The MIT Nuclear Reactor Laboratory (MIT-NRL) is a university laboratory that conducts interdisciplinary research in the areas of advanced fuel and materials for nuclear energy systems, nuclear science, nuclear medicine, and radiation science and technology.
The MIT Nuclear Reactor Laboratory is a tank-type reactor. The fuel elements of uranium are positioned in a hexagonal core structure at the bottom of the core tank, while power is controlled by six shim blades and an automatic regulating rod. The pressure in the system is roughly atmospheric, and the maximum temperature approximately 120 degrees F.
Currently, there are three spectrometer experiments available through the MIT Reactor iLab. Each of these experiments utilizes a 4" beamport which provides a continuous beam of low-energy neutrons that is controlled using a mechanical chopper.
- Maxwell Boltzmann Distribution Experiment
Measurement of the Maxwell Boltzmann Distribution of Thermal Neutrons from the MIT Research Reactor (MITR). The objective of this experiment is to correlate the temperature of the reactor with the availability of thermal neutrons for measurement, and then to compare the results with the Maxwell Boltzmann distribution that is predicted.
- Bragg Diffraction and the DeBroglie Wavelength Experiment
Demonstration of Bragg Diffraction and the DeBroglie Wavelength. The objective of this experiment is to demonstrate neutron diffraction using a crystal monochromater.
- Neutron Beam Experiment
Demonstration of Half Thickness or Shielding Effectiveness in a Neutron Beam. The objective of this experiment is to demonstrate thermal neutron behavior in the presence of various absorption materials.
