B3164 - EVOLUZIONE STORICA E TECNOLOGICA DELL'ENERGIA NUCLEARE T

Learning outcomes

An overview of the evolution of nuclear energy is proposed, from the discovery of fission in 1938 to the very recentest models in the development of IV generation reactors. Attention is especially focused on reactor control, on the dynamics of the most significant accidents, and on reactor safety at large. The student will acquire consciousness of the state-of-the-art in the safe utilization of nuclear energy.

Course contents

• First steps: from atomic models to the discovery of nuclear fission
• The Manhattan Project and the military uses of nuclear energy
• Atoms for Peace: civilian uses of nuclear energy
• Evolution of nuclear plants: I-III+ generations, small modular reactors, IV generation reactors
• Analysis of major nuclear accidents
• Fuel cycle and waste management
• Safety, regulatory and control bodies
• Thermonuclear fusion: from the H-bomb to power generation
• Other applications: Radioisotope production/uses and space exploration

Readings/Bibliography

• J.A. Mahaffey, The history of nuclear power, Facts on File ISBN 9780816076499
• J.A. Mahaffey, Atomic Accidents: A History of Nuclear Meltdowns and Disasters: From the Ozark Mountains to Fukushima, Pegasus Books, ISBN 9781605986807
• F. Parozzi, Gli anni dell'atomo. Storia dell'industria elettronucleare in Italia, Biblion, ISBN 9788833831695
• B. Fernandez, Unraveling the history of the atomic nucleus, Springer, ISBN 9781489985620
• R. Rhodes, The Making of the Atomic Bomb, Simon & Schuster Ltd, ISBN 9781471111235
• A. Creager, Life Atomic - A History of Radioisotopes in Science and Medicine, Chicago Press, ISBN 9780226323961
• R. Murray, Nuclear Energy: An Introduction to the Concepts, Systems, and Applications of Nuclear Processes, Elsevier Science, ISBN 9780128128817
• K.D. Kok, Nuclear Engineering Handbook, CRC Press, ISBN 9781482215922
• D. Ingersoll and M. Carelli, Handbook of Small Modular Nuclear Reactors, Woodhead Publishing, ISBN 9780128239162
• I. Pioro, Handbook of Generation IV Nuclear Reactors, Woodhead Publishing, ISBN 9780128205884
• I. Crossland, Nuclear Fuel Cycle Science and Engineering, Woodhead Publishing, ISBN 9780081016114
• W.M. Stacey, Fusion An Introduction to the Physics and Technology of Magnetic Confinement Fusion , Wiley, ISBN 9783527409679
  

Teaching methods

Classroom lessons, viewing and discussion of technical-scientific videos, Project Work (as an assessment method)

Assessment methods

Discussion of a written thesis on a topic selected with the teacher, to be presented in about 20 minutes with the aid of a projector (about 15 slides). The essay (about 15 pages) must be sent to the teacher at least two weeks before the date of the exam session chosen by the student. The evaluation will be based on the degree of understanding of both the topic presented and the basic concepts addressed in the course.

Teaching tools

Slides, informative and technical documents and videos of a technical-scientific nature on the topics covered will be made available on Virtuale.

Office hours

See the website of Matteo Gherardi