This thesis describes two problem solving environments that integrate
visualization and computational tools into a high level user interface.
The objective of a problem solving environment is to provide scientists
with a complete, usable, and integrated set of high level facilities for
solving problems in a specific domain. Integrating visualization tools
with computation tools encourages scientists to think in terms of the
overall task of solving a problem, not simply using the visualization to
view the results of the computation. This increases their productivity
by allowing them to focus on the problem at hand rather than on general
computation issues.
Two problem solving environments based on this philosophy, but intended
for different problem domains, are presented: VizCraft and WBCSim.
VizCraft provides an integrated environment for aircraft designers working
with multidimensional design spaces. The design problem currently being
faced by aircraft designers, some approaches that have been taken in the
past towards solving it, and how VizCraft provides a unique approach in
helping the designer visualize the problem, are presented.
WBCSim provides a Web-based framework for wood scientists conducting
research on wood-based composite materials. It integrates legacy
simulation codes with a graphical front end, an optimization tool, and a
visualization tool. WBCSim serves as a prototype for the design,
construction, and evaluation of larger scale problem solving (computing)
environments. Several different wood-based composite material simulations
are supported.
