SAMARA, Mar 30 Samara University scientists have created the first Russian educational platform for studying engines in virtual reality, the press service of the university reported.
«Specialists of the engineering center of Samara University named after Korolev have developed the first virtual educational platform in Russia for studying the design of aircraft and rocket engines,» the message says.
According to the press service, the created software package allows for a more detailed and visual study of the structure and operation of engines based on their accurate 3D models placed in virtual reality. The development is intended for training not only students of specialized specialties, it can also be used as part of the career guidance of schoolchildren and to improve the professional level of employees of engine-building enterprises.
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“Based on our software platform, it will be possible to disassemble and assemble 3D engine models, put virtual units into operation and monitor the workflows inside them, identify possible problems and even replace defective parts. There are several levels of complexity and detail of displaying — from the simplest level for schoolchildren to the professional level intended for enterprise specialists», — quotes the press service of the director of the engineering center Ivan Zubrilin.
According to him, at present, the platform provides for the study of gas turbine, liquid rocket and piston engines. In the future, the software package can be modified and expanded to study other types of engines.
The development was carried out by the engineering center together with the Institute of Artificial Intelligence of the Samara University and the Samara company «AR SOFT». The basis for creating the platform was a virtual simulator previously developed at the engineering center for training future engineers and aircraft engine designers. VR glasses and controllers are used to immerse yourself in a virtual environment and manipulate 3D models. Users will be able to connect to the public platform via the Internet.
«Technically and functionally, the platform is ready for use, now we are completing the final touches. This development can be called unique, since there is no such software package on the domestic market yet,» Zubrilin said.
With the help of the platform, enterprise specialists will be able at their professional level not only to study the «anatomy» of some new, previously unfamiliar engines, but also to work out certain technological operations for assembling and disassembling units, taking into account the correct order of using tools and compliance with standards safety instructions.