The MITR-II is the major experimental facility of the NRL, is a heavy-water reflected, light-water cooled and moderated nuclear reactor that utilizes flat, plate-type, finned, aluminum-clad fuel elements.
Thanks to the website, we know that the MIT Research Reactor is used primarily for the production of neutrons. To put the reactor into operation, the control blades are raised very slowly. As they absorb fewer and fewer neutrons, more and more neutrons are available to cause the splitting of uranium nuclei, until finally enough neutrons are being released to sustain a chain reaction.
The MITR research program encompasses most aspects of neutron science and engineering including nuclear medicine. Some of these activities are:
-Boron neutron capture therapy
-Radiation synovectomy
-Neutron activation analysis for the identification of trace elements and isotope ratios in geological specimens
-Fission engineering
-Materials testing
-Training
-Neutron transmutation doping of silicon
The MITR is one of only six facilities in the world to be engaged in patient trials for the use of boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) to treat both brain tumors and skin cancer. The MITR fission converter beam is the first to be designed for BNCT.
The MIT Nuclear Reactor Laboratory offers raining, research, and educational opportunities with laboratory courses of MIT undergraduate and graduate-level, research projects as part of Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP), student reactor operator training program, senior and graduate thesis research projects, and Independent Activity Courses.
The MIT-NRL also maintains a successful public outreach program. The educational and outreach activities include:
MIT provides tours and lectures to the general public that help people who doesn’t study there to know more about this nuclear reactor (~1500 individuals per year). So our class has been lucky for the chance given.
PS: if someone would want to go, call to number (617) 253-4211 and fill out a form given in the MIT webpage. (http://web.mit.edu/nrl/www/index.html)