A study on TRIGA core reconfiguration with new irradiation channels

This study is being carried on as a provision of achieving enhanced irradiation facilities in the TRIGA MARK II research reactor core. Two reconfigured cores, each one having three irradiation channels are being analyzed with the Monte Carlo code MVP and the nuclear data library JENDL-3.3. The existing core has only one irradiation channel at the center. The graphite dummies are rearranged to surround the new irradiation channels in the new configurations. The results for each reconfigured core are compared with the existing core as reference. From this study important information are obtained for enhanced as well as economic utilization of TRIGA core. The results show positively the possibility to introduce new irradiation channels without disturbing the core excess reactivity and neutron flux significantly as well as keeping the shutdown margin and peaking factor close to the reference.

► TRIGA reactor core has been studied to achieve enhanced irradiation facilities. ► Two neutronic performance parameters and three safety parameters are calculated. ► Results are compared with reference configuration with single irradiation channel. ► Simultaneous introduction of three irradiation channels inside the core is positive.