The Journal of Engine Research

The Journal of Engine Research

Developing a virtual reality simulator for skill enhancement; case study: the assembly process of the EF7 national engine's timing belt

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Morteza Amjadi 1
Seyed Ashkan Moosavian 2
Hossein Rahimi Asiabaraki 3
1 Irankhodro Powertrain Company (IPCo), Tehran, Iran
2 Department of Agriculture Engineering, Technical and Vocational University (TVU), Tehran, Iran
3 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Technical and Vocational University (TVU), Tehran, Iran
10.22034/er.2025.2069278.1101
Abstract
Using novel educational technologies such as virtual reality increases the quality of skill-training for students, employees, and newly hired technicians in various industries, especially the automotive industry. Accordingly, this article simulates the process of assembling an internal combustion engine's timing belt in a virtual reality environment. For this purpose, a virtual environment was simulated using the Unity 3D graphics engine, and 3D models of engine parts were placed in it. An environment similar to an assembly station was modeled in 3D Max software and adapted for the graphics engine. Furthermore, using a virtual reality headset, a computer controller, and a mobile phone, the assembly process's performance was initially tested and evaluated in the virtual reality environment. Scenarios including walking in the environment, picking up objects, moving, rotating, and adjusting the timing belt and installing it on the engine stand were correctly performed in the simulation environment using controllers, and finally, a specific application for the Android platform was created. Although this project is a prototype of virtual reality development, it ultimately provided the user with a sense of immersion in the virtual environment and interaction with objects in the scene. According to the results, this method can be developed in the future by using advanced virtual reality headsets to improve performance in the simulation environment and provide a higher level of skill for learners in educational centers, students, and newly hired technicians in manufacturing plants for performing engine parts assembly processes.
Keywords
Internal Combustion Engine
Timing Belt
Virtual Reality Technology
Unity Software
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  • Receive Date 22 August 2025
  • Revise Date 21 September 2025
  • Accept Date 08 November 2025