An approach for augmented learning of finite element analysis

Finite element analysis (FEA) is taught in most engineering faculties due to its extensive applications. However, the pedagogy is restricted due to the lack of effective and efficient educational tools. Besides plowing through tedious theories, students have to overcome challenges of using commercial FEA software for problem solving, which often has nonintuitive user interfaces. To help students grasp FEA easily without a stiff learning curve in understanding the software, this paper proposes to integrate the Augmented Reality (AR) technology with FEA. With such integration, FEA results can be augmented and visualized on physical structures to facilitate understanding and interpreting FEA results. In addition, students can perform various FEA tasks directly on physical structures, such as applying loads to investigate structural behavior, exploring FEA results through slicing and clipping, and so forth. A prototype system is built and a user study is conducted. The results have demonstrated the unique features of this novel approach.