3D Tool for Physical Phenomenon Visualization in F-35 Maintainer Training Navy SBIR FY2005.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2005.1 Topic No.: N05-019 Topic Title: 3D Tool for Physical Phenomenon Visualization in F-35 Maintainer Training Proposal No.: N051-019-1014 Firm: Planet LLC 1212 Fourier Drive Madison, Wisconsin 53717-1961 Contact: Abe Megahed Phone: (608) 827-5555 Web Site: www.planet-llc.com Abstract: Aircraft inspection and maintenance is dependent on seamless integration of human and machine components, but the underlying reasons for certain maintenance tasks can be difficult to translate in training terms. Planet LLC, along with its instructional systems design partner American Systems Corporation, proposes to create a tool to tackle physical force and natural phenomenon effects. This Phase I will result in a set of instructional training templates built to interface with existing and commonly used three-dimensional software built to reuse existing CAD data and models. The primary objective will be to add two modifiers for kinematics (the motion of a body or a system of bodies without consideration given to its mass or the forces acting on it) and dynamics (soft-body and rigid-body dynamics, free-form deformations, cloth, fluid dynamics, and other simulations taking into account natural forces such as wind, gravity, and density). The templates will show an instructional systems designer how to add these modifiers to 3D models or simulations, how to export the material out of a standard simulation program, and how to take the resulting platform-independent low-file size objects into web-based or standalone courseware, PowerPoint, electronic performance support systems, or displays within the aircraft system. Benefits: The Phase I will result in a new software "plug-in" template designed for courseware developers for use with existing standard 3D modeling and simulation software. Since the fundamental basis for the tool is built from a current commercial product, the proposed design tool would be ready for immediate product release in early stages of the Phase II. The new plug-in would be of immediate benefit to instructional systems designers that wish to show the effects of physical forces and phenomenon in maintenance training in the military, aerospace, heavy equipment or automotive industries. It is also of great use to developers of science and educational courseware that must demonstrate complex theories and physics concepts in a web-based medium. Finally, the capability for handling kinematics and dynamics modifiers in web-based applications will also find a niche in the 3D graphic design, entertainment, and arts community, where little or no capability of this kind is currently available. Return