Automated integration of extract-based CFD results with AR/VR in engineering education for practitioners

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations can provide meaningful technical content in engineering education, broad engineering and business. However, computationally demanding data production and complex data processing environments of CFD simulations turn them into esoteric tools for potential non-expert users. This consequently limits applications and communications of CFD simulations and results. Augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) technologies are opening new gates for visualization and interaction techniques. Despite the many recent attempts, the literature lacks an inclusive system development procedure for CFD simulations with AR/VR. The present study proposes a component-oriented system architecture to generate dedicated workflows for any kind of AR/VR environment supported by CFD simulations. The study further explores the potential of data processing options throughout the preparation of the simulation dataset with AR/VR. An automated data coupling strategy is additionally introduced to ease multiplatform integration. We provide an integration strategy with simple, easy-to-implement, end-to-end, automated and free-to-use utilities that the practitioners can readily pursue.