3D Visualization and Simulation of Structures using Finite Element Analysis for Teaching

Project Overview
Project Title	3D Visualization and Simulation of Structures using Finite Element Analysis for Teaching
Project Leader	Prof Ben Young
School / Dept	SENG / CIVL
Project Duration	Mar 2004 - Jun 2005
Project Description	Most classroom teaching is conducted using transparencies and PowerPoint presentations to deliver the lecture material, which are constrained to 2D. However, for most engineering concepts, it is necessary to show the object in 3D. For instance, the stresses, strains and deformations of an object are the important parameters in illustratating structural behaviour when it was subject to loading. However, these phenomena are too abstract to delineate simply using transparencies and PowerPoint presentations. The primary objective of this project was to develop 3D visualization and simulation of structures using finite element analysis to enhance student understanding. In the 3D computer animation, the stresses, strains and deformations of a structure were clearly shown. Different stress levels were shown in different colours, and the deformations could be physically seen in the animations. The 3D computer animation could be uploaded to the web for adoption in other engineering courses.
Project Outcome	Improvement in students learning of structural engineering courses. Video clips showing the stresses, strains, actual deformations and collapse of 3D structures. Change in students attitude for learning engineering courses consist of complex 3D structures.
Status	Completed
Project Documents (Only accessible by HKUST users)	Project Plan Progress Report: First \| Second \| Final Report
Adaptation	Full Project

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