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Course in Kinetic Models of Nuclear Reactors

Online 300-hour course in kinetic models of nuclear reactors. 6 modules covering ANSI/ANS-19.6.1 (start-up physics tests after refuelling in PWRs), ANSI/ANS-5.1 (decay heat in light water reactors) and PARCS. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.

Duration300 h
ModeOnline
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute certificate
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Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Explain the role of delayed neutrons in reactor control.

02

Solve the point kinetics equations for different reactivity insertions.

03

Incorporate temperature and void feedback coefficients into dynamic models.

04

Describe spatial kinetics methods and their approximations.

05

Interpret reactivity measurements using inverse kinetics.

06

Analyse the dynamic stability of a reactor under disturbances.

07

Develop a kinetic model with feedback for a case study.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Reactor physics engineer who wants to specialise in Kinetic Models of Nuclear Reactors.
  • Reactor kinetics and dynamics analyst who wants to specialise in Kinetic Models of Nuclear Reactors.
  • Core design engineer who wants to specialise in Kinetic Models of Nuclear Reactors.
  • Start-up tests engineer who wants to specialise in Kinetic Models of Nuclear Reactors.
  • Developer of nuclear simulation codes who wants to specialise in Kinetic Models of Nuclear Reactors.
  • Researcher in nuclear system dynamics who wants to specialise in Kinetic Models of Nuclear Reactors.
  • Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter nuclear power plants.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • ANSI/ANS-19.6.1 (start-up physics tests after refuelling in PWRs)
  • ANSI/ANS-5.1 (decay heat in light water reactors)
  • IAEA SSG-52 (reactor core design)
  • 10 CFR 50, Appendix A (general design criteria)
  • Regulatory Guide 1.203 (transient and accident analysis methods)
  • ANSI/ANS-10.4 (V&V of nuclear scientific software)
Syllabus

6 modules · 300 h

  1. 1.1Neutron life cycle and generation time
  2. 1.2Prompt and delayed neutrons
  3. 1.3Precursors: six- and eight-group models
  4. 1.4Effective delayed neutron fraction
  5. 1.5Reactivity units: pcm and dollars
  6. 1.6Subcritical multiplication
  7. 1.7Inhour equation
  8. 1.8Stable reactor period
  9. 1.9Neutron sources for start-up
  10. 1.10Practical: period from reactivity
  1. 2.1Derivation from the transport equation
  2. 2.2One-group precursor approximation
  3. 2.3Prompt jump approximation
  4. 2.4Step and ramp reactivity response
  5. 2.5Numerical methods for stiff systems
  6. 2.6Reactor transfer functions
  7. 2.7Neutron noise: Feynman and Rossi methods
  8. 2.8Reactivity measurement with a reactimeter
  9. 2.9Validity and limits of point kinetics
  10. 2.10Laboratory: point kinetics integrator in Python
  1. 3.1Fuel Doppler coefficient
  2. 3.2Moderator and void coefficients
  3. 3.3Lumped fuel thermal models
  4. 3.4Linear stability and the Nyquist diagram
  5. 3.5Xenon spatial oscillations
  6. 3.6Coupled instabilities in BWRs
  7. 3.7Self-regulating behaviour
  8. 3.8Thermal expansion in fast reactors
  9. 3.9Moving precursors in molten salts
  10. 3.10Workshop: stability analysis of a BWR
  1. 4.1Time-dependent diffusion
  2. 4.2Improved quasi-static method
  3. 4.3Modal synthesis
  4. 4.4Transient nodal methods
  5. 4.5Kinetics with transport and MOC
  6. 4.6Amplitude-shape factorisation
  7. 4.7PARCS, DYN3D and SIMULATE-3K codes
  8. 4.8LMW and TWIGL benchmarks
  9. 4.9Time step and accuracy
  10. 4.10Laboratory: rod transient in a 2D core
  1. 5.1Kinetics in ADS subcritical systems
  2. 5.2Rod drop tests
  3. 5.3Control rod calibration
  4. 5.4Experimental measurement of effective beta
  5. 5.5Experiments in research reactors
  6. 5.6Pulses in TRIGA reactors
  7. 5.7Automatic power control
  8. 5.8Excore and incore nuclear instrumentation
  9. 5.9Kinetics in safety analysis
  10. 5.10Case study: interpreting a TRIGA pulse
  1. 6.1Definition of the system and scenario
  2. 6.2Selection of the kinetic model
  3. 6.3Obtaining kinetic parameters
  4. 6.4Numerical implementation
  5. 6.5Verification against an analytical solution
  6. 6.6Transient simulation
  7. 6.7Stability and sensitivity analysis
  8. 6.8Conclusions on dynamic behaviour
  9. 6.9Report and presentation
  10. 6.10Final review with the tutor
Methodology, software & labs

How you'll learn

Fully 100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine the programme with work.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is PARCS, SIMULATE-3K, MATLAB/Simulink, Serpent 2, Python (SciPy), in free, academic or evaluation versions. Assignments are based on real procedures for simulating reactivity transients, analysis of reactimeter measurements and thermal-hydraulic feedback models. Assessment is continuous, module by module, plus the final integrative project.

Accredited laboratories(EN ISO/IEC 17025) with a rotor test rig, EMC/Lightning pre-compliance, HIL/SIL, vibration/acoustics.
Evidence-oriented final project:safety case, test plan, compliance dossier and operating limits.
Industry mentoring:lecturers with experience in training, , eVTOL/UAM and flight test.
Flexible format(hybrid/online), international cohorts and support from SEIUM Career Services.
Ethics and safety:a safety-by-design approach, with OT cyber security, DIH and compliance as core pillars.
Capstone project

Build it end to end

Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.

Definition of the system and scenario

Explain the role of delayed neutrons in reactor control.

Selection of the kinetic model

Solve the point kinetics equations for different reactivity insertions.

Obtaining kinetic parameters

Incorporate temperature and void feedback coefficients into dynamic models.

Numerical implementation

Describe spatial kinetics methods and their approximations.

Verification against an analytical solution

Interpret reactivity measurements using inverse kinetics.

Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Reactor physics engineerReactor kinetics and dynamics analystCore design engineerStart-up tests engineerDeveloper of nuclear simulation codesResearcher in nuclear system dynamics
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

  • No prior degree is required.
  • Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
  • Sufficient Spanish to follow technical regulatory texts.

Ready to start?

Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The programme comprises 300 hours in total, spread over 3 to 5 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.

You will work with PARCS, SIMULATE-3K, MATLAB/Simulink, Serpent 2, Python (SciPy). Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.

An own diploma from SEIUM on passing the continuous assessment and the integrative project. It is in-house training, not an official Ministry qualification.

Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are credited towards the advanced programme. Please check the credit transfer policy when you enrol.

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