This course is a foundational study of the effects of single and multiple interactions on neutron distributions and their applications to problems across the Nuclear Engineering department - fission, fusion, and RST. Particle simulation methods are introduced to deal with complex processes that cannot be studied only experimentally or by numerical solutions of equations. Treatment will emphasize basic concepts and understanding, as well as showing the underlying scientific connections with current research areas.

Syllabus

Overview

This subject deals with neutron interactions, particularly elastic and inelastic (in the molecular sense) scattering, and the various applications made possible by these processes, from fission reactor criticality to radiation damage, microdosimetry, imaging, and fundamental research. A particular distinction in the treatment is made between effects of single collisions and the distributions resulting from multiple collisions. Another feature of the subject is the introduction of particle simulation techniques, both Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics, as practical approaches to determining the various distributions. The intent is to provide the student with a unified framework for the quantitative understanding of the complex behavior of nuclear systems.

The course is motivated by the combination of two themes, the study of particle distributions as a consequence of many nuclear interactions, and the widespread use of simulation to determine particle distribution in complex Nuclear Engineering problems. Within ten years the way we think of neutrons will change due to a roughly 8 orders of magnitude increase in computational power, brought on by faster chip speeds, automated variance reduction and parallel processing (Beowulf clusters). To be ready, today's students must master, in the broadest sense, the fundamentals of theory and computation. 22.106 will get you started on that path.

Format

Subject will be taught on the basis of class lectures with supplemental materials distributed or assigned in class. There will be several problem sets, a term project, a written quiz, and an oral exam at the end of the term.

Prerequisite

Applied Nuclear Physics (22.101)

Grading

Course grading.

activities	percentages
Problem Sets	30%
Term Project	20%
Quiz	30%
Oral Exam	20%

Calendar

Course calendar.

Lec #	topics	key dates
1	Overview: Neutron Interactions and Cross Sections
2-4	Neutron Elastic Scattering: Thermal Motion and Chemical Binding Effects	Problem set 1 due in lecture 4
5	Particle Simulations I: Monte Carlo Basics
6-7	Further Discussions: Monte Carlo in Statistical Physics and Radiation Transport	Problem set 2 due in lecture 7
8	The Neutron Transport Equation: A Balance of Distributions
9	Neutron Slowing Down	Problem set 3 due
10	Neutron Diffusion
11	Criticality of Multiplying Systems
12	Particle Simulation Methods II: Basic Molecular Dynamics	Problem set 4 due seven days after lecture 12 Problem set 5 due fourteen days after lecture 12
13	An Application of Molecular Dynamics: Direct Simulation of Melting
14	Multiscale Materials Modeling	Problem set 6 due
15	Thermal Neutron Scattering Basics
16	Dynamic Structure Factor in Neutron Inelastic Scattering	Problem set 7 due five days after lecture 16 Quiz due 7 days after lecture 16