I noticed that reference also. I can assure you that my Rabbi is no admirer of von Daniken, and neither am I, given what I have read of his stuff. I shall cheerfully withdraw the point. After having done the research, I have been able to find no corroborating evidence for the claim that students and their professor built a replica of the Ark. That point having been conceded, let us move on.
What was the purpose of the Ark of the Covenant? It was essentially a large box designed to hold the X Commandments, Aaron's rod that budded, and a few other things as as well. It was also a large super-conductor, shittim wood plated inside and out with purest gold. The spirit of God spoke to the Israelites from the Mercy Seat that was between the Cherubim on the cover ofArk. When one of the Priests attempted to touch the Ark to steady it, he was promptly killed by the power of God exerting itself through the Ark.
Why do I think that God all to often, allowed his power to be displayed in destructive ways? I suspect it was because humans of the time would have understood little else. To strike the fear of God into them, that was what was needed. Also, a national god dedicated to the House of Israel was also needed as well. You will find that if you get to the later parts of the "Old Testament" you will notice that the later prophets begin to speak of God as a universal God who speaks to all, answers all prayers, and gives to all men liberally, Jew or Gentile.
Of course, this is speculation. The Ark is not around. We don't know exactly how it worked.But, based on the Biblical text, we can develop a fair amount of information. So, there you are.