ML3011 Nuclear Materials Syllabus:
ML3011 Nuclear Materials Syllabus – Anna University Regulation 2021
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
The main learning objective of this course is to prepare the students for:
1. Gaining knowledge about different nuclear materials
2. Understanding the principle and construction of nuclear reactors
3. Identifying the materials for nuclear reactor and fuel
4. Getting awareness of the nuclear waste and prevention techniques
5. Knowing about irradiation effects in nuclear fuels.
UNIT I FUNDAMENTALS OF NUCLEAR ENGINEERING
Atomic structure, atomic number, mass number, isotopes, nuclear energy and nuclear forces, binding energy, nuclear stability, radioactivity, nuclear reactions, nuclear fissions, nuclear fusion.
UNIT II NUCLEAR REACTORS
Types of reactors-ordinary water moderated reactors, heavy water cooled and moderated reactors design, construction and control of nuclear reactors-moderators-coolants-reflectors and structural materials, nuclear power stations in India, comparison of nuclear power plants with thermal power plants.
UNIT III FUELS
Ores and beneficiation – Uranium and thorium ores, availability in India, solvent extraction and ore beneficiation. fuels of different types – metallic, alloy and dispersion fuels for research reactors, ceramic (oxide, carbide and nitride) fuels for thermal power reactor and fast reactors. Fabrication of oxide, mixed-oxide and mixed-carbide fuel for power reactors. Fabrication, characterization and property evaluation of advanced fuel type, processes encountered infabrication, fuel property evaluation – thermal and physical properties
UNIT IV NUCLEAR WASTE AND RADIATION PROTECTION
Introduction-unit of nuclear radiation-Types of waste –disposal –ICRP recommendations-radiation hazards and prevention –radiation dose units
UNIT V IRRADIATION EFFECTS IN NUCLEAR FUELS
Irradiation Examination of Fuels, Irradiation behaviour of metallic uranium – irradiation growth, thermal cycling, swelling, adjusted uranium, blistering in uranium rods. Irradiation effects in ceramic oxide and mixed oxide fuels, definition and units of burnup, main causes of fuel element failure in power reactors and remedies to avoid failures. Behaviour of fuel under off normal and accident condition, criteria for fuel failure during LOCA: oxidation, deformation, stored energy.
TOTAL: 45 PERIODS
COURSE OUTCOMES:
Upon completion of the Course, the students will be able to
1. Select the right fuel to be used in Nuclear reactor
2. Discuss the Nucleator radiation and the controlling methods.
3. Describe the construction and working principle of nuclear reactors
4. Express the safety aspects required in the nuclear plants.
5. Explain the waste in the and its disposal methods.
TEXT BOOKS:
1. Arora and Domkundwar, “Power plant Engineering”, Dhanpati Rai &Co (P) Limited; Eighth edition (1 January 2016)
2. P.K.Nag, “Power Plant Engineering” Tata Mcgraw Hill, 2007
REFERENCES:
1. Frost, “Nuclear Fuel Elements: Design Fabrication and Performance”, pergamon publications, 1982.
2. Gupta C K “Materials in Nuclear Applications” vol.1, CRC publications, 1989.
3. Kaufman A R, John Wiley, “Nuclear Reactor Fuel Elements, Metallurgy and Fabrication”, 1962
4. Olander D R., “Fundamental Aspects of Nuclear Reactor Fuel Elements” NTIS publication,
5. 1976
6. Benedict M and Pigter T.A. “Nuclear Chemical Engineering” Mcgraw Hill 1981
7. Combined power plants by J.H.Horlocks by Pergamon press,1992
8. L.C. Merrite, “Basic principles of Nuclear science and Reactors” Wiley Eastern 1977.