Introduction

Ward Hall is home to a number of nuclear laboratories, including a TRIGA Mark II research reactor that supports education, research, training, and regional industries.   The reactor, manufactured by the General Atomic Company of San Diego, California, was acquired under a grant from the United State Atomic Energy Commission (which became the Department of Energy and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission).  The reactor is operated under Nuclear Regulatory Commission license R-88 and the regulations of Title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
 
The first critical operations were on October 16, 1962 at 8:25 p.m, with a licensed power limit of 100 kW.  In 1968 the license was revised for a maximum power of 250 kW with pulsing capabilities, which achieves higher power levels for short periods of time in "pulsing" operations (see also, actual pulse).   The original aluminum clad fuel elements were replaced in 1973 with stainless steel clad fuel elements.  The control console was upgraded in 1993, with new power level instruments installed.  The cooling system has been upgraded to support operations at a higher power level. A new license (March 19, 2008) allows operations up to 1,250 kW. 

Experiment Facilties

There are a number of ways to access the radiation produced by the reactor core for experiments as shown on the illustrations, including 4 beam-ports (with a broad range of possible characteristics), direct immersion in the reactor pool or bulk shield tank water, and two graphite filled facilities ("thermalizing" and "thermal" columns).

A "central thimble" is installed at the center of the reactor, to place samples in the highest availabl ne

utron intensity. The central thimble is bracketed by control rods (control rod drives are shown on the right, with the pulse rod drive in the rectangular housing, and the remaining rod drives in cylindrical housing).   The reactor core is surrounded by a 1-foot thick cylinder of graphite (encased in aluminum); a cavity in the graphite about 3 inches from the core provides space to insert a large number of samples.

Central thimble is the small circle between contorl rod housings	Control Rods

 Reactor Controls 

The control rods are manipulated from a "control room.'  A reactor operator is shown at the controls, followed by the view the operator has from the control room towards the reactor.  When the reactor is operating, it is characterized by "Cerenkov radiation."

Operator at the controls of the K-State reactor	The K-State reactor core during full power operations

Utilization

The reactor is used in research, collegiate education, pre-college support, and public education.  The Department of Mechanical & Nuclear Engineering offers a "nuclear option" program. Core nuclear education courses use the reactor extensively in various experiments, exercises, and demonstrations.  Other K-State departments such as Chemistry, Physics, Microbiology and Food Science use the facility in coursework.  Many pre-college institutions participate in field trips to the reactor facilities. From 10-15 elementary and high school groups (one shown below in the control room) visit each year. Tours, demonstrations, and educational experiences are provided during special and conferences conducted at K-State or on request.  During the annual K-State Open House (shown below), 300-500 visitors tour the facility. 

K-State (and other institution) nuclear  research uses the reactor in radiation detector development & detector applications.  Other KSU departments use nuclear analytic techniques such as Neutron Activation Analysis or neutron radiography in research efforts.  The reactor supports research for Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering as well as a diverse group that includes Geology, Archeology, Chemical Engineering, Entomology, and others.

Nuclear facilities are operated by individuals licensed by the USNRC following a rigorous period of training; training programs are provided for license candidates at KSU and other regional nuclear facilities.  Nuclear testing services are provided to the nuclear industry and other regional companies. 

Visitors during a recent K-State Open House	High school tour presentation