This paper details the development of an immersive simulation tool that can be used to provide enhanced 3D visualization of monitoring and computational modeling datasets of dust and ventilation flow in an interactive, virtual environment, and clearly demonstrate the exposure impact of certain working condition changes and dust mitigation practices in gateroad development panels. To achieve this aim, onsite dust monitoring with AM520i and PDM3700 dust monitors and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling were conducted to gain an improved understanding of dust and airflow characteristics around the continuous miner (CM) and evaluate different practices for dust controls. An algorithm was then developed to process large amounts of datasets exported from CFD into a form that can be visualized in a virtual reality (VR) environment using standalone VR headsets. A VR-CFD-based training tool in the form of VR headsets has been developed and used as an educational platform to create an effective communication of WH&S awareness of dust exposure in the workplace for CM operators and provide industry workforce (CM operators and development crews) training that enhances knowledge learning and operational practices for dust exposure reduction. |
