Application of reactor pulsing to neutron activation analysis

The TRIGA research reactor operated by the Nuclear Science Center for Texas A and M University has the capability of producing fast transient power pulses by pneumatic ejection of the transient control rod upward out of the core to a preset distance corresponding to the desired input reactivity. An evaluation of linearity of radioactivation to reactivity insertion and integrated pulse energy is presented. Pulse shape variations are shown to significantly effect specific activation, especially at low reactivity insertions. The design and construction of a rapid transfer system for pulsed irradiation activation analysis is discussed. (author)