. Animation is performed by displaying the 3D VRML file within a web browser and connecting it to a Java application. The animation is made possible through the use of an External Authoring Interface (EAI), which enables the VRML model to be displayed and controlled by the Java file. Details of the main components of the HTML, Java and VRML files are given. Examples of the technique are provided which include the animation of the store release trajectory calculated from wind-tunnel test data and the assessment of the kinematics of proposed designs of a Captive Trajectory Simulation (CTS) system.