Term II (Jan 2010)

Instructor: Dr. David R. Novog NRB- 117 ext 24904

This course will examine today's issues of nuclear reactor thermalhydraulics and in particular the numerical and experimental methods applied to study the important phenomena. It is assumed that students have a strong undergraduate background in heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and numerical methods.

The principal objectives of the course are to present the graduate students and researchers with practical knowledge in:

(1) Fundamentals of phase changes phenomena, thermo-physical behavior of nucleation and evaporation.

(2) Introduction to two-phase flow.  2-phase flow distribution.  Flow Boiling, CHF, Transition Boiling and Psot Dryout Boiling.

(3) Homogenous Methods for Two-Phase Flow Predictions. 

(4) Numerical methods and solution of homogeneous simulations

(4) Closure Relationships for Two-Phase Flow Modeling in Homogenous Systems

(5) Separated-Flow Methods for Two-Phase Flow Predictions, Slip Methods and Closure Relations for Two-Phase Modeling in separated Systems.

(6) Two-fluid Approach to Two-Phase Modeling and Closure Relationships in Two-fluid formulations

(7) Physical modeling of ONB, CHF and film boiling

(8) Nuclear Thermalhydraulic Phenomena

(9) Experimental Methods in Two-Phase Flow

(10) Up-to-date critical reviews of the state of knowledge in nuclear safety related thermalhydraulics, and thermalhydraulic behavior in nuclear accidents

This course will be taught by means of lectures and a number of invited speakers will speak to the class on special topics. The course does not follow any specific textbook and there are no required books. At the start of the course, a book list of helpful supplementary reading will be provided.

Assignments will consist of:

a) a numerical project (and hence adequate knowledge and experience in numerical modeling is assumed).  The numerical project will be performed in 2 stages and is based on the problem based learning approach.  Students must submit a working MATLAB code, all input files and a written report.  Both the code structure and layout, accuracy and accompanying report will be scrutinized.  The report should be approximately 12 to 17 pages (including figures) and should follow the publication and layout format for the American Nuclear Society journals.  Each report will be graded according to the quality of the write-up, presentation of the results, depth of analysis and discussion, understanding and conformance with journalistic style.

b) a literature review of a relevant topic (approved by the instructor) and the presentation of an in-class topical seminar based on the review (15 minutes). 

Literature Review Report	15 %
Oral Presentation of Literature Review	15%
Numerical Project Progress Report & Final Computer Code & Accuracy Assessment	45 %
Final Numerical Project and Report:	25%

Letter grades will be assigned using the official McMaster scoring system as published by the Office of the Registrar.

POLICY REMINDERS:

Academic dishonesty consists of misrepresentation by deception or by other fraudulent means and can result in serious consequences, e.g. the grade of zero on an assignment, loss of credit with a notation on the transcript (notation reads: "Grade of F assigned for academic dishonesty"), and/or suspension or expulsion from the university.

It is your responsibility to understand what constitutes academic dishonesty. For information on the various kinds of academic dishonesty please refer to the Academic Integrity Policy, specifically Appendix 3, located at http://www.mcmaster.ca/senate/academic/ac_integrity.htm

The following illustrates only three forms of academic dishonesty: 1. Plagiarism, e.g. the submission of work that is not one's own or for which other credit has been obtained. 2. Improper collaboration in group work. 3. Copying or using unauthorized aids in tests and examinations.

The Faculty of Engineering is concerned with ensuring an environment that is free of all adverse discrimination. If there is a problem that cannot be resolved by discussion among the persons concerned, individuals are reminded that they should contact their Department Chair, the Sexual Harassment Officer or the Human Rights Consultant, as soon as possible.

The instructor and university reserve the right to modify elements of the course during the term. The university may change the dates and deadlines for any or all courses in extreme circumstances. If either type of modification becomes necessary, reasonable notice and communication with the students will be given with explanation and the opportunity to comment on changes. It is the responsibility of the student to check their McMaster email and course websites weekly during the term and to note any changes.