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Physics of Nuclear Reactors (B-KUL-H04Q0A)

6 ECTSEnglish45 By way of exception, this course will not be organised this academic yearNot organised
N.
POC Werktuigkunde

Aims

Thoroughly understanding the physical phenomena in a nuclear reactor. After following this course, the students should be able to calculate simple reactor geometries and to interpret them physically to determine the conditions for composition, geometry and neutron population for critical reactors as well as for transient phenomena. 

Previous knowledge

Students possess the knowledge and skills matching the final terms of the Bachelor program of Engineering. A sufficient mathematical and physics background is presupposed, especially with critical analysis and interpretation abilities. Students have the skill to translate physical problems into mathematical models (calculations with the appropriate boundary conditions) and to solve them afterwards. The student also has an active knowledge of the principles of Nuclear energy.
 
Preliminary conditions: In principle, this course is open to all Master students with a Bachelor in Engineering (except for Architecture), under the condition that they have followed the course 'Nuclear Energy' or an equivalent. Thorough knowledge of mathematical techniques, such as solving simple and partial differential equations and good physical insight on diffusion phenomena are an advantage. 

Is included in these courses of study

Activities

6 ects. Physics of Nuclear Reactors (B-KUL-H04Q0a)

6 ECTSEnglishFormat: Lecture45 By way of exception, this course will not be organised this academic yearNot organised
N.
POC Werktuigkunde

Content

- Elementary elements of nuclear physics
- Interaction of neutrons with matter
- The physics of nuclear fission
- Neutrons chain reaction systems
- Diffusion theory of neutrons
- Neutron slowing down without absorption
- Neutron slowing down with absorption and fission
- Low-energetic and thermal neutrons
- Fermi theory of a bare thermal reactor
- Reactors with multiple regions, group diffusion theory
- Reactor kinetics- Changes in reactivity 

Course material

- Text book: J.R. Lamarsh, 'Nuclear Reactor Theory', Addison Wesley, Reading, MA, 1972.- Copies of the transparancies of the teacher. 

Evaluation

Evaluation: Physics of Nuclear Reactors (B-KUL-H24Q0a)

Type : Exam during the examination period
Description of evaluation : Oral, Written, Practical exam
Type of questions : Open questions, Closed questions
Learning material : Course material, List of formulas, Calculator, Computer, Reference work

Explanation


1) Exercises (during the semester) open book as homework.

2) During the exam session, oral exam (with written preparation) about theory with perhaps oral exercises; open book preparation + Presentation of a selected scientific paper: present written preparation followed by oral discussion