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Engineering Online

NE 591 601 ST: Introduction to Nuclear Engineering Principles

3 Credit Hours

This course is designed as an intensive course providing an introduction to nuclear engineering principles for graduate students with non-nuclear engineering backgrounds and returning students. The course is a compressed version of: (1) Fundamentals of Reactor Physics (nuclear reactions and interactions relevant to nuclear engineering including fission, cross-sections, reaction rate calculations, energy depositions rates, and radioactive decay); and (2) Introduction to Reactor Design (static and dynamic reactor theory applied to basic reactor design problems; thermal-hydraulic considerations in reactor design).

Prerequisite

Graduate standing.

Course Objectives

To introduce graduate students with non-nuclear engineering backgrounds and returning students to the principles of nuclear engineering. After successfully completing this course, students will be able to effectively follow the regular NE graduate level curriculum.

Course Topics

  1. Introduction: The Scope of Nuclear Engineering.
  2. Atomic and Nuclear Physics: Fundamental Particles; Radiation, Radioactive decay and calculations; Nuclear reactions.
  3. Interaction of Radiation with Matter: Neutron interactions and cross-sections; Poly-energetic neutrons and fission; Gamma-ray interactions, Charged particles.
  4. Nuclear Reactors and Nuclear Power: Types of nuclear reactors; Nuclear fuel cycles.
  5. Neutron Diffusion and Moderation: Neutron flux and current, Diffusion equation; Group diffusion method, Thermal neutron diffusion, Two-group calculation of neutron moderation.
  6. Nuclear Reactor Theory: One-group reactor equation, Slab reactor and other reactor shapes; One-group critical equation, thermal reactors; Reflected reactors, Multi-group calculations; Heterogeneous reactors.
  7. The Time Dependent Reactor: Reactor kinetics; Control rods and chemical shim; Temperature effect on reactivity; Fission product poisoning and core properties during the lifetime.
  8. Thermal-Hydraulic Considerations in Reactor Design: Heat generation and removal in nuclear reactors; Boiling heat transfer; Reactor thermal design.

Course Requirements

  • Homework: Five assignments each valued at 6%.
  • Quizzes: Two online quizzes, each worth 10% of total course grade.
  • Exams: Two online exams, each worth 25% of total course grade. Exams are open book/open notes; however, they are timed exams.
  • Grading: The standard grading system will be used to assign final letter grades in the course.
    A 93-100%; A- 90-92.9%; B+ 87-89.9%; B 83-86.9%; B- 80-82.9%; C+ 76-79.9%; C 70-75.9%; D 60-69.9%; F 0-59.9%

Textbook

Reference Books:

  • Lamarsh and Baratta, Introduction to Nuclear Engineering, 3rd edition, Prentice Hall, 2001
  • J. K. Shults and R. E. Faw, Fundamentals of Nuclear Science and Engineering, Taylor & Francis Group, 2007
  • J. J. Duderstadt and L. J. Hamilton, Nuclear Reactor Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, 1976