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Reactor Physics 1 and Applications of Nuclear Technology

Module PH2050

This module handbook serves to describe contents, learning outcome, methods and examination type as well as linking to current dates for courses and module examination in the respective sections.

Module version of WS 2017/8

There are historic module descriptions of this module. A module description is valid until replaced by a newer one.

Whether the module’s courses are offered during a specific semester is listed in the section Courses, Learning and Teaching Methods and Literature below.

available module versions
WS 2022/3WS 2021/2WS 2020/1WS 2019/20WS 2018/9WS 2017/8WS 2016/7WS 2010/1

Basic Information

PH2050 is a semester module in German language at Master’s level which is offered in winter semester.

This Module is included in the following catalogues within the study programs in physics.

  • Specific catalogue of special courses for condensed matter physics
  • Specific catalogue of special courses for nuclear, particle, and astrophysics
  • Specific catalogue of special courses for Applied and Engineering Physics
  • Complementary catalogue of special courses for Biophysics

If not stated otherwise for export to a non-physics program the student workload is given in the following table.

Total workloadContact hoursCredits (ECTS)
150 h 60 h 5 CP

Responsible coordinator of the module PH2050 in the version of WS 2017/8 was Peter Böni.

Content, Learning Outcome and Preconditions

Content

  • Nuclear structure and fission
  • Cross sections
  • Neutron flux, reaction rate, mean free path
  • Resonant scattering and Breit-Wigner formula
  • Multiplikation of neutrons
  • Thermal neutron cycle
  • Four factor formula (Fermi)
  • Kinetics of chain reaction
  • Neutron moderation
  • Thermal, epithermal and fast neutron spectra
  • Reactor control and dynamics
  • Point-kinetic equations
  • The Forschungsneutronenquelle FRM II
  • Applications of nuclear technology

Learning Outcome

After successful participation in the Module the student is able to:

  1. Understand and explain nuclear structure and fission
  2. Explain and calculate the energy release with fission
  3. Recall strong and weak types of fuel
  4. Recall and explain different types of cross sections
  5. Understand and explain neutron multiplication
  6. Understand and explain neutron moderation
  7. Understand and explain reactivity control
  8. Recall and explain the basic features of the Forschungsneutronenquelle FRM II

Preconditions

No preconditions in addition to the requirements for the Master’s program in Physics.

Courses, Learning and Teaching Methods and Literature

Courses and Schedule

Learning and Teaching Methods

  • Lecture: frontal lecure and beamer presentations
  • Exercises: Solution of exercises that are distributed weekly under supervision by a tutor (PhD / scientific assistant)

Media

The Module consists of one lecture (2SWS) and an accompanying exercise (2SWS). The contents of the lectures will be delivered via board work and presentation by the beamer. The exercise class will consist of group work (6-14 students) where the students solve problems under the guidance of a tutor; exercises will be made available one week before each class.

Literature

Standard literature in reactor physics, e.g.:

  1. D. Emendörfer, K. H. Höcker: Theorie der Kernreaktoren (B I Wissenschaftsverlag 1982)
  2. K. H. Beckurts, K. Wirtz: Neutron Physics (Springer Verlag 1964)
  3. A. Ziegler: Lehrbuch der Reaktortechnik (Springer Verlag 1964)
  4. S. Glasstone and M. C. Edlund: Kernreaktortheorie (Springer Verlag 1961)
  5. W. M. Stacey, Nuclear Reactor Physics, Wiley-VCH (2004)

Module Exam

Description of exams and course work

In a written exam (for about 60 minutes) the learning outcome is tested using comprehension questions and sample problems.

In this case of an oral exam (e. g. due to the number of students) the time duration is 25 minutes.

Remarks on associated module exams

The exam for this module can be taken together with the exam to the associated follow-up module PH2051: Reactor Physics 2 and new Concepts in Nuclear Technology / Reaktorphysik 2 und neue Konzepte in der Kerntechnik after the follwoing semester. In this case you need to register for both exams in the following semester.

Exam Repetition

The exam may be repeated at the end of the semester. There is a possibility to take the exam in the following semester.

Current exam dates

Currently TUMonline lists the following exam dates. In addition to the general information above please refer to the current information given during the course.

Title
TimeLocationInfoRegistration
Exam in Reactor physics 1 and applications of nuclear technology
Mon, 2023-07-17 till 23:55 Dummy-Termin. Lehrveranstaltungen zu diesem Modul waren im WS 2022/3. Wenden Sie sich zur individuellen Terminvereinbarung an die/den Prüfer(in). Anmeldung für Prüfungstermin vor 16.09.2023. // Dummy date. Courses to this module were in WS 2022/3. Contact examiner for individual appointment. Registration for exam date before 2023-Sep-16. till 2023-06-30 (cancelation of registration till 2023-07-16)
Mon, 2023-09-18 till 23:55 Dummy-Termin. Lehrveranstaltungen zu diesem Modul waren im WS 2022/3. Wenden Sie sich zur individuellen Terminvereinbarung an die/den Prüfer(in). Anmeldung für Prüfungstermin zwischen 18.09.2023 und 21.10.2023. // Dummy date. Courses to this module were in WS 2022/3. Contact examiner for individual appointment. Registration for exam date between 2023-Sep-18 and 2023-Oct-21. till 2023-09-17
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