A course which introduces concepts and principles of heat generation and removal in reactor systems. Power cycles, reactor heat sources, analytic and numerical solutions to conduction problems in reactor components and fuel elements, heat transfer in reactor fuel bundles and heat exchangers. Design principles are emphasized in homework and in-class problems. Course project is required. Credit will not be given for both NE 400 and NE 500.

Prerequisite: MAE 201

Typically offered in Spring only

Elements of nuclear reactor theory for reactor core design and operation. Includes one-group neutron transport and mutigroup diffusion models, analytical and numerical criticality search, and flux distribution and calculations for homogeneous and heterogeneous reactors, slowing down models, introduction to perturbation theory.

Prerequisites: MA 401 and C- or better in NE 301

Typically offered in Spring only

Thermal-hydraulic design and analysis of nuclear systems. Single and two-phase flow, boiling heat transfer, modeling of fluid systems. Design constraints imposed by thermal-hydraulic considerations are discussed. Credit will not be given for bothNE 402 and NE 502.

Prerequisite: MAE 308

Typically offered in Fall only

A basic course in radiation safety and environmental aspects of nuclear power generation. Topics include radiation interaction, photon attenuation, shielding, internal and external dose evaluation, reactor effluents and release of radioactivity into the environment, transportation and disposal of radioactive waste; and environmental impact of nuclear power plants. Term-long project.

Prerequisite: NE 401 or NE 520

Typically offered in Fall only

Nuclear power plant systems: PWR, BWR and advanced concepts. Design criteria, design parameters, economics, primary and secondary loops, safety systems, reactor control and protection systems, containment, accident and transient behaviors, core design, and reactivity control mechanisms. Term-long project. Credit for both NE 405 and NE 505 is not allowed

Prerequisite: NE 401, NE 402

Typically offered in Spring only

Introduces students to properties and selection of materials for nuclear steam supply systems and to radiation effects on materials. Implications of radiation damage to reactor materials and materials problems in nuclear engineering are discussed. Topics include an overview of nuclear steam supply systems, crystal structure and defects, dislocation theory, mechanical properties, radiation damage, hardening and embrittlement due to radiation exposure and problems concerned with fission and fusion materials. Students cannot receive credit for both 409 and 509.

Prerequisite: MSE 201

Typically offered in Fall only

Graduate level course focused on reactor multi-physics methods and techniques for multi-dimensional reactor analysis.

P: NE 301

Typically offered in Spring only

Processing of nuclear fuel with description of mining, milling, conversion, enrichment, fabrication, irradiation, shipping, reprocessing and waste disposal. Fuel cycle economics and fuel cost calculation. In-core and out-of-core nuclear fuel management, engineering concepts and methodology. Term-long project. Credit for both NE 412 and NE 512 is not allowed

Prerequisite: NE 401

Typically offered in Fall only

Basics of nuclear physics and reactor physics that are needed for graduate studies in nuclear engineering. Concepts covered include, atomic and nuclear models, nuclear reactions, nuclear fission, radioactive decay, neutron interactions, nuclear reactors, neutron diffusion in non-multiplying and multiplying systems, and basic nuclear reactor kinetics.

Prerequisite: MA 341 and PY 208

Typically offered in Fall only

Radiation detection measurement methods employed in nuclear engineering. Topics include: physics of nuclear decay and nuclear reactions, interaction of charged particles, photons, and neutrons with matter, fundamental properties of radiation measurement systems, statistical analysis of radiation measurements, common radiation detectors (gas-filled detectors, scintillators, and semiconductor detectors), data acquisition and processing methods, and radiation measurement applications.

Prerequisites: Graduate standing in Nuclear Engineering or instructor permission

Typically offered in Fall only

Derivation of the nonlinear Boltzmann equation for a rarefied gas and linearization to the equation of transport of neutral particles. Deterministic methods for solving the neutron transport equation: Multigroup energy discretization; Discrete Ordinates angular discretization; various spatial discretization methods. Convergence of numerical solutions with discretization refinement. Iterative solution algorithms: inner, outer, and power iterations. Spectral analysis of inner iterations convergence and acceleration. Selection of advanced topics.

NE 401/501: Reactor Analysis and Design Advanced math & moderate programming skills are necessary. Permissible programming languages: Fortran or C++

Typically offered in Spring only

Concepts in plasma physics, basics of thermonuclear reactions; charged particle collisions, single particle motions and drifts, radiation from plasmas and plasma waves, fluid theory of plasmas, formation and heating of plasmas, plasma confinement, fusion devices and other plasma applications.

Prerequisite: MA 401 and PY 208; Graduate standing or departmental consent

Typically offered in Fall only

This course expands on the treatment of plasmas as a system of coupled fluids and introduces the foundations of plasma kinetic theory. Derivation of the plasma kinetic equation and the Vlasov equation serve as the starting point to introduce the kinetic study of plasma systems. From this introduction of the governing equations for full kinetic treatment, methods for analyzing plasma response to electromagnetic and electrostatic perturbations using the linearized Vlasov model for uncorrelated plasmas are introduced. Kinetic stability of Vlasov plasmas is introduced and the Nyquist method is used to determine conditions for kinetic stability. The concept of correlated plasmas is then introduced through the introduction of reduced distribution functions and the BBGKY heirarchy. Finally, simple correlated systems and the Liouville model for two-system correlation is covered to look at the impact of particle correlation due to collisions and coulomb interaction.

Prerequisite: NE 528

Typically offered in Spring only

Scientific and engineering aspects of nuclear waste management. Management of spent fuel, high-level waste, uranium mill tailings, low-level waste and decommissioning wastes. Fundamental processes for the evaluation of waste management systems with emphasis on the safety assessment of waste disposal facilities to include nuclear criticality safety, free release and transportation. There is also a required research project for the graduate version of the course.

Prerequisite: MA 341 and PY208 (or any equivalent)

Typically offered in Spring only

This course is offered alternate even years

In this course we will study the basic role of fuel in reactor operation and understand how the fuel impacts heat generation and transport to the coolant. The course will begin with an overview of different fuels and the fabrication processes required to construct nuclear fuel. This will include various fuel types and geometries, with a focus on light water reactor fuel and cladding. Thermal transport, mechanics, and thermomechanics affecting fuel behavior will be introduced, and methods to solve the governing equations numerically and analytically will be developed. Subsequently, changes in the fuel and cladding material that degrade the performance of the fuel will be examined. Finally, the knowledge gained throughout the course will be utilized to conduct fuel performance simulations with MOOSE.

Prerequisite: NE 409 or equivalent

Typically offered in Spring only

Technology and policy challenges and solutions to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons. Topics include: issues of nuclear proliferation inherent to civilian nuclear power development; technologies, processes, and policies for safeguarding nuclear materials and technology; integrating the preceding subjects to strengthen the global nuclear nonproliferation regime. Includes a field trip to Oak Ridge National Laboratory during Spring Break to gain hands-on experience with safeguards measurements of nuclear material. The field trip is required; there is no cost to the student.

Graduate standing in Nuclear Engineering or instructor consent.

Typically offered in Spring only

Concepts of plasma sources for medical and agricultural applications of plasma are introduced together with a general introduction to atmospheric pressure plasmas. Plasma components and their mode of action are discussed and the impact of plasma on eukaryotic cells is explored. Safety aspects, in particular with respect to medical plasma applications, are discussed. Applications ranging from plasma-assisted wound healing to plasma oncology and plasma agriculture are introduced together with brief introductions to each application.

R: Graduate Standing

Typically offered in Fall only

NE 550 is an introductory course on molecular dynamics simulations. The course covers the principles of classical and statistical mechanics that underpin the simulation methods. Emphasis is placed on writing computer programs for determining thermodynamic, structural and transport properties of different types of materials.

Typically offered in Spring only

This course introduces principles of probabilistic risk assessment and management of complex engineering systems, with a particular focus on nuclear power applications. Fundamental safety and risk concepts, accidents and risk management, a review of major probabilistic risk assessment studies, hazard analysis, qualitative and quantitative systems analysis, human and software reliability, uncertainty quantification, and risk-informed and performance-based design and licensing of advanced nuclear reactors under development. Risk and safety principles are emphasized in homework and in-class problems. Course project is required.

Typically offered in Fall only

Modeling and simulation of two-phase flows using interface tracking approach and ensemble averaging approaches. Model validation and verification based on interface-tracking data, boiling models. Nuclear reactor applications. The course focuses on interface tracking methods understanding as applied to bubbly flow simulations. Students will develop a simplified solver to track 2D bubbles/droplets throughout the course homework assignments and will learn how to apply this approach for better understanding of multi-phase flow as part of the course project.

Typically offered in Spring only

This course is offered alternate odd years

This is an advanced health physics course encompassing internal and external radiological dosimetry along with control of radiation fields including airborne radioactivity. Students will learn basic interactions and response functions, biological effects as well as natural and manmade sources allowing emphasis on the final coverage of nuclear emergency response.

Prerequisite: MA 341 and PY 208 (or equivalent)

Typically offered in Fall only

Credits Arranged

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

Credits Arranged

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

Discussion of selected topics in nuclear engineering.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

Teaching experience under the mentorship of faculty who assist the student in planning for the teaching assignment, observe and provide feedback to the student during the teaching assignment, and evaluate the student upon completion of the assignment.

Prerequisite: Master's student

Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer

For students in non thesis master's programs who have completed all other requirements of the degree except preparing for and taking the final master's exam.

Prerequisite: Master's student

Typically offered in Fall only

Instruction in research and research under the mentorship of a member of the Graduate Faculty.

Prerequisite: Master's student

Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer

Thesis research.

Prerequisite: Master's student

Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer

For graduate students whose programs of work specify no formal course work during a summer session and who will be devoting full time to thesis research.

Prerequisite: Master's student

Typically offered in Summer only

For students who have completed all credit hour requirements and full-time enrollment for the master's degree and are writing and defending their theses.

Prerequisite: Master's student

Typically offered in Spring and Summer

Labratory experiments and techniques that are useful and instructive to a Nuclear Engineer. The labs include experiments on radiation detectors and detection techniques, Gamma-and X-ray spectroscopy, and use of the thermal neutron beam of the nuclear reactor for neutron imaging. All state-of-the art radiation detectors are taught and used. Restricted to Nuclear Engineering Graduate Students.

Prerequisite: MA 401 and NE 401

Typically offered in Spring only

Methods of describing and analyzing dynamic behavior of systems. These methods applied to reactor systems and the effects of feedbacks studies. Methods of measuring the behavior of reactor systems and development of logic systems for control and safety.

Prerequisite: NE 401 or NE 520

Typically offered in Fall only

Advanced theory of neutron transport and computational methods of solving particle transport (linear Boltzmann) equation for reactor physics problems. Principle topics: models of neutron transport; analytic methods for solving transport equation; asymptotic diffusion limit; PN and SPN methods, homogenization methodology; numerical methods for multidimensional problems; computational methods for multiphysics problems. Objective is to enable students to read literature and perform relevant analysis of neutron transport and reactor-physics problems.

P:NE 520 or NE 401/501

Typically offered in Fall only

Consideration of heat generation and transfer in nuclear power reactors. Topics include reactor heat generation, steady-state and transient heat combustion in reactor fuel elements, boiling heat transfer and single and two-phase flow.

Prerequisite: NE 402 and NE 401 or NE 520

Typically offered in Spring only

This course is offered alternate even years

Introduction the student to measurement applications using radioisotopes and radiation. Discussion of all major tracing, gauging and analyzer principles and treatment of several specific applications in detail. Objective is to familiarize student with design and analysis of industrial measurement systems using radioisotopes and/or radiation.

Prerequisite: NE 401 or NE 520

Typically offered in Spring only

Fundamental material on: (1) numerical methods for solving the partial differential equations pertinent to nuclear engineering problems, (2) Monte Carlo simulation of radiation transport and (3) data and error analysis techniques including estimation of linear and nonlinear model parameters from experimental data.

Prerequisite: NE 401 or NE 520

Typically offered in Fall only

Theoretical aspects of neutron diffusion and transport related to the design computation and performance analysis of nuclear reactors. Principal topics: a unified view of the neutron cycle including slowing down, resonance capture and thermalization; reactor dynamics and control; fuel cycle studies; and neutron transport methods. Background provided for research in power and test reactor analysis.

Prerequisite: NE 723, NE 727

Typically offered in Spring only

This course is offered alternate years

Theory and fundamental physical principles of industrial plasmas. Applications in plasma processing, plasma manufacturing technology, arcs and torches, plasma sprayers, high-voltage high-current switching devices, plasma-driven devices and plasma-aided technology. Emphasis on particle transport and plasma flow.

Prerequisite: NE/PY 528

Typically offered in Spring only

Enhancement of laboratory skills pertinent to nuclear engineering research through projects that requiring student to design the experiment, assemble equipment, carry out the measurements and analyze and interpret data. Students work in groups of two and perform to completion two laboratory projects.

Prerequisite: NE 721

Typically offered in Spring only

Experimental plasma generation and plasma diagnostic techniques. Lecture topics include high vacuum techniques, perturbing and non-perturbing probe techniques, and laser and emission spectroscopy. Laboratories utilize various methods of measuring plasma parameters discussed in lectures.

Prerequisite: NE 528 or PY 508 or PY 509

Typically offered in Spring only

This course is offered alternate years

Application of digital computer to problems in reactor core nuclear design. Study and exercise of available reactor core physics computer modules. Description of systems and programs used by industry for power reactor core design and core follow. A review of relevant analytic and numerical methods facilitates computer program development by students.

Prerequisite: NE 723

Typically offered in Spring only

This course is offered alternate years

Advanced presentation of thermal-hydraulic analysis of nuclear power systems. Topics including development of single phase and two-phase fluid flow equations, subchannel analysis, interphase phenomena and numerical solution methods relevant to design and safety analysis codes.

Prerequisite: NE 724

Typically offered in Fall only

This course is offered alternate years

The control of nuclear reactor systems. Development of basic control theory including the use of Bode, Nyquist and S-plane diagrams and state-variable methods. Analysis of reactor and reactor systems by these methods and development of control methods and optimum-control methods. Discussion of models of reactors and reactor-associated units, such as heat exchangers. Presentation of effects of nonlinearities.

Prerequisite: NE 722

Typically offered in Spring only

Theoretical aspects of neutron diffusion and transport related to the design computation and performance analysis of nuclear reactors. Principal topics: a unified view of the neutron cycle including slowing down, resonance capture and thermalization; reactor dynamics and control; fuel cycle studies; and neutron transport methods. Background provided for research in power and test reactor analysis.

Prerequisite: NE 723, NE 727

Typically offered in Spring only

This course is offered alternate years

Interaction of radiation with matter with emphasis on microstructural modification, physical and mechanical effects. Defects generation and annealing, void swelling, irradiation growth and creep, and irradiation induced effects in reactor materialsare discussed. Current theories and experimental techniques are discussed.

Typically offered in Spring only

This advanced graduate course covers the multifaceted design aspects of fusion reactor systems, addressing critical considerations such as plasma physics, engineering limits and tradeoffs between these constraints. The parameter requirements for ignition devices, engineering test facilities, and safety/environmental concerns, all will be addressed. The course explores magnet principles, covering resistive and superconducting magnets, along with associated cryogenic requirements. The curriculum covers blanket and first wall design considerations, encompassing both liquid and solid breeders, heat removal strategies, and structural considerations. Fueling requirements and technologies will be introduced and discussed. Additionally, the course explores heating and current drive devices, including radio frequency and neutral beam methods. Participants will develop a thorough understanding of the elements and tools involved in designing fusion reactors and have the practical experience of applying them in an assigned course research project.

Prerequisite: NE 528

Typically offered in Fall only

This course is offered alternate years

Advanced aspects of radiation detection such as computer methods applied to gamma-ray spectroscopy, absolute detector efficiencies by experimental and Monte Carlo techniques, the use and theory of solid state detectors, time-of-flight detection experiments and M¿ssbauer and other resonance phenomena.

Prerequisite: NE 726

Typically offered in Spring only

Presentation of advanced principles and techniques of radioisotope applications. Topics include radiotracer principles; radiotracer applications to engineering processes; radioisotope gauging principles; charged particle, gamma ray and neutron radioisotope gauges.

Prerequisite: NE 726

Typically offered in Fall only

This course discusses materials evolution and performance in advanced reactor systems, addressing the current state of knowledge for advanced fuels, cladding, and coolants. Students will gain relevant knowledge to address advanced materials questions in the next generation of nuclear reactors. Systems of interest include high-temperature gas reactors, sodium-cooled fast reactors, molten salt reactors, small modular reactors, research reactors, and more.

Prerequisite: NE 509

Typically offered in Fall only

Advances in scientific computing have made modeling and simulation an important part of engineering and science. This course provides students with understanding and knowledge of comprehensive and systematic development of concepts, principles and procedures for verification, and validation of models and simulations. The methods discussed in class will be applied to wide range of technical fields of engineering (including nuclear and mechanical engineering) and technology. The theory lectures and assignments will be complemented with demonstration computer exercises, examples, and a computer project on uncertainty propagation in modeling.

Restriction: Graduate Standing in College of Engineering or College of Science

Typically offered in Fall only

Advanced course in computational methods for neutron and photon transport. Methods include Monte Carlo and deterministic solutions to the transport equation for both fixed source and eigenvalue problems. Digital computers employed in the solution of practical problems.

Prerequisite: NE 723 or equivalent

Typically offered in Fall only

This course is offered alternate years

Course covers the identification, transport, and fate of hazardious substances in the environment; quantification of human exposures to such substances; dose-response analysis; and uncertainty and variability analysis. The general risk assessment framework, study design aspects for exposure assessment, and quantitative methods for estimating the consequences and probablity of adverse health outcomes are emphasized.

Prerequisite: ST 511 or 515

Typically offered in Spring only

This course is offered alternate odd years

Principles of analyzing environmental radiation transport and resulting human exposure and dose and dose management. Source terms of radiation exposure, the radon problem, transport or radionuclides in the atmosphere, effluent pathways modeling, radiation dosimetry, probabilistic models for environmental assessment, uncertainty analysis, and radiation risk management. A laboratory research project report will be developed as an outcome of this course.

Prerequisite: NE520 & NE504 or NE590 and a semester long statistics course or permission by instructor

Typically offered in Fall only

Advanced fluid description of plasmas for magnetic fusion, space and industrial plasmas, and other applications. Emphasis on a first principles approach to transport, equilibria, and stability.

Prerequisite: NE 528, NE/PY 414 and 415

Typically offered in Fall only

This course is offered alternate odd years

Kinetic theory, waves, and non-linear phenomena in magnetized plasmas. First principles approach to the treatment of instabilities and other collective effects.

Prerequisite: NE 528, NE/PY 414 and 415, Corequisite: MA 775

Typically offered in Fall only

This course is offered alternate even years

A study of recent developments in nuclear engineering theory and practice.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

A study of recent developments in nuclear engineering theory and practice.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

Discussion of selected topics in nuclear engineering.

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

Teaching experience under the mentorship of faculty who assist the student in planning for the teaching assignment, observe and provide feedback to the student during the teaching assignment, and evaluate the student upon completion of the assignment.

Prerequisite: Doctoral student

Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer

For students who are preparing for and taking written and/or oral preliminary exams.

Prerequisite: Doctoral student

Typically offered in Spring only

Instruction in research and research under the mentorship of a member of the Graduate Faculty.

Prerequisite: Doctoral student

Typically offered in Fall and Spring

Dissertation research.

Prerequisite: Doctoral student

Typically offered in Fall, Spring, and Summer

For graduate students whose programs of work specify no formal course work during a summer session and who will be devoting full time to thesis research.

Prerequisite: Doctoral student

Typically offered in Summer only

For students who have completed all credit hour, full-time enrollment, preliminary examination, and residency requirements for the doctoral degree, and are writing and defending their dissertations.

Prerequisite: Doctoral student

Typically offered in Fall and Spring