Interactive 'touch and see' FEM Simulation using Augmented Reality

This paper presents a novel “touch and see” approach for interactive teaching of dynamic stress/strain distribution in engineering education. Our Augmented Reality application visualizes Finite Element Method results as overlaid over the real model. The user can interactively change the boundary conditions of the simulation and then evaluate the stress distribution in real time. Marker based video tracking is used to measure displacements while Comsol Multiphysics solves the structural FEM analysis. A cantilever test case has been implemented and evaluated. We describe the optimization solutions needed to achieve real-time simulation and precise and stable tracking. The presented system demonstrates significant educational benefits making the student experience more attractive and effective.

This paper presents a novel 'touch and see' approach for interactive leaching of dynamic stress/strain distribution in engineering education. Our Augmented Reality application visualizes Finite Element Method (FEM) results overlaid over the real model. The user can interactively change the boundary conditions of the simulation and then evaluate the stress distribution in real time. Marker based video tracking is used to measure displacements while COMSOL Multiphysics solves the structural FEM analysis. A cantilever test case has been implemented and evaluated We describe the optimization solutions needed to achieve real-time simulation and precise and stable tracking. The presented system demonstrates significant educational benefits making the student's experience more attractive and effective