Review

Evolution of TRIGA Research Reactor: A Critical Review of Design, Safety, Utilization and Modernization

Volume: 10 Number: 1 June 16, 2026
TR EN

Evolution of TRIGA Research Reactor: A Critical Review of Design, Safety, Utilization and Modernization

Abstract

The Training Research Isotopes General Atomics (TRIGA) has probably been the most widely used research-reactor platform for education, neutron activation analysis, isotope production, reactor-physics experiments and operator training. There, its unparalleled and continual relevance is a function of uranium-zirconium hydride (U-ZrH) fuel and its prompt negative temperature coefficient which offers a robust inherent feedback mechanism to resist reactivity and thermal excursions. This review critically analyzes the past developments, design principles, reactor-physics fundamentals, comparative advantages, global distribution and use, modernization challenges and future directions of TRIGA reactors. The paper is focused specifically on quantitative performance indicators including conventional neutron flux ranges, steady-state power classes, pulse characteristics and safety-relevant fuel properties. To clarify this uniqueness and the limitations on TRIGA reactors, the review compares it with a few other reactor types including material testing reactors, heavy-water moderated research reactors and conventional pool-type systems. TRIGA reactors are still attractive owing to their accessibility, pulsing capability, passive safety behaviour and educational utility, but they depend on reliable LEU fuel supply, ageing-management programmes, digital instrumentation upgrades and regulatory compliance as well as user level for longevity.

Keywords

References

  1. [1] International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Research Reactor Database (RRDB). Vienna: IAEA. Accessed 20 May 2026.
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  3. [3] International Atomic Energy Agency(IAEA). History, Development and Future of TRIGA Research Reactors. Technical Reports Series No. 482. Vienna: IAEA; 2016.
  4. [4] General Atomics. TRIGA® Research Test Reactors. General Atomics Fission Energy Systems. Accessed 20 May 2026.
  5. [5] General Atomics. TRIGA® Advantages. General Atomics Fission Energy Systems. Accessed 20 May 2026.
  6. [6] M. T. Simnad, The U-ZrHx alloy: Its properties and use in TRIGA fuel, Nuclear Engineering and Design, 64, 403–422, 1981.
  7. [7] D. Olander, E. Greenspan, H. D. Garkisch, and B. Petrovic, Uranium-zirconium hydride fuel properties, Nuclear Engineering and Design, 239, 1406–1424, 2009.
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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Nuclear Technology

Journal Section

Review

Publication Date

June 16, 2026

Submission Date

January 11, 2026

Acceptance Date

June 8, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 10 Number: 1

APA
Hossen, M. A. (2026). Evolution of TRIGA Research Reactor: A Critical Review of Design, Safety, Utilization and Modernization. Journal of Nuclear Sciences, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.59474/nuclear.2023.68
AMA
1.Hossen MA. Evolution of TRIGA Research Reactor: A Critical Review of Design, Safety, Utilization and Modernization. Journal of Nuclear Sciences. 2026;10(1). doi:10.59474/nuclear.2023.68
Chicago
Hossen, Md Altaf. 2026. “Evolution of TRIGA Research Reactor: A Critical Review of Design, Safety, Utilization and Modernization”. Journal of Nuclear Sciences 10 (1). https://doi.org/10.59474/nuclear.2023.68.
EndNote
Hossen MA (June 1, 2026) Evolution of TRIGA Research Reactor: A Critical Review of Design, Safety, Utilization and Modernization. Journal of Nuclear Sciences 10 1
IEEE
[1]M. A. Hossen, “Evolution of TRIGA Research Reactor: A Critical Review of Design, Safety, Utilization and Modernization”, Journal of Nuclear Sciences, vol. 10, no. 1, June 2026, doi: 10.59474/nuclear.2023.68.
ISNAD
Hossen, Md Altaf. “Evolution of TRIGA Research Reactor: A Critical Review of Design, Safety, Utilization and Modernization”. Journal of Nuclear Sciences 10/1 (June 1, 2026). https://doi.org/10.59474/nuclear.2023.68.
JAMA
1.Hossen MA. Evolution of TRIGA Research Reactor: A Critical Review of Design, Safety, Utilization and Modernization. Journal of Nuclear Sciences. 2026;10. doi:10.59474/nuclear.2023.68.
MLA
Hossen, Md Altaf. “Evolution of TRIGA Research Reactor: A Critical Review of Design, Safety, Utilization and Modernization”. Journal of Nuclear Sciences, vol. 10, no. 1, June 2026, doi:10.59474/nuclear.2023.68.
Vancouver
1.Md Altaf Hossen. Evolution of TRIGA Research Reactor: A Critical Review of Design, Safety, Utilization and Modernization. Journal of Nuclear Sciences. 2026 Jun. 1;10(1). doi:10.59474/nuclear.2023.68