NE 351:  Nuclear Reactor System Dynamics and Control (New)

Course Objectives for NE 351 (New)

To prepare the students to learn and apply the principles of dynamic system modeling, analysis and process control at the junior level.  This is achieved by the discussion of system modeling approaches, time domain and frequency domain analysis of system performance, stability analysis and process control principles.  The students learn the dynamics and control of nuclear power plants by studying reactor kinetics, nodal modeling of major reactor components and their control actions.  The course emphasizes the use of system analysis tools such as the MATLAB and its Toolboxes.

Learning Outcomes for NE 351 (new)

1. Develop the ability to model the dynamics of engineering systems using fluid flow and heat transfer principles.
2. Acquire the ability to solve ordinary differential equations and implement the MATLAB computer software for the analysis of system transient response.
3. Understand the Laplace transform method for solving linear differential equations and to represent multi-loop dynamic systems using transfer functions.
4. Develop the ability to represent multivariate systems using state space representation and establish transfer functions.
5. Understand and explain the frequency response characteristics of linear systems and use them for stability analysis.
6. Understand the principles of process control strategies and develop the ability to design simple proportional-integral controllers.
7. Develop the ability to model reactor system dynamics, including reactor core, major plant components and control modules.
8. Develop the ability to gather technical information on control system design, to implement computing tools, and to design and assemble a simple laboratory process control loop.

Explanation of the Mapping Presented in Table 1 (NE 351/new)

NE 351 contributes to the various ABET – specified outcomes as shown in Table 1.  Problem solving and the use of computational tools are emphasized in mini-projects.  Engineering problem formulation, design and analysis is included in a class project.  The students are encouraged to communicate with industry personnel and exploit the availability of Internet communication for gathering necessary information.

ABET Outcome 1: The ability to apply knowledge of basic sciences and engineering is contributed by learning outcomes 1,3,4,5,6 and 7.  These deal with system modeling, response analysis, nuclear reactor dynamics and basic control design.

ABET Outcome 2: The course emphasizes mini-projects and a class project.  The project duration is long enough for the students to perform experiments and perform data analysis.

ABET Outcome 3: The students are required to formulate the project problem, perform the design, select and assemble control loop components and perform a validation test.

ABET Outcome 4: None.

ABET Outcome 5: The course contributes to this ABET outcome through four of the learning outcomes, including mini-projects and a class project.  Students identify and formulate engineering problems with the instructor’s assistance.

ABET Outcome 6: None.

ABET Outcome 7: The students have the opportunity to develop their communication skills, both written and oral.  All students are required to make oral presentations of their mini-projects and the class project and prepare written reports.  They are encouraged to communicate with industry personnel and among themselves throughout the semester.

ABET Outcome 8: The course emphasizes the societal responsibility of nuclear engineers in designing efficient control systems for the safe operation of nuclear power plants.  The students become partly aware of this by a visit to a commercial nuclear power plant.

ABET Outcome 9: This course provides students with the principles of modeling dynamic systems, their response analysis, control strategies and nuclear plant operation.  Students entering into profession in the instrumentation and controls area realize the need for continuing education related to new technologies and practices.

ABET Outcome 10: Contemporary issues primarily relate to the development of new instrumentation and controls technology in process systems.  The uses of new computational tools are strongly emphasized.

ABET Outcome 11: Modern engineering tools include laboratory facilities, and software systems for system simulation and control.  The students have the opportunity to improve their skills in these areas through homework assignments and project activities.

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