AN AUGMENTED REALITY BASED PLATFORM FOR INTERACTIVE FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS

Abstract

Conventional finite element analysis (FEA) is conducted in offsite and virtual environments, i.e., computer-generated graphics, which does not promote a user’s perception and interaction, and limits its applications. With the purpose of assisting FEA interpretation using augmented reality (AR) technology, this research proposed a novel system which integrates sensor measurement, FEA simulation and scientific visualization into an AR-based environment. This system superimposes FEA results directly on real-world objects and provides intuitive interaction methods. The user can perform real-time simulation to investigate structural behavior either through manipulating virtual loads or creating different loading conditions. Exploration of FEA results is enhanced through natural interfaces for manipulating, slicing and clipping the result data. Moreover, model modifications can be performed interactively, e.g., adding structural members for stiffening and refining the mesh locally. Case studies have been conducted to validate the proposed methods and evaluate the system performance. An educational application has been prototyped.