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Restart of transient fuels testing at the annular core research reactor (ACRR)

Martin, William J.; Parma, Edward J.

The ACRR at SNL is being considered as a viable alternative for the restart of transient nuclear fuels testing in the US. A full analysis of the capabilities and limitations of the ACRR has been performed to support a comparison of alternatives. Analysis of the ACRR has shown that it is both physically and technically capable of performing nearly all of the potential experiments for future fuels testing. In addition, it is an operating reactor within the DOE complex that has proven to be a valuable asset previously with past fuels testing and in its current mission. Conclusions from the analysis also show that although the ACRR can perform the required duties, there are limitations. Active fuel motion measurement and a hot cell are the two main items lacking at SNL that a transient fuels testing program must take into account if utilizing the ACRR. Overall, the ACRR is an extremely attractive choice for the immediate and near-term restart of transient nuclear fuels testing in the US.