Understanding engineering concepts often requires navigating abstract theories and complex simulations. The vScientist project, one of the 1st CORTEX2 Open Calls, is working to change that by using immersive visualisation tools to make Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) more accessible, inclusive, and engaging for students from all backgrounds.
Keep reading to discover how vScientist is helping bring theory to life through virtual learning.
Q: How would you describe vScientist in one sentence?
A: Enhancing education with the aid of virtual testing in engineering problems using Computational Fluid Dynamics simulations.
Q: What problem are you solving? What makes your solution unique?
A: Most engineering concepts can be complex and abstract, making them difficult to understand. In many engineering academic settings, educators and students face the challenge of generating physics-based simulations that can take days or weeks to complete. These simulations are usually visualised and analysed on a 2D display and often at a single point in time, which reduces the dynamic and inherently 3D data to static images.
VR technology can be a paradigm shift in education by offering high-quality, inclusive, and sustainable tools using real-life examples. vScientist is developing a novel and comprehensive VR platform to enhance the learning and accessibility of Computational Fluid Dynamics for students and individuals from diverse backgrounds, promoting social inclusion and accessibility in STEM fields.
Q: What are vScientist’s main objectives?
A: vScientist aims to develop a straightforward, semi-automated workflow for enhanced viewing of CFD results and associated data in an immersive virtual environment. This workflow will support commonly used CFD software and will be tested by a range of users to demonstrate its ease of use.
Three baseline scenarios, each with various sub-scenarios, will be generated to explore the solution’s potential.
CORTEX2 support programme progress
Q: What have you achieved so far?
A: A VR workflow has been established to enhance the learning and accessibility of Computational Fluid Dynamics for students and individuals from diverse backgrounds. This will be further developed in the second phase of the project.
The technical requirements for deploying the use case have been identified, and a first version has been successfully implemented in Unity, achieving the first key performance indicator.
Preliminary testing suggests that the platform supports student learning by allowing them to explore real-life problems in fluid mechanics theory through virtual interaction. This represents a step forward in supporting STEM education with immersive technologies.
Q: How is participating in CORTEX2 supporting vScientist?
A: Participating in CORTEX2 has given us the unique opportunity to be part of an amazing team of experts. We have the chance to work with groundbreaking technology, receive valuable support and feedback from our mentors, and collaborate with different teams and projects across the CORTEX2 consortium.
Q: What are your next steps within the programme?
A: In the next phase, we will begin applying the VR framework in educational activities. We plan to test more complex fluid dynamics cases within the developed workflow and involve a broader group of students to evaluate user experience through the CORTEX2 framework.
This will be a great opportunity to demonstrate the impact of CORTEX2 on engineering education by increasing immersion and improving learning outcomes for students.
Learn more about vScientist and stay updated on its progress!
Want to explore more XR innovation? Browse all our supported projects on the CORTEX2 website: