Reactor Physics & Engineering

Catalog description

The basic principles used in the design and operation of nuclear reactors are covered including the structure of the nucleus, nuclear stability and radioactive decay, fission and fusion reactions, interaction of radiation with matter, neutron diffusion and moderation, nuclear reactor theory, critical reactor and criticality calculation, nuclear fuels and reactivity control. Students will learn how to calculate the amount of energy released or absorbed in different nuclear reactions, radioactive decay rates, shielding against gamma rays and other radiation, neutron scattering and slowing down, neutron flux profiles in non-multiplying medium and fuel-moderator mixtures, critical fuel mass, poison build-up and their effects on reactivity. Light Water Reactors are of primary interest, but fast reactors and other reactor types will also be briefly studied.