MSc Nuclear Science and Technology / Course details

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 1

Describe the key design features of different nuclear reactor systems and classify them accordingly

ILO 2

Calculate nuclear reaction rates and multiplication factors by use of the neutron life cycle

ILO 3

Estimate the time-behaviour of neutron flux and power in a nuclear reactor, incorporating the effects of reactivity feedback

ILO 4

Approximate the spatial behaviour of neutrons by the use of diffusion theory in both one and multigroup forms

ILO 5

Analyse the effects of reactivity control mechanisms

ILO 6

Justify the use of neutron transport theory, explaining the model and approaches to its solution

ILO 7

Analyse the effects of burnup and transmutation on reactor operation and control, and describe its effects on the broader fuel cycle

ILO 8

Plan, produce and deliver a group presentation on the details of a specific reactor design

Pre-course directed reading

Lectures

Tutorial sessions

Computer modelling

Peer presentations

Post-course assignment

Revision

Tutorial sessions

4 hours

In-class discussion

N/A

Group Presentation

2 hours

Peer comments and marks after moderation

20%

Post-course assignment

105 hours

Comments on report submitted by VLE

40%

Exam

2 hours

Marks after exam, with option of script viewing

40%

Lamarsh, J. and Baratta, A. Introduction to Nuclear Engineering (2013) Pearson

Stacey, W. M.  Nuclear Reactor Physics (2018) Wiley-VCH

Oka, Y, and Suzuki, K. Nuclear Reactor Kinetics and Plant Control (2013) Springer Japan

Barré, B. et al., Nuclear Reactor Systems (2016) EDP Sciences

Tucker, C. How to Drive a Nuclear Reactor (2019) Springer Praxis