Its primary function is to intensely bombard samples of materials and fuels with neutrons to replicate long-term exposure to high levels of radiation, as would be present after years in a commercial nuclear reactor. The ATR is one of only four test reactors in the world with this capability.
To replicate the prolonged exposure to high levels of radiation characteristic of commercial nuclear reactors after extended periods, the device delivers intense neutron bombardments to samples of materials and fuels. The ATR is one of only four such testing facilities worldwide.