Recent GGA developments in TRIGA reactor design, fuel, and performance capabilities

The development history of TRIGA as it reflects our continuing efforts to meet the needs of the research community. A range of TRIGA facility designs that have been built at Gulf General Atomic and the increasing power capability over the years of the various TRIGA fuel elements are presented. The development of TRIGA Fuels and Mixed Cores is performed in order to serve the diverse needs of the customers. Seven distinct fuel types have been developed over the last thirteen years. Performance and reliability testing was performed in the prototype TRIGAs in San Diego. By using appropriate types or combinations of the six fuel types currently available, a group can substantially increase its reactor performance over the original rated levels of the reactor. The possibilities of mixed stainless steel clad high-hydride, and aluminum clad low-hydride fuels so as to increase power capabilities with a minimum number of new fuel additions are analysed. The development of TRIGA reactor models and improvements is presented. The latest of TRIGA facility design is a 5 MW TRIGA reactor designed by GGA and its German licensee GHH