Imagine the heat of the sun in the form of plasma, floating within a magnetic field. Sound cosmic? It is, but it’s also the key to a down-earth fusion energy R&D project called ITER.

According to the below Reuters TV ITER story, the project is referred to as “the most globally participatory science project in history.”

What I find extra-exciting about ITER is that we don’t fully know what will be the final product. This is first-ever stuff, which makes virtual designing, assembling and lifelike experiencing even more important. The multi-national ITER team can ‘go back to the drawing board’ endlessly until they’re satisfied enough to real-life produce. Less impact for the environment, less cost for the participant countries. And ultimately, the chances for successful real-life experiments are far greater.

Another cool factor, also highlighted in the Reuters video, is the role of 3D as the project’s universal language. Countries collaborating on ITER include (in no particular order) Spain, Italy, France, the UK, Germany, Russia, India, China, the Republic of Korea, Japan and the USA, with more to come. What better way to facilitate efficient communication and thus collaboration than with 3D?

I spoke with William Pelletier at Dassault Systèmes this morning about ITER; he’s pretty involved in the project from a software solution standpoint and told me:

Dassault Systèmes is really excited to be involved with the ITER team. We think ITER will produce the energy of the future.

Here’s an ethereal-like fly through of what ITER may look like:

You also may enjoy watching how the assembly may work:

So, what do you think about all this?

Best,

Kate

P.S. For more information:

• ITER website
• Software solutions (i.e. CATIA 3D CAD Software, ENOVIA, DELMIA)