Avizo Wind software used to study the Great Sphinx erosion

Wind is one of the most critical denudation factors that are causing the erosion of the Great Sphinx statue, especially when it carries dust. In order to investigate the formation of the low speed wind over the Sphinx model, a simulation is made that involve solving the 3D incompressible Navier-Stokes equations on a several millions of points’ computational mesh. This is a collaborative work between IBM and Bibliotheca Alexandrina based on research work conducted in IBM Center for Advanced Studies in Cairo.

The VISTA (Virtual Immersive Science and Technology Applications) team Of Bibliotheca Alexandrina has implemented the visualization of the simulation results on the CAVE system using Avizo® Wind to provide new insights and better understanding.

Due to the calculation and visualization of complex algorithms, (Stream Ribbons, Line Integral Convolution (LIC) Algorithm, Illuminated Stream Lines (ISL) Algorithm and Vorticity), the researchers can see the invisible, understand the degradation of the Great Sphinx and present their result.

“The VISTA team has chosen Avizo Wind because of its ability to display and manipulate meaningful graphics representations of natural phenomena. Using Avizo Wind, VISTA is able to use advanced visualization techniques to understand complex simulation data.”

VISTA is a project established by ISIS (International School Information Science) in Bibliotheca Alexandrina. The aim of the project is to provide an interactive Virtual Reality environment that allows the researchers to transform numerical as well as two-Dimensional data sets into 3D simulations and step into them.

Avizo® 3D software is a powerful, multifaceted tool for visualizing, analysing, and understanding scientific and engineering data. Avizo delivers advanced 3D graphics and analysis capabilities for materials science, physical and environmental sciences, geosciences, computer-aided engineering, and generic scientific activities. Avizo offers abundant state-of-the-art features within an intuitive workflow and easy to-use graphical user interface.

Avizo® Wind is an extensible software for advanced post-processing of simulation data, ranging from flow to thermal, and stress data. Avizo Wind brings an extensive array of advanced visualization and analysis tools to CFD and multiphysics, mechanical and thermal engineering, manufacturing simulation and microstructural prediction, non linear structural and geotechnical problems. Based on Open Inventor® by VSG, Avizo Wind delivers unique advanced capabilities which make understanding of multiphysics simulation data easier.

The Great Sphinx is a monumental statue that is considered the first truly colossal sculpture in Egypt and a national symbol of both ancient and modern Egypt. The statue would have disappeared long ago had it not been buried under sand for so long. The statue is eroding due to the effects of wind, humidity and the smog from Cairo.