A Unity3D‐based interactive three‐dimensional virtual practice platform for chemical engineering

Abstract This paper introduces an interactive Unity3D‐based three‐dimensional virtual practice platform for chemical‐engineering, which is intended to assist the chemical engineering students in their production practice. The real chemical plant sections are recreated in the virtual environment of the system. The system provides users with two kinds of walkthrough modes, demonstration of the structure and operation principle of some main equipment as well as the operating functions of setting up some major pumps and valves so as to strengthen the students’ understanding of the chemical process and train their operative ability. In addition, its virtual treatment of emergency can help to enhance the safety production awareness of the students and cultivate their ability to respond to unexpected emergency. The students’ feedback to our survey indicates that, despite some suggestions for further improvement, the virtual platform has more advantages and characteristics compared with traditional practice mode, and is effective in helping them understand the chemical process and equipment. What is more, some improvement has been made to perfect the system with students’ suggestions fully taken into consideration.