Immersive Scientific Visualization of Molten-Salt Reactor Waste Characteristics Using Virtual Reality

Yang, Xingyue [Idaho National Laboratory] (ORCID:0000000248127436); Otis, Krystiane Sue [Idaho National Laboratory]; Khadka, Rajiv [Idaho National Laboratory] (ORCID:0000000322518751); Gonzaga de Oliveira, Rodrigo Gonzalez [Idaho National Laboratory]; Tano Retamales, Mauricio Eduardo [Idaho National Laboratory] (ORCID:0000000334173869); Bajpai, Parikshit [Idaho National Laboratory] (ORCID:000000015778449X)

DOE OSTI · 3378723

Immersive Scientific Visualization of Molten-Salt Reactor Waste Characteristics Using Virtual Reality

Yang, Xingyue [Idaho National Laboratory] (ORCID:0000000248127436)·Otis, Krystiane Sue [Idaho National Laboratory]·Khadka, Rajiv [Idaho National Laboratory] (ORCID:0000000322518751)·Gonzaga de Oliveira, Rodrigo Gonzalez [Idaho National Laboratory]·Tano Retamales, Mauricio Eduardo [Idaho National Laboratory] (ORCID:0000000334173869)·Bajpai, Parikshit [Idaho National Laboratory] (ORCID:000000015778449X)

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Abstract

Immersive visualization is changing how we explore, communicate, and understand complex scientific systems. In nuclear energy, an area in which data are often multidimensional, time-dependent, and difficult to interpret, virtual reality (VR) represents a powerful and intuitive informational medium. This work introduces a VR-based platform that visualizes the post-shutdown behavior and waste management lifecycle of molten-salt reactors (MSRs), a next-generation reactor type with unique operational and safety characteristics. The platform, built in Unity, is streamed on the Meta Quest 3 headset. It transforms high-fidelity simulation data into an interactive, immersive experience. Users can explore time-dependent reactor characteristics such as nuclide decay, which is a key factor for evaluating reactor waste strategies. The datasets were generated using the MOOSE (Multiphysics Object-Oriented Simulation Environment) framework and then processed through ParaView scripting for smooth integration into Unity. From a visualization standpoint, the platform emphasizes spatial storytelling, temporal exploration, and user-centered interaction. Users can navigate 3D reactor geometries, slice through volumetric data, and manipulate time to observe how physical phenomena evolve. Real-scale rendering and embodied interaction make the experience feel tangible. The interface is designed to be accessible, even to those without nuclear or simulation expertise. This lowers the barrier for stakeholders, policymakers, and the general public, while still supporting expert analysis and collaborative decision-making. This work shows how immersive visualization can function as both a scientific tool and a communication interface. By integrating simulation, processing, and visualization into a cohesive workflow, we offer a scalable framework for immersive scientific storytelling. The modular design supports future extensions to other reactor types and lifecycle stages, from shutdown to long-term storage, making the platform adaptable for both research and outreach.

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Yang, Xingyue [Idaho National Laboratory] (ORCID:0000000248127436), Otis, Krystiane Sue [Idaho National Laboratory], Khadka, Rajiv [Idaho National Laboratory] (ORCID:0000000322518751), Gonzaga de Oliveira, Rodrigo Gonzalez [Idaho National Laboratory], Tano Retamales, Mauricio Eduardo [Idaho National Laboratory] (ORCID:0000000334173869), Bajpai, Parikshit [Idaho National Laboratory] (ORCID:000000015778449X). 2025-11-04. Immersive Scientific Visualization of Molten-Salt Reactor Waste Characteristics Using Virtual Reality. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/3378723

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