GPU-based Real-time On-surface Droplet Flow in X3D

Abstract

This paper presents a method for the GPU-based real-time simulation of droplet flows on 3D surfaces. It is also outlined, how this approach can be embedded into X3D. Therefore, a concept and its implementation is presented, which is able to simulate droplet flow on almost any surface of a given 3D model. The droplet flow is advanced in time according to the applied external forces, and leaves a trail of liquid behind. Different viscosities are considered as well as the contact angles of droplets that are placed on the surface. Because simulation and rendering of droplet flow is completely handled on the GPU, all fluid information is hold entirely in texture memory. Hence, real-time framerates are achieved and moreover, the number of simulated drops does not influence performance.