NEUTRONIC DESIGN OF NUCLEAR SYSTEMS
Course objectives
This course introduces the student to the advanced analytical and numerical techniques at the basis of the physics project of the core of a fission reactor, critical and sub-critical, in static and dynamic conditions.
Channel 1
RENATO GATTO
Lecturers' profile
Program - Frequency - Exams
Course program
1. Introduction to the course. Overview of the calculation scheme for the core of a nuclear reactor.
2. Preparation of group nuclear constants: the library “ENDF/B”.
3. Preparation of group nuclear constants: the code “NJOY”.
4. Finite difference discretization of the 1-D multigroup diffusion equation.
5. The Bateman equation. Runge-Kutta 4th order method. Fuel cycles and transmutation.
6. Generalized perturbation theory and sensitivity analysis.
7. The ”ERANOS” code for reactor core calculation - part I.
8. The ”ERANOS” code for reactor core calculation - part II.
9. The Monte Carlo method. The code ”OpenMC” for reactor core calculation - part I.
10. The code ”OpenMC” for reactor core calculation - part II.
11. Burnup calculation: the codes “FISPACT” and ”OpenBS”.
12. Overview of research topics.
Prerequisites
1st level degree in Engineering or Physics.
Books
Lecture notes provided by the Instructor.
Exam mode
The student will be expected to present and comment on the results of the assigned project, demonstrating mastery of the mathematical and numerical procedures used.
- Lesson codeAAF1774
- Academic year2025/2026
- CourseEnergy Engineering
- CurriculumApplicazioni industriali dell'energia
- Year2nd year
- Semester1st semester
- CFU3