Theses and Dissertations Collection

The Advanced Test Reactor is one of the most capable research reactors in the world. Despite its world-class irradiative capabilities, on-site post-irradiation examination is limited to temporary, program-specific non-destructive examination needs, or non-existent altogether. Currently, fueled experiments and other fissile material are stored in the adjacent canal for cooling prior to shipment for comprehensive post-irradiation, reinsertion or disposal. This presents an opportunity for poolside post-irradiation examination to collect intermediate information about irradiated specimens only possible shortly after removal from the reactor. Idaho National Laboratory has funded the conceptual design of the Advanced Test Reactor Non-Destructive Examination System (ANDES), which conducts non-destructive post-irradiation examination on multiple types of specimens to assist reactor operations and further nuclear materials research. This thesis presents a design methodology driven by stakeholder and facility requirements for formulating the ANDES conceptual design. The individual subsystems of the ANDES conceptual design are discussed in detail, including enhanced videography and poolside gamma spectroscopy. Challenges and opportunities facing the development and deployment of ANDES are also discussed. If fully developed and deployed, the combined ANDES capabilities would provide an unparalleled post-irradiation examination approach for advancing nuclear energy science and technology.