Fundamentals in Nuclear Physics and thermohydraulics

Goal(s)

Refresher course, in French we say "Remise à niveau".

This short course will give the basics in nuclear physics of reactors, and in thermohydraulics.

In the first part, the basic concepts of neuton/matter interaction and its consequence on chain reaction, and on the principle of reactor design will be given. In a second part, the course will focus on practical methods in single-phase hydraulics and convection heat transfer, to be applied to the nominal operation of nuclear plants. Some elements of fluid mechanics will also be provided.

Responsible(s)

Nicolas CAPELLAN

Contact details

Nicolas CAPELLAN

Content(s)

PART 1 : NUCLEAR PHYSICS (12h)

1. Basics of nuclear physics for fission reactors (2h) :
   1. Binding energy of a nucleus, energy production by fusion and by fission
   2. Mechanism of fission
   3. Modes of energy deposition, by-products (delayed neutrons, fission products)
2. Interaction of neutrons with matter within a nuclear reactor (2h)
   1. Short classification of interactions, with examples
   2. Microscopic and macroscopic cross-sections, neutron flux, reaction rates
   3. Typical energy distributions of neutrons, neutron slowing-down by elastic scattering
   4. TD 1. Fission and neutron interactions (2h) :
      1. Lecture questions about a historic article on fission neutrons (Szilard, 1939)
      2. Calculation of cross-sections and reaction rates in practical cases
3. Physics of chain reaction at equilibrium (2h) :
   1. Criticality, multiplication factor, critical size
   2. Elementary diffusion theory and simple flux calculations
   3. Notions on nuclear reactor operation (2h)
      1. Composition of a nuclear reactor (functions and materials)
      2. Description of a few nuclear reactor types (PWR, BWR, CANDU, and Fast Reactors)
      3. Safety (point kinetics, thermal feedbacks) and operation elements
   4. TD 2. Chain reaction and nuclear reactors (2h)
      1. Criticality calculations in simple cases from basic nuclear data
      2. Evaluation of typical orders of magnitude for usual reactors (PWR, CANDU)

PART 2 : THERMOHYDRAULICS FOR NUCLEAR REACTORS (12h)

1. Steady-state conduction
2. Single phase convective heat transfer
3. Reminders of fluid mechanics

Test

a 2h test on nuclear physics and thermo hydraulics.

Calendar

Teaching period : september

Additional Information

Apogee code : 5PMHFNP0

Bibliography

• John R. Lamarsh : Introduction to Nuclear Engineering, Prentice Hall
• Candel : Mecanique des fluides (Dunod, 1990)
• Incropera, Dewitt : Fundamentals of heat & mass transfer (Wiley, 1995)
• Hewitt, Delhaye, Zuber : Multiphase Science and Technology, (Hemisphere, 1991).
• Collier, Thome : Convective boiling and condensation, (Clarendon Press, 1994)