Minimum Requirements

It is a requirement for students to use 3D software when designing elements of their watercraft models or accommodation space. There is a range of free CAD software currently available to schools. REA is offering free access to Dassault Systems 3D Experience software which includes apps for 3D Design, Computational Analysis, Project Management, Document management and collaboration.

To access 3D Experience, schools must first register on the REA website and then with Dassault Systemes.

We encourage schools to use 3D Experience software, the same software used by BOEING, Toyota, Tesla and the Australian Future Submarine project. It will facilitate students developing skills in these areas which can translate directly into careers in industry, facilitating Life-Long STEM Learning. Schools who already have experience with CAD software will find the transition quite easy.

https://www.academy.3ds.com/en/challenge...

An alternative for Schools who participate in Level 3 - Spatial Design, is to use Sketch-up which is also available free to schools. Sketch-Up is available for download from the following schools’ web page. This website also provides curriculum materials and tutorials specifically designed for students and the classroom. Students will be able to download a version of Sketch-Up for use at home to help develop their skills.

https://www.sketchup.com/education/sketc...

The competition requires students to design some components of their ROV or submarine and then create a model using a 3D Printer. REA can supply a range of MakerBot 3D Printers which are ideal for SUBS in Schools. If schools are going to invest in a 3D-printer, our recommendation would be to invest in a robust 3D printer rather than a cheaper printer which can sometimes be challenging to manage and maintain and will produce inferior outcomes.

Schools without their own 3D Printer are still able to produce their components by outsourcing their manufacture. In most cases, schools can source 3D printing at reasonable or no cost via relationships with other local schools, TAFEs, universities and industries.

Some possible alternatives to 3D printing include CNC machining, vacuum forming and using carbon fibre.

Equipment Purchase - www.store.rea.org.au

REA provides access to Denford CNC equipment, MakerBot 3D Printers, Roland Lasers as well as a range of other STEM project products. REA supplied technologies are all suitable for use in school environments.

Virtual Reality is a key component of Level 3 - Spatial Design. If schools would like to implement their own Virtual Reality (VR) environments. REA can facilitate the equipment specification and access to software which would allow the school to undertake VR within the school.

The software system which is recommended for the students to use during the competition is IrisVR software available from the following website.

https://irisvr.com/

The key advantages are:

• This is commercial software so it works very well

• Importing Sketch-Up models into the VR environment is incredibly simple and you do not need to know anything about VR programming.

• There are loads of real life demonstration resources available to inspire the students.

• The software can be run on a computer without a head set.

It is not a requirement of this challenge that students understand complexities behind the design of VR technology, only its use.

The following link is to a page that list all of the different VR equipment platforms that are compatible with the Iris-VR software.

https://irisvr.com/supported-headsets/

At REA we use the HTC VIVE Pro.

Schools do not need to purchase multiple units and one unit will likely be enough for student use. The software is able to display what is happening inside the head set on a computer screen or projector so others can watch. Students should not spend more than 5 – 10 minutes max in the VR environment at an one time. Given that the design process takes place in the 3D software, much of the students time will be spent on the design process.

Each head set provider will have their own requirements. Below are the minimum system requirements for the HTC Vive.

The key element is the Graphics card. The analogy of “The bigger the better” is appropriate when it comes to graphics cards. Again you will only need one PC with this specification

• GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 970, AMD Radeon R9 290 equivalent or better

• CPU: Intel i5-4590, AMD FX 8350 equivalent or better

• RAM: 4 GB or more

• Video Output: HDMI 1.4, DisplayPort 1.2 or newer

• USB Port: 1x USB 2.0 or better port

• Operating System: Windows 10