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Virtual Reality Nuclear Power Plants Help Train Scientists

by Caleb Johnson on April 27, 2010 at 05:02 PM

According to NPR, scientists are using virtual models of nuclear power plants to better prepare nuclear inspectors and to make real-life plants safer. As part of a project called Virtual Simulation Baseline Experience (VISIBLE), scientists at the Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico work with realistic, projected depictions of power plants. They're created using the same high end animation software used by Pixar or Industrial Light and Magic.

This makes training much cheaper and, believe it or not, realistic. "In virtual reality, we can let people learn about a facility by standing in places that would not be safe or possible to stand," Philip Hypes, part of the VISIBLE team, told NPR. Using video and photos, the team created a digital version of the Idaho National Laboratory reactor for training. Not only is it identical to the real thing, but scientists can "peel away" pipes and other parts to see what's happening inside. Scientists can further navigate these models by making solids transparent, adjust the settings of cameras and detectors within the virtual plant and even safely visualize radiation emissions. In essence, the nuclear power plant becomes their experimental playground.

Soon, the Los Alamos team will share the project with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna. It hopes the IAEA will incorporate the software into its worldwide training program. A great idea, since a mishap in a digital nuclear plant is far less costly than it is in a real one. [From: NPR]

Tags: energy, nuclear, NuclearPower, power, research, safety, top, videogames, VirtualReality, vr

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