VR as a 3D modelling tool in engineering design applications

Vlah, Daria (author), Čok, Vanja (author), Urbas, Uroš (author)

The study aims to explore the usefulness of existing VR 3D modelling tools for use in mechanical engineering. Previous studies have investigated the use of VR 3D modelling tools in conceptual phases of the product development process. Our objective was to find out if VR tools are useful in creating advanced freeform CAD models that are part of the embodiment design phase in the context of mechanical design science. Two studies were conducted. In the preliminary study, the group of participants modelled a 3D part in a standard desktop CAD application, which provided information about the key characteristics that must be satisfied to obtain a solid model from a surface model. In the research study conducted with a focus group of participants, who were firstly trained in the use of VR, the same part was modelled using a VR headset. The results were analysed and the fulfilment of key characteristics in the use of VR was evaluated. It was found that using VR tools provides a fast way to create complex part geometries, however, it has certain drawbacks. Finally, the ease of use and specific features of the VR technology were discussed.

• Language: English
• Keywords: virtual reality, engineering design, CAD modelling, surface modelling, product development
• Work type: Article
• Typology: 1.01 - Original Scientific Article
• Organization: FS - Faculty of Mechanical Engineering
• Publication status: Published
• Publication version: Version of Record
• Year: 2021
• Number of pages: 19 str.
• Numbering: Vol. 11, iss. 16, art. 7570
• PID: 20.500.12556/RUL-130479
• UDC: 658.512.2
• ISSN on article: 2076-3417
• DOI: 10.3390/app11167570
• COBISS.SI-ID: 76420355
• Publication date in RUL: 15.09.2021

Record is a part of a journal

• Title: Applied sciences
• Shortened title: Appl. sci.
• Publisher: MDPI
• ISSN: 2076-3417
• COBISS.SI-ID: 522979353

Licences

• License: CC BY 4.0, Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
• Link: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
• Description: This is the standard Creative Commons license that gives others maximum freedom to do what they want with the work as long as they credit the author.
• Licensing start date: 18.08.2021

Secondary language

• Language: Slovenian
• Keywords: virtualna resničnost, konstruiranje, CAD modeliranje, površinsko modeliranje, razvoj produktov

Projects

• Funder: ARRS - Slovenian Research Agency
• Funding programme: Young researchers

• Funder: EC - European Commission
• Funding programme: Erasmus+
• Project number: 2018-1-HR01-KA203-0 47 486