Unit name | Nuclear Reactor Physics |
---|---|
Unit code | PHYSM0024 |
Credit points | 10 |
Level of study | M/7 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
Unit director | Dr. Springell |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites |
Normally PHYS22040 Nuclear and Particle Physics or equivalent. |
Co-requisites |
None |
School/department | School of Physics |
Faculty | Faculty of Science |
The course will include a description of the basic fundamentals of nuclear reactor physics, focussed on the various commercial fission reactors, but also featuring an introduction to nuclear fusion.
The students will gain an understanding of thermal, reflected and fast reactor types, as well as concepts such as neutron current, flux, diffusion and moderation. Reactor kinetics will be discussed with particular attention on criticality, both prompt and delayed. This course will also provide students with an introduction to thermal hydraulics.
Students will be able to:
Mainly taught through lectures and problems classes.
Screencasts and podcasts will be available to summarise key parts of the course, as well as the formation of a summary flipbook – this will include a number of on-line quizzes to reinforce the most important concepts.
There will also be a number of guest lectures from current reactor physicists and visits to Cannington Court to use the EDF reactor simulators.
Formative assessment through online quizzes and problems classes
Summative Assessment :2-hour written exam (100%)
Fundamentals of Nuclear Reactor Physics, E. E. Lewis
Reactor Physics, P. F. Zweifel
Nuclear Reactor Analysis, Duderstadt and Hamilton