An architecture for virtual laboratory experimentation

Abstract

This paper presents a software architecture for the rapid development of virtual laboratories that support a flexible online collaborative learning environment. The experimentation system integrates Java, Python and Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) to provide multiple users with virtual laboratories over the Internet. The system architecture is modular and can be easily extended to implement different experiments. Most of the system components are implemented as Java applets that can be run on commonly available Web browsers in an interactive way, thus minimizing the network overhead. The proposed approach and environment have been implemented and are currently tested in different experiments such as a mechanical vibration system, a muffler system, a liquid level control system and beam deflection system. This environment provides the students with the possibility to learn in a flexible way, i.e. they can follow different learning modalities to perform experiments from remote locations using the Web browser. This paper will summarize specific outcomes and provide sample screenshots at key stages of a representative experiment - the classical strength-of-materials problem of determining the deflections and stress concentrations of a cantilever beam of linear elastic material with stress raisers. © American Society for Engineering Education, 2006.