Nuclear and Radiological Engineering

Continuous and discrete variable solution methods for the statistical, algebraic, differential and integral equations important in nuclear engineering. Problems involving neutron, photon, fluid and temperature distributions in configuration, time and velocity are mathematically modeled, solved and interpreted.

Elementary development of descriptions of radiation transport by discrete particles and continuous waves. Mass, momentum and energy flows and the manipulation and detection thereof. Engineering applications of radiation transport.

Detailed development of neutral and charged particle transport relations. Problem resolution using numerical and analytical techniques. Engineering design and analyses of radiation producing and using equipment and systems.

Study of neutron reactions, neutron diffusion, and multiplication factors for nuclear reactors. Static analysis of nuclear systems and elementary study of time dependent behavior.

Continuation of ENU 4103. Static analysis of nuclear reactors including heterogeneous effects, multigroup calculations and generation of group constants. Dynamic analysis of reactors including feedback. Application of computer codes to reactor analysis.

Thermodynamic aspect of nuclear power, reactor heat generation and removal, heat transfer and fluid flow in nuclear systems with emphasis on light water reactors.

Basis for light water reactor (LWR) design; the NRC design criteria for LWRs. Study of the major systems, components and performance characteristics of LWRs including fuels, primary and secondary coolant systems, emergency and auxiliary systems.

Study of radiation management systems including reliability and probabilistic risk assessment.

Nuclear fuel management from enrichment through waste management and economics.

Introduction to design methodology with application to the solution of a unified set of design problems for radiation management.

Analysis of the control and dynamic characteristics of nuclear reactors, including the effects of feedback. Analysis of the control and dynamic characteristics of the integrated nuclear power plant.

A laboratory experience integrating practical applications of radiation sources and generators, radiation interactions and transport through matter, and radiation detection. Students select appropriate forms of radiation and detection methods to design solutions for specific nuclear and radiation engineering problems.

Study of the interaction of radiation with matter and of radiation sources; cross sections and radiation fields. Photon and charged particle interactions.

Continuation of ENU 4605. Study of neutron interactions with matter; macroscopic cross sections for interactions of photons and neutrons and their applications for shielding and dosimetry calculations; attenuation and absorption of radiation from distributed sources in simple and complicated geometries.

Physics and electronics of radiation detection and instrumentation systems for application to nuclear energy, radiological sciences, radiation protection, medical physics and imaging, and industrial safety and control systems.

Laboratory in nuclear radiation detection and instrumentation systems associated with ENU 4612.

Applications of ionizing radiation and its effects on biological systems. Introduction to mechanisms of biological damage and evaluation of risks and benefits pertinent to a wide variety of ionizing radiation applications associated with biological systems, including medical and industrial applications.

Basic principles of radiation shielding. Study of radiation sources and shielding for the reactor core and for nuclear power plant systems and components.

Introduction to practical radiation protection techniques and practices including laboratory experiences. Examination of pertinent regulations, current practice, ethics, and instrumentation/measurement practices. Design of facilities and controls to optimize benefits of radiation applications and minimize exposure risks.

Individually selected problems or projects in the students’ major field of engineering study.

Individually selected design problems or design projects in the student’s major field of engineering study. May be repeated up to a maximum of 8 credits.

Special courses covering selected topics in nuclear engineering.

Presentations and discussions on topics of current and continuing interest in nuclear engineering sciences.

Practical engineering work under industrial supervision as set forth in the College of Engineering regulations.

Practical engineering work under industrial supervision, as set forth in the College of Engineering regulations.

Characterization and description of low and high level radwastes, regulatory requirements and methods of treatment. Transportation, burial and surveillance of radwastes. Decommissioning of nuclear facilities.