The TRIGA Reactor Facility at the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute: A Simplified Technical Description.

Abstract

In support of its mission the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute (AFRRI) operates a medium sized research nuclear reactor. The reactor is used to generate radiations, primarily neutrons and gamma rays, which are used to conduct experimental biomedical research and to produce isotopes. The radiations are delivered to the experiments in one of two ways: A pulse operation delivers a very short burst of high power, or a steady state operation delivers a longer, continuous low- to medium-power exposure. The reactor is also used to train military personnel in reactor operations. TRIGA is an acronym for Training, Research, and Isotope, General Atomics. Mark-F is the specific General Atomics Reactor model, distinguished by a pool, a movable core, exposure room facilities, and the ability to pulse to momentary high powers. Reactor operations at AFRRI began is 1962. In 1965, a change was made from aluminum clad to stainless steel-clad fuel elements. Currently more than 150 multiple exposure experiments are performed each year using the reactor. Keywords: Exposure Facilities; Modes of Operation; Cerenkov Radiation.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 01, 1986
Accession Number
ADA168238

Entities

People

  • M. L. Moore
  • S. Elsasser

Organizations

  • Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Cerenkov Radiation
  • Chemical Reactions
  • Control Rods
  • Fast Neutrons
  • Fissile Materials
  • Fission
  • Gamma Rays
  • Heat Energy
  • Neutron Absorbers
  • Nuclear Reactors
  • Power Levels
  • Radiation
  • Radiobiology
  • Reactor Cores
  • Reactor Operation
  • Shielding
  • Steady State

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Electrical Engineering
  • Nuclear and Radiation Engineering.
  • Technical Research and Report Writing.

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology