EMCH 552

Introduction to Nuclear Engineering

Fall 2003

Instructor: Elmer Schwartz

A126 in 300 Main (803)777-4875

Office Hours: MW 10-12 but any time that I am in the office.

Contact by e-mail will be welcome at any time. ()

Text: Lamarsh and Baratta, Introduction to Nuclear Engineering, 3rd Edition

Prentice Hall, 2001

Schedule: The class will meet regularly on T-Th at 9:30 AM. It will also meet three times on Saturday at 9 AM replacing the following Tuesday. These Saturdays are October 4, November 1, and December 13.

Catalog Course Description:

EMCH 552 – Introduction to Nuclear Engineering (3) Radioactivity and nuclear reactions; steady state and transient nuclear reactor theory.

Course Objectives:

1.  Comprehend and compute magnitude of radioactivity associated with reactors.

2.  Calculate critical size of reactor based on specification of materials present.

3.  Describe and compute reactivity effects of control, temperature, and poisons.

Chapter Sections Subject Weeks

2 2,7-9, 13 Radiation, Radioactive Decay 1

3 1-7 Neutron Interaction with Matter: 3

Scattering, Capture, and Fission

*************************Quiz I, October 4******************************

5 1-10 Neutron Diffusion and Moderation 3

6 1-8 Steady State Critical Reactor: 5

Composition and Critical Size

*************************Quiz II, November 1****************************

Quiz II will be on the material covered to that point; Chapter 6 may not be finished.

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7 1, 3-5 Time Dependent Reactor Behavior: 2

Control, Temperature, Poisons

*******************Final Examination, December 13, 9:00 AM*****************

Homework will be assigned for each class and the solutions will be discussed. Except for solidifying your understanding of the subject, the homework will have no effect on the course grade.

The course grade will be based on a plot of the average quiz grade vs. the final examination grade.

For students taking the course for graduate credit, there will be a required term paper on a subject of your choice but subject to the instructor’s approval.