Virtual and Augmented Reality Use Cases for Fusion Design Engineering

Abstract

As augmented and virtual reality technology is revolutionising the way products are designed and tested, many companies are expanding the range of use cases across their organisations. After 10 years using Virtual Reality (VR) & Augmented Reality (AR) technology during the life cycle of fusion components, the CEA IRFM has improved its skills developing immersive visualisation scenes for the WEST tokamak [6][5] project and several ITER Site Support Agreement such as Magnet Infrastructure Facilities for ITER (MIFI) [7] and Test Blanket Module System (TBM) [8]. Data preparation process has been optimized, reducing time cost to convert CAD data to an interactive and immersive model. For the WEST Project, VR engineers developed immersive scenes to simulate assembly sequences, to check component introduction using physics and to show 2D temperature data from diagnostics in a 3D environment. For the TBM case, health and safety oriented model environment is developed. Features for team simulated human access and hands on operations for As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) optimisation process with motion-tracking system and virtual avatars with ventilated protective pressurised suit simulating worker protection in nuclear environment. For MIFI application, a specific assembly tool has been developed for TF coils interface located on the top and at the bottom junction. During a first phase, the development was driven by iterative design loop (CAD modelling analysis and cinematic by using VR simulations). By means of interactive simulations and immersive conditions, the interface connection task was validated against feasibility including accessibility. AR has also been introduced in the process since a physical mock-up has been augmented to consider the constraint environment of TF Coils. For TBM application, on site AR simulation of the port Cell equipment will provide enhanced environment description. Collaborative immersive context, digital twins and combination between AR/VR & physical mock-ups for validation of maintenance since component design phase will constitute challenge for the near future.

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