Particles & Particle Systems - VR experience

OVERVIEW

• VR-headset and desktop experiences, with dynamic multi-scale spatial modeling, real-time energy field visualizer, and turn-key chemical engineering educational integration modules.
• Applications include: 
• Chemical engineering curricula
• Higher education STEM VR experiences

BACKGROUND

Understanding nanoscale physics and colloidal interactions presents significant barriers in chemical engineering education and research. Conventional instruction relies on two-dimensional static diagrams, mathematical abstractions, and simplified computational models. These tools frequently fail to convey complex, three-dimensional, dynamic behaviors—such as electric field assembly, nanoparticle diffusion within constrained cages, percolated particle networks, and anisotropic hedgehog particle interactions. A major technical limitation in current visualization software is also the inability to seamlessly reconcile vast magnitudes of scale. Existing platforms struggle to render spatial relationships, relative sizes, and active force fields simultaneously, particularly when importing heterogeneous data file types. This disparity creates a persistent gap between theoretical transport equations and intuitive spatial comprehension. Consequently, students and trainees struggle to conceptualize how micro- and nanoscale thermodynamic forces dictate macroscale material properties, driving the need for an adaptable, scale-independent, immersive visualization platform.

INNOVATION

This technology integrates a specialized extended-reality (XR) framework, built on Jugular - a proprietary XR interaction system from the University of Michigan, with custom mathematical visualization modules. The system automatically normalizes dimensions and forces for real-time XR environments. Users can manipulate, arrange, and observe colloidal particles across disparate orders of magnitude without spatial distortion. Specialized interaction modules render interparticle energy landscapes, electric field assemblies, nanostructure formations, and particle diffusion dynamics across confined geometry cages and percolated networks. 

Functionally, this system shifts chemical engineering instruction from passive mathematical interpretation to active, spatial manipulation of molecular-level phenomena. Accompanying structured course materials, laboratory assignments, and guided modules provide a turnkey deployment model for academic institutions. By standardizing multi-device XR input, the software enables reproducible multi-user instruction, bridging numerical computational fluid dynamics with tactile, three-dimensional physical intuition.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

LICENSING INFORMATION

Academic Research Education use License: This license is for academic research and education users only. Use of this license requires authorization. Please complete the authorization request form that appears after selecting the "Order Now" button. Requests must be made from a valid academic domain email address (.edu or equivalent) and must include a description of the nature of your study and research objective or educational use in the notes section of the form. Failure to provide this information will result in the denial of your request.