A Virtual Model of a Reactor Facility

A digital model of the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) located at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has been created. The model, which utilizes state-of-the-art immersive digital imaging, can allow a user to navigate virtually through permitted parts of the facility from any user location, on site or remote. The use of such a model can minimize the intrusiveness of facility visits by allowing routes to be preplanned and rehearsed, thus reducing the need for both visit-specific training and facility-support personnel. The model can enhance post-visit activities by allowing visitors to virtually revisit the permitted portions of the facility any number of times. The model can also be integrated into larger software applications to simulate host/visitor dialogues, to support emergency-response decisions, etc.