This class aims to understand the fundamental physical theory which are needed to understand the principals of nuclear reactors. First, there will be the explanation about the nuclear reaction and neutron interactions. After that, there will be the explanation about the neutron spectrum in nuclear reactors. At the last, the core configuration of each reactor type and the infinite multiplication factor calculation will be explained.
By the end of course, the students will be able to perform the following.
1) Explain the nuclear reactions and neutron interactions which are important in nuclear reactors and perform fundamental analysis of neutron interactions.
2) Explain the neutron spectrum in nuclear reactors and perform the fundamental analysis.
3) Explain the core configuration of each nuclear reactor type and perform fundamental analysis of multiplication factors in infinite medium.
nuclear reactions, neutron interactions, neutron distributions in energy, nuclear reactor types, infinite multiplication factor
✔ Specialist skills | Intercultural skills | Communication skills | Critical thinking skills | ✔ Practical and/or problem-solving skills |
After the lecture for each topic, exercises will be given to students to deepen the understanding of the topic.
Course schedule | Required learning | |
---|---|---|
Class 1 | Nuclear reactions | Explain the binding energy and fundamental nuclear reactions and perform the fundamental analysis. |
Class 2 | Neutron interactions (1) Microscopic and macroscopic cross sections | Explain microscopic and macroscopic cross sections and perform the fundamental analysis. |
Class 3 | Neutron interactions (2) Cross section energy dependence and neutron scattering | Explain the cross section energy dependence and the neutron scattering, and perform the fundamental analysis. |
Class 4 | Neutron distributions in energy (1) Fast neutrons, neutron slowing down | Explain the neutron cross section of nuclear fuels, moderator and neutron slowing down, and perform the fundamental analysis. |
Class 5 | Neutron distributions in energy (2) Energy self-shielding, thermal neutron and energy-averaged cross sections | Explain the energy self-shielding, thermal neutron spectrum and energy-averaged cross sections, and perform fundamental analysis. |
Class 6 | The power reactor core (1) Core configuration and fast reactor lattices | Explain the core configuration of each reactor type and the multiplication factor in fast reactor lattices, and perform the fundamental analysis. |
Class 7 | The power reactor core (2) Thermal reactor lattices and the four factor formula | Explain the multiplication factor in thermal reactor lattices and the four factor formula, and perform the fundamental analysis. |
To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class.
They should do so by referring to textbooks and other course material.
E.E. Lewis, “Fundamentals of Nuclear Reactor Physics”, Academic Press (2008). ISBN: 978-0-12-3-370631-7
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).
Raymond L. Murray and Keith E. Holbert, "Nuclear Energy: An Introduction to The Concepts, Systems and Application of Nuclear Processes Seventh Edition", Elsevier Ltd. (2013).
Students are assessed the understanding of fundamental phenomenon which are important to understand the principal of nuclear reactors and the skill to analyze.
Assignments: 50%
Final examination: 50%
General knowledge about calculus
tobara[at]lane.iir.titech.ac.jp (Prof. Obara)
Prior appointment by e-mail is required.