Research On The Development And Application Of Simulation Software For Chemical Engineering Experiments Based On Virtual Reality

In the Information Age,we can improve on the traditional approach to Chemical Engineering(ChemE)education,which combines classroom lectures with real experiments done in a laboratory.The development of computer science and Virtual Reality allows a new approach that supplements traditional lectures and laboratory work with computer simulation techniques to facilitate learning as well as expand students' learning resources and approaches by new information technology.To fulfill these promises,our team has developed a series of virtual simulation software as well as an innovative cloud-classroom-based Theoretical-Virtual-Real teaching system for ChemE pedagogy,with the developing and researching process carried out as follows:(1)An updated virtual simulation developing platform has been built upon Unity 3D(U3D).By extending developing interface using Excel spreadsheets,simulation developers are now able to make their own customizations with improved efficiency.(2)New algorithms and techniques have been developed and the solutions for precise collision detection,real-time curve graphing as well as communication between virtual simulation software and the cloud classroom are achieved.(3)A set of virtual simulation software for ChemE experiments have been developed based on the above developing platform,algorithms and techniques.(4)A new ChemE pedagogical method has been put forward and into practice using the Theoretical-Virtual-Real teaching system,which integrates virtual simulation software and the cloud classroom into traditional ChemE education.Based upon the above work,the Theoretical-Virtual-Real teaching system was demonstrated to be a valuable addition to ChemE education through the teaching process for undergraduates from the University of Wisconsin-Madison,US.