ENGINEERING TRIPOS PART IIB – 2012/2013
Module 4I5 - Nuclear Materials
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Leader:
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Prof A.L. Greer (Dept of Materials Science and Metallurgy) (alg13@cam.ac.uk)
Course shared with Part III Materials Science and Metallurgy, with input from the Department of Earth Sciences
CUED contact for this module: Dr H.R. Shercliff (hrs@eng.cam.ac.uk)
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Timing:
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Michaelmas Term
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Prerequisites:
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Module 4M16 useful.
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Structure:
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14L + 2 Examples Classes
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Material / Format / Timing
Lecture Syllabus / 100% exam / Easter Term |
COURSE OVERVIEW
This course is a module within Part III Materials Science & Metallurgy. It is available for students from the Department of Physics and the Department of Engineering, providing a valuable insight on some of the key issues facing the nuclear power generation industry. Many of these are related to the materials involved, their response to, and their reliability under, extreme conditions. The course is designed for those from a range of backgrounds in engineering, materials and physics.
(DRAFT) LECTURE SYLLABUS (14L, Prof A.L. Greer et al.)
Introduction
- Nuclear reactions as sources of energetic particles, nuclear stability, radioactive decay. Nuclear fission and fusion, brief outline of reactor types design and technology, and their particular demands for high-performance materials. Introduction to materials issues associated with nuclear power generation.
Materials for fuel, cladding, moderator, coolant, shield, pressure vessel
- Materials selection influenced by the need for a low capture cross-section for neutrons. The unique conditions in nuclear plant, including the first wall of a fusion reactor.
Interaction of neutrons with matter: capture and scattering.
- Collision cross-sections, neutron flux and mean free path. Radiation damage: knock-on damage, transmutation, bubble formation, swelling. Collision theory: displacement threshold, cut-off energy. Damage geometry: displacement spike, thermal spike.
Effects of radiation on physical and mechanical properties
- Enhanced diffusivity, creep, phase stability, radiation hardening, embrittlement and corrosion. Radiation growth in uranium and graphite, thermal ratcheting of reactor fuel assemblies. Annealing processes. Wigner energy release in graphite.
Nuclear metallurgy
- Structures and properties of materials with special relevance for nuclear power generation: uranium and other actinides, beryllium, zirconium, rare-earth elements, graphite. The materials of nuclear fuels and nuclear fuel element fabrication. Reprocessing of nuclear fuel elements.
Radiation-resistant construction steels
- Overview of structural-integrity issues. Fracture mechanics and non-destructive testing. Stress-corrosion cracking
Other issues
- World energy supply, fission, fusion, future directions for nuclear power generation, including use of thorium.
Nuclear waste and its containment
- Stability and dissolution of nuclear waste glasses. Synroc phases. Radionuclide-adapted mineral structures for fission products. Radiation damage in zircon and related materials.
REFERENCES
Please see the Booklist for Group I Courses for references for this module.
Last updated: May 2012
teaching-office@eng.cam.ac.uk
