Irradiation facilities at the advanced neutron source

This paper reports on the Advanced Neutron Source (ANS), a proposed new user facility for all kinds of experimental neutron research which is currently in the conceptual-design phase. The source of neutrons will be a new heavy-water cooled and reflected research reactor of about 350 MW(f) power. Although designed to produce the world's highest flux for neutron beam experiments, the project's objectives also include the provision of irradiation facilities for materials testing and isotope production at least as good as those in the existing High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFTR) at Oak Ridge. These objectives reflect the fact that the HFTR, which is already more than 25 years old, is expected to close down when the ANS becomes available. The materials irradiation facility requirements have been defined with the help of the National Steering Committee for an Advanced Neutron Source (NSCANS), and in particular by a subcommittee with membership including representatives of the materials irradiation community