This is an archived course. A more recent version may be available at ocw.mit.edu.

Lecture Notes

Lec # Topics
1 Introduction/reactor layout and classification (PDF)
2 Chart of nuclides/neutron sources (PDF - 1.5 MB)
3 Neutron reactions/Boltzman distribution/number density (PDF)
4 Neutron cross-sections (PDF)
5 Binding energy/liquid drop model/fission process (PDF - 1.5 MB)
  Tour of MIT research reactor
6 Burners, converters, breeders/neutron life cycle (PDF)
7 Neutron life cycle (PDF)
8 Criticality accidents/why is radiation dangerous (PDF 1) (PDF 2)
9 Neutron flux, reaction rates, current (PDF)
10 One velocity model (PDF)
11 Non-multiplying media (PDF)
12 Multiplying media (PDF)
13 Criticality conditions (PDF)
14 Kinematics of neutron scattering (PDF)
15 Group diffusion method (PDF)
16 Solution of group equations (PDF)
  Exam 2
17 Energy dependence of flux (PDF)
18 Group theory/four factor formula (PDF)
19 Reactors of finite size (PDF)
20 Reactors of multiple regions: One group (PDF)
21 Reactors of multiple regions: Two group (PDF)
22 Application of the two-group equations (PDF)
23 Few group and multi-group approaches (PDF)
24 Monte Carlo analysis (PDF)
  Exam 3
25 Subcritical multiplication and reactor startup (PDF)
26 Reactor operation without feedback (PDF)
27 Analytic solution of reactor kinetics (PDF)
28 Dynamic period and inhour equation (PDF)
29 Reactor operation with feedback effects (PDF)
30 Achievement of feedback effects/Chernobyl (PDF)
  Exam 4
31 Shutdown margin/review of TMI (PDF)
  Review