Grecheck Dedicates ANS Nuclear Historic Landmark in Illinois

This side view of the TRIGA reactor shows researchers on the ground floor inserting an experimental apparatus into a "beam port."

The American Nuclear Society (ANS) honored the University of Illinois Advanced Teaching Research Isotope General Atomic reactor (TRIGA Mark II) with the ANS Nuclear Historic Landmark Award on April 22.

The TRIGA Mark II stood on campus from 1960-1998. It helped educate students on reactor operations, as they were required to take a laboratory class in which they operated the reactor to enhance their understanding of reactor physics concepts.

The TRIGA was also one of the most important and adaptable reactors in the world for Nuclear-Pumped Lasers (NPL) research due to its unique core configuration. The reactor had a through port that allowed researchers to place large laser cavities next to the core of the TRIGA for important studies of nuclear-pumped lasers.

“The historic research studies carried out at the TRIGA Mark II facility continue to have significant impact on nuclear science and engineering,” ANS President Eugene S. Grecheck said. The American Nuclear Society identifies and honors sites or facilities where outstanding accomplishments took place which were instrumental in the advancement and implementation of nuclear technology and the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

"Several generations of nuclear engineering students at the University of Illinois were privileged to have participated in research projects, laboratory studies, and operating experiences. Scores of nuclear industry reactor operators trained on the facility, and thousands of visitors toured the TRIGA to learn first-hand about the importance of nuclear energy," said Jim Stubbins, Department Head of Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering at Illinois.

Although administrative decisions led to the TRIGA’s closing in 1998, with fuel removal in 2004, the research and educational opportunities made possible at this facility will be noted in nuclear engineering history through TRIGA’s designation as an ANS Nuclear Historic Landmark.