NE 405:  Reactor Dynamics, Control and Safety (Old)

Course Objectives for NE 405

To prepare the students to learn and apply the principles of modeling and control to nuclear reactor core and other systems.  The emphasis is on the modeling and control of systems in a pressurized water reactor (PWR) since 70% of the units in the U.S. belong to this category.  This goal is achieved via the discussion of modeling of nuclear reactor kinetics, feedback effects in power reactors, core heat transfer, and the dynamics of major plant components, including pressurizer, steam generators, heat exchangers and major control systems. The second half of the semester is devoted to the discussion of reactor safety, design and regulatory issues.  These would enable the students to understand the transient behavior of nuclear power plants, control and safety aspects that are crucial in the design of future power plants.

Learning Outcomes for NE 405

1. Develop the ability to model nuclear reactor kinetics, reactor systems and controls.
2. Develop the ability to explain reactor transient behavior and the interrelationships among the various primary and secondary variables in a PWR.
3. Understand and explain the functions of various safety systems in typical PWRs and BWRs.
4. Understand and explain the regulatory issues related to reactor safety and the design of new commercial power reactors.
5. Conduct group discussions and make individual presentations on safety-related issues and events in power reactors in the U.S. and in other countries.
6. Review and understand the purpose and activities of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Explanation of the Mapping Presented in Table 1 (NE 405)

NE 405 contributes to eight out of the eleven ABET–specified outcomes as shown in Table 1.  The students are encouraged to communicate with industry personnel and exploit the availability of Internet communication for gathering necessary information on reactor safety and regulatory issues.

ABET Outcome 1: The ability to apply knowledge of basic sciences and engineering is contributed by learning outcome 1.  These deal with reactor system modeling, response analysis and control systems.

ABET Outcome 2: None.

ABET Outcome 3: None.

ABET Outcome 4: None.

ABET Outcome 5: None.

ABET Outcome 6: Engineers’ professional responsibility of designing safe and efficient commercial reactors is emphasized in this course.

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 projects and prepare written reports.

ABET Outcome 8: Global and social responsibilities are discussed in terms of the ability of nuclear engineering graduates to solve energy  problems in the U.S. and the world at large.  Several U.S. companies are involved in designing, building and providing services related to commercial reactors in Europe, Asia and South America.

ABET Outcome 9: This course provides students with the principles of modeling dynamic systems, their response analysis and control strategies.  Students entering into profession in the instrumentation and controls area realize the need for continuing education related to new technologies and practices.  Reactor design and safety is an evolving technology and continuous learning is a necessity.

ABET Outcome 10: Contemporary issues are discussed in topics related to reactor safety and regulatory requirements.

ABET Outcome 11: Students are encouraged to use electronic communication to acquire the latest information on safety-related issues and events from agencies such as the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the International Atomic Energy Agency.

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