Dec 16, 2025

2024-2025 Undergraduate Academic Calendar

2024-2025 Undergraduate Academic Calendar [ARCHIVED CALENDAR]

RADI 2200U – Reactors and Radiation Machines

Building on fundamental classical and modern physics, the first half of this course starts with a review of nuclear reactions. It explains how neutrons cause nuclear fission in some materials but not in others; and in these other materials, why some become radioactive when others do not. It goes on to explain how certain materials can be assembled into configurations that encourage nuclear fission and introduces the concept of nuclear criticality. Movement of neutrons in fissile assemblies is then described with tools from diffusion theory, before considering the risks in handling fissile materials and the need for controls. How nuclear reactors work is then explored, along with how they are operated, and the pros and cons of different reactor designs from CANDU to SMRs. Finally, radioisotope production in reactors is discussed, along with the basics of the nuclear fuel cycle, enrichment, and the management of radioactive waste. In the second half of the course, how radiations are produced outside of reactors is described. After exploring power supplies and vacuum systems, how beams of electrons can be used to generate X-rays is investigated. A comparison of ion sources then leads to an evaluation of how neutrons can be generated in small neutron tubes or large Cockcroft-Walton machines in similar ways. More typical particle accelerators like Van de Graaff, Betatrons, and Cyclotrons are then discussed; before considering how RF energy is harnessed to drive linear accelerators and synchrotrons. On completion of the course, students will understand how radiations are produced artificially in nuclear reactors and radiation machines and be able to calculate key quantities of interest to their design or operation.
Credit hours: 3
Lecture hours: 3
Laboratory hours: 3 (biweekly)
Tutorial hours: 1 (biweekly)
Prerequisite(s): PHY 2060U
Credit restriction(s): NUCL 3860U and NUCL 1530U and RADI 4440U