 | |
| GENU2001-1 | Introduction to nuclear physics
 |
|
| Duration : | 20h Th, 10h Pr |
|
| Credits/ECTS : |
|
|
| Holder(s) : | Alex Hermanne |
|
| Language : | English language |
|
| Course contents : |
- Nuclear properties (nuclear radius; mass and abundance of nuclides; nuclear binding
energy; nuclear exited states)
- Elementary introduction to nuclear models (drop, shell & collective models)
- Radioactive decay: radioactive decay law, radioactive mother-daughter chains, natural
radioactive chains, types of radioactive decay, units of radioactivity
- Alpha decay
- Beta decay
- Gamma decay
- Types of nuclear reactions: compound nucleus, threshold reactions, concept of cross
section
- Interaction of neutrons with matter; general considerations (elastic & inelastic scattering; thermalisation, radiative capture, ...)
- Theory of nuclear fission, controlled chain reaction, physical principles of fission reactors
|
|
| Course objective : |
- To learn and understand the basic properties of a nucleus
- To understand the role of conservation laws in decay processes and reactions
- To learn the principles of nuclear physics related to fission and fusion.
|
|
| Prerequisites : | Bachelor level lectures on physics, mechanics, mathematics.
REFERENCE BOOKS ON PREREQUISITE
See website www.sckcen.be/bnen (http://www.sckcen.be/bnen)
Brochures and Info Background books W.
D'haeseleer (mathematics) |
|
| Organization : |
- 1 t.m. (3 ECTS ; 24h contact, including 1 seminar and exercise)
- SCK*CEN guidance: 10 hours lab (included in "Radiation protection and measurements")
|
|
| Written notes : |
- Krane, K.S. "Introductory Nuclear Physics", John Wiley, 1987.
- Heyde, K. "Basic ideas and concepts in nuclear physics: an introductory approach",
IOP, 1994
|
|
| Contacts : | Michel Bruggeman: michel.bruggeman@sckcen.be |
|
|
| |
