Mechanical and Materials Engineering
Sankar Jayaram
Research in Virtual Reality and Distributed Environments for Engineering and Training
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Dr. Sankar Jayaram and Dr. Uma Jayaram have developed a virtual reality-based engineering application that creates a virtual assembly design environment used by companies in assembly simulations. This application is designed for mid-size to large-scale mechanical systems and their components, such as those found in automotive, aerospace, and machine tool equipment areas.
The Jayarams are working to monitor, evaluate, and in specific instances, drive the development of new commercial virtual assembly tools (hardware and software). They have successfully performed several pilot studies with industry-provided models using these advanced technologies and tools in process definition and improvement. From this research, they have established the Virtual Assembly Technology Consortium, which brings together industry, government agencies, and universities to address research, technology development and deployment, and standards issues related to virtual reality, digital prototyping, modeling, simulation, and visualization techniques.
The VRCIM Laboratory has recently started adapting its capabilities and expertise to train personnel in fields ranging from the electrical utility service sector to homeland security. A recent donation of hardware and software from a visualization solution provider has helped to establish Center for First Responders’ Simulation and Training (FIRST). There is currently a vital national need to improve the effectiveness of training technologies, especially in the area of national incident management. Investigation into the creation of a mixed-technology training ensemble, coined MTTE, is under way. The training ensemble will be composed of computer-based training, immersive training, and live training. Unlike most other simulations that focus on one of the three components, this ensemble will treat all three key components together in a uniquely cohesive manner. In the context of deployment it is envisioned that the trainee will access the training in one of four different ways: Web pages on desktop computers, hand-held devices on the field, immersive technology with computation power provided by central servers, and mobile immersive technology. The training ensemble will support training related to key categories of training exercises for homeland security and the service industry.
The VRCIM Laboratory also houses an engineer’s “Office of the Future” facility; a futuristic office that utilizes state-of-the-art hardware and software to provide 3-D capabilities to students in the classroom.
Contact
Information
Sankar Jayaram, Ph.D.
Professor
School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering
Washington
State University
PO Box 642920
Pullman, WA 99164-2920
Telephone:
509-335-3145
Fax: 509-335-4662
E-mail: sjayaram@wsu.edu
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