Thermal neutron measurements of the Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center reactor after conversion to a compact low enriched uranium core

The Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center reactor, a 2 MW light water research reactor, was converted from a highly enriched uranium core to a more compact low enriched uranium core in 1993. Thermal neutron flux measurements of the instrumented beamports indicate increased thermal flux and a large improvement in the thermal to epithermal ratio. Measurements of irradiation facilities indicate an increased thermal flux, and more potential irradiation positions are now available.