Mathematical Methods in Nuclear Reactor Dynamics covers the practical and theoretical aspects of point-reactor kinetics and linear and nonlinear reactor dynamics. The book, which is a result of the lectures given at the University of Michigan, is composed of seven chapters. The opening chapter of the book describes various physical phenomena influencing the temporal behavior of neutrons to provide insights into the physics of reactor dynamics and the interrelationships between various diverse phenomena. The text then presents a set of equations, called point kinetic equation, which describes the time behavior of the total power generated in the medium. The book also provides a short discussion on Gyftopoulos modification and Becker's formulation. The next chapters explore the exact methods for solving the feedback-free point kinetic equations for a number of reactivity insertions and the validity of the various approximate methods of solution. The book also examines the derivation of models for a certain reactor type and briefly discusses the validity of these models in certain cases against experimental data. A chapter focuses on a concise presentation of the stability theory of linear systems with feedback. Lastly, the concepts of stability in nonlinear reactor systems and the criteria for asymptotic stability in the large as well as in a finite domain of initial disturbances are covered in the concluding chapter. The text is an ideal source for nuclear engineers and for those who have adequate background in reactor physics and operational and applied mathematics.

Introduces Novel Applications for Solving Neutron Transport EquationsWhile deemed nonessential in the past, fractional calculus is now gaining momentum in the science and engineering community. Various disciplines have discovered that realistic models of physical phenomenon can be achieved with fractional calculus and are using them in numerous way

This text presents the theory and methods of prediction that are the heart of nuclear reactor safety. Time-dependent reactor behavior is explained in both mathematical and physical terms. This book also explains the logic behind the working formulas and calculational methods for reactor transients and illustrates typical dynamic responses. The classical concept of point kinetics is developed in three steps, with discussion of various solutions to kinetics problems. Each chapter includes homework problems and review questions.

Understanding time-dependent behaviors of nuclear reactors and the methods of their control is essential to the operation and safety of nuclear power plants. This book provides graduate students, researchers, and engineers in nuclear engineering comprehensive information on both the fundamental theory of nuclear reactor kinetics and control and the state-of-the-art practice in actual plants, as well as the idea of how to bridge the two. The first part focuses on understanding fundamental nuclear kinetics. It introduces delayed neutrons, fission chain reactions, point kinetics theory, reactivity feedbacks, and related measurement techniques. The second part helps readers to grasp the theories and practice of nuclear power plant control. It introduces control theory, nuclear reactor stability, and the operation and control of existing nuclear power plants such as a typical pressurized water reactor, a typical boiling water reactor, the prototype fast breeder reactor Monju, and the high-temperature gas-cooled test reactor (HTTR). Wherever possible, the design and operation data for these plants are provided.

The third, revised edition of this popular textbook and reference, which has been translated into Russian and Chinese, expands the comprehensive and balanced coverage of nuclear reactor physics to include recent advances in understanding of this topic. The first part of the book covers basic reactor physics, including, but not limited to nuclear reaction data, neutron diffusion theory, reactor criticality and dynamics, neutron energy distribution, fuel burnup, reactor types and reactor safety. The second part then deals with such physically and mathematically more advanced topics as neutron transport theory, neutron slowing down, resonance absorption, neutron thermalization, perturbation and variational methods, homogenization, nodal and synthesis methods, and space-time neutron dynamics. For ease of reference, the detailed appendices contain nuclear data, useful mathematical formulas, an overview of special functions as well as introductions to matrix algebra and Laplace transforms. With its focus on conveying the in-depth knowledge needed by advanced student and professional nuclear engineers, this text is ideal for use in numerous courses and for self-study by professionals in basic nuclear reactor physics, advanced nuclear reactor physics, neutron transport theory, nuclear reactor dynamics and stability, nuclear reactor fuel cycle physics and other important topics in the field of nuclear reactor physics.

Nuclear Engineering Mathematical Modeling and Simulation presents the mathematical modeling of neutron diffusion and transport. Aimed at students and early career engineers, this highly practical and visual resource guides the reader through computer simulations using the Monte Carlo Method which can be applied to a variety of applications, including power generation, criticality assemblies, nuclear detection systems, and nuclear medicine to name a few. The book covers optimization in both the traditional deterministic framework of variational methods and the stochastic framework of Monte Carlo methods. Specific sections cover the fundamentals of nuclear physics, computer codes used for neutron and photon radiation transport simulations, applications of analyses and simulations, optimization techniques for both fixed-source and multiplying systems, and various simulations in the medical area where radioisotopes are used in cancer treatment. - Provides a highly visual and practical reference that includes mathematical modeling, formulations, models and methods throughout - Includes all current major computer codes, such as ANISN, MCNP and MATLAB for user coding and analysis - Guides the reader through simulations for the design optimization of both present-day and future nuclear systems