scope:

INTRODUCTION

Recently a set of enhancements to the ASHRAE Handbook (ASHRAE 96) were presented. These enhancements demonstrated the effectiveness of multimedia and advanced presentation techniques such as 3D computer graphics, visualization and animation techniques (Akleman 2002). Using compressors as the subject, in the ASHRAE Research Project 1017-RP, we expanded on the traditional printed material contained in Chapter 34 of the 1996 HVAC Systems and Equipment Handbook. This demonstration currently serves as a model and guide for the broader use of these techniques in other ASHRAE publications. The enhanced chapter which is contained in the CD-ROM version of the Handbook, is used to promote the effectiveness of improved presentation techniques, and the value of ASHRAE information resources.

Our earlier paper gives a general introduction to all the enhancements to the chapter. However, among these enhancements, 3D Modeling and Animation warrant a more careful examination because they create a special set of problems that require specific solutions with a collaboration between ASHRAE engineers and animation specialists. In this paper, we discuss the several causes of temporal aliasing problems and we present a unique set of difficulties we faced during the process using two case studies, namely modeling and animation of: (1) Rolling Piston and (2) Twin-Screw Compressors.