FACILITIES
VSimulators
Background
VSimulators at University of Exeter is a newly commissioned, state-of-the-art multidisciplinary platform for human factors research, combining the ability to recreate motion experienced in the real world, with immersive virtual reality for up to nine occupants. This unique facility is part of a joint venture between Universities of Exeter, Bath and Leicester, delivering two VSimulators facilities, one at the University of Bath and the other at the University of Exeter. The project was funded by a £4.8 million grant from the EPSRC (Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council), along with substantial contributions by both Universities.
Location
VSimulators is in the University of Exeter Engineering Research Centre, a newly built facility at Exeter Science Park, which completed construction in February 2020. VSimulators is housed in half the building, which includes the VSimulators chamber, a control room, a workshop, a meeting room/break out room, office space, and toilet facilities/showers on each floor (with full disabled access).
Main Capabilities
A 3.7m x 3.7m octopod motion platform (designed and built by E2M) within an 8m x 8m room. The platform moves on six degrees of freedom: Z-axis (vertical motion); X axis (anterior-posterior); Y axis (medio-lateral), and then a series of movements which involve rotation about Z-axis (yaw), Y-axis (pitch)) and X-axis (roll). It is designed for high fidelity reproduction of small motion signals with limits set at maximum displacement +/- 21 mm and maximum acceleration 2 m/s², the upper limit equating approximately to significant discomfort experienced by humans. This enables simulation of a wide range of scenarios in the frequency range from 0 to 40 Hz. This platform can replicate actual data recorded from real environment situations (examples include vibration in floors, ship sway and train motion). The motion platform is secured onto an isolation block to prevent interference with environmental vibration. Within the motion platform there are nine contiguous AMTI multi-axial force plates offering the ability to capture data and analyse human balance and gait. The force plates were custom built for the VSimulators facility by AMTI, providing 2,000lb (8900N) capacity within each 1197mm x 1197mm force plate surface area.
Real-time full-body motion capture camera system for one or more occupants, using Optitrack body suits and markers.
360 degree view is available Click Here
Information on the VSimulators platform can be found at Click Here
Warwick Footbridge
A lively lightweight Warwick Footbridge (WF) made of FRP is located at the University of Warwick Science Park. The WF bridge is 19.8 m long and 2.35 m wide (2.1 m deck area). It is overhanging on both sides and sits on four steel bearing supports, including a roller at one end, to create a simply supported condition. The span length is 16.8 m. Top and bottom chords are of back-to-back EXTREN®152 × 41 × 6.4 FRP channel sections with vertical and diagonal elements of EXTREN®50.8 × 6.4 FRP box section. Channel sections are used also for the transverse beams support the FRP decking of SafPlank (51 mm deep). Stainless steel bolts, with Nyloc nuts to reduce loosening from vibration actions, are used in all connections. Since sections of only 6.4mm thickness are required, the total weight is very low at 1400 kg, or 71 kg/m.