Application of virtual reality technology in nuclear device design and research

Abstract

Abstract The design, fabrication, assembly, operation, and decommissioning of nuclear devices are very complex processes, and virtual reality (VR) technology can be used at all stages to save time and reduce costs. This study introduces VR technology and its characteristics in detail. The China Fusion Engineering Test Reactor (CFETR) is in its engineering design phase and considerable analysis still needs to be conducted to ensure that it is safe. This includes investigating plasma geometry, stability, the scrape-off layer, and the discharge process and conducting an engineering analysis of its electromagnetic, thermodynamic, and structural characteristics. At the same time, many software applications are used, which generate a large amount of data; therefore, a system capable of managing such large quantities of data is required. VR technology certainly meets this requirement. In this paper, the design and development of a VR technology in a nuclear fission device is described, including the display interface of the melting pit and containment parameters, virtual roaming of the nuclear plant, and the operational flow of the main loop of the nuclear power plant, all in three dimensions. The CFETR VR platform setup is investigated (in terms of both hardware and software), and the future development of this platform is discussed.