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The Pennsylvania State University (PSU) Radiation Science & Engineering Center (RSEC) houses the Breazeale Nuclear Reactor (BNR). This reactor is the oldest operating in the nation and has undergone numerous power upgrades, renovations, and other changes. The reactor serves the research purposes of the (Penn State Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering ) as well as researchers from industry and other universities. Its total licensed thermal output is 1.1 MW, however the reactor is procedurally limited to 1.0 MW (for 100% operation). ==Reactor overview== The BNR first went critical on August 15, 1955 making it the oldest operating reactor in the U.S.. Other research reactors predate it but have since been decommissioned such as the first reactor at NC State. *In 1955 operation began at a rated power of 100 kW. *In 1960 the power was increased to 200 kW. *In 1962 and again in 1964 additions of laboratories, hot cells, a Co60 pool, offices, and a classroom were made. *In 1965 the reactor was upgraded from the plate fuel type, highly enriched MTR fuel to a 1 MW TRIGA core and pin fuel type. Also, enrichment was decreased from 93% to less than 20%, making the core classified as LEU. The design also allowed pulsing capabilities of up to 2000 MW. This pulse power level can be varied and it takes approximately 250 ms. *In 1986 the license for the reactor was renewed for another 20 years. *In 2009 the license for the reactor was renewed for another 20 years. In 1999 54 faculty and staff, 27 graduate students, and 30 undergraduate students performed research at the facility and 9 Master's theses and 5 Doctoral dissertations were completed. Every year around 3,000 people participate in tours or other activities. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Pennsylvania State University Radiation Science & Engineering Center」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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