Immersive learning in fluid dynamics via an online community-based augmented reality platform

We present the development of an online community-based augmented reality (AR) platform for immersive learning. The platform leverages free-to-use and open-source software to transform complex engineering data from computer-aided design models and computational fluid dynamics simulations into educational AR content, which students can interact with via a dedicated mobile app (VisionARi). We demonstrate the effectiveness of immersive learning through an AR-based wind tunnel laboratory featuring a digital twin of the Small Wind Tunnel at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. Students can choose among three interactive modules to (i) understand the technical anatomy of the wind tunnel, (ii) experience laboratory procedures, and (iii) visualize the flow field and pressure distribution around various objects. Beta-testing of the platform with undergraduate engineering students showed promising results in terms of both usability and learning effectiveness. Our findings suggest that a simple platform like VisionARi that unifies the process of creating, sharing and consuming immersive content could lead to improved learning outcomes for students.