Advanced approaches using VR simulations for teaching mechanisms

Abstract

This paper describes a new methodology for teaching mechanisms at mechanical engineering courses based on Virtual Reality technology. Laboratory exercises are a fundamental part of teaching for many fields of science. Classical laboratory methods can be constraining because of time, expenses, scale, safety, or complexity of the real life exercises. Modern tools such as Simulink (part of Matlab software) and software based on Virtual Reality (VR) allow engineers and students to simplify algorithms and models of mechanisms, creating thus new teaching materials in order to increase the capacity of knowledge transmission and absorption. The proposed methodology integrates the above tools for the specific case of articulated mechanisms. The used software, hardware and methodology are described in detail, as well as the results. © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2010.