Review of research and capabilities of 500 kW research reactor at the Ohio State University
Abstract
The 500-kW Ohio State University Research Reactor (OSURR) is distinguished for its important research and testing capabilities, including irradiation of functional materials such as fiber optics and wide bandgap semiconductor materials, microelectronics, neutron sensors such as fission chambers and self-powered neutron detectors, and other sensors for use in radiation environments. It offers ideal flux for such research and testing and can provide neutron flux levels up to ∼1013. The OSURR offers multiple in-core and ex-core irradiation locations, and it does not have a fixed operations cycle, which allows for great flexibility in designing experiment test plans with different power levels and even power transients. Experiments can include stepped reactor powers and multiple experiment temperatures, customized experiment design, and in-situ monitoring enables tests tailored to the specific needs of the researcher. The OSURR is equipped for heated irradiation experiments, with multiple furnaces designed for use inside large diameter irradiation dry tubes. These furnace rigs allow for concurrent neutron fluence and high temperatures up to 2000 °C. Additionally, the OSURR has thermal neutron and fast neutron beam facilities that provide collimated neutrons to support fundamental and applied research, including lithium transport in lithium-ion batteries using neutron depth profiling and non-destructive imaging of additive manufactured parts using neutron radiography and an automated neutron tomography system. The reactor is heavily utilized both by OSU students, faculty and by researchers from national laboratories and other domestic and international partners.
- Publication:
-
Annals of Nuclear Energy
- Pub Date:
- October 2024
- DOI:
- Bibcode:
- 2024AnNuE.20610647K
- Keywords:
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- High temperature;
- Irradiation;
- In-pile instrumentation;
- Neutrons;
- Neutron imaging;
- Neutron depth profiling;
- Neutron beam;
- Research reactor;
- Rad-hard