NPRE 247

Engineering at Illinois Engineering at Illinois

Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering

NPRE 247

COURSE OUTLINE

Course Number: NPRE 247

Title: Introduction to Modeling Nuclear Energy Systems

Catalogue Description: Applications of elementary nuclear physics in nuclear engineering. Nuclear reactor materials and components. Steady-state and transient operation of nuclear reactors. Nuclear energy removal and conversion. Radiation shielding.

Course Topics and Hours
Principle Topics Covered Hours (Approximate)
Elementary Nuclear Physics
  • Special Theory of Relativity; Equivalence of Mass and Energy
  • Nuclear Structure
  • Radioactivity
  • Nuclear Reactions
  • Nuclear Fission and Fusion
 6
Nuclear Reactors
  • Reactor Fuels, Coolants, Moderators, and Structural Materials
  • Civilian Power Reactors
  • Fusion Power Reactor Concepts
  • Reactors for Space Applications
 8
Nuetronics Analysis
  • Slowing-down of Neutrons
  • Neutron Diffusion
  • Criticality Relations
  • Reactivity
 8
Energy Removal and Conversion
  • Heat Sources in Nuclear Systems
  • Temperature Distributions in Reactor Components
  • Pressure Drops and Pumping Power
  • Energy Conversion and Nuclear Power Plants
 8
Reactor Control and Instrumentation
  • Reactor Kinetics
  • Temperature Effects on Reactivity
  • Control Rods
  • Control Instrumentation
 6
Radiation Shielding
  • Radiation Dosimetry
  • Biological and Thermal Shields
  • Radiation Sources
  • Attenuation of Radiation
 5
Environmental Impact of Nuclear Energy
  • Effluents and Emission from Nuclear Plants and Facilities
  • Transport of Effluents and Emission
  • Waste Processing and Disposal
  • Comparisons with other Energy Generation Systems
 1
Radiation shielding 1
Exams 2
Total 45

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Basic Texts:

Selected articles:

J.R. Lamarsh "Introduction to Nuclear Engineering"

Prerequisites: This couse provides as first introductory course that students take in their major field (NPRE). It provides the background for several higher level courses such as NPRE 451; NPRE 455; NPRE 441; NPRE 421..

Purpose of Course: Elective for all Engineering Disciplines and Physics.

Instructor: Brent Heuser

Credit: 3 Semester Hours

Meeting hours per week: 2

Class registration opacity: 40

Semesters course offered: GO TO MASTER LISTING

Other notes: To introduce the student o the fundamentals of nuclear physics and radiation, and to provide a broad background of nuclear applications such as in power and medical fields. Students are also introduced to basic concepts related to operation, energy removal and shielding of power plants as well as those in medical applications. It provides the background for several nuclear engineering junior and senior level courses.

Course last revised: June 2007

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