A Comprehensive Review on the Safety of TRIGA Research Reactors

The TRIGA (Training, Research, Isotopes, General Atomics) type research reactor is a well-known design worldwide, widely recognized for its outstanding safety and operational capabilities. In this paper, the safety aspects of TRIGA reactor systems are reviewed in detail with respect to their design philosophy, fuel properties, thermal hydraulics and control systems. It also considers the regulatory environment, incident analysis, upgrading efforts and consequences of old infrastructures. One of the safety features is the UZrH fuel's strong negative temperature coefficient of reactivity, which allows for safe pulse operations and regulation of power. By consolidating global operational experience, safety evaluations and technological developments, this review highlights TRIGA’s impressive safety history and continued relevance as a tool for nuclear research and training.