Analysis and Processes in Nuclear Fuel Cycles

At the end of this course, students should be able to: 1. relate the various technical and non-technical aspects of nuclear fuel cycle; 2. have a deep knowledge of various uranium mining process and beneficiation; 3. describe the enrichment processes and respective technologies; 4. learn the fuel fabrication processes; 5. Know the different reactor fuel types and their properties; 6. explain fuel cycle economics and management; and 7. identify the non-proliferation issues associated with spent fuels.

Studies the relationship between technical and policy elements of the nuclear fuel cycle. Topics include uranium supply, enrichment, fuel fabrication, in-core reactivity and fuel management of uranium and other fuel types, used fuel reprocessing, and waste disposal. Presents principles of fuel cycle economics and the applied reactor physics of both contemporary and proposed thermal and fast reactors. Examine non-proliferation aspects, disposal of excess weapons plutonium, and transmutation of long-lived radioisotopes in spent fuel.