Masters Thesis Defense “Visualization of Carbon Monoxide Particles Released from Firearms” By Sadan Suneesh Menon

Committee:  Drs. Thomas Wischgoll, Advisor, Michael Raymer, and Yong Pei

ABSTRACT:

A number of soldiers have come forward to report discomfort, irritation and respiratory problems after taking part in a live firing session. These problems are caused due to the fumes and particulates emitted from the gun upon firing. There exists substantial research work focused on Lead and other harmful metallic particulates expelled from a firearm, since they are the most harmful among the other emissions. However, our research focuses on visualizing the Carbon Monoxide (CO) particles released from a firearm in order to help understand adverse effects they may have on the human body.

We use data given to us by researchers at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB) to implement a parallel coordinate graph that shows the correlations between concentration of CO particles and the Lung Deposited Surface Area (LDSA) values, and other such parameters. We also executed a video tracking algorithm in order to retrieve additional information needed for the visualization of the given data. The results are summarized in the form of a dynamic parallel coordinates plot. The design of the system we have implemented in this project is divided into the video tracking aspect and the development of parallel coordinates. Results shown in this thesis may be used to glean information about the interrelation between CO particles released and health issues faced by individuals after firing a weapon.