Nuclear Engineering

An introduction to the professions of chemical engineering and nuclear engineering; current research in these fields; career choices; guidance and advice on curricular matters and effective study techniques for chemical and nuclear engineering students.

Basic DC and AC circuits including capacitors and inductors and their applications in radiation measurement equipment and chemical process parameter measurements. Oscilloscopes, Op Amps, and Sensors and their use in the CHNE laboratories.

{Spring}

Nuclear reactions, decay, interactions of physical radiation with matter, methods of radiation detection and biological effects of radiation, external and internal dosimetry. Open-ended exercises and design project.

Prerequisite: CHEM 121 and CHEM 123L and MATH 162.

{Fall}

Introduction to nuclear engineering and nuclear processes; neutron interactions with matter, cross sections, fission, neutron diffusion, criticality, kinetics, chain reactions, reactor principles, fusion and the nuclear fuel cycle. Includes open-ended exercises.

Prerequisite: CHEM 121 and CHEM 123L and MATH 162.

Corequisite: 314.

{Spring}

Extensive problem work in material and energy balances for steady state processes. Students will utilize physical properties, chemistry and computer skills to obtain solutions. Detailed examination of case studies demonstrating the fundamentals of process analysis.

Prerequisite: CHEM 122 and 124L.

{Fall}

Continuation of 251. Unsteady-state material and energy balances; computer solutions to chemical engineering problems using spreadsheets and commercial process plant simulation programs; staged operations for chemical separations.

Prerequisite: 251.

{Spring}

Principles of chemical thermodynamics and their applications to energy conversion, phase and reaction equilibrium and the calculation of thermodynamic properties.

Prerequisite: 251.

{Spring}

Radioactive decay chains, fission product poison burnup, point reactor kinetics with and without delayed neutrons. Neutron diffusion equation, criticality condition and critical size calculations.

Prerequisite: 231 and MATH 316.

{Spring}

The mechanisms and the related mathematical analysis of momentum and heat transport in both the molecular and turbulent regimes. Similarities and differences between transport types and the prediction of transport properties.

Prerequisite: 231 or 253.

Corequisite: 317.

{Fall}

A study of the unit operations involved with momentum and heat transfer. Focus will be on the basics of equipment design and how to synthesize a process from the basic units. Includes extensive use of computer techniques and design exercises.

Prerequisite: 311.

{Spring}

Techniques for error analysis, experiments in fluid flow, heat transfer, neutron detectors and neutron activation plus neutron diffusion theory and Fermi age. Design and development of experiments, emphasis on written presentations.

Prerequisite: ENGL 219

Corequisite: 312 

{Spring}

First and second law of thermodynamics and application to electrical generation, particularly nuclear energy conversion systems. Types of nuclear power plants, primary, secondary systems, feedwater, regeneration, and superheating.

Corequisite: 231

{Spring}

Application of analytical and numerical techniques to the solution of frequently encountered engineering problems. Included are data analysis and interpretation; problem formulation; solution of ODEs and PDEs encountered in transport phenomena and kinetics; and elementary control theory.

Prerequisite: MATH 316

Corequisite: 311 

{Fall}

Laboratory experiments in chemical thermodynamics. The lab will include a module on computer aided data acquisition. Students will apply concepts of error analysis and use computer software for interpretation of experimental data.

Prerequisite: 253 and 302.

{Fall}

Laboratory experiments in fluids and heat transfer. Students will apply concepts of error analysis and use computational fluid dynamics software for interpretation of experimental data.

Prerequisite: 311.

{Spring}

Continuation of 311. The mechanisms and the related mathematical analysis of mass transport in both molecular and turbulent regimes. Similarities and differences among mass, momentum and heat transport. Predication of mass transport properties. Design of separation systems based on mass transfer.

Prerequisite: 253 and 311.

{Spring}

Radiation interaction with matter and detection techniques for nuclear radiations. Experiments will be performed using gas, scintillation and semiconductor counters and include the design of experiments and identification of unknown radionuclides.

Prerequisite: 230.

{Fall}

Nuclear reactions, cross sections and reaction rates, quantum effects, atomic structure, nuclear properties, nuclear stability and decay modes.{Spring}

Prerequisite: 230 and 231 and MATH 316 and PHYC 262.

This course introduces concepts and principles of biomolecular engineering as they reflect the chemical engineering discipline. It builds on issues in biological systems to introduce contemporary technology avenues in biochemical, biomaterials, metabolic and tissue engineering.

This course develops an understanding of materials from a molecular viewpoint. The structure, properties, and processing of metals, ceramics, polymers, and nanostructured materials are treated in an integrated fashion. Applications include nanotechnology, and biology.

{Spring}

Understanding of material behavior from a molecular viewpoint. The effects of structure, properties, and processing of materials used in nuclear systems on their behavior in radiation environments.

{Spring}

Discussion of current research in heterogeneous catalysis and materials characterization. Students learn to read the literature critically and to present reviews of ongoing research.

Investigate, evaluate, and discuss current frontier topics in sol-gel synthesis of nanostructured materials through a series of presentations.

Neutron transport equation, differential scattering cross section, diffusion approximation, one group diffusion theory including green’s function and eigenfunction expansion, Breit-Wigner formula, slowing down theory, reactor kinetics, multigroup methods, topics selected from numerical methods for reactor analysis.

Prerequisite: 314 and MATH 316.

{Fall}

Laboratory investigations of the theory and practice of nuclear chain-reacting systems including open-ended experiments and experimental design, covering reactor kinetics, importance functions and criticality.

One lecture, 6 hours lab.

Prerequisite: 313L and 410.

{Spring}

Laboratory experiments in mass transfer and unit operations. Students will plan experiments to study the operation of process equipment such as heat exchanger, distillation columns, etc. Fundamental experiments on mass transfer are also included.

Prerequisite: 312 and 321.

{Fall}

Laboratory experiments in kinetics and process control. Students will also do an in-depth project in their chosen chemical engineering concentration.

Prerequisite: 461.

Pre- or corequisite: 454.

{Spring}

Basic atomic physics, radiation interactions, image formation, scatter and resolution, x-ray equipment and digital properties, digital imaging, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound imaging, radiation oncology principles, brachytherapy, nuclear medicine physics, radiation protection, regulations, and radiation biology.

Restriction: Permission of instructor.

(Also offered as CE 539)

Introduction to the nuclear fuel cycle emphasizing sources, characteristics and management of radioactive wastes. Types of radiation, radioactive decay calculations, shielding requirements. Radwaste management technologies and disposal options.

{Fall}

Invited lectures on a variety of topics in hazardous waste, environmental engineering and science and related topics. Students prepare short written assignments. May be counted twice toward a degree.

Senior year. Reports on selected topics and surveys; presentation and discussion of papers from current technical journals, and topics of interest to chemical and nuclear engineers.

{Fall, Spring}

Application of special mathematical techniques to the analysis of chemical processes and the elements of process control. Computer experience suggested.

Prerequisite: 317

{Spring}

Elementary principles of chemical reactor design and operation utilizing the kinetics of homogeneous and heterogeneous-catalytic reactions.

Prerequisite: 311 and 317.

{Fall}

Monte Carlo methods for nuclear criticality and reactor analysis and radiation shielding calculation using production Monte Carlo codes, understand basics of probability and statistics and of particle transport in the context of Monte Carlo methods.

Corequisite: 410.

{Fall}

Nuclear system heat transfer and fluid flow; convection in single and two phase flow; liquid metal heat transfer, pressure loss calculations; fuel element design and heat transfer; thermal-hydraulics design of nuclear systems.

Prerequisite: 311 and 313L and 317.

{Fall}

Introduction to design and mass optimization of Space Power Systems, passive and active energy conversion systems and design of RTG’s, radiation shield, heat pipe theory, design and applications, advanced radiators, TE-EM pumps and orbital lifetime calculations and safety.

Prerequisite: 231 and 311.

{Spring}

Materials for use in nuclear reactors, metallurgy and irradiation behavior, fundamentals of the nuclear fuel cycle including the uranium, thorium, and advanced fuel cycles.

{Spring}

Introduction of the principles of electrochemistry and their applications in materials characterization, corrosion, electro-plating and etching. The course builds on electrochemical kinetics and discusses the design of sensors, batteries and fuel cells.

Prerequisite: 302.

{Spring upon demand}

The technology of fusion reactor systems including basic magnetic and inertial confinement physics; system designs; material considerations; shielding; blanket designs; fuel cycle; plant operations; magnets; and ICF drivers.

Prerequisite: MATH 316.

{Spring}

Advanced studies in various areas of chemical and nuclear engineering.

{Summer, Fall, Spring}

Principles and practices of chemical engineering design, including process flow sheets, equipment design and specification, process modeling and simulation, economic analysis, and hazard analysis. In-depth design of at least one commercial-scale chemical process.

Prerequisite: 253 and 302 and 312 and 321.

{Fall}

Continued practice in creative chemical engineering design, including safety, health and environmental issues. Detailed project on a major open-ended process design or research problem.

Prerequisite: 493L.

{Spring}

Senior thesis for students seeking departmental honors.

{Summer, Fall, Spring}

Problem solving techniques, nuclear systems, design, interactions of parameters and the importance of trade-offs and optimization in design. Neutronics, computer models and impact of cross sections and materials on fissile systems.

Two lectures, 2 hours lab.

Prerequisite: 317 or 330 or 410.

{Fall}

Students will work in teams on a capstone design project requiring the application of nuclear engineering principles and the integration of material from other disciplines, with emphasis on creativity, decision-making and interactive design.

Three lectures, 3 hours lab.

Prerequisite: 464 and 497L.

{Spring}

A course which permits various faculty members to present detailed examinations of developing sciences and technologies in a classroom setting.

{Offered upon demand}

Colloquia, special lectures and individual study in areas of current research. A maximum of 3 credits can be applied toward degree.

{Fall, Spring}

Students will work on developing research proposals for their masters or doctoral degree. The course will involve oral presentations of proposals and journal article critiques.

{Fall}

Discussion of current research in heterogeneous catalysis and materials characterization. Students learn to read the literature critically and to present reviews of ongoing research.

Investigate, evaluate, and discuss current frontier topics in sol-gel synthesis of nanostructured materials through a series of presentations.

Modern concepts of surface science and materials engineering are discussed within the context of surface functionalization, surface analysis, heteroepitaxy, nanocrystal synthesis, and fluidic separation.

2 hours seminar.

{Fall, Spring}

Discussion of topics such as space nuclear power and propulsion, reactor design thermal-hydraulics, nuclear fuel cycles and materials, energy conversion, computation and simulation, space radiation effects and shielding, criticality safety, and instrumentation and control.

{Fall, Spring, offered upon demand}

The theory of nuclear chain-reacting systems with emphasis on computer methods used in current applications. Multigroup diffusion theory, transport theory and Monte Carlo methods and applications to nuclear system design.

Prerequisite: 410 and 525.

{Spring}

(Also offered as CHEM, NSMS 512)

Nanostructure characterization methods. Examine principles underlying techniques and limitations, and how to interpret data from each method: electron beam, scanning probe, x-ray, neutron scattering, optical and near field optical. Lab demonstrations and projects provide experience.

Laboratory investigations of the theory and practice of nuclear chain-reacting systems. Experiments on the UNM AGN-201M reactor and the ACRR at SNL. Course credit based on the extent of related course work in student’s undergraduate program.

One lecture, 6 hours lab.

{Spring upon demand}

(Also offered as ECE, NSMS 518)

Underlying physical and chemical principles (optics, organic and inorganic chemistry, colloid chemistry, surface and materials science) for nanostructure formation using ‘top-down’ lithography (patterned optical exposure of photosensitive materials) and ‘bottom-up’ self-assembly. Labs will synthesize samples.

Prerequisite: NSMS 510.

{Spring}

Theoretical and numerical methods for neutral and charged particle interactions and transport in matter. Linear transport theory, spherical harmonics expansions, PN methods, Gauss quadra, discrete ordinates SN methods, discretization techniques, Fokker-Planck theory. Development of calculational methods including computer codes. Applications to nuclear systems.

Prerequisite: 317 and 410 and 525.

{Spring, upon demand}

Equations of change applied to momentum, energy and mass transfer. Analogies between these phenomena and their limitations. Transport dependent on two independent variables, unsteady state problems.

{Spring}

In-depth consideration of radiation detection systems and nuclear measurement techniques. Experiments using semiconductor devices, MCA/MCSs, sampling techniques, dosimeters, tracer techniques and radiochemistry. Emphasis on selection of sampling techniques and instrumentation for measuring low-levels of radiation in air, soil and water. Course credit determined for each student based on the extent of related laboratory work in his or her undergraduate program.

Two lectures, 3 hours lab.

{Fall}

Nuclear models and energy levels, cross sections, decay processes, range/energy relationships for alphas, betas, gammas, neutrons and fission products. Ionization, scattering and radiative energy exchange processes. Effect of radiation on typical materials used in the nuclear industry. Both theory and application will be presented.

Prerequisite: 330 and MATH 316.

{Fall}

Mathematical methods used in chemical and nuclear engineering; partial differential equations of series solutions transport processes, integral transforms. Applications in heat transfer, fluid mechanics and neutron diffusion. Separation of variables eigen function expansion.

{Fall}

(Also offered as MPHY 527)

Covering fundamentals of the biological effects of ionizing radiation on living systems, especially man; basic biological mechanisms which bring about somatic and genetic effects; and the effect of ionizing radiation on cell cultures.

Restriction: permission of instructor.

Ionizing radiation, Kerma, Fluence, Dose, and Exposure, Attenuation and Buildup, Charged Particle Equilibrium, Bragg-Gray Cavity Theory and other Cavities, Fundamentals of Dosimetry, Ionizations Chambers, Integrating Dosimetry, and Pulse Mode Detectors, and Neutron Interactions and Dosimetry. Both theory and applications will be presented.

Pre- or corequisite: 524.

{Spring}

Internal contamination, radiation quantities, ICRP dose methodologies, lung models, bioassay, whole body counting, uranium and plutonium toxicology and metabolism, alpha dosimetry and ventilation control/air sampling.

Prerequisite: 524.

{Fall}

 Van Swol

(Also offered as NSMS 530)

Introduces various intermolecular interactions in solutions and in colloidal systems; colloidal systems; surfaces; interparticle interactions; polymer-coated surfaces; polymers in solution, viscosity in thin liquid films; surfactant self-assembly; and surfactants in surfaces.

(Also offered as CE 539)

Introduction to the nuclear fuel cycle emphasizing sources, characteristics and management of radioactive wastes. Types of radiation, radioactive decay calculations, shielding requirements. Radwaste management technologies and disposal options.

{Fall}

Advanced thermodynamics with reference to its application in chemical engineering.

{Fall}

(Also offered as ECE, NSMS 550.)

In this course, students will examine issues arising from this emerging technology, including those of privacy, health and safety, the environment, public perception and human enhancement.

Advanced study, design or research either on an individual or small group basis with an instructor. Recent topics have included convective diffusion, reactor safety, inertial confinement fusion and nuclear waste management.

Theory of the kinetic behavior of a nuclear reactor system with emphasis on control and dynamic behavior.

Prerequisite: 410 and 525.

{Offered upon demand}

Rate equations for simple and complex chemical processes, both homogeneous and heterogeneous. Experimental methods and interpretation of kinetic data for use in chemical reactor design and analysis. Applications to complex industrial problems.

{Spring}

Nuclear system heat transfer and fluid flow; convection in single and two phase flow; liquid metal heat transfer, pressure loss calculations; fuel element design and heat transfer; thermal-hydraulics design of nuclear systems.

{Fall}

Introduction to design and mass optimization of Space Power Systems, passive and active energy conversion systems, and design of RTG’s, radiation shield, heat pipe theory, design and applications, advanced radiators, TE-EM pumps and orbital lifetime calculations and safety.

Prerequisite: 231 and MATH 316.

{Spring}

May be counted an unlimited number of times toward degree, with departmental approval, since content varies. Credit is determined based on the content of the course.

{Offered upon demand}

Analysis of the motion of both charged and neutral aerosol particles; molecular and convective diffusion, particle size and classification, coagulation, precipitation and particle capture, current aerosol research and instrumentation.

{Offered upon demand}

Introduction of the principles of electrochemistry and their applications in materials characterization, corrosion, electro-plating and etching. The course builds on electrochemical kinetics and discusses the design of sensors, batteries and fuel cells.

Prerequisite: 302, 461.

{Spring upon demand}

Theory and technology of inertial confinement fusion, including target physics: laser and particle beam physics and technology; reactor engineering.

Pre- or corequisite: 534.

{Offered upon demand}

Statistical tools for collection, analysis, and interpretation of data. Design and control of processes for semiconductor manufacturing. Analysis of variance; randomization, replication, blocking; full-factorial, response-surface, nested, split-lot, Taguchi designs; utilization of RS/1 software.

Also offered as MPHY 591. Professional practice experience in radiation protection and environmental measurements in non-traditional settings under the guidance of health physicists and radiation protection engineers. Internship arrangement with a local facility employing health physicists or related personnel such as a national laboratory, analytical facility, or hospital.

{Summer, Fall, Spring}

See Graduate Programs section for total credit requirements.

Offered on a CR/NC basis only.

Advanced numerical methods in neutral and charged particle transport, including discontinuous finite element methods, structured and unstructured grids, adjoint techniques and Monte Carlo methods.

Prerequisite: 511.

{Fall 2005 and alternate years}

See Graduate Programs section for total credit requirements.

Offered on a CR/NC basis only.