Effects of an Earthquake with Aftershocks on Human Performance:

Using VR Nuclear Power Plant Simulator

Abstract

This study experimentally investigated effects of an earthquake with aftershocks on human performance using a virtual reality nuclear power plant simulator and a chair-type seismic motion simulator to simulate operations in a main control room of a nuclear power plant when an earthquake occurs. Seven participants with knowledge of nuclear power plants performed accident response operations in the following two conditions: “with earthquake” and “without earthquake”. In the condition with earthquake, one main shock and two aftershocks occurred during the operations. In order to confirm whether the simulated earthquake causes stress, the heart rate and electrodermal activities during the operations were measured, and the psychological state during the operations was assessed using a questionnaire. The results showed that the earthquake caused physiological and psychological stress to the participants. Besides, more errors occurred in the condition with earthquake, especially after a large aftershock.