Application of virtual laboratory in the teaching of basic course of mechanical design

The construction and properties of mechanical design virtual laboratory and its application in the teaching of basic course of mechanical design have been discussed. In the virtual laboratory,three- dimensional and two- dimensional virtual experimental environment had been developed and eleven virtual experiments could be executed. The virtual laboratory had the function of assisting the teaching of the course,carrying out experiments and 3D simulation. Application practice showed that the virtual laboratory could enhance the experimental content of the course and extend the experimental time and practice space for the students. It had important effects for students on confirming the knowledge of the course and training the capability of engineering practice and innovation. It also had important effects on improving the quality of the experimental teaching.