Overview of the Neutron Radiography Reactor (NRAD) for Neutron Imaging and In-Core Experiment Capabilities at Idaho National Laboratory

Xu, Peng [Idaho National Laboratory]

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DOE OSTI · 3020786

Overview of the Neutron Radiography Reactor (NRAD) for Neutron Imaging and In-Core Experiment Capabilities at Idaho National Laboratory

Xu, Peng [Idaho National Laboratory]

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Abstract

NRAD is a 250-kilowatt TRIGA research reactor that first went online at INL in 1977. (TRIGA stands for Training, Research, Isotopes, General Atomics.) Historically, NRAD was utilized as a neutron radiography reactor that provides comprehensive, non-destructive information about the internal condition of irradiated nuclear fuel. Idaho National Laboratory (INL) has multiple nuclear fuels research and development programs that routinely evaluate irradiated fuels using neutron radiography at NRAD. In recent years, NRAD has gone through a transformation from the single purpose radiography reactor for which it was designed into a multipurpose research reactor, and expanding its in-core irradiation capabilities to support a broader mission for the US Department of Energy (DOE) Nuclear Energy (NE) programs, Basic Energy Science (BES) Programs, as well as Fusion Energy programs. NRAD is a designated user facility under the DOE Nuclear Science User Facility (NSUF) program, and is available for access for general public via a competitive proposal process. More information about NSUF and NRAD are available from the website: https://nsuf.inl.gov/Home/Facility/654.

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Xu, Peng [Idaho National Laboratory]. 2025-04-01. Overview of the Neutron Radiography Reactor (NRAD) for Neutron Imaging and In-Core Experiment Capabilities at Idaho National Laboratory. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/3020786

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