This course gives the student a level of practical knowledge sufficient for evaluation of PWR core power distribution limits, and performance of physics testing required during start-up and normal power operations, and other support functions for nuclear operations.

Station Nuclear Engineer Applications offers the student an opportunity to interface with Westinghouse experts in the various areas of the station nuclear engineer's day-to-day job. Instructors for this portion of the course are from various Westinghouse divisions.

The course starts with fuel management, emphasizing how the student can ensure proper core reload from an economical as well as a performance viewpoint. Core control is studied in depth, emphasizing methods of handling xenon oscillations and flux distributions. In addition, the core design report and its applications are reviewed. Next the operational aspects of nuclear engineering are addressed. This includes the basis for selected technical specifications; considerations in adjusting setpoints for OTDT, OPDT, and NI reactor trips; and the application of the Westinghouse F5 procedure. In addition, each student has the opportunity to inspect and observe the operation of refueling equipment.

Core physics testing is taught in-depth. During this period, the student receives hands-on experience with the reactivity computer. This course also includes demonstrations of various plant transients on the full-scope SNUPPS simulator.

Applicable to: PWR

Core Control and Performance

  • Technical Specifications Basis 
  • Core Design Report and Applications 
  • Load Follow and Xenon Transients 
  • Estimated Critical Position Errors 
  • Operational Core Analysis Package 


Refueling Operations

  • Observation of Refueling Equipment Operation 
  • Fuel Inspection 
  • Fuel Repair 
  • Refueling Topics 


Physics Testing

  • Reactivity Computer 
  • Low-Power Tests 
  • Power Ascension Tests 
  • Reload Start-up Test Program 


Codes

  • Code Theory TOTE, FOLLOW, INCORE 
  • Code Application INCORE 
  • Operational Core Analysis Package 


Fuel Management

  • Fuel Rod Design 
  • Fuel Management 
  • Fuel Performance 
  • Failed Fuel Detection 
  • Future Trends in Core Design 
  • Reload Safety Analysis 


Operation

  • Severe Accidents 
  • Nuclear Instrumentation Response during Accident Conditions 
  • OTDT, OPDT and NI Setpoints 
  • Inadequate Core Cooling Monitoring System 
  • Core Damage

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