CS838 Topics in Computing : Advanced Modeling and Simulation

Fall Semester 2012 (Lecture 2)

Course outline

This course is a review of current trends and technologies for physics based modeling and simulation, with applications to visual effects, interactive virtual environments and computer games. Topics to be covered in class include:

• 1D elasticity : Modeling hair, oriented strands, and collision detection/resolution.
• 2D elasticity : Cloth simulation, modeling of in-plane and bending stiffness, collision handling.
• 3D elasticity : Finite element and mass-spring models, simulated character flesh, skin and muscles. Modeling of material fracture and tearing.
• Discrete 3D geometry representations : Meshes, implicit surfaces and point clouds. Geometry editing and conversion between representations.
• Time integration methods : Explicit and implicit Euler integrators, semi-implicit methods, quasi-static animation.
• Introductory fluid dynamics : Computer-generated smoke, water and fire.
• Rigid body simulation and dynamics of articulated systems.

In discussing these topics, particular emphasis will be placed on the efficiency, robustness and stability of numerical algorithms used in simulation tasks, and on the software engineering practices that facilitate scalability and parallelization.

General information

Lecture meeting time : MWF 10:00am - 11:15am (see schedule below for planned lecture cancellations)
Lecture location : 2321 Engineering Hall

Instructor : Eftychios Sifakis
Office : Computer Sciences building, Room 6355
Email : sifakis <at> cs <dot> wisc <dot> edu
Office hours : MWF 1:00pm - 2:00pm (only on days with scheduled lectures) or by appointment

Prerequisites : No formal requirements. Nevertheless, a number of numerical techniques will be employed in the context of various topics; the theoretical details of these methods will be summarily covered in class. A certain degree of familiarity with calculus will be desired, although not essential.

Schedule of lectures

Paper presentation assignments

TBD

Programming assignements

TBD

Grading policy

The final grade will be computed based on the following:

• 10% Attendance & Presentation : Every student will be required to prepare a 20-minute in-class presentation of a research paper. Student presentations will take place approximately once per week.
• 40% (20% + 20%) : Individual assignments, both of which will be completed in the first half of the semester.
• 50% Final project : Projects will be assigned to groups of 2-3 students, and will be deliverable at the end of the semester.