NUEN304 Nuclear Reactor Analysis, Pavel V.

Tsvetkov, Spring 2008

NUEN 304 - NUCLEAR REACTOR ANALYSIS

Spring Semester, 2008

Instructor: Dr. Pavel V. Tsvetkov Zachry 122D, (979) 845-7078, tsvetkov@tamu.edu

Office Hours: TR 2pm–4pm, Welcome to stop by!
Assistant: Valentin Zingan Zachry 60F, zingan@tamu.edu
Welcome to stop by!
Schedule: Tuesday, Thursday, 12:45 p.m.–14:00 p.m., Zachry Engineering Center, 119C
Texas A&M Undegraduate Catalog Data
Required course for Nuclear Engineering baccalaureate degree
Credits: NUEN 304 (3-0) Nuclear Reactor Analysis. Credit 3. II
Description: The group diffusion method, multiregion reactors, heterogeneous reactors, reactor
kinetics, changes in reactivity. Prerequisites: NUEN301.

Text 1. Notes: Nuclear Reactor Analysis, lecture notes (The main information source for course
subjects is a set of comprehensive course notes written by the instructor and
distributed to the class. The course notes provide complete and consistent coverage
of the course topics)
• J. R. Lamarsh, Introduction to Nuclear Reactor Theory, Addison-Wesley
Pub., 1966, (ISBN: 0-894-48040-5)
2. Textbook: • W. M. Stacey, Nuclear Reactor Physics, John Wiley & Sons, 2001 (ISBN: 0-
471-39127-1) or any new edition of this book
• J. R. Lamarsh, A. J. Baratta, Introduction to Nuclear Engineering, 3d ed.,
Prentice-Hall, 2001 (ISBN: 0-201-82498-1)
3. References: • J. J. Duderstadt, L. J. Hamilton, Nuclear Reactor Analysis, John Wiley &
Sons, 1976 (ISBN: 0-471-22363-8)
Course Objective
NUEN 304 is a 3rd-year-level undergraduate course. Within the curriculum, it relates the
fundamental physical principles, concepts and modeling techniques to analysis and design of
nuclear reactors. It prepares to analyze nuclear reactors including aspects of performance,
dynamics and safety and to either develop new designs or to assess existing or proposed designs
based upon fundamental understanding of reactor physics.
Prerequisites by Topic
1. Basic nuclear physics as applied to nuclear engineering
2. Neutron diffusion theory, slowing down theory, criticality conditions as applied to bare homogeneous
reactors
3. Systems of linear equations, eigenvalues, eigenvectors
4. Partial differential equations
Topics Covered
1. Cross-section data and evaluated nuclear data files
2. Concept of criticality; importance of principal eigenvalue and fundamental mode
3. One-group diffusion theory, multiregion reactors
4. Two-group and multigroup diffusion equations
5. Heterogeneous reactors
6. Point reactor kinetics
7. Temperature coefficients of reactivity
8. Changes in reactivity due to depletion and fission product buildup
9. Nuclear reactor analysis principles and applications of introduced modeling techniques

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NUEN304 Nuclear Reactor Analysis, Pavel V. Tsvetkov, Spring 2008

Course Outcomes
Students who successfully complete this course should be able to:
1. Analyze nuclear reactor performance in terms of quantities describing neutron-nuclear reactions
2. Analyze bare homogeneous reactors and design a system with specified characteristics
3. Develop one-group diffusion models for multiregion reactors
4. Solve problems within the framework of one-group diffusion theory for multiregion reactors
5. Compute neutron distributions and multiplication factors in steady-state heterogeneous reactors using
multigroup diffusion method
6. Compute dynamics and safety characteristics using point kinetics models with reactivity feedback
7. Compute reactivity effects due to depletion and fission product buildup
8. Develop models for nuclear reactor analysis and neutronics design
9. Design heterogeneous reactors with specified characteristics
Computer Usage
Most of the homework assignments require analytical solutions. Appropriate use of EXCEL, MAPLE,
MATHCAD, MATLAB or STELLA is encouraged.
Course Structure
1. Lectures and lecture notes
Lectures and lecture notes will cover the course topics and will be made as self-sufficient as
reasonably achievable
2. Homework problem (HW) sets
Homework problem (HW) sets will be assigned and graded weekly
3. Simplified reactor design problem (RDP)
Simplified reactor design problem (RDP) will be assigned in addition to the regular homework
assignments. The problem is intended to enhance familiarization with the course topics.
Depending on the course material covered, it will be given within 2-3 weeks before the final
examination (after 2nd midterm examination)
4. Short express quizzes
Short express quizzes will be given to facilitate and enhance the learning process. Each quiz will
consist of 1 - 3 theoretical questions based on the material from the preceding lectures and will be
designed for approximately 10 min of class time (open book). The short express quizzes will be
given randomly and without any prior notice
5. Performance assessment meetings
Individual performance assessment meetings will be scheduled with each student following
individual student schedules. The purpose of these meetings is to give a student an opportunity to
discuss his progress with instructor, share concerns and suggestions about the course, as well as to
receive the detailed feedback and performance assessment from instructor. The meeting attendance
is mandatory.
6. Two major midterm examinations
Two written midterm exams will be given (closed book & notes, no calculators). They will be
comprehensive with respect to the corresponding preceding material. Depending on the actual
progress, the midterm exams are planned for the middle/end of February and beginning of April
7. Final examination options:
Option 1 Oral Exam Prerequisite – course score: 91%-100% by the last day
of classes. Oral final examination (closed book, closed
notes, no calculators) will be comprehensive with respect to
the entire course material
Option 2 Written Exam Mandatory written final examination (closed book, closed
Optional Oral Exam notes, no calculators) will be comprehensive with respect to
the entire course material. The optional comprehensive oral
exam will be offered following the mandatory written exam
to facilitate fairness of the assessment. The decision of
taking the optional oral exam is entirely up to a student.

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NUEN304 Nuclear Reactor Analysis, Pavel V. Tsvetkov, Spring 2008

Course Outline (all dates are subject to change depending on the actual course progress)
Topic Lecture # Stacey, Lamarsh, Duderstadt, HWs,
1st. ed. Baratta Hamilton
pages pages pages
RDP
0. INTRODUCTION Date: 01/15/08
0.1. Course overview - - -
0.2. Neutron nuclear reactions 1/26 3-20 5-52 10-16 (1)
0.3. Neutron chain fission reactions 35-38 52-62 54-70
0.4. Classification of nuclear reactors 42-44 133-184 4-6, 88-96
1. CROSS-SECTION DATA AND EVALUATED NUCLEAR DATA FILES Date: 01/17/08
1.1. Cross-section data 2/26 24-27 62-88 16-32 (1,2)
1.2. Evaluated nuclear data files 27 - 32-34
2. CONCEPT OF CRITICALITY; PRINCIPAL EIGENVALUE & FUNDAMENTAL MODE Date: 01/17/08
2.1. Criticality 39-40 117-118 74-77 (1,2)
2.2. One-group diffusion theory, bare homogeneous reactor 2/26 45-66 266-280 198-211
2.3. Criticality search - size and composition effects 64-66 - -
3. ONE-GROUP DIFFUSION THEORY, MULTIREGION REACTORS Date: 01/22/08 - 01/31/08
3.1. One-dimensional two-region reactor - - -
3.2. Reflected reactor; reflector savings 3/26 – 6/26 66-68 297-308 211-214 (2,3)
3.3. Numerical solutions of one-group diffusion problems 81-90 - 214-219
4. MULTIGROUP DIFFUSION THEORY Date: 02/05/08 - 02/14/08
4.1. Multigroup diffusion theory 123-129 248-252 286-295 (4,5)
4.2. Analytical solutions of 2-group diffusion problems 7/26 – 10/26 - 257-260 295-301
4.3. Collapsing multigroup cross sections - - -
4.4. Numerical solutions of multigroup diffusion problems 129-134 - 301-307
QUIZ 1 (Closed Book, Closed Notes, No Calculators) Review: 11/26 - 02/19/08 Exam 1: 02/21/08
5. HETEROGENEOUS REACTORS Date: 02/26/08 - 03/04/08
5.1. Homogenization of a fuel-moderator assembly 68-76 309-326 399-405 (6,7)
5.2. Core homogenization 12/26 – 14/26 - - 406-415
5.3. Effective diffusion theory for control rods 77-81 348-365 547-551
5.4. Power peaking factors 76-77 281-282 529-533
6. POINT REACTOR KINETICS Date: 03/06/08 - 03/27/08
6.1. Delayed fission neutrons 139-142 85-88 235-237 (8,9)
6.2. Point kinetics problems and their approximate 15/26 – 19/26 142-151 334-348 237-246
solutions
6.3. Numerical solutions of point kinetics problems 189-190 - -
QUIZ 2 (Closed Book, Closed Notes, No Calculators) Review: 20/26 - 04/01/08 Quiz 2: 04/03/08
7. TEMPERATURE COEFFICIENTS OF REACTIVITY Date: 04/08/08 – 04/10/08
7.1. Temperature coefficients of reactivity 158-164 365-376 556-563 (10)
7.2. Perturbation theory evaluation 21/26 – 22/26 164-168 - - (RDP)
7.3. Reactivity feedback 157-158 - 257-262
8. CHANGES DUE TO DEPLETION & FISSION PRODUCT BUILDUP Date: 04/15/08 - 04/22/08
8.1. Nuclide production-destruction equations 195-205 389-398 580-588 (11)
8.2. Reactivity effects of fuel composition changes 23/26 – 25/26 205-209 - -
8.3. Samarium and xenon 209-215 376-389 566-580
9. NUCLEAR REACTOR ANALYSIS Date: 04/24/08
9.1. Nuclear power reactors 243-262 - -
9.2. Nuclear reactor analysis 26/26 262-267 - 448-454 -
9.3. Reactor physics and thermodynamics coupling 267-269 - 454-465
FINAL EXAM (Closed Book, Closed Notes, No Calculators) Review: 04/24/08 Exam: 8-10 a.m., 05/07/08
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NUEN304 Nuclear Reactor Analysis, Pavel V. Tsvetkov, Spring 2008

Course Policy, Assignment Submission Guidelines and Grading Policy

1. Academic Integrity Statement: “An Aggie does not lie, cheat, or steal or tolerate those who do.”
For additional information please visit http://www.tamu.edu/aggiehonor

2. Professional Behavior: An important attribute of your professional development is that you act and
speak in a manner that will not offend others giving particular care to diversity issues.

3. Assignments (HW solution sets and RDP report):

• Preparation (grade penalty up to a full assignment worth for not following the guidelines):
Each HW solution set: (1) give assignment number and attach assignment as a cover, (2) use
only front side of each page, (3) provide brief problem statements, (4) be neat and legible
and present work logically to allow Teaching Assistant easy follow-up, (5) if asked for a
numerical result, give formula and number with units, (6) staple your set
RDP report and materials: (1) up to 5 pages (no handwriting) including contents, lists of
figures and tables, introduction, problem description, model development, results,
conclusions, etc., (2) if you created auxiliary materials – list them in the Appendix and E-
mail actual materials, (3) provide the list of references at the end of your report

• Submission of the HW solution sets and the RDP reports and materials:
HW solution sets, RDP report and materials: Work together is encouraged. The participating
classmates must be listed on the first page. However, the final submitted assignments must
be individual work efforts. If blatant copying is detected, the score will be 0 for all
students involved

ALL assignments are due at the start of class on the due date!

NO late assignments accepted without creditable excuse/explanation for delay!

NO assignments will be accepted after the last day of classes! (see the course schedule
provided in this syllabus)

LATE SUBMISSION (1 WEEK TO EXPLAIN AND ASK FOR A NEW DUE DATE):
If a student cannot submit his work by the due date, he has 1 week after the due date
to explain the reasons for the delay and ask for a new due date.
Depending on the provided explanation and the assignment submission history of a
student, the new due date will be assigned or denied (the delayed work will not be
accepted in this case).
NO GRADE PENALTY.
If the student fails to contact instructor within 1 week after the due date, the delayed
work will not be accepted. No exceptions!

• Re-submission of HW sets and RDP reports and materials:

If you re-do your assignment, you can increase your grade by at least 10% of the original worth
(up to 100% depending on the originality).

ONLY ONE RESUBMISSION OF EACH ASSIGNMENT IS PERMITTED.

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NUEN304 Nuclear Reactor Analysis, Pavel V. Tsvetkov, Spring 2008

4. Structure of final course score:

Course Element Element Score
Class meeting attendance and participation 3%
Homework Problem Sets 19%
29%
Simplified Reactor Design Problem 10%
Short Express Quizzes 10%
Midterm Examination 1 19%
38%
Midterm Examination 2 19%
Final Exam 20%
TOTAL Final Course Score 100%

5. Final course grade ranges:

Final Course Score Final Course Grade
90% and above A
80 - 89.5% B
70 - 79.5% C
60 - 69.5% D
Prepared by: Dr. Pavel V. Tsvetkov. Date: January 14, 2008

Scholastic Dishonesty and the Aggie Honor Code: "An Aggie does not lie, cheat, or steal or tolerate those
who do." The Code forbids the following:
• Cheating: Attempting to use unauthorized materials, information, notes, study aids or other devices or
materials in any academic exercise.
• Fabrication: Making up data or results; submitting fabricated documents.
• Falsification: Manipulating results such that research is not accurately represented in the research record.
• Multiple Submissions: Submitting substantial portions of the same work (including oral reports) for credit
more than once without authorization from instructors.
• Plagiarism: Using another person’s ideas, work, processes, results, writings, words, etc. without giving
appropriate credit.
• Complicity: Intentionally or knowingly helping, or attempting to help, another to commit an act of
academic dishonesty.
If you have questions regarding scholastic dishonesty and the Aggie Honor Code, please visit
http://www.tamu.edu/aggiehonor for the Honor Council Rules and Procedures, and http://student-
rules.tamu.edu for the Texas A&M University Student Rules.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal
antidiscrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities.
Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning
environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a
disability requiring an accommodation, please tell your instructor or contact the Department of Student Life,
Services for Students with Disabilities, in Cain Hall, or call 845-1637.

Religious Holidays: If you are a member of a religious faith that has one or more holidays which require you
to be absent from any class listed above, please tell your instructor at least two weeks in advance of your
absence and make arrangements to make-up the class.

Copyrights: The handouts used in this course are copyrighted. By "handouts" we mean all materials generated
for this class, which include but are not limited to syllabi, lab problems, in-class materials, review sheets, and
additional problem sets. Because these materials are copyrighted, you do not have the right to copy the
handouts, unless the author expressly grants permission.