NE 225 - THE NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE (3 units)

Foundation in nuclear fuel cycle with topics ranging from nuclear-fuel reprocessing to waste treatment and final disposal. The emphasis is on the relationship between nuclear-power utilization and its environmental impacts. The goal is for graduate engineering students to gain sufficient understanding in how nuclear-power utilization affects the environment, so that they are better prepared to design an advanced system that would result in minimized environmental impact. The lectures will consist of two parts. The first half includes mathematical models for individual processes in a fuel cycle, such as nuclear fuel reprocessing, waste solidification, repository performance, and nuclear transmutation in a nuclear reactor. In the second half, these individual models are integrated, which enables students to evaluate environmental impact of a fuel cycle. (Alternate Spring semesters) Ahn

Description:

• This course is intended for graduate students interested in
  acquiring a foundation in nuclear fuel cycle with topics ranging
  from nuclear-fuel reprocessing to waste treatment and final
  disposal. The emphasis is on the relationship between nuclear-power
  utilization and its environmental impacts. The goal is for graduate
  engineering students to gain sufficient understanding in how
  nuclear-power utilization affects the environment, so that they
  are better prepared to design an advanced system that would
  result in minimized environmental impact.

• The lectures will consist of two parts. The first half includes
  mathematical models for individual processes in a fuel cycle,
  such as nuclear fuel reprocessing, waste solidification, repository
  performance and nuclear transmutation in a nuclear reactor. In
  the second half, these individual models are integrated, which
  enables students to evaluate environmental impact of a fuel cycle.
  Case studies are made for existing systems by utilizing the developed
  model. Optimization of a fuel cycle from the viewpoint of environmental-impact
  minimization is discussed as part of closing discussions. Weekly
  homework, midterm, final examination.

Prerequisites:

• NE 124 and NE 150 are recommended