This book provides engineers with a comprehensive understanding of nuclear reactor physics and neutronics, emphasizing the importance of simple models to validate complex computational results. It explains the rationale behind neutron slowing down and offers a straightforward method to evaluate the resonance escape probability in Fermi's 4-factors formula. The book includes exercises to assess the remaining three factors and demonstrates how to derive the diffusion approximation from the Boltzmann equation. It covers both one-group and two-group diffusion models, applying them to predict the reactivity of a nuclear reactor core. Special attention is given to the selection of the migration area. Additionally, the book addresses delayed neutrons, reactor kinetics, fission product poisoning, fuel evolution, fuel management, critical size, temperature effects, and xenon oscillations. Originally written for students, it contains 28 exercises with solutions provided in the appendix, making it an invaluable resource for both learning and practical application in the field.
1. Chain reaction principle and effective multiplication factor.-
2.
Reminders.-
3. Principle of fast neutron reactors.-
4. Why does it make sense
to slow down neutrons?.-
5. Fermi's 4-factors formula.
Bertrand Mercier is a graduate of the Ecole Polytechnique (class of '68) and holds a doctorate in science. A researcher in applied mathematics at INRIA (Institut National de Recherches en Informatique et Automatique) and Ecole Polytechnique, he has published around 40 papers in scientific journals. He taught 12 years as a lecturer in Ecole Polytechnique. In 1979, he joined CEA/DAM's Centre d'Etudes de Limeil to become head of the Mathematics and Numerical Codes Department. In 1987, he joined EADS as head of the Scientific Software Plan. In 1999, he returned to the Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique (Atomic Energy Commission) as Head of the Mechanical and Thermal Studies Department, then of the Mechanics and Technology Department. He was then appointed Deputy Director of the Saclay Center, Director of Nuclear Protection and Safety at the CEA, and finally Director of Nuclear Activities at Saclay.
