  Quantum chromodynamics, most commonly referred to as QCD, is a relativistic
quantum field theory for the strong interaction between subatomic particles
called quarks and gluons. The most systematic way of calculating the strong
interactions of QCD is a computational approach known as lattice gauge theory
or lattice QCD. Space-time is discretised so that field variables are
formulated on the sites and links of a four dimensional hypercubic lattice.
This technique enables the gluon field to be represented using $3 \times 3$
complex matrices in four space-time dimensions. Importance sampling techniques
can then be exploited to calculate physics observables as functions of the
fields, averaged over a statistically-generated and suitably weighted ensemble
of field configurations. In this paper we present a framework developed to
visually assist scientists in the analysis of multidimensional properties and
emerging phenomena within QCD ensemble simulations. Core to the framework is
the use of topology-driven visualisation techniques which enable the user to
segment the data into unique objects, calculate properties of individual
objects present on the lattice, and validate features detected using
statistical measures. The framework enables holistic analysis to validate
existing hypothesis against novel visual cues with the intent of supporting and
steering scientists in the analysis and decision making process. Use of the
framework has lead to new studies into the effect that variation of
thermodynamic control parameters has on the topological structure of lattice
fields.
