This course provides a comprehensive overview of nuclear reactor theory based on the knowledge of neutron transport theory, especially about neutron slowing down process and the spectrum, which is important in criticality analysis of thermal reactor, reactor kinetic theory, which is important in the control and safety of nuclear reactor, and burnup analysis for the change of fuel composition during reactor operation.
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
1. Explain the principles of neutron spectrum in thermal reactors
2. Perform fundamental kinetic analysis
3. Explain burnup analysis in the reactor operation and reactivity effects
Thermal reactor, Neutron slowing down, Neutron spectrum, Reactor kinetics, Burnup analysis, Reactivity effect
✔ Specialist skills | Intercultural skills | Communication skills | Critical thinking skills | ✔ Practical and/or problem-solving skills |
First, the topics of the day will be discussed in detail in the lecture. The next, students do exercises related to the topic to deepen the understanding of the topic.
Course schedule | Required learning | |
---|---|---|
Class 1 | Reactor kinetics (1) : Point reactor kinetic theory | Students must be able to explain about the point kinetic theory and to obtain fundamental solution. |
Class 2 | Reactor kinetics (2) : Reactivity feedback effect and reactor kinetics | Students must be able to explain about the reactivity feedback effect and the kinetics. |
Class 3 | Neutron spectrum in nuclear reactor (1) : Neutron slowing down | Students must be able to explain about the fundamental theory of neutron slowing down. |
Class 4 | Neutron spectrum in nuclear reactor (2): Resonance absorption | Students must be able to explain about the fundamental theory in resonance absorption |
Class 5 | Neutron spectrum in nuclear reactor (3): Neutron slowing down and diffusion, thermal neutron theory | Students must be able to explain about the fundamental theory in resonance absorption |
Class 6 | Neutron spectrum in nuclear reactor (4): Heterogeneity effect | Students must be able to explain about the heterogeneity effects on criticality |
Class 7 | Bunrup analysis (1): Fission products poisoning effect | Students must be able to explain about effect of fission products produced by reactor operation. |
Class 8 | Bunrup analysis (2): Fuel burnup analysis and reactivity control | Students must be able to explain about fundamental of fuel burnup analysis during reactor operation and the control of reactivity. |
No text book is used. The lecture note will be opened by Tokyo Tech OCW before the class.
John R. Lamarsh, “Introduction to Nuclear Reactor Theory”, Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, Inc. (1965).
James J. Duderstadt, Louis J. Hamilton, “Nuclear Reactor Analysis”, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (1976).
George I. Bell, Samuel Glasstone, “Nuclear Reactor Theory”, Robert E. Krieger Publishing Co., Inc. (1970).
Samuel Glasstone, Alexander Sesonske, "Nuclear Reactor Engineering", Chapman & Hall, Inc. (1994).
Weston M. Stacey, “Nuclear Reactor Physics”, WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA (2004).
Students are assessed by the understanding of fundamentals of neutron transport theory.
Homework 50%, Final exam 50%.
Fundamental knowledge of neutron transport theory is needed.
tobara[at]nr.titech.ac.jp (Prof. Obara)
Prior appointment by e-mail is necessary.