Simulation of physical experiments in immersive virtual environments

An object-oriented event-driven immersive virtual environment is described for the creation of virtual labs (VLs) for simulating physical experiments. Discussion focuses opt a number of aspects of the VLs, including interface devices, software objects, and various applications The VLs interface audi t output devices, including immersive stereoscopic screen(s) and stereo spe akers; and a variety of input devices, including body tracking (head and ha nds), haptic gloves, wand, joystick, mouse, microphone, and keyboard The VL incorporates the following types of primitive software objects: interface objects, support objects, geometric entities, and finite elements. Each obj ect encapsulates a set of properties, methods, and events that define its b ehaviour, appearance, and functions. A "container" object allows grouping o f several al objects. Applications of the VLs include viewing the results o f the physical experiment, viewing a computer simulation of the physical ex periment simulation of the experiments procedure, computational steering, a nd remote control of the physical experiment In addition. the VL can be use d as a risk-free (safe) environment for training. The implementation of vir tual structures testing machines, virtual wind tunnels, and a virtual acous tic testing facility is described.