Foundational study of the effects of single and multiple interactions on neutron distributions and their applications to problems across the Nuclear Engineering department - fission, fusion, and NST (RST). Particle simulation methods are introduced to deal with complex processes that cannot be fully studied experimentally or by numerical solutions of equations. Treatment will emphasize basic concepts and understanding, as well as showing the underlying scientific connections with current research areas.

This subject deals with neutron interactions, particularly elastic and inelastic (in the molecular sense) scattering, and the various applications made possible by these processes, from fission reactor criticality to radiation damage, microdosimetry, imaging, and inelastic scattering research. A particular distinction is made in the treatment of effects of single collisions from the distributions resulting from multiple collisions (nuclear interactions) in systems uniquely relevant to Nuclear Science and Engineering. Another feature of the subject is the introduction of particle simulation techniques, both Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics, as practical methods to determine the various distributions. The intent is to provide the student with a unified framework for the quantitative understanding of the complex behavior of nuclear systems.

A special feature of the subject this year is a 4-week module on the use of MCNP, an industry-standard Monte Carlo simulation code capable of a very diverse range of applications. This module, conducted by Mr. Andrew Hodgdon, is offered to all members of the NED community.

22.54 will henceforth become 22.106, while retaining the same name; it is now a core subject in the department.

Subject will be taught on the basis of class lectures with supplemental materials distributed or assigned in class.

There will be several problem sets, an optional term project, a written quiz, and an oral exam at the end of the term.

General References

Byrne, J. Neutrons, Nuclei and Matter: An Exploration of the Physics of Slow Neutrons. Philadelphia: Institute of Physics, 1996. ISBN: 0750303662.

Parks, D. E., M. S. Nelkin, J. R. Beyster, and N. F. Wikner. Slow Neutron Scattering and Thermalization. Benjamin, 1970.

Foderaro, A. Elements of Neutron Interaction Theory. Cambridge: MIT Press, 2003. ISBN: 0262561603.

Marshall, W., and S. W. Lovesey. Theory of Thermal Neutron Scattering. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1971.

Lamarsh, J. R. Introduction to Nuclear Reactor Theory. La Grange Park: American Nuclear Society, 2002. ISBN: 0894480405.

Duderstadt, J. J., and W. R. Martin. Transport Theory. Hoboken: Wiley, 1979. ISBN: 047104492X.

Carter, L. L., and E. D. Cashwell. Particle-Transport Simulation with the Monte-Carlo Method. ERDA Critical Review Series, TID-26607(1975) - National Technical Information Service, U. S. Department of Commerce, Springfield, VA 22161 (library call no. QC793.47/.E4/.C37).

Landau, D. P., and K. Binder. A Guide to Monte Carlo Simulations in Statistical Physics. Cambridge: Cambridge Univ. Press, 2000. ISBN: 0521653665.

Marseguerra, M., and E. Zio. Basics of the Monte Carlo Method with Application to System Reliability. LiLoLe-Verlag GmbH, Hagen, Germany, 2002.

"Special Issue on New Frontiers in the Application of Neutron Scattering to Materials Science." MRS Bulletin 28, no. 12 (December 2003).