Reactor Physics 2 and new Concepts in Nuclear Technology

• Diffusion constant and Fick’s law
• Diffusion equation and boundary conditions
• Diffusion kernels
• Albedo and reflector savings
• Absorbers in neutron fields
• Multiplying media
• Eigenvalues and normal modes of a critical reactor
• Age theory (Fermi), slowing down density,lethargy, bremskernels
• Reactor poisons and burn up
• Reactivity feedback and reactivity coefficients
• Reactor types in Science and Industry

After participation in the Module the student is able to:

1. Solve the neutron diffusion equation under different boundary conditions
2. Understand and calculate albedo factors and reactor savings
3. Understand and explain multiplying media
4. Understand and explain eigenvalues and normal modes of a reactor
5. Understand and explain age theory (Fermi)
6. Recall reactor poisons and explain the burn up behaviour of a reactor
7. Understand and explain reactivity feedback and reactivity coefficients
8. Recall and explain different reactor types in Science and Industry

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

The learning outcomes of the module will be achieved via frontal lecure, written and verbal lecturing and powerpoint presentations. With cross references between different topics the universal concepts in physics are shown. The lecture will be complemented by a weekly exercise class, where students will solve problems in groupwork (~6-8 students) under the supervision of a tutor (PhD / scientific assistant) from the faculty. Records of the lecture as well as of the exercises will be made available to the students on Moodle. In addition, a visit of a commercial nuclear power plant is planned.

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.

Standard literature in reactor physics, e.g.:

1. D.Emendörfer, K.H.Höcker: Theorie der Kernreaktoren (B I Wissenschaftsverlag)
2. K.H.Beckurts,K.Wirtz:Neutron Physics (Springer Verlag 1964)
3. A.Ziegler:Lehrbuch der Reaktortechnik (Springer Verlag 1964)
4. S.Glasstone,M.C.Edlund:Kernreaktortheorie (Springer Verlag 1961)

There will be an oral exam of 30 minutes duration. Therein the achievement of the competencies given in section learning outcome is tested exemplarily at least to the given cognition level using comprehension questions, discussions based on sketches and basic formulas.

For example an assignment in the exam might be:

• Explain the P1-approximation by means of transport theorie.
• Discuss the distribution of the neutron flux in the vicinity of a plate-shaped fuel element in a moderator.
• Explain the functionality of a fast reactor.
• Explain the influence of reactor poison on the operation of a reactor.
• Discuss the power changes that occur if a reactor is suddenly operated in a supercritical mode.

Participation in the exercise classes is strongly recommended since the exercises prepare for the problems of the exam and rehearse the specific competencies.