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NE 500 Advanced Energy Conversion in Nuclear Reactors

3 Credit Hours

Introduction to the concepts and principles of heat generation and removal in nuclear reactor systems. Power cycles, reactor heat sources, analytic, and numerical solutions to conduction problems in nuclear reactor components and fuel elements, heat transfer in reactor fuel bundles and heat exchangers. Problem sets and project emphasize design principles.

Prerequisite

Engineering Thermodynamics (NC State MAE 301) or equivalent AND a C- or better in Fundamentals of Nuclear Engineering (NC State NE 301) or equivalent. Contact the instructor if you don’t have the exact prerequisite course to discuss your background.

Course Objectives

The students completing this course will be able to:

  • Define and apply the concepts and principles of heat generation and removal in nuclear reactor systems
  • Explain and evaluate thermodynamic cycles
  • Explain and evaluate nuclear reactor heat sources
  • Explain and evaluate heat conduction in nuclear reactor elements
  • Explain and evaluate convective heat transfer in nuclear reactor systems
  • Explain and evaluate the performance of heat exchangers
  • Explain and develop numerical solutions to the heat conduction equation

Course Requirements

Test #115%
Test #215%
Homework25%
Project25%
Final20%

Textbook

N. E. Todreas and M. S. Kazimi, Nuclear Systems IThermal Hydraulic Fundamentals, 2nd edition, 2012. 1034 p., hardcover (On reserve at Hill Library https://catalog.lib.ncsu.edu/catalog/NCSU2501999)

Created 11/04/2022