Needs and Requirements for Future Research Reactors (ORNL Perspectives)

Ilas, Germina¹  Bryan, Chris¹  Gehin, Jess C.¹ 

[1] Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)

关键词: RESEARCH REACTORS;    PLANNING;    ORNL;    DESIGN;    HFIR REACTOR;    MEETINGS;    PERFORMANCE;    RECOMMENDATIONS;   

DOI  :  10.2172/1238747
RP-ID  :  ORNL/TM--2015/654
PID  :  OSTI ID: 1238747
Others  :  TRN: US1600545

美国|英语

来源: SciTech Connect

【 摘 要 】

The High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) is a vital national and international resource for neutron science research, production of radioisotopes, and materials irradiation. While HFIR is expected to continue operation for the foreseeable future, interest is growing in understanding future research reactors features, needs, and requirements. To clarify, discuss, and compile these needs from the perspective of Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) research and development (R&D) missions, a workshop, titled ???Needs and Requirements for Future Research Reactors???, was held at ORNL on May 12, 2015. The workshop engaged ORNL staff that is directly involved in research using HFIR to collect valuable input on the reactor???s current and future missions. The workshop provided an interactive forum for a fruitful exchange of opinions, and included a mix of short presentations and open discussions. ORNL staff members made 15 technical presentations based on their experience and areas of expertise, and discussed those capabilities of the HFIR and future research reactors that are essential for their current and future R&D needs. The workshop was attended by approximately 60 participants from three ORNL directorates. The agenda is included in Appendix A. This document summarizes the feedback provided by workshop contributors and participants. It also includes information and insights addressing key points that originated from the dialogue started at the workshop. A general overview is provided on the design features and capabilities of high performance research reactors currently in use or under construction worldwide. Recent and ongoing design efforts in the US and internationally are briefly summarized, followed by conclusions and recommendations.