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Course Descriptions

MECH_ENG 395: Special Topics: Fundamentals of Nuclear Reactor Physics

Description

The course is intended for juniors, seniors, and graduate students in engineering or physical science with no previous background in nuclear engineering. The course introduces the student to the physics and engineering of nuclear power reactor cores. Topics included are nuclear reactions, neutron chain reactions, criticality and reactor kinetics, neutron diffusion, energy transport and power distributions, reactivity feedback and control, long-term core behavior. Related issues of radioactive waste disposal, reactor accidents, and weapons proliferation will also be included in discussions.

Textbook

E. E. Lewis, Fundamentals of Nuclear Reactor Physics, Academic Press, Burlington, MA, 2008

Evaluation

Final 45%, midterm 22.5%, problem sets 22.5%, class participation 10%