Interactive visual analysis of large simulation ensembles

• Published in: 2015 Winter Simulation Conference (WSC) pp. 517 - 528
• Main Authors: Matkovic, Kresimir, Gracanin, Denis, Jelovic, Mario, Hauser, Helwig
• Format: Conference Proceeding Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: IEEE 01-12-2015
• Subjects: Analytical models; Automation; Automotive engineering; Complex systems; Complexity theory; Computational modeling; Computer simulation; Fuels; Interactive; Mathematical model; Mathematical models; Positive feedback; Rails; Visual; Visualization
• ISSN: 1558-4305
• DOI: 10.1109/WSC.2015.7408192

Recent advancements in simulation and computing make it possible to compute large simulation ensembles. A simulation ensemble consists of multiple simulation runs of the same model with different values of control parameters. In order to cope with ensemble data, a modern analysis methodology is necessary. In this paper, we present our experience with simulation ensemble exploration and steering by means of interactive visual analysis. We describe our long-term collaboration with fuel injection experts from the automotive industry. We present how interactive visual analysis can be used to gain a deep understanding in the ensemble data, and how it can be used, in a combination with automatic methods, to steer the ensemble creation, even for very complex systems. Very positive feedback from domain experts motivated us, a team of visualization and simulation experts, to present this research to the simulation community.