Argonaut class reactor
Encyclopedia
The Argonaut class reactor is a design of small nuclear research reactor
. Many have been built throughout the world, over a wide range of power levels. Its functions are to teach nuclear reactor theory, nuclear physics
and for use in engineering laboratory experiments.
The original Argonaut (Argonne Nuclear Assembly for University Training) was built at Argonne National Laboratory
and went critical for the first time on February 9, 1957. It was shut down in 1972. This reactor was rated for 10 kilowatts.
Nuclear reactor
A nuclear reactor is a device to initiate and control a sustained nuclear chain reaction. Most commonly they are used for generating electricity and for the propulsion of ships. Usually heat from nuclear fission is passed to a working fluid , which runs through turbines that power either ship's...
. Many have been built throughout the world, over a wide range of power levels. Its functions are to teach nuclear reactor theory, nuclear physics
Nuclear physics
Nuclear physics is the field of physics that studies the building blocks and interactions of atomic nuclei. The most commonly known applications of nuclear physics are nuclear power generation and nuclear weapons technology, but the research has provided application in many fields, including those...
and for use in engineering laboratory experiments.
The original Argonaut (Argonne Nuclear Assembly for University Training) was built at Argonne National Laboratory
Argonne National Laboratory
Argonne National Laboratory is the first science and engineering research national laboratory in the United States, receiving this designation on July 1, 1946. It is the largest national laboratory by size and scope in the Midwest...
and went critical for the first time on February 9, 1957. It was shut down in 1972. This reactor was rated for 10 kilowatts.