Mini-Lab a tool to visualize normal modes of vibration using Java3D /

by 1973- Zhang, Qin

Vibrational analysis of polyatomic molecules requires tools with the capability to construct the system and display the normal modes. Mini-Lab, developed in this thesis work, is a 3D visualization tool and vibration analyzer that serves both educational and research needs. The goal is to help the user visualize the atoms and bonds, compute the normal modes for the system, and generate the animated vibrational pattern. Users can experiment with different masses and bonds to construct a vibration system and understand the normal modes when studying harmonic oscillation or small vibrations in classical mechanics. This tool has been used in research that analyzes the vibration of nanocrystals. Images of the molecule configuration and movies of the vibration can be generated by this tool. Index words: Java3D, Harmonic Oscillation, Normal Modes, Molecular Vibration Mini-Lab: A Tool to Visualize Normal Modes of Vibration using Java3D by Qin Zhang B.S., Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 1996 A Thesis Submitted to the Graduate Faculty of The University of Georgia in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Master of Science Athens, Georgia 2004 c? 2004 Qin Zhang All Rights Reserved Mini-Lab: A Tool to Visualize Normal Modes of Vibration using Java3D by Qin Zhang