Aims

MECA2600 is an introduction to the physical principles governing nuclear reactors.

Main themes

An introductory course in nuclear physics. Some basic knowledge and skill

in mathematical analysis (integration, power series expansions, ordinary

and partial differential equations) as well as in numerical computation. The

aim of this course is threefold: a description of the basic principles of nuclear

engineering (fuel cycles, reactor types, etc ...), the understanding of the

fundsamental concepts (cross sections, phase space, neutron fluxes and currents,

criticality, etc...) and the development of a model (the multigroup-diffusion

model) allowing to perform reactor computations. By reactor computations, one

generally refers to the determination of the conditions that have to be satisfied

in order to produce energy in steady-state, the space dependence of the energy

production inside the reactor and the time evolution of the energy production if

the steady-state conditions are no longer met. The MECA2600 course is adapted

from the reference "Nuclear Reactor Analysis", by J.J. Duderstadt and L.J.

Hamilton (John Wiley, 1976), chapters 1 to 6.

Content and teaching methods

MECA2600 is an introduction to the physical principles governing nuclear reactors.

The aim of this course is threefold: a description of the basic principles of

nuclear engineering (fuel cycles, reactor types, etc ...), the understanding of

the fundsamental concepts (cross sections, phase space, neutron fluxes and currents,

criticality, etc...) and the development of a model (the multigroup-diffusion

model) allowing to perform reactor computations. By reactor computations, one

generally refers to the determination of the conditions that have to be satisfied

in order to produce energy in steady-state, the space dependence of the energy

production inside the reactor and the time evolution of the energy production if

the steady-state conditions are no longer met.

Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)

Pre-requisite :

- An introductory course in nuclear physics

- A basic knowledge and skill in mathematical analysis (integration, power series

expansions, ordinary and partial differential equations) as well as in numerical

computation.



References :

The MECA2600 course is adapted from the reference "Nuclear Reactor Analysis", by J.J.

Duderstadt and L.J. Hamilton (John Wiley, 1976), chapters 1 to 6.

Programmes in which this activity is taught

Other credits in programs