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Section 1302

Understanding Machine Operations and Manufacturing using VRML

Kian-Huat Tan, Tze-Leong Yew and Kurt Gramoll Research Assistants and Hughes Professor Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering University of Oklahoma

Abstract Over the past decade, there has been a growing need to use computers in the educational process. Software developers have started to take advantage of the most significant advances in computer technology most notably, internet-based networks. Undeniably, the Internet will be a vital part of education in the future. VRML or Virtual Reality Modeling Language is one of the many potential educational tools on the Internet. It is the acknowledged three dimensional web standard for visualization. It allows the viewer to examine the model at different angles and at different distances, all within a web browser. Animations, sounds and interactivity are also possible with VRML.

This paper describes the application of VRML and the imparting of manufacturing education to engineering students using the Internet. Good engineering programs are generally too complex to use, too costly and not widely available for engineering education. Engineering Design Graphics and Manufacturing Processes are generally compulsory courses in both the Aerospace and Mechanical engineering syllabus. The extensive use of the computer with the implementation of the laptop program in University of Oklahoma further encourages the need for virtual machines and a factory to supplement an engineering coursework. Also students can access the virtual models anytime and anywhere with a computer and a VRML player. The use of visualization tools also promotes interest and curiosity towards a manufacturing course.

Introduction

Frequently, mechanical and aerospace engineering students don’t have enough exposure to the use of basic industrial and manufacturing equipment. It is not possible to bring real machinery into the classroom and on the other hand it is not easy to teach students outside the classroom particularly in the workshop. Therefore there is a need to have some medium of teaching that is easily available and allow students to learn interactively. VRML models supplemented with class notes on the web page can solve this problem by bringing virtual machine models into the classroom. The instructors would just need a laptop, a VRML capable browser and a projector to present the VRML models.

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Yew, T., & Tan, K., & Gramoll, K. C. (1999, June), Understanding Machine Operations And Manufacturing Using Vrml Paper presented at 1999 Annual Conference, Charlotte, North Carolina. 10.18260/1-2--8011