An alternative to solution experiments for nuclear data validation & training. Reflection and interaction of juxtaposed uranium (RAIJU) experiment design

The need for solution experiments was thoroughly discussed at the recent NCERC (National Criticality Experiments Research Center) Futures Meeting in September 2022 for multiple applications including criticality safety, training, and nuclear data. However, this capability does not exist anywhere in the United States. NCERC, located at the Nevada National Security Site and operated by LANL (Los Alamos National Laboratory) is the only general-purpose critical experiments laboratory in the United States. However, solution experiments are not authorized at NCERC, and obtaining that authorization would be time consuming and costly to happen in the foreseeable future. An alternative is needed - an experimental configuration with the homogeneity of liquid experiments, but without the inherent risk associated with solutions. This project, Reflection And Interaction of Juxtaposed Uranium (RAIJU) will fill a gap in capability within LANL, the U.S. Department of Energy, and the international community and will support current and future nuclear material processing needs. (author)