Introduction to nuclear engineering

ME-464 / 2 credits

Teacher: Hursin Mathieu

Language: English

Summary

This course is intended to understand the engineering design of nuclear power plants using the basic principles of reactor physics. This course includes the following: Reactor designs, Nuclear safety and Reactor dynamics

Content

Brief review of nuclear physics

- Nuclear reactions and radioactivity - Cross sections - Introductory elements of neutronics.

Neutron diffusion and slowing down

- Monoenergetic neutrons - Diffusion theory as simplified case of transport theory - Neutron slowing down through elastic scattering.

Reactor dynamics

- Point reactor model: prompt and delayed transients - Practical applications - Reactivity variations and control

Nuclear safety principles

- Defense in Depth - Radiation protection - Design Basis Accidents - Beyond Design Basis Accidents  phenomenology - Fukushima Accident

Nuclear Reactor Technology

- Gen-II/III, active & passive safety systems - Gen-IV - reactor concepts: SFR, LFR, HTR, MSR

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, the student must be able to:

  • Elaborate on neutron life cycle in a reactor, neutron diffusion equation, reactor kinetics, physics of fission reaction
  • Formulate approximations to solving the diffusion equation for simple systems
  • Describe various nuclear reactors concepts
  • Explain nuclear safety principles, design basis accidents, severe accidents, safety systems, radiation protection

Assessment methods

120 min Written exam (multiple choice, sketches, open questions). Closed book.

Resources

Moodle Link

In the programs

  • Semester: Spring
  • Exam form: Written (summer session)
  • Subject examined: Introduction to nuclear engineering
  • Courses: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: optional
  • Semester: Spring
  • Exam form: Written (summer session)
  • Subject examined: Introduction to nuclear engineering
  • Courses: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: optional
  • Semester: Spring
  • Exam form: Written (summer session)
  • Subject examined: Introduction to nuclear engineering
  • Courses: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: optional
  • Semester: Spring
  • Exam form: Written (summer session)
  • Subject examined: Introduction to nuclear engineering
  • Courses: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Type: optional

Reference week

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