M. Sc. (Physics):Liquid Crystals:Nuclear Reactor Physics

First Semester


Classical Mechanics
Statistical Mechanics
Quantum Mechanics
Mathematical Physics
Physics Lab I
Fundamentals of Computer Science and C Programming


Second Semester

Condensed Matter Physics
Experimental Techniques in Physics
Atomic and Molecular Physics
Electrodynamics
Electronics
Physics Lab II


Third Semester

Particle Physics
Nuclear Physics
Semiconductor Physics
Physics Lab III
Seminar


Fourth Semester

Dissertation


Nuclear Reactor Physics

Review of Physics of Nucleus: Characteristics of atomic nucleus, Binding energy, Nuclear fission

Nuclear reaction: Cross section, Cross section of mixtures, Interaction of neutrons with nuclei.

Neutron moderation: Inelastic scattering, Elastic collisions, Moderating ratio, Slowing down Density, Resonance escape, Moderatos, Neutron sources.

Fission Process and diffusion theory: Prompt neutrons, Fast fission, Fission energy, Thermal utilization, Fission products, Chain reaction, Multiplication factor, Leakage of neutrons, Critical size, Diffusion and slowing down theory, Homogenous and heterogeneous reactors.

Materials for Nuclear Reactors: Fuel materials, Moderator materials, Cladding materials, Coolant materials and control materials.

Control requirements: Control requirement calculations, Means of control, Reactor kinetic : Neutron lifetime, Generation time, Point kinetic equation and solution of the equations for step input reactivity.

Type of Power reactors: Boiling water reactors, Pressurized water reactors, Pressurized heavy water reactors, Light water cooled graphite moderated reactors, Gas cooled reactors, Advanced gas cooled reactors, High temperature gas cooled reactors and liquid metal cooled reactors and Fast breeder reactors.

Safety Aspects: Radiation dose unit, Safety limits, Dose calculations, Design consideration of simple shields.

Fuel and waste management: Fuel management schemes, Fuel composition, Fuel cycle cost and waste management.