NPRE 446

Engineering at Illinois Engineering at Illinois

Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering

NPRE 446

COURSE OUTLINE

Course Number: NPRE 446

Title: Principles and Applications of Radiation

Catalogue Description: Experimental and theoretical foundations of interactions of neutrons, photons and charged particles with matter. Emphasis on topics that underlie the following applications; radiation detection, biological effects and radiation dosimetry, radiation damage and nuclear materials, neutron activation analysis, and fission and fusion energy systems. Classical theory of charged particle cross sections. Introductory quantum mechanics. Exact and numerical solutions of the Schroedinger equation. Quantum theory of cross sections. Photon interactions with atomic electrons and nuclei. Radioactive-series decay. Computer assignments to illustrate fundamental concepts.

Course Topics and Hours
Principle Topics Covered Hours (Approximate)
Classical Theory of Charged Particle Cross Sections 3
Rutherford Scattering of Alpha Particles and the Nuclear Atom
Scattering of Charges Particles by Atomic Electrons and Stopping Power
Limitations of Classical Theory and the Need for Quantum Theory
Quantum Mechanical Principles and Methods 9
Postulatory Basis of Quantum Mechanics
Probability Current Density
Hermitian Operators, Eigenfunctions and Eigenvalues
Time-Dependent, Nondegenerate Perturbation Theory
Dalgarno Method for Second Order Perturbation Theory
Time-Dependent Perturbation Theory and Transition Probabilities
Degenerate Perturbation Theory
WKB Approximation
Fox-Goodwin Numerical Method for Second Order Ordinary Differential Equation
Elementary Exact and Numerical Solutions of the Schroedinger Equation 10
Bound States
Tunnel Effect
Harmonic Oscillator
Atomic Structure
Electrons in Periodic Lattice
Application of the Fox-Goodwin Method to the Radial Schroedinger Equation
Quantum Analysis of Cross Sections 8
Born Approximation
Distorted Wave Born Approximation
Method of Partial Waves
Golden Rule
Photon Interactions with Atomic Electrons and Nuclei 9
Semiclassical Theory of Radiation
Compton Scattering and Absorption
Photoelectric Effect
Pair Production
Attenuation coefficients
Radioactive-series Decay 4
Radioactive Families (4n, 4n + 1, 4n + 2, 4n +3)
Differential Equations for Growth and Decay
Integral Formulation for Growth and Decay
Production of Short-lived Isotopies
Examinations 2
Total 45

Parts A, B, C and D would be taken for 3/4 unit.

Parts B and D would be taken for 1/2 unit.

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Basic Texts: Required:
  • D.J. Griffiths, "An Introduction to Quantum Mechanics" Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ (1995).
  • S.B. Patel, "Nuclear Physics: An Introduction" John Wiley & Sons, New York, NY (1991).
  • E.W. Schmid, G. Spitz, W. Losch "Theoretical Physics on the Personal Computer," Springer-Verlag, New York, NY (1988).
Recommended:
  • S. H. Chen and M. Kotlarchyk, "Interactions of Photons and Neutrons with Matter," Word Scientific, Singapore (1997).

Prerequisites: Physics 114 and Math 285 or Math 341, Math 280 or concurrent registration in Math 280 or equivalent.

Purpose of Course: Applications emphasis on interactions of photons, neutrons and charged particles with matter to meet the needs of a fundamental nuclear core course in the revised undergraduate curriculum for Nuclear Engineering majors. Computer assignments to integrate computer usage throughout the curriculum.

  • Prerequisite for NucE 347 and NucE 355
  • Required for the Nuclear Engineering curricula
  • Course designed to develop a basic understanding of the interactions of various types of radiation with matter
  • Serves as a core course in the revised undergraduate curriculum required of all undergraduate nuclear engineering majors. The understanding students acquire in this course is basic to NucE 355, NucE 321, NucE 331, NucE 341, NucE 329 and NucE 335.
The objective of this course is to introduce modern methods of nuclear analytical techniques in elemental determination of environmental, biological, geological and materials samples. Besides formal course work, laboratory experiments will focus on everyday practical problems in science and engineering. The use of computers and the implementation of software will be an integral part of data acquisition and analysis. This course fits into the Department of Nuclear Engineering's overall goal of broadening the experimental capabilities of students while offering courses suitable to campus-wide interest.

Instructor: Roy A. Axford

Credit: 3 Semester Hours or 3/4 Unit

Meeting hours per week: 3

Class registration opacity: 30

Semesters course offered: REFER TO MASTER LISTING

Other notes: Graduate credit is not given to nuclear engineering majors. The high quantitative standard as evidenced by prerequisites may be acceptable to other departments for their students.

Course last revised:

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