Augmented Reality Experiment on Mechanical Stress of Block on Arch with Simulation-based Asset.

Physical experiments assisted by information and communication technologies (ICT) are becoming more popular because of their potentials to support teaching and learning. Although mechanical experiments have been widely investigated using ICT devices such as smartphones, the observation points are limited by the available types and numbers of mobile device sensors. Inspired by an arch bridge attracting kids, an experiment with daily life objects, magnet blocks on arch paper, is designed toward the inquiry-based learning on the von Mises stress distribution and spatial deformation. An application of the game engine Unity with assets created from the finite element analysis software COMSOL is developed. And the incompatible file format is transformed by the free visualization tools Paraview and Blender. Finally, a teaching practice base on the proposed augmented reality (AR) experiment is carried out and the results suggest that the AR application with simulation-based assets sheds light on the simple, accurate, and interesting exploration of physical phenomena for kids.