2026 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Implementation of Virtual Labs on Fundamental Mechanical Vibrations Course

Presented at Mechanical Engineering (MECH) Session 9: Fluid Mechanics, Controls, and Vibrations

Implementation of Virtual Labs on Fundamental Mechanical Vibrations Course
Abstract —
Understanding fundamental concepts in Mechanical Vibrations poses challenges for many undergraduate engineering students due to the high mathematical rigor, which often makes it difficult for them to connect the theory with the underlying physical phenomena. Virtual labs offer a promising alternative to bridge this gap between theory and practice by providing interactive, accessible, and low-cost experimental environments.
This study focuses on the classroom implementation and usability evaluation of the Virtual Mechanical Vibrations Labs (VMVLabs)—a suite of interactive simulations designed to complement traditional lectures by visualizing and experimenting with one-degree-of-freedom (1-DoF) vibration systems.
VMVLabs were integrated into a 65-student undergraduate Mechanical Vibrations course to enhance understanding of free, harmonically forced, and step-force responses. Students interacted with the virtual experiments to explore parameters such as stiffness, damping, and excitation frequency, linking theoretical models with simulated system behavior. To evaluate usability and student perceptions, the System Usability Scale (SUS) survey was administered at the end of the course, complemented by qualitative feedback on learning engagement and conceptual understanding.
Reports, exam grades, and survey results were used to evaluate the benefits of incorporating virtual labs into the course. Preliminary results indicate high levels of user satisfaction and engagement, with SUS scores reflecting strong usability and positive student attitudes toward the learning experience. Students reported improved conceptual understanding of damping effects, resonance, and transient versus steady-state responses. Observed learning outcomes suggest that the virtual labs effectively support visualization and self-paced exploration of complex vibrational phenomena.
The implementation of VMVLabs demonstrates that interactive virtual environments can significantly enhance students’ comprehension of fundamental vibration concepts while maintaining accessibility and reducing logistical constraints associated with physical labs. Future work will extend usability evaluations across different course formats and assess long-term learning gains through concept inventories and performance assessments.

Authors

Dr. Carmen Maria Muller-Karger http://orcid.org/0000-0002-8458-5602 Florida International University [biography]

Associate Teaching Professor and Associate Chair at the Mechanical Engineering Department at Florida International University. Full professor at Simon Bolivar University, Venezuela from 2002 to 2016. With a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, a M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering in the area of Rotodynamics from the University of Virginia, and a Ph.D. in Engineering Science in the area of Biomechanics from the Central University of Venezuela. Main interest in Simulation in Mechanical Engineering, Biomechanics, Motion Analysis, Finite Element Analysis, Mechanical Medical Devices Design, Mechanical Vibrations. Highly interested in Higher Education Curriculum Design, Academic Leadership, and teaching and classroom innovation. Courses taught: Intro to Engineering, Statics, Dynamics, Mechanics of Materials, Mechanical Vibrations, Intro to CAD (SolidWorks), Senior Design Project, Numerical Methods, Intro to Biomechanics.
Christopher Joa Chi Lang The University of Texas at San Antonio [biography]

Christopher Joa Chi Lang graduated from Florida International University with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the FIU College of Engineering and Computing. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering at The University of Texas at San Antonio. His academic interests are centered on advanced engineering analysis, computational modeling, and the development of research methods that support innovation in mechanical engineering.
Dr. Luis Ulises Medina Uzcategui http://orcid.org/https://my-orcid?orcid=0000-0001-9681-0590 Universidad Austral de Chile [biography]

Dr. Medina, a Doctor in Engineering holder, currently serves as an academic at the University of Austral de Chile (UACh), specializing in instrumentation, measurement, and mechanical systems dynamics. He is also the coordinator of the Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Technology Transfer office at UACh. Previously, he held various academic-administrative roles at the Universidad Simón Bolívar (USB) in Venezuela, earning recognition for teaching excellence. With over 10 years of experience as the academic supervisor of the ASME-USB student group, affiliated with the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, he spent a sabbatical year as a Visiting Fellow at the University of New South Wales, Australia. Dr. Medina's applied research focuses on mechanical systems identification, vibration control, and metrology. His expertise extends to providing technical consultancy in vibration analysis for machinery and calibration of industrial transducers used in oil extraction. He has also facilitated professional development courses in mechanical vibration analysis, metrology, and quality control for industrial processes.

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