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Title: The WPI reactor-readying for the next generation

Conference · · Transactions of the American Nuclear Society; (United States)
OSTI ID:5800136
 [1]
  1. Worcester Polytechnic Institute, MA (United States)

Built in 1959, the 10-kW open-pool nuclear training reactor at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) was one of the first such facilities in the nation located on a university campus. Since then, the reactor and its related facilities have been used to train two generations of nuclear engineers and scientists for the nuclear industry. With the use of nuclear technology playing an increasing role in many segments of the economy, WPI with its nuclear reactor facility is committed to continuing its mission of training future nuclear engineers and scientists. The WPI reactor includes a 6-in. beam port, graphite thermal column, and in-core sample facility. The reactor, housed in an open 8000-gal tank of water, is designed so that the core is readily accessible. Both the control console and the peripheral counting equipment used for student projects and laboratory exercises are located in the reactor room. This arrangement provides convenience and flexibility in using the reactor for foil activations in neutron flux measurements, diffusion measurements, radioactive decay measurements, and the neutron activation of samples for analysis. In 1988, the reactor was successfully converted to low-enriched uranium fuel.

OSTI ID:
5800136
Report Number(s):
CONF-930601-; CODEN: TANSAO
Journal Information:
Transactions of the American Nuclear Society; (United States), Vol. 68; Conference: American Nuclear Society (ANS) annual meeting, San Diego, CA (United States), 20-24 Jun 1993; ISSN 0003-018X
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English