Integrating Immersive Visualization in Molten-Salt Reactor Waste Management for Experimental Design and Planning

Yang, Xingyue [Idaho National Laboratory] (ORCID:0000000248127436); Otis, Krystiane Sue [Idaho National Laboratory] (ORCID:0009000003202319); 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 · 3378721

Integrating Immersive Visualization in Molten-Salt Reactor Waste Management for Experimental Design and Planning

Yang, Xingyue [Idaho National Laboratory] (ORCID:0000000248127436)·Otis, Krystiane Sue [Idaho National Laboratory] (ORCID:0009000003202319)·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

Molten-salt reactors (MSRs) represent a promising solution for next-generation nuclear energy, offering advantages in safety, fuel efficiency, and waste minimization. However, their liquid-fueled design presents unique challenges for spent fuel management, making post-shutdown waste characterization essential for developing effective strategies. Despite this need, there is a notable absence of visualization platforms specifically tailored to the unique characteristics and analytical requirements of MSR waste management. Existing tools in the nuclear industry are primarily designed for reactor operations or generic data exploration and lack both integration with MSR-specific multiphysics frameworks and the ability to simultaneously visualize time-dependent thermal fields, chemical composition evolution, and radiation distribution patterns. To address these limitations, this paper presents an immersive virtual reality (VR) visualization platform that processes and displays high-fidelity multiphysics simulation output from the Multiphysics Object-Oriented Simulation Environment (MOOSE) framework in real-time, using Unity. The platform visualizes MSR waste characteristics such as nuclide decay, salt cooling, and corrosion by using Exodus II output data and running on a VR headset. It includes a user-friendly interface with features such as visibility toggling, cross-sectional slicing, and time-series animation for exploring simulation data. These capabilities support experimental design, stakeholder engagement, and public communication by making complex reactor behavior more accessible and understandable. By enhancing spatial reasoning and reducing cognitive load, this immersive environment fosters more effective communication and decision-making in MSR waste management.

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11 - NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS 99 - GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS Immersive Technology Molten Salt Reactor Virtual Reality Waste Management

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Yang, Xingyue [Idaho National Laboratory] (ORCID:0000000248127436), Otis, Krystiane Sue [Idaho National Laboratory] (ORCID:0009000003202319), 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). 2026-03-10. Integrating Immersive Visualization in Molten-Salt Reactor Waste Management for Experimental Design and Planning. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/3378721

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