Comparison of nuclear pulse reactor facilities with reactivity-initiated-accident testing capability

Transient testing of advanced nuclear fuels and other structural materials is pivotal for the research, development, and ultimate demonstration of nuclear energy. Transient testing capabilities exist on a global scale, but these various facilities have different operations and design characteristics. Furthermore, the irradiation experiment vehicles (IEV) used in these transient reactor facilities have varying designs depending on the materials and experiment requirements. The advantages and disadvantages of each facility are presented and discussed by comparing the design and capabilities across nuclear transient reactor facilities (TRF). Further, a discussion of a specific IEV from each TRF shows the operational similarities and differences across TRFs. This comparison shows how some TRF designs are best suited for specific research areas and how others are being re-designed with flexible capabilities in mind. This inventory and comparison of global nuclear transient testing capabilities provides insight into the history, current status and future of nuclear fuel and technology development.