Use of Simulation to Improve the Effectiveness of Army Welding Training.

摘要

The use of simulation has the potential to provide safe, efficient and cost-effective welding training for the Australian Army and other training organisations. This report describes the outcomes of a DSTO study conducted to characterise key issues related to the use, design, and effectiveness of welding simulation. The study used a multi-method approach, including a literature review, discussions with staff and students at an Army trade training establishment, and a detailed analysis of the welding process. Results suggest that welding simulators can potentially provide effective training and save time and resources, when used in conjunction with traditional training. However, these findings appear to be restricted to novice welders due to limitations in how welding simulators assess performance and provide feedback. In addition, current calculations of the overall cost-effectiveness of welding simulation do not take into account factors such as staffing, infrastructure, and maintenance. The report discusses the implications of these findings for training and identifies areas for future research in this area.