Virtual Nuclear Power-plant
Realtime accurate radiation simulation implemented in VR. Realistic training in radio-active environments.
The Problem
Maintenance operations in radioactive environments require precise planning, from determining safe working positions and exposure times to placing radiation shields effectively. Technicians need immediate, accurate radiation feedback to minimize exposure. However, existing radiation simulators were unable to provide real-time, high-fidelity results fast enough to support dynamic, hands-on training
The Solution
I developed a fully autonomous VR radiation simulator capable of replicating real radioactive environments with scientific accuracy. Within the virtual space, users can freely navigate and perform maintenance tasks while the system calculates radiation exposure in real time based on their movement, distance, and shielding choices. The result is a realistic, interactive training platform that enhances both safety and operational efficiency.
Technical Challenges
The main challenge was performing computationally demanding radiation calculations without compromising the performance required for smooth VR experiences. To overcome this, I designed an adaptive radiation simulation system built entirely in Unity, eliminating external dependencies. By integrating the NVIDIA OptiX™ ray-tracing engine, the simulator achieved physically accurate radiation modeling at interactive frame rates, all running on local hardware. This approach was validated for use in real-world operator training environments.
Outcome
This project produced a scientifically accurate VR radiation simulator, later adopted and further developed internally by Westinghouse for nuclear operator training and safety planning, demonstrating how immersive technology can bridge the gap between simulation and practical field preparation.
