Reactor Physics

The course will start with a brief introduction to the fundamentals nuclear physics, nuclear reactions and neutron-matter interactions in order to give everyone attending the necessary minimal background. The introductory part is followed by in-depth discussion of fission reactions and the relevant concepts such as neutron life-cycle, and the simplified modelling of multiplying media. The neutron diffusion model, the workhorse of full reactor analysis, will be studied with numerical exercises in Python. We will advance to the study of heterogenous reactos and a study of nuclear reactor dynamics of pressurized water reactors using a Python-based nuclear reactor simulator. We will finish with an overview of different types of nuclear reactors.

NB! This course will take place in autumn semester 2024/2025 which starts on 2nd of September and ends 26th of January (you can find that information under Start date section). The real course start and end dates will be announced at the beginning of September at the latest.

After completing this course the student:

• applies the main principles of reactor theory to understand different reactors;
• describes common reactor designs.

Final assessment can consist of one test/assignment or several smaller assignments completed during the whole course. After declaring a course the student can re-sit the exam/assessment once. Assessment can be graded or non-graded. For specific information about the assessment process please get in touch with the contact person of this course. For specific information about grade transfer please contact your home university

• „Fundamentals of Nuclear Reactor Physics“, E.E. Lewis, Academic Press
• „Introduction to Nuclear Engineering“, J.R. Lamarsh and A.J. Baratta, Prentice Hall
• „The Elements of Nuclear Power“, D.J. Bennet and J.R. Thomson, Longman

lectures, exercises