| Unit name | Nuclear Fuel Cycle |
|---|---|
| Unit code | PHYSM0025 |
| Credit points | 10 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Martin |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | School of Physics |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science |
The course is designed to give students an overview of the whole nuclear fuel cycle, beginning with the mining of the uranium ore, processing and enrichment. Students will gain an in-depth knowledge of the physical and chemical structure and behaviour of nuclear fuel, and how this changes as a function of time, during its operational lifetime. There will be a particular focus on the metallurgy and materials science of the fuel at each of the various stages in the cycle, including the effects of irradiation damage and the formation of fission products during reactor operation, and corrosion and radioactive decay during disposal and storage. The most important physical and chemical processes involved in the safe handling and processing of spent nuclear fuel will be covered in detail. The impact of new nuclear technologies such as generation IV and fusion reactors on the fuel cycle process will be considered. Finally, the state-of-play and future of the nuclear industry in the UK and global energy market will be discussed.
Mainly taught through lectures (24x1hour). There may also be a number of guest lectures from physicists and engineers from the nuclear industry.
