NPRE 431

Engineering at Illinois Engineering at Illinois

Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering

NPRE 431

COURSE OUTLINE

Course Number: NPRE 431

Title: Materials in Nuclear Engineering

Catalogue Description: Develops a materials engineering background in the context of nuclear systems and radiation applications; relates structure of materials to their physical and mechanical properties; develops phase formation and reaction kinetics from basic thermodynamics principles; develops an understanding of charged particle interactions with surfaces; develops transport concepts of neutral and charged particles in matter; discusses materials performance in nuclear and radiation applications, including radiation damage and effects. Credit is not given for both NPRE 431 and MSE 486. For engineering or physical science majors with junior standing.

Course Topics and Hours
Principle Topics Covered Hours (Approximate)
Materials applications in nuclear systems 2
Atomic bonding and materials structure in materials 5
Phases in metals, ceramics, glasses and concrete 6
Physical properties of materials 4
Imperfections in crystalline and other materials structures 4
Mechanical properties of materials 5
Diffusion, reaction kinetics and corrosion 6
Interaction of radiation with matter, including surfaces 4
Radiation damage processes 4
Radiation effects 3
Examination of materials 2
Total 45

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Basic Texts: Required:

  • Van Vlack, "Elements of Materials Science & Engineering", 1989 or
  • Ashby & Jones, "Engineering Materials 1", and Ashby & Jones, "Engineering Materials 2."
Recommended:
  • Guy & Hren, "Elements of Physical Metallurgy", 1979.
  • Kingery, Bowen & Uhlmann, "Introduction to Ceramics", 1976.
  • Olander, "Fundamental Aspects of Nuclear Reactor Fuel Elements", 1976.
  • Adams, et al., "Materials for Mechanical Engineering", 1998.

Prerequisites: Junior standing in engineering or the physical sciences

Purpose of Course:

  • Ability to understand basic materials science concepts and apply those concepts to nuclear, plasma, and radiological engineering systems.
  • Provide an understanding of radiation damage processes in nuclear systems as a preparation for a career in nuclear, plasma, and radiological engineering as well as for further study at the graduate level.

Instructor: Brent Heuser

Credit: 3 Semester Hours or 3/4 Unit

Meeting hours per week: 3

Class registration opacity: 20

Semesters course offered: REFER TO MASTER LISTING

Other notes:

Course last revised: January 2007

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