3D Virtual Learning and Measuring Environment for Mechanical Engineering Education

Virtual learning and measuring laboratories have significant impact on the engineering education. Current trends and initiatives that engage digital generations engineering students in interesting educational experiences are discussed. The paper aims to provide some advantages of 3D virtual learning and measuring environments for mechanical engineering education. An interactive 3D virtual learning environment for measuring of constructive and geometrical Gear Hob parameters for engineering students is presented. Software engineering design process activity and class diagrams are described in details. 3D virtual measuring simulations of Gear Hob tools are tested with bachelor students in the Faculty of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering of University of Ruse. An experimental study with mechanical engineering students was performed to compare the learning performance and experience of students in the 3D virtual simulation environment vs that in the real laboratory classroom. The experimental results are analyzed and presented.