Research potential of the McMaster nuclear reactor

This presentation introduces the McMaster Nuclear Reactor (MNR): its design parameters, past and current use and possible future use as a research reactor for nuclear cross section measurements. MNR began operating in April 1959, as the first university-based research reactor in the Commonwealth of Nations, and remains the highest-flux reactor in a university environment in Canada to this day and the only research reactor in Canada with a full containment structure. The reactor is fuelled with low enrichment uranium (19.75% enriched, MTR-type plate fuel), and is cooled and moderated with light water. Current operation is 14 hours per day, five days per week at a thermal power of 3MW. Potential 24-hour operation at a thermal power of 5MW is being investigated. (author)