PHYS8205 Nuclear Fuel Cycle

Offered By	Physics Education Centre
Academic Career	Graduate Coursework
Course Subject	Physics
Offered in	Second Semester, 2011 and Second Semester, 2012
Unit Value	6 units
Course Description	This course will cover: • The nucleosynthesis of U and Th, and subsequent distribution of these elements through terrestrial reservoirs. • Changes in the geochemical behaviour of U consequent to the oxygenation of the Earth's atmosphere and the formation of different types of U deposits. • Development of natural reactors, their detection, and the mobility of decay products. • The use of parent-daughter U-Pb and Th-Pb decay schemes in determining the age of the Earth and other objects in the Solar System, and tracing recycling of U through the Earth. • Uranium requirements and resources • Uranium mining methods, milling, and environmental monitoring related to uranium mines and mill tailings • Processing, conversion and enrichment of uranium; separative work units (SWU) • Fabrication of nuclear fuel rods • Fuel utilization: energy production and burnup • Handling, storage and disposal of spent fuel, including transport regulations for nuclear material • Reprocessing and use of mixed-oxide fuel (MOX) • Physical and chemical characterization of nuclear material for safeguards and forensics • Policy issues and proliferation concerns, including the role of the IAEA and national regulatory bodies in safeguarding the nuclear fuel cycle
Learning Outcomes	On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to: 1. Appreciate the basic principles leading to the formation of uranium and thorium deposits, beginning from the formation of these elements in stellar nucleosynthesis 2. Understand and apply the principles of radioactive decay for solving problems of evolution of U/Pb and Th/Pb systems and ages of rocks and minerals 3. Describe uranium mining methods and nuclear fuel preparation 4. Engage in discussion on the environmental radioactivity consequences of uranium mining and minimizing environmental impact 5. Quantitatively evaluate alternative uranium enrichment technologies 6. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of once through versus closed nuclear fuel cycles 7. Engage in critical debate on nuclear waste disposal options 8. Describe physical and chemical methods to analyse nuclear material and appraise the use of such methods in nuclear safeguards and forensics 9. Assess the roles of the IAEA, government policy, and national or other regulators in relation to nuclear safeguards and non-proliferation
Indicative Assessment	Assessment will be based on: • Problem sets (20%; LO 1, 2, 3,5) • Essay (30%; LO 1-2,6-9) • Discussion paper (40%; LO 2-3,6-9) • Class presentation (10%; LO 1-9)
Workload	Lectures, laboratory exercises and tutorials; week-long intensive followed by individual study for essay preparation and submission
Course Classification(s)	AdvancedAdvanced courses are designed for students having reached 'first degree' level of assumed knowledge, which provide a deep understanding of contemporary issues; or 'second degree' and higher levels of knowledge; or for transition to research training programs.
Areas of Interest	Physics
Eligibility	Bachelor degree
Requisite Statement	General science knowledge
Preliminary Reading	Marcus Chown, 2001, The Magic Furnace: the search for the origin of atoms, Oxford University Press. D. Bodansky, 2004, Nuclear Energy, Springer.
Academic Contact	Richard Arculus and Andrew.Stuchbery@anu.edu.au

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