In the past, we have developed various training simulators to virtually experience driving vehicles, but in 2018, we received a rare request for virtual reproduction. It was a request to reproduce the wind generated when a vehicle approaches and passes by. The request was for transportation work, but it was for equipment maintenance, and the request was to experience the fear of objects being scattered by the impact wind to ensure safety when a vehicle approaches. The shaking device (see blog 304) that already has a floor that moves up and down to reproduce the sense of balance has already been equipped with a wind pressure reproduction function using high-pressure air. Based on this, we will try to reproduce the impact wind that occurs near the vehicle when it approaches and the negative wind caused by the entrainment that occurs after the vehicle passes.
The unit that reproduces the wind is realized by a proven high-pressure air blow. A large amount of air is required to reproduce the wind for 15 seconds. In order to realize an air blow for more than 15 seconds, the 25-liter air tank is increased to 75 liters. Nozzles are installed in three directions to reproduce wind pressure from all directions. When a vehicle approaches, three types of nozzles are installed in front to reproduce a light breeze, a weak wind, and a strong wind. The impact wind generated when a vehicle approaches is reproduced with three strengths of wind in front. The entrainment and retraction winds that occur after the vehicle passes are created with air installed on the side and rear. The impact wind, entrainment, and retraction winds were reproduced to match the image of a vehicle approaching. The impact wind experience device using the blow-type wind pressure device described above was realized in 2018 and is being operated to protect people’s safety.