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Significant Projects

Israa has been working on cutting-edge research projects in extended reality (XR) during her Ph.D. appointment at Purdue University. She designs, simulates, and controls hydraulic and mechanical systems by seamlessly integrating control system analysis and design into XR development. Her contributions extend to the development and implementation of interactive Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR) modules and platforms, which have proven highly effective in educational and training contexts.

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01

Virtual Consruction Lab

In this project, Israa developed and implemented an interactive virtual reality (VR) module focusing on hydraulically actuated grippers. The module's primary objective is to familiarize first-year Fluid Power students with the design and functioning of light-duty and heavy-duty grippers within a virtual construction-like environment. Throughout this module, students can visualize the internal structure of various gripper designs, engage in the assembly and disassembly, and conduct tests on their mechanisms in a virtual construction lab. The objective is to provide students with a tangible, hands-on experience by immersing them in computer-simulated environments, enhancing their understanding beyond conventional screen-based media. In addition to visualization, manipulation, and interaction capabilities, the developed VR system offers supplementary features such as presenting technical information, guiding students through the assembly process, and incorporating specialized options. Consequently, this interactive VR module stands as a versatile and adaptable platform, capable of easy adjustments to accommodate future enhancements, thereby addressing evolving educational opportunities.

02

Mixed-Reality Platform to Assist in the Design of a Human-Powered Hydrostatic Vehicle

In this project, Israa designed, developed, and implemented a Mixed Reality (MR) platform that aims to optimize and inspect the mechanical design of a hydrostatic bicycle before transitioning into the manufacturing stage. This project was done in collaboration with the Fluid Power Club at SOET at Purdue University, with the ultimate goal of participating in the 2021-2022 National Fluid Power Association (NFPA) Vehicle Challenge.

The hydrostatic bicycle, an application on light-duty hydraulic-hybrid transmissions, is a human-powered hydraulic bike that uses pressurized fluid, typically oil, to generate power at the wheels. This innovation signifies a paradigm shift in bicycle transmission, presenting numerous advantages over conventional counterparts. However, the intricacies of the mechanical design, hydraulic circuit, and the absence of readily available off-the-shelf components suitable for the required power scale present significant challenges in developing an energy-efficient hydraulic bike.

In light of these challenges, Israa proposed leveraging MR technology as a practical design tool for assessing and validating the viability of the hydraulic bike design prior to the manufacturing phase. MR, an advanced digitized technology, seamlessly integrates a virtual environment with the real world, utilizing sensor data and computer models. Positioned as the future interface between humans and machines in a real-virtual environment, MR facilitates simulations that explore the intricacies of highly coupled systems, creating dynamic digital environments where physical and digital elements interact in real-time.

The developed MR platform, developed as part of this project, empowered the fluid power team to visualize the internal structure of the bike, conduct virtual assemblies, and test the design's feasibility before committing to manufacturing. Serving as a powerful design tool, it played a pivotal role in aiding the Fluid Power team's technical decision-making during the conceptual design phase, resulting in significant cost and time savings.

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03

Mixed Reality Application on Hydraulic Excavators for Training Fluid Power Learners

In this project, Israa developed a mixed reality (MR) training application with the goal of establishing a virtual training setting that replicates the experiences of fluid power learners. This facilitates users in obtaining immediate feedback regarding the system's performance. As a proof-of-concept, Israa designed and executed an interactive module centered on hydraulic excavators within an MR environment.

The MR module featured a user interface seamlessly integrated into the MR environment, offering many capabilities. Users could generate virtual assemblies and actively visualize and interact with the system. Thus, the resultant MR module not only permitted the visualization of the internal structure of the excavator but also facilitated virtual assembly and the execution of simulated scenarios. These functionalities collectively contributed to the training of prospective fluid power operators.

04

Virtual Reality for Transforming Industrial Training

In this project, Israa developed an interactive Virtual Reality (VR) module on automotive to offer immersive and engaging experiences for training campaigns in the automotive sector.  Throughout this module, Israa showcases a complete mechanical suspension system, presenting opportunities for enhancing training initiatives in the automotive sector and even in basic technical maintenance centers. This comprehensive module incorporates realistic 3D models, animations, and interactive simulations, facilitating hands-on training and practical exposure. Users benefit from audio and visual feedback that guides them through each step of a given process or procedure. The integration of VR as a training tool in both industrial settings and instructional campaigns holds the potential to redefine the learning experience and preparation for various scenarios.

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Contact
Information

School of Engineering Technology

Purdue University 

420 Central Dr
West Lafayette, IN 47906

U.S.A

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©2035 by Israa Azzam

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