Product Idea
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The CROCUS Reactor - An Educational and Interactive Model for Everyone!
By
VilGoupil
Help your fellow builder by leaving your feedback based on these three criteria:
- Originality: How original is this - never seen before?
- Building Techniques: How much skill do you think the creator of this MOC has, in terms of building technique?
- Details: Express how much you like the details of the build.
Your feedback is only shown to the creator as well as yourself. It is not available for other users to see. The creator won't see your user name.
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Discover a new way to learn about nuclear science with the CROCUS Reactor – a Lego model that makes a complex system easy to understand!
A bit of context
From a childhood filled with iconic Lego Technic models like the Super Car and Space Shuttle (lucky me!), to rediscovering the joy of building with my kids recently, Lego models have always been a source of creativity and learning for me.
Now, I am excited to share with you the CROCUS Reactor model, based on the unique machine I work with at my university. Designed to be both simple and educational, the real-life CROCUS serves as a teaching tool and research facility. It is renowned in the field of nuclear engineering, and often referenced to illustrate the principles of nuclear reactors.
Despite this, many of my students struggle to visualize the reactor's systems, even with hands-on experiments and extended visits. My first attempt to help them with a 3D-printed model was not very successful – it was fragile and not very engaging. However, with this Lego model, everything is durable and fully accessible! This model allows you to quickly see how each component fits together and understand its function.
Here’s what makes this Lego model unique
- Accessibility: This model is built to be sturdy and all parts are easily accessible, allowing you to explore its features in-depth.
- Realistic Details: It includes all the essential components, such as the vessel (the main container), reactor core with fuel (where the reaction takes place), absorber rods and water systems (to manage the reaction), detectors (to monitor the reactor), start-up source (to initiate the reaction), expansion vases (to dump the water), and more.
- Interactivity: You can remove the frame and reactor core for closer examination, recreate loading and unloading procedures (just like the real one!), manipulate moving elements like the water spillway or absorber rods, and observe the insides thanks to the viewing window and the openable vessel.
Why this model is perfect for AFOLs
With 650 pieces, this model offers a unique and fun learning opportunity, whether you are a student, teacher, or just passionate about science and Lego building. With its sturdy design and interactive features, it is perfect for hands-on learning by manipulating parts, thus understanding and exploring the fascinating world of nuclear science with an iconic facility.
I hope you enjoy this model as much as my students and I have loved designing and using it. Developed during my spare time, this model is a labor of love that reflects my passion for both education and creative building. Your support will help inspire a new generation of learners and builders to explore the wonders of science and engineering!
By
VilGoupil
Help your fellow builder by leaving your feedback based on these three criteria:
- Originality: How original is this - never seen before?
- Building Techniques: How much skill do you think the creator of this MOC has, in terms of building technique?
- Details: Express how much you like the details of the build.
Your feedback is only shown to the creator as well as yourself. It is not available for other users to see. The creator won't see your user name.