The Naval Research Virtual Environment
This project was conducted at the Naval Research Laboratory, Washington D.C.
Virtual Environments for Damage Control and Firefighting Research
aboard the ex-USS Shadwell
Reprinted from NRL Publication NRL/PU/5500--94/273, October 1994.
The Shadwell VR Model
Using virtual reality display and input devices, NRL scientists are able to conduct
a virtual walk-through of the Shadwell . The current model consists of one of the
Shadwell 's fourth deck tanks that has been converted to a mock machinery space where
Halon replacement fire extinguishing agents are being tested under controlled conditions.
An HMD allows users to view the virtual model while trackers attached to the HMD
maintain the correct display position and orientation. Users can "fly" in the direction
they are looking by depressing buttons on a 3D FliteStik.
The virtual environment includes a dynamically generated virtual fire made up of
approximately 500 polygons. Using a mixture of physically-based modeling and fractal
techniques, the fire changes color and transparency levels to simulate the appearance
of real flames. Smoke can also be added to the environment, and the density of the smoke
can be changed under user control.
The Shadwell VR Model
About The Ex-USS Shadwell
The ex-USS Shadwell is a decommissioned ship that is now used by the Navy as a
full-scale RDT&E platform from which damage control, firefighting, and ship survivability
investigations and experiments are performed. A full complement of instrumentation and
computers measure, record, and analyze fire behavior, ship systems, and personnel reactions
during the experiments. The ex-Shadwell serves as the ultimate test platform in
the development of fire models and other predictive tools, agents, systems, and technology
stemming from basic and theoretical concepts developed through research and development.
The ex-Shadwell is berthed at Little Sand Island, Coast Guard Safety Detachment,
Mobile, Alabama. The ex-Shadwell is under the control of the Navy Technology Center
for Safety and Survivability, Naval Research Laboratory, Code 6180, Washington DC.
For further information see the official web site at the Naval Research Lab:
http://www.ait.nrl.navy.mil/DamageControl/VR.html
Project Members:
Thomas C. Meyer, Georgia Tech GVU Center
David Tate, Naval Research Laboratory
Dr. Fred Williams, Naval Research Laboratory
Dr. Larry Rosenblum, Naval Research Laboratory
Virtual Environments Group
Graphics, Visualization, & Usability Center
College of Computing
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, GA 30332-0280