NPRE 457
Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering
NPRE 457
COURSE OUTLINE
Course Number: NPRE 457
Title: Safety Analysis of Nuclear Reactor Systems
Catalogue Description: Basic safety philosophy in nuclear reactor systems; brief review of nuclear reactor systems; regulatory processes; siting considerations; safety problems related to reactor dynamics; evaluation of postulated accidents; risks associated with nuclear fuel cycle; and methods of systems safety analysis. Same as CSE 462 . 3 undergraduate hours. 3 to 4 graduate hours.
| Principle Topics Covered | Hours (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Review of Nuclear Reactor Systems | 3 |
| Basic Safety Philosophy and the Regulatory process | 3 |
| Reactor Siting Considerations | 3 |
| Anti-Nuclear Views | 2 |
| Nuclear Reactor Dynamics and Safety Considerations | 4 |
| Evaluation of Postulated Accidents (PWR, BWR, HTGR, LMFBR) | 9 |
| Spent Fuel Transportation | 1 |
| Transportation and Disposal of High-Level Radioactive Wastes | 1 |
| Methods of Systems Safety Analysis | |
Basic Concepts |
1 |
Elements of Probability Theory |
2 |
Inductive Analysis (Markov analysis, Event Trees, etc.) |
3 |
Deductive Analysis (Fault Trees) |
3 |
| Ongoing Safety-Related Research in USA and other countries | 1 |
| Presentation and Discussion of Project Reports by Students | 6 |
| Quiz | 2 |
| Total | 45 |
Basic Texts:
- "The Safety of Nuclear Power Reactors and Related Facilities," WASH-1250, USAEC, July 1973.
- "The Nuclear Fuel Cycle," Union of Concerned Scientists, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1974.
Prerequisites: NPRE 402 or NPRE 247
Purpose of Course: Elective in the Nuclear Engineering curriculum and related fields of study. This course provides motivation and sets direction of further study for many students in the field of nuclear engineering, by emphasizing the importance of safety considerations in nuclear reactor systems.
Instructor:
Credit: 3 Semester Hours or 3/4 Unit
Meeting hours per week: 3
Class registration opacity: 20
Semesters course offered: REFER TO MASTER LISTING
Other notes: In-depth and careful consideration of the safety aspects of nuclear reactor systems is crucial because of inherent hazards associated with the release of radioactivity. This course is designed to provide future nuclear engineers and scientists with the knowledge of problem areas in this field and the basic methods of analysis available. A graduate student wishing to receive one unit credit for this course is expected to prepare a research paper of greater depth than that of the undergraduate papers.
Course last revised:
© 2009 The Board of Trustees at the University of Illinois