An improved A* algorithm for searching the minimum dose path in nuclear facilities

Abstract Nuclear power plant workers are inevitably exposed to radiation during routine maintenance work. Therefore, optimization of the walking-path is necessary to reduce the exposure radiation. However, the complex environment of nuclear power plants makes it hard to find the path with the minimum cumulative radiation dose. An improved A* algorithm is proposed in this paper, and it is more advantageous than the traditional A* algorithm. It can not only be suitable for more complicated environments but also obtain a more optimized path. Through the Unity 3D platform, which is an efficient game engine, the simulation experiments are performed based on the environment of a virtual factory. The simulation results show that the improved A* algorithm for searching the minimum dose path is more reliable and more effective. It provides a route with a lower cumulative dose, and the path length is appropriate. In the complex environment, the cumulative dose calculated by the improved algorithm is much smaller than that calculated by the traditional algorithm. Improved A* algorithm has a strong anti-interference ability and performs well in complex environments. It can provide path-planning for nuclear facility staff to reduce radiation exposure.