Neutron transport equation and pressure drop calculations in core ...

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the neutron transport equation and pressure drop calculations in nuclear reactor cores, specifically for students in nuclear engineering. Key concepts include the behavior of fission neutrons, the importance of delayed neutrons for reactor control, and the role of fluid mechanics in understanding pressure drop across fuel assemblies. The conversation highlights the necessity of mastering reactor theory and fluid mechanics to effectively tackle these complex topics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of neutron transport equations and diffusion theory
  • Fundamentals of fluid mechanics, particularly in reactor contexts
  • Knowledge of pressure drop calculations in nuclear systems
  • Familiarity with reactor theory and its applications
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the neutron transport equation in detail, focusing on its applications in reactor design
  • Learn about pressure drop calculations specifically for fuel rods and entire reactor cores
  • Explore the concepts of forced convection and heat transfer in pressurized water reactors (PWRs) and boiling water reactors (BWRs)
  • Review Chapter 9 of Kazmi's book on single-phase fluid mechanics for practical calculation techniques
USEFUL FOR

Nuclear engineering students, physicists, and professionals involved in reactor design and analysis, particularly those seeking to deepen their understanding of neutron behavior and fluid dynamics in nuclear systems.

sehrish shakir
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i am a physicist now i am doing Ms in nuclear engineering ... i need to understand basic concepts ...
neutron transport equation ? what is the transport phenomenon actually ?
and pressure drop calculations in core ... please help thanks in advance
 
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sehrish shakir said:
i am a physicist now i am doing Ms in nuclear engineering ... i need to understand basic concepts ...
neutron transport equation ? what is the transport phenomenon actually ?
and pressure drop calculations in core ... please help thanks in advance
Those are two broad areas. I would imagine that one will take courses in reactor theory and fluid mechanics in which one would learn both subjects.

A fission reaction releases 2 or 3 neutrons in addition to the two fission product radionuclides and gamma radiation. Some fission products also release neutrons, and that population is called 'delayed neutrons' which allow for control of the reactor during withdrawal of control rods. Fission neutrons are born with energies in the low MeV range, and they must be slowed or 'moderated' to less the 0.1 eV, or 7-8 orders of magnitude in energy to increase the probability of causing additional fissions. Transport theory and its approximation, diffusion theory, addresses how a population of neutrons behave in a reactor environment.

Fluid mechanics describes how fluids behave when flowing through structures such as pipes, or in the case of a reactor, through the core. The fuel assemblies impose a resistance, or drag, on the coolant. The pressure, in conjunction with temperature, is important as it influences the heat transfer mechanism, forced convection, and it is important in pressurized water reactors (PWRs) to limit nucleate boiling toward the top of the core (the coolant condition must remain below the point of departure from nuclear boiling, DNB), whereas in boiling water reactors (BWRs) must remain below a critical power at which boiling transition, or dryout, occurs.
 
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Astronuc said:
Those are two broad areas. I would imagine that one will take courses in reactor theory and fluid mechanics in which one would learn both subjects.

A fission reaction releases 2 or 3 neutrons in addition to the two fission product radionuclides and gamma radiation. Some fission products also release neutrons, and that population is called 'delayed neutrons' which allow for control of the reactor during withdrawal of control rods. Fission neutrons are born with energies in the low MeV range, and they must be slowed or 'moderated' to less the 0.1 eV, or 7-8 orders of magnitude in energy to increase the probability of causing additional fissions. Transport theory and its approximation, diffusion theory, addresses how a population of neutrons behave in a reactor environment.

Fluid mechanics describes how fluids behave when flowing through structures such as pipes, or in the case of a reactor, through the core. The fuel assemblies impose a resistance, or drag, on the coolant. The pressure, in conjunction with temperature, is important as it influences the heat transfer mechanism, forced convection, and it is important in pressurized water reactors (PWRs) to limit nucleate boiling toward the top of the core (the coolant condition must remain below the point of departure from nuclear boiling, DNB), whereas in boiling water reactors (BWRs) must remain below a critical power at which boiling transition, or dryout, occurs.
thank you very much i have taken a course on fluid mechanics but i think i was unable to understand it well ... as our class consists of mechanical engg as well as scientists so the very basic knowledge was not provided so i was unable to handle problems in paper ... i need to understand the deep concepts and how to solve the given problems ... i am studying reactor theory courses in this semester hopefully i will be able to understand the concept very well ...
 
Respectable @Astronuc
thank you for the kind response sir,
please if you can provide help regarding pressure drop calculation mentioned in kazmi book ?
question is what is the main difference in calculating the pressure drop across one fuel rod and entire core .
chap #9 single phased fluid mechanics ...
provide any link regarding calculations your help would be appreciated ...
 

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