Neutron Spectrum and Radial Power Distribution Measurements in a TRIGA Reactor Fuel Element

The neutron spectrum in the Illinois Advanced TRIGA Reactor was measured by a crystal spectrometer utilizing an LiF(1, 1, 1) crystal monochromator whose reflectivity was determined experimentally. The fission heat source distribution in a fuel element was also determined as a function of the fuel element temperature. These two measurements were used to investigate the effects of fuel element temperature and the local core loading on the thermal diffusion length in a fuel element. Changes in the thermal diffusion lengths during a reactor pulse underlie the proposed temperature feedback mechanism for the ZrH fuel material. The results of the measurements confirm, in party this proposed temperature feedback mechanism.