Visualization of the Stress-Strain State of Shell Structures Using Virtual and Augmented Reality Technologies

Abstract

The paper describes a mathematical model of changes in the geometry of thin-shell structures for visualization of the analysis data on their stress-strain state (SSS). Based on this mathematical model, a visualization module for shell SSS visualization using VR and AR technologies was developed. The interactive visualization environment Unity 2019.3 and C# programming language were used. The interactive visualization module makes a 3D image of a shell structure and visualizes the SSS either through heat maps over the shell or through the changes in the shell geometry on the basis of the shell type, its geometric characteristics, and SSS analysis data (transferred to the visualization module by means of a JSON file). While working on the visualization module, the authors developed a system of components that makes it possible to visualize any 3D surface with coordinate axes (including numbers with a pitch determined automatically), visualize heat maps with a graduated scale, visualize a mesh over the graph to improve the perception of the surface deformations. The middle surface can also be deformed on the basis of SSS analysis data. This solution increases the efficiency of the work of specialists in civil engineering and architecture and can be used when training specialists in courses on thin-shell structures and procedural geometry.