From nuclear structure to nuclear energy

Abstract

The course aims at understanding the basics of a physical system: a nuclear fission reactor. It also initiates to the safety and sustainability issues of a complex system that massively delivers electric power, and is also part of a complex physical and chemical nuclear fuel cycle.

Objective

Building on knowledge in basic disciplines (Nuclear physics, Neutronics, Heat transfer, Chemistry, Materials), understand a physical system: a nuclear fission reactor. To be initiated to the safety and sustainability issues of a complex system that massively delivers electric power, and is also part of a complex physical and chemical nuclear fuel cycle.

Content

This course describes the peaceful use of the energy stored in atomic nuclei. It starts from the energy liberated by mass differences in nuclear systems and describes the mechanisms that allow for a controlled use of an energy source that originates from first principles of physics. The sustainability of this energy source is also examined. The course will address the following questions, privileging the viewpoint of the physicist: Nuclear structure: How do nuclei store energy? Radioactivity and reactions: How do nuclei release energy? Nucleosynthesis: Where does Uranium come from? Isotope separation: Why does one enrich uranium and how? Reactor physics: How can we create a continuous source of power from nuclear fission? Heat Transfer: How does one recover useful energy from heat? Reactor dynamics: How does one control safely the power? Materials under extreme conditions: Which materials are needed to withstand irradiation, pressure and temperature? Reactor systems: Two major nuclear plant systems of today. Accident: When the power gets out of control. Radiation and health: What are the risks for humans? Safety systems and devices: How is a safe operation designed and guaranteed? Fuel cycle: What can be made from unused mass and energy flows? Future energy systems: What will “Generation 4” systems look like? Global warming and greenhouse gases: Where can nuclear energy help to mitigate? The long term vision: sustainable energy from fusion Sustainability: How sustainable is nuclear fission, today and tomorrow?

Resources