Earthquake Simulator

The Silesian Planetarium in Chorzow commissioned Poland’s first full-motion earthquake simulator, built on the bespoke PS-6TL-LP2000 6DOF platform in cooperation with Atomic Systems and Motion Systems.

The expansion and modernization of Silesian Planetarium in Chorzow is underway. The latest project is enriched by a new building with an area of over 2.5 thousand square meters. Additional lecture rooms, laboratories, conference rooms and unique educational exposition presenting three different branches of science: seismology, meteorology and astronomy.

Full motion simulator for earthquakes and ground motion

One of the attractions of the seismology section is the first in Poland full motion earthquake simulator. The motion platform, with a specially prepared room weighing 4 tonnes mounted on top, simulates the ground motion of real earthquakes at varying degrees of intensity.

An earthquake simulation feeds real or recorded vibration into a platform so it moves the way the ground moves during a real quake. Earthquake simulations are generally performed by researchers to study the effects of earthquakes on man-made engineered structures, or on natural features which may present a hazard during an earthquake. In this case the simulator acts as a training and educational tool for students visiting the Silesian Planetarium.

Simulation of large earthquakes

The earthquake simulator provides simultaneous, self-regulating programmable motion in the horizontal and vertical directions and reproduces earthquakes of programmable intensity, from mild tremors to strong shaking.

This experience is the real feel of being shaken, as during an earthquake. The earthquake simulator comes equipped with furniture as in a real house for 10 people and a TV screen which enables one to watch a projection of earthquake parameters during the simulation.

Real earthquakes and shaking hazard

The earthquake simulation is not only intended to increase the public’s awareness of Earth shakes, but also to demonstrate individual safety behavior and practice in case of earthquake. The platform can shake a wide range of objects in up to six degrees of freedom, showing how each one behaves under conditions close to a real earthquake. The goal is to give people who may have never experienced a strong earthquake the chance to do so, in order to realize they need to be prepared.

Earthquake simulator parameters

The project and construction of the earthquake simulator was commissioned by Silesian Planetarium with support of general contractor Wikoma company in cooperation with Atomic Systems and Motion Systems.

The electrically driven earthquake simulator is based on the bespoke 6DOF PS-6TL-LP2000, with the purpose-built room mounted on its top frame. The platform’s cabin (room) is furnished with tables, chairs and other movable objects, which are shaking, when the system is moving.

Using real recorded seismic signals, visitors safely experience the phenomenon of an earthquake. The PS-6TL-LP2000 faithfully reproduces real earthquakes: acceleration, frequency and amplitude of vibrations.