Programme And Module Handbook
 
Course Details in 2021/22 Session


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Module Title LM Radiation Transport, Materials Science and Reactor Control
SchoolPhysics and Astronomy
Department Physics & Astronomy
Module Code 03 33154
Module Lead Dr Paul Norman
Level Masters Level
Credits 20
Semester Semester 1
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions None
Contact Hours Lecture-76 hours
Tutorial-11 hours
Guided independent study-113 hours
Total: 200 hours
Exclusions
Description This module is designed to provide students with a background in the fundamentals of nuclear and atomic physics, with particular reference to the production and properties of radioisotopes, X-ray and neutron physics. It introduces students to mathematical techniques for modelling the transport of radiation through materials, and methods of designing appropriate shielding for radiation facilities. Students will also study material science with particular reference to the metallurgy of reactor materials, leading to an understanding of radiation-induced damage. Students will also be introduced to nuclear fusion and the statistical methods used to model reactor systems. Finally students will begin to explore reactor kinetics and reactor control theory.

The module comprises the following components:
16367-01 Radiation and Charged Particle Transport (12 lectures)
16367-02 Materials Science (18 lectures)
16367-03 Nuclear Fusion (10 lectures)
16367-04 Statistics (12 lectures)
16367-05 Reactor Control I (12 lectures)
16367-06 Reactor Kinetics (12 lectures)
Learning Outcomes By the end of the module students should be able to:
  • Understand the factors involved in nuclear stability, and the various nuclear decay processes;
  • Be aware of the main phenomena in neutron physics and use cross section data to calculate nuclear reaction rates;
  • Be familiar with a simple model of atomic energy levels, and understand the production of X-rays and their interaction with matter;
  • Understand the form of the Boltzmann equation for radiation transport and know the meaning of the various terms;
  • Be aware of methods of solving the Boltzmann Equation, including both Monte Carlo and deterministic methods;
  • Select appropriate shielding materials and perform simple shielding calculations;
  • Explain the fundamental physics behind material behaviour, ie strength, toughness, creep, fatigue resistance and corrosion;
  • Understand the metallurgy of reactor materials and the reasons and nature of radiation damage on reactor materials and the consequences with relation to mechanical property degradation;
  • Understand the physics of nuclear fission with reference to nuclear radiation emitted, in particular neutron interactions, transport and kinetics;
  • Calculate the physical parameters within a nuclear reactor core with reference to temporal and spatial co-ordinates.
Assessment 33154-01 : Examination : Exam (Centrally Timetabled) - Written Unseen (80%)
33154-02 : Assessed problems : Coursework (20%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions Class Test (20%); 2 hours Examination (80%)
Other
Reading List