Nuclear Engineering

The second digit in the Nuclear Engineering course numbers is coded as follows:

0 - General Nuclear Engineering

1 - Nuclear Reactor Theory

2 - Radioisotope Applications

3 - Radiation, Radioisotope Transport, and Waste Management

4 - Nuclear Laboratory

INTRODUCTORY NUCLEAR ENGINEERING SEQUENCE.

The introductory nuclear engineering sequence, NE 2011-2012, presents a unified treatment of the basic concepts of nuclear engineering. While this sequence is the foundation for additional work in nuclear engineering, it also provides the necessary background for those in other fields who anticipate involvement with the many forms of nuclear techniques:

• nuclear gauging (thickness, density, etc.),
• processes (food irradiation, polymerization, etc.),
• tracer applications (flow, biology, etc.),
• analysis (activation, radiography, etc.),
• medical (diagnostic, therapeutic),
• heat sources (space and terrestial), and
• power generation.

This sequence is available to any student having sophomore status or above. Participation by upper-level students from other departments is encouraged.

NE/ES 2011. INTRODUCTION TO NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY.

Cat. I
Overview of the basic phenomena which form the foundation of the field of nuclear engineering, including radioisotope production and utilization, and controlled chain reactions. Familiarization with nuclear laboratory techniques and instrumentation is emphasized.
Topics covered include: structure of the atom and nucleus, decay laws, properties of decay emanations, and nuclear interactions.
Recommended background: MA 1023.

NE 2012. INTRODUCTION TO HEALTH PHYSICS.

Cat. I
A continuation of NE 2001 which focuses on radiation protection in the application of nuclear technology. The basic concepts of radiation biology, dosimetry, and shielding are developed. The applications, regulatory considerations, accident, and emergency procedures are studied.
Laboratory work involving the use, measurement, and detection of radiation and radioactive materials is emphasized.
Recommended background: NE 2001.

NE 3101. NUCLEAR REACTOR PRINCIPLES.

Cat. I
Basic nuclear concepts pertinent to nuclear reactor theory are studied, including the slowing down and diffusion of neutrons, criticality calculations, reactor control, and reactor systems.
Laboratory experimentation and measurements with the WPI 10-KW open-pool nuclear reactor are included.
Recommended background: NE 2001, MA 2051.

NE 3401. NUCLEAR REACTOR LABORATORY.

Cat. I
Quantitative and qualitative measurement techniques utilizing the WPI 10 kw Nuclear Reactor Facility and associated nuclear instrumentation.
Selected experiments involving: measurement of alpha, beta, gama, and neutron radiation; counting efficiency and calibration; statistical analysis; activation analysis; neutron radiography; reactor response and control; measurement of environmental radiation.
Recommended background: NE 2002, NE 3101.

NE 4301. RADIATION TRANSPORT.

Cat. II
Mathematical modeling of the mechanisms of radiation and radioactive material transport.
Topics covered include: point kernel model, source analysis, geometry effects, nuclide movement, dosimetry, and Monte Carlo techniques. Course emphasis will be on the understanding of the basic processes, leading to predictive models which may be employed to assess the safety of various situations which involve the use of radioactive materials. Radiation standards.
Offered in 1996-97 and in alternating years thereafter.
Recommended background: NE 2002, MA 2051.

NE 4302. RADIOACTIVE WASTE MANAGEMENT.

Cat. II
A technical overview of the sources of radioactive waste and the techniques available for its proper management.
The production and radioisotopes for medicine and industry; the nuclear fuel cycle; low level, transuranic, and high level radioactive wastes; mixed wastes; and decommissioning. Disposal facility design. Regulation of wastes.
Offered in 1995-96 and in alternating years thereafter.
Recommended background: NE 2002.