Three-dimensional, virtual, game-like environments for education and training
Joel Dixon, Stefano Markidis, Cheng Luo, Jared Reynolds · Transactions of the American Nuclear Society · 2007
Training emergency response personnel to handle a hazardous radiation spill is a challenging task. Conducting repeated training sessions in dangerous or restricted areas in and around research reactors or NPP sites is not a realistic option. Computer games provide an alternative training mode [1]. Recent developments in 3D, virtual environments can be inexpensively and effectively utilized to train in a virtual environment, to communicate the dangers, and train on procedures to be used when dealing with a radiation emergency. While currently adequate, education and training to enhance safety and security at NPP sites can also be much more effectively and efficiently carried out using 3D, virtual animation technology [1-6]. Such models have also been used to train the decommissioning personnel. Different options are available to quickly and efficiently develop the desired 3D models. One of them is the Unreal Engine—a platform in which 3D, game-like environments can be developed quickly and easily with sophisticated details and interactivity. We here report the development of a fairly realistic model of the University of Illinois TRIGA reactor, which is now destined for decommissioning, using the Unreal Engine. The model can be used to train first responders, decommissioning personnel, and even to effectively communicate reactor safety and security issues to students and nuclear personnel.