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3 Best way to assess physical effects

Claudia: In terms of the physical effects, to what extent do you want the experience to be
physical? The degree to which it moves can be varied quite considerably.
Kevin: Well, I mean, we want it to be physical, that's why we're having a dynamic simulator. But
we obviously don't want it to be so extreme that people are closing their eyes and not watching
the amazing graphics we've got.
Claudia: Sure. I mean, it's obviously difficult to quantify something like this, in theory, sitting in
a meeting room. The only way to determine what’s right is to actually sit in a simulator and
experience it yourself, in practice.
Dave: Of course.
Claudia: So what I’d suggest is, after the meeting we can strap you into one of our machines,
and you can assess the possibilities.
Kevin: Sounds interesting!

b 6.2 Listen again and explain what is meant by the words and phrases in bold.
1 ... to what extent do you want the experience to be physical?
2 The degree to which it moves can be varied ...
3 ... it’s obviously difficult to quantify something like this ...
4 The only way to determine what’s right is to actually sit in a simulator...
5 ... you can assess the possibilities.

c Following the meeting, Claudia writes an email to update Rod, an engineering colleague.
Read the extract and choose a word or phrase from Exercise 3b that means the same as the
words in bold. Sometimes more than one answer is possible.
To: Rod Nelson
Subject: Mars Lander
In order to (1) find out about the simulator’s dynamic capabilities, we looked at the types of
effect the simulator should produce, and (2) the amount these physical effects should be felt by
passengers. Specifically, the following issues were discussed:
- (3) How severely should the module generate vibration, to simulate engine thrust?
- How much buffeting should be simulated? That is, (4) how severely the module generates
jolting, due to supposed atmospheric turbulence.
- (5) How much will passengers be exposed to constant linear G-force, to simulate
deceleration?
In order to (6) work out the magnitude of the above parameters, it was decided that the
prototype will be equipped with variable controls. This will enable the client to (7)
evaluate different levels of severity through trials inside the simulator.

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4 You are consulting engineers preparing to work with a space agency to design an
unmanned landing module. The module, which will carry scientific equipment, is intended
to detach from a space ship orbiting Mars and land on the planet. At this stage, this is all
you know about the project. In pairs, prepare a list of the main questions you will need to

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