Nuclear Engineering Principles

Description:

A first course for graduate students in nuclear engineering and an elective for students in science and engineering. The course is structured in four parts:

1. Nuclear structure and radiation interactions, biological radiation effects and radio isotope applications
2. Basics of neutron and reactor physics, neutron diffusion and reactor criticality
3. Reactor systems, heat generation, heat transfer and safety
4. Nuclear materials, reactor licensing and waste

Fall 2024 Syllabus

Topics Covered:

1. Atomic structure and nuclear binding energy, radioactivity, nuclear reactions and reaction rates, cross-section and Maxwellian distribution
2. Neutron interactions with matter, neutron attenuation, neutron cross-section, neutron slowing down, fission, radiation and charged particle interactions with matter. Methods of radiation detection and biological radiation effects, and radio isotope applications
3. Neutron chain reactions, nuclear reactor operations of light water reactor, heavy water and gas-cooled reactors, and breeder and fusion reactors, nuclear fuel cycles, and isotope separation
4. Neutron diffusion theory, group diffusion methods (one group and multi-groups), steady-state reactor behavior, reactor criticality, and applications to thermal and reflected reactors
5. Time-dependent reactor kinetics and delayed neutrons, reactor control, reactor heat generation, heat transfer, and direct energy conversion
6. Radiation protection (exposure and dose), radiation shielding, reactor materials, reactor licensing, fuel processing and waste disposal

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