Reactor Physics & Systems

PHYS65050 Reactor Physics & Systems 15 Full year Postgraduate Taught Level 6 Stuart Christie Unit coordinator 1 FHEQ level (Framework for Higher Education Qualifications) ' Masters/Integrated Masters P4 ' European Credit Transfer & Accumulation System Rating : 7.5 The basic layout of a nuclear reactor is established. The key physics processes used in a reactor are developed, starting from neutron interactions and proceeding to the chain reaction and neutron life cycle, leading to the basic time behaviour. The spatial behaviour of the neutron flux is studied with the diffusion approximation and analysis of the flux shape in different geometries. Energy dependence is considered with the multigroup approach, which leads in to the study of reactivity feedback and reactor dynamics. Methods of reactivity control are studied with simple models and their limitations are used to demonstrate the application of transport theory. Deterministic and Monte Carlo approaches are considered, from theoretical and computational points-of-view. The long-term effects of reactor operation are studied, covering fuel burn-up, reactivity effects, poisons, decay heat and waste. Students’ knowledge of reactor systems will be developed in part with assessed group presentations on specific reactor designs, enabling peer-assisted learning.   The basic layout of a nuclear reactor is established. The key physics processes used in a reactor are developed, starting from neutron interactions and proceeding to the chain reaction and neutron life cycle, leading to the basic time behaviour. The spatial behaviour of the neutron flux is studied with the diffusion approximation and analysis of the flux shape in different geometries. Energy dependence is considered with the multigroup approach, which leads in to the study of reactivity feedback and reactor dynamics. Methods of reactivity control are studied with simple models and their limitations are used to demonstrate the application of transport theory. Deterministic and Monte Carlo approaches are considered, from theoretical and computational points-of-view. The long-term effects of reactor operation are studied, covering fuel burn-up, reactivity effects, poisons, decay heat and waste. Students’ knowledge of reactor systems will be developed in part with assessed group presentations on specific reactor designs, enabling peer-assisted learning.   The unit aims to:Provide students with a broad understanding of the physics of nuclear reactors, their systems and how the two interact. This is achieved by a combination of lectures on the physics involved, peer-assisted learning on the details of reactor systems, and tutorials and demonstrations to support engagement with the content.  On the successful completion of the course, students will be able to:  ILO 1Describe the key design features of different nuclear reactor systems and classify them accordinglyILO 2Calculate nuclear reaction rates and multiplication factors by use of the neutron life cycleILO 3Estimate the time-behaviour of neutron flux and power in a nuclear reactor, incorporating the effects of reactivity feedbackILO 4Approximate the spatial behaviour of neutrons by the use of diffusion theory in both one and multigroup formsILO 5Analyse the effects of reactivity control mechanismsILO 6Justify the use of neutron transport theory, explaining the model and approaches to its solutionILO 7Analyse the effects of burnup and transmutation on reactor operation and control, and describe its effects on the broader fuel cycleILO 8Plan, produce and deliver a group presentation on the details of a specific reactor design Pre-course directed readingLecturesTutorial sessionsComputer modellingPeer presentationsPost-course assignmentRevision 1 Written exam 40% 2 Written assignment (inc essay) 40% 7 Oral assessment/presentation 20% Tutorial sessions4 hoursIn-class discussionN/AGroup Presentation2 hoursPeer comments and marks after moderation20%Post-course assignment105 hoursComments on report submitted by VLE40%Exam2 hoursMarks after exam, with option of script viewing40% N Lamarsh, J. and Baratta, A. Introduction to Nuclear Engineering (2013) PearsonStacey, W. M.  Nuclear Reactor Physics (2018) Wiley-VCHOka, Y, and Suzuki, K. Nuclear Reactor Kinetics and Plant Control (2013) Springer JapanBarré, B. et al., Nuclear Reactor Systems (2016) EDP SciencesTucker, C. How to Drive a Nuclear Reactor (2019) Springer Praxis  Lectures 32 0 118