Self learning using web 3D prototypes

The goal of this paper is to develop and evaluate modules of design engineering through Internet where the use of 3D and interactive graphics are the most innovative aspect and attractiveness. This paper presents a development consisting of course for teaching mechanical design and the development of a virtual reality application based on internet used to move, view and manipulate mechanisms. These mechanisms can be assembled or disassembled and checked if work properly. An application based on virtual reality techniques has been developed allowing the construction of geometric models of the assemblies. These models have been implemented in virtual reality software aimed at the computer simulation of those assemblies. With the developed software, two actions can be implemented: the possibility to put together and dismantle the assembly, and being able to operate the assembly according to its natural movements, which means studying how it works, so that the students will be able to understand the geometric characteristics of the assembly and to view it on a drawing. Finally, evaluation of the training developed tools is presented.