GPU-Accelerated Simulation of Complex Ocean Waves for Maritime Training

Detailed visual simulation of oceans may be achieved by executing inverse fast Fourier transforms (FFTs) using GPU acceleration, to transform large number of individual waves from the frequency to spatial domain. Well-known models have been developed for visual effects in the entertainment industry, but additional accuracy and flexibility is required for maritime training purposes. This paper describes how algorithms eveloped for cinematic computer graphics are extended by Sundog Software®’s Triton Ocean SDK™ to incorporate more sophisticated wave models, swell waves, and the integration of external wave models.