Detailed module information
Module information on this degree can be found below, separated by year of study.
The module information below applies for the current academic year. The academic year runs from August to July; the 'current year' switches over at the end of July.
Students select optional courses subject to rules specified in the Mechanical Engineering Student Handbook, for example at most three Design and Business courses. Please note that numbers are limited on some optional courses and selection criteria will apply.
Nuclear Thermal Hydraulics
Module aims
This module provides a basic introduction to the thermal hydraulics of nuclear reactors, and associated issues in fluid mechanics.
ECTS = 5
Learning outcomes
On successfully completing this module, students will be able to:
1. Explain the importance of thermal hydraulics and cooling the context of nuclear reactors.
2. Perform channel calculations of flow rate and temperature for nuclear reactors, and calculations of pin thermal performance.
3. Explain the importance of critical heat flux and its physical manifestations understood, and its means of prediction
4. Explain the role that buoyant flows can play in nuclear reactor cooling, and perform calculations involving this
Module syllabus
Within pin thermal analysis
Within channel thermal analysis
Buoyant flows in simple piping loops
Numerical treatment of flows in one-dimensional piping loops
The forms that critical heat flux can take, and the means of predicting it
Concepts, terminology and calculations in two phase flow for nuclear power
Pre-requisites
ME3-hNUCN Introduction to Nuclear Energy
Teaching methods
Students will be introduced to the main topics through lectures (2hr per week), supported by technology (PowerPoint, Panapto, MATLAB and Blackboard). You will be provided with problem sheets and should complete these as part of your independent study. Tutorials sessions (1hr per week) will provide an opportunity for interaction with teaching staff where you can discuss specific problems.
Assessments
| Assessment details | ||||
| Pass mark | ||||
| Grading method | Numeric | 50% | ||
| Assessments | ||||
| Assessment type | Assessment description | Weighting | Pass mark | Must pass? |
| Examination | 3 Hour exam | 100% | 50% | Y |