2018/19 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
MECH3360 Nuclear Fundamentals
20 creditsClass Size: 60
Module manager: Dr Malcolm Lawes
Email: M.Lawes@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2018/19
Module replaces
PEME 3361 Nuclear FundamentalsThis module is not approved as a discovery module
Objectives
On completion of this module candidates should be able to:1. understand the fundamental physics that form the pre-requisites to nuclear physics;
2. understand, and perform calculations involving, the atomic nucleus;
3. appreciate the science that underlies nuclear power and how this translates into nuclear reactors;
4. analyse nuclear reactions including nuclear fission.
5. Confidently interface with physicists in the nuclear industry
Learning outcomes
At the end of this module, students will:
1. have developed understanding of background physics not normally covered on an engineering degree;
2. have developed sufficient understanding of nuclear physics and engineering applications to allow the engineer to comfortably work in the nuclear industry;
3. demonstrate professional skills and attitudes to conflicting requirements and opinions relating to nuclear technologies;
4. be able to apply knowledge gained and experience from laboratory classes to practical applications.
Upon successful completion of this module the following UK-SPEC learning outcome descriptors are satisfied:
A comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the scientific principles and methodology necessary to underpin their education in their engineering discipline, and an understanding and know-how of the scientific principles of related disciplines, to enable appreciation of the scientific and engineering context, and to support their understanding of relevant historical, current and future developments and technologies (SM1m)
Knowledge and understanding of mathematical and statistical methods necessary to underpin their education in their engineering discipline and to enable them to apply a range of mathematical and statistical methods, tools and notations proficiently and critically in the analysis and solution of engineering problems (SM2m)
Understanding of engineering principles and the ability to apply them to undertake critical analysis of key engineering processes (EA1m)
Ability to identify, classify and describe the performance of systems and components through the use of analytical methods and modelling techniques (EA2)
Ability to apply quantitative and computational methods, using alternative approaches and understanding their limitations, in order to solve engineering problems and implement appropriate action (EA3m)
Ability to extract and evaluate pertinent data and to apply engineering analysis techniques in the solution of unfamiliar problems (EA6m)
Knowledge of characteristics of particular equipment, processes or products, with extensive knowledge and understanding of a wide range of engineering materials and components (P2m)
Ability to apply relevant practical and laboratory skills (P3)
Understanding of the use of technical literature and other information sources (P4)
Understanding of different roles within an engineering team and the ability to exercise initiative and personal responsibility, which may be as a team member or leader (P11m)
Apply their skills in problem solving, communication, information retrieval, working with others and the effective use of general IT facilities (G1)
Skills outcomes
The module will focus on providing mechanical and chemical engineers with the physics and associated skills required to function effectively in the nuclear industry.
Candidates will have had the opportunity to develop the following skills through this module:-
- key science underlying nuclear engineering;
- ability to apply analytical skills to engineering science problems.
- team working, including evaluating their own achievement and that of others;
- self direction and effective decision making;
- independent learning;
- application of standard engineering analysis techniques.
- communication of information, arguments and analysis in a variety of forms, whilst demonstrating understanding of levels of ambiguity and uncertainty.
Syllabus
Electricity and magnetism leading to Maxwells equations, electromagnetic waves
Fundamental particles and forces: Atoms, atomic mass, analysis by mass, volume and mole, the Standard model.
Special relativity: Inertial frames of reference, Simultaneity and the Relativity of Time and length, Lorentz transformations, Momentum, Work and Energy and Mass.
Photons: photoelectric effect, photon energy and Plancks constant, momentum, photon emission and x-rays, Compton scattering and pair production, uncertainty.
Atoms: electron waves and particle wavelengths, nuclear atom and atomic spectra, energy levels, the bohr model of the atom, important results from quantum mechanics, atomic and nuclear structure, spin, selection rules
Nuclear Reactions: binding energy, fusion and Fission reactions, energy release and dissipation, neutron multiplication, fission products, fissile and fertile materials, radioactive decay, saturation activity, decay chains.
Photon and charged particle interactions: -rays, photon-nuclear interactions, attenuation coefficients, energy deposition. alpha particles, -rays, fission fragments.
Neutron Interactions: cross sections, uncollided flux, nuclide densities, fuel enrichment, reaction types, neutron energies, compound nucleus formation, fissionable materials, neutron scattering, slowing down decrement.
Neutron Distributions in Energy: fuel properties, neutron moderators, neutron energy spectra, fast and thermal neutrons, reactor spectra, reaction rates, cross section averages, multiplication.
Nuclear chemistry: uranium, plutonium, thorium, fission products.
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Lecture | 36 | 1.00 | 36.00 |
| Practical | 2 | 2.00 | 4.00 |
| Tutorial | 4 | 1.00 | 4.00 |
| Private study hours | 156.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 44.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200.00 | ||
Private study
Individual study of module materialCompletion of examples provided in lectures
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Student progress will be monitored through formative feedback on assignments, and informal interactions through examples classes and tutorials.Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Assignment | . | 20.00 |
| Report | . | 20.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 40.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Exams
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 2 hr | 60.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 60.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 19/03/2019
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team.PROD