The Annular Core Research Reactor (ACRR) Description and Capabilities

Abstract

The Annular Core Research Reactor (ACRR) is a unique, one-of-a-kind nuclear reactor facility operated by Sandia National Laboratories for the National Nuclear Security Administration that is considered by many to be a national treasure. There is no other research reactor in the world that has the attributes and capabilities comparable to that of the ACRR. The ACRR was specifically designed to meet the irradiation testing needs of the U.S. nuclear defense program. The ACRR has four major attributes that make it unique: (1) a large (9″, 22.86cm) dry central cavity; (2) an epithermal neutron flux; (3) a large pulsing capability; and (4) a fueled-ring external cavity with a larger (20″, 50.8cm) dry cavity. This article presents the unique capabilities of the ACRR and documents some of the more important metrics associated with its operation.