Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4M16: Nuclear Power Engineering (shared with IIA), 2022-23
Module Leader
Lecturers
Prof. Geoff Parks, Prof. Eugene Shwageraus and Mr Bob Skelton
Timing and Structure
Lent Term. 12 lectures + 2 examples classes + 2 in-lecture demonstrations. Assessment: 100% exam. Lectures will be recorded.
Aims
The aims of the course are to:
- give the student an introduction to and appreciation of nuclear power engineering and the UK nuclear industry
Objectives
As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:
- appreciate the nature of neutron-nucleus interactions
- classify ionising radiation by physical nature and health hazard
- conduct safely a simple experiment involving radiation
- understand the principles of radiation detection and shielding
- understand the principles of operation of UK nuclear reactors
- apply elementary models of neutron behaviour in reactors
- compute simple power distributions in reactors
- compute simple temperature distributions in reactors and appreciate their consequences
- appreciate the significance of delayed neutrons and xenon-135 to the control and operation of reactors
- appreciate the advantages and disadvantages of on-load and off-load refuelling
- perform simple calculations to predict the refuelling requirements of reactors
- explain the operation of enrichment plant
- appreciate the problems of radioactive waste management
- appreciate the range of activities of the UK nuclear industry
Content
This module aims to give the student an introduction to and appreciation of nuclear power engineering and the UK nuclear industry, particularly the technology used in the production of electricity in nuclear power stations, the preparation and subsequent treatment of the fuel and its by-products, and the detection of ionising radiation and the protection of workers within the nuclear industry and the general public from it.
Basic Principles and Health Physics (2L, Prof. E. Shwageraus)
- Principles of nuclear reactions;
- Radioactivity and the effects of ionising radiation;
- Introduction to health physics and shielding.
Reactor Physics (3L, Prof. G.T. Parks)
- The fission chain process;
- Interactions of neutrons with matter;
- Models for neutron distributions in space and energy.
Reactor Design & Operation (4L, Prof. G.T. Parks)
- Simple reactor design;
- Heat transfer and temperature distributions in commercial reactors;
- Time-dependent aspects of reactor operations; delayed neutrons and xenon poisoning;
- In-core and out-of-core fuel cycles.
Fuel Processing (3L, Mr R.L. Skelton)
- Enrichment and reprocessing;
- The treatment, containment and disposal of radioactive wastes.
Demonstrations (2L, Prof. G.T. Parks)
Demonstration of the use of Geiger-Muller and scintillation counters for detecting ionising radiation (1 hour in-lecture time).
Demonstration of the detection and shielding of fast and thermal neutrons using a 37 GBq Americium-Beryllium source (1 hour in-lecture time).
Booklists
Please refer to the Booklist for references to this module. This can be found on the associated Moodle course.
Examination Guidelines
Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.
UK-SPEC
This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:
Toggle display of UK-SPEC areas.
GT1
Develop transferable skills that will be of value in a wide range of situations. These are exemplified by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority Higher Level Key Skills and include problem solving, communication, and working with others, as well as the effective use of general IT facilities and information retrieval skills. They also include planning self-learning and improving performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD.
IA1
Apply appropriate quantitative science and engineering tools to the analysis of problems.
IA2
Demonstrate creative and innovative ability in the synthesis of solutions and in formulating designs.
KU1
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, theories and principles of their engineering discipline, and its underpinning science and mathematics.
KU2
Have an appreciation of the wider multidisciplinary engineering context and its underlying principles.
S1
The ability to make general evaluations of commercial risks through some understanding of the basis of such risks.
S4
Awareness of the framework of relevant legal requirements governing engineering activities, including personnel, health, safety, and risk (including environmental risk) issues.
E1
Ability to use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies.
E2
Ability to extract data pertinent to an unfamiliar problem, and apply its solution using computer based engineering tools when appropriate.
E3
Ability to apply mathematical and computer based models for solving problems in engineering, and the ability to assess the limitations of particular cases.
P1
A thorough understanding of current practice and its limitations and some appreciation of likely new developments.
P3
Understanding of contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied (e.g. operations and management, technology, development, etc).
US1
A comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles of own specialisation and related disciplines.
US3
An understanding of concepts from a range of areas including some outside engineering, and the ability to apply them effectively in engineering projects.
Last modified: 21/07/2022 12:17
Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4M16: Nuclear Power Engineering (shared with IIA), 2020-21
Module Leader
Lecturers
Dr G T Parks and Mr R L Skelton
Timing and Structure
Lent Term. 12 lectures + 2 examples classes + 2 in-lecture demonstrations. Assessment: 100% exam
Aims
The aims of the course are to:
- give the student an introduction to and appreciation of nuclear power engineering and the UK nuclear industry
Objectives
As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:
- appreciate the nature of neutron-nucleus interactions
- classify ionising radiation by physical nature and health hazard
- conduct safely a simple experiment involving radiation
- understand the principles of radiation detection and shielding
- understand the principles of operation of UK nuclear reactors
- apply elementary models of neutron behaviour in reactors
- compute simple power distributions in reactors
- compute simple temperature distributions in reactors and appreciate their consequences
- appreciate the significance of delayed neutrons and xenon-135 to the control and operation of reactors
- appreciate the advantages and disadvantages of on-load and off-load refuelling
- perform simple calculations to predict the refuelling requirements of reactors
- explain the operation of enrichment plant
- appreciate the problems of radioactive waste management
- appreciate the range of activities of the UK nuclear industry
Content
This module aims to give the student an introduction to and appreciation of nuclear power engineering and the UK nuclear industry, particularly the technology used in the production of electricity in nuclear power stations, the preparation and subsequent treatment of the fuel and its by-products, and the detection of ionising radiation and the protection of workers within the nuclear industry and the general public from it.
Basic Principles and Health Physics (2L, Dr G T Parks)
- Principles of nuclear reactions;
- Radioactivity and the effects of ionising radiation;
- Introduction to health physics and shielding.
Reactor Physics (3L, Dr G T Parks)
- The fission chain process;
- Interactions of neutrons with matter;
- Models for neutron distributions in space and energy.
Reactor Design & Operation (4L, Dr G T Parks)
- Simple reactor design;
- Heat transfer and temperature distributions in commercial reactors;
- Time dependent aspects of reactor operations; delayed neutrons and xenon poisoning;
- In-core and out-of-core fuel cycles.
Fuel Processing (3L, Mr R L Skelton)
- Enrichment and reprocessing;
- The containment and disposal of radioactive wastes.
Demonstrations (2L, Dr G T Parks)
Demonstration of the use of Geiger-Muller and scintillation counters for detecting ionising radiation (1 hour in-lecture time).
Demonstration of the detection and shielding of fast and thermal neutrons using a 37 GBq Americium-Beryllium source (1 hour in-lecture time).
Booklists
Please refer to the Booklist for references to this module. This can be found on the associated Moodle course.
Examination Guidelines
Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.
UK-SPEC
This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:
Toggle display of UK-SPEC areas.
GT1
Develop transferable skills that will be of value in a wide range of situations. These are exemplified by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority Higher Level Key Skills and include problem solving, communication, and working with others, as well as the effective use of general IT facilities and information retrieval skills. They also include planning self-learning and improving performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD.
IA1
Apply appropriate quantitative science and engineering tools to the analysis of problems.
IA2
Demonstrate creative and innovative ability in the synthesis of solutions and in formulating designs.
KU1
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, theories and principles of their engineering discipline, and its underpinning science and mathematics.
KU2
Have an appreciation of the wider multidisciplinary engineering context and its underlying principles.
S1
The ability to make general evaluations of commercial risks through some understanding of the basis of such risks.
S4
Awareness of the framework of relevant legal requirements governing engineering activities, including personnel, health, safety, and risk (including environmental risk) issues.
E1
Ability to use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies.
E2
Ability to extract data pertinent to an unfamiliar problem, and apply its solution using computer based engineering tools when appropriate.
E3
Ability to apply mathematical and computer based models for solving problems in engineering, and the ability to assess the limitations of particular cases.
P1
A thorough understanding of current practice and its limitations and some appreciation of likely new developments.
P3
Understanding of contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied (e.g. operations and management, technology, development, etc).
US1
A comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles of own specialisation and related disciplines.
US3
An understanding of concepts from a range of areas including some outside engineering, and the ability to apply them effectively in engineering projects.
Last modified: 11/09/2020 17:17
Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4M16: Nuclear Power Engineering (shared with IIA), 2018-19
Module Leader
Lecturers
Dr G T Parks, Dr E Shwageraus and Mr R L Skelton
Timing and Structure
Lent term. 12 lectures + 2 examples classes + 2 laboratory demonstrations. Assessment: 100% exam
Aims
The aims of the course are to:
- give the student an introduction to and appreciation of nuclear power engineering and the UK nuclear industry
Objectives
As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:
- appreciate the nature of neutron-nucleus interactions
- classify ionising radiation by physical nature and health hazard
- conduct safely a simple experiment involving radiation
- understand the principles of radiation detection and shielding
- understand the principles of operation of UK nuclear reactors
- apply elementary models of neutron behaviour in reactors
- compute simple power distributions in reactors
- compute simple temperature distributions in reactors and appreciate their consequences
- appreciate the significance of delayed neutrons and xenon-135 to the control and operation of reactors
- appreciate the advantages and disadvantages of on-load and off-load refuelling
- perform simple calculations to predict the refuelling requirements of reactors
- explain the operation of enrichment plant
- appreciate the problems of radioactive waste management
- appreciate the range of activities of the UK nuclear industry
Content
This module aims to give the student an introduction to and appreciation of nuclear power engineering and the UK nuclear industry, particularly the technology used in the production of electricity in nuclear power stations, the preparation and subsequent treatment of the fuel and its by-products, and the detection of ionising radiation and the protection of workers within the nuclear industry and the general public from it.
Basic Principles and Health Physics (2L, Dr E Shwageraus)
- Principles of nuclear reactions;
- Radioactivity and the effects of ionising radiation;
- Introduction to health physics and shielding.
Reactor Physics (3L, Dr G T Parks)
- The fission chain process;
- Interactions of neutrons with matter;
- Models for neutron distributions in space and energy.
Reactor Design & Operation (4L, Dr G T Parks)
- Simple reactor design;
- Heat transfer and temperature distributions in commercial reactors;
- Time dependent aspects of reactor operations; delayed neutrons and xenon poisoning;
- In-core and out-of-core fuel cycles.
Fuel Processing (3L, Mr R L Skelton)
- Enrichment and reprocessing;
- The containment and disposal of radioactive wastes.
LABORATORY DEMONSTRATIONS
Demonstration of the use of Geiger-Muller and scintillation counters for detecting ionising radiation (1 hour in-lecture time).
Demonstration of the detection and shielding of fast and thermal neutrons using a 37 GBq Americium-Beryllium source (1 hour in-lecture time).
Booklists
Please see the Booklist for Group M Courses for references for this module.
Examination Guidelines
Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.
UK-SPEC
This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:
Toggle display of UK-SPEC areas.
GT1
Develop transferable skills that will be of value in a wide range of situations. These are exemplified by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority Higher Level Key Skills and include problem solving, communication, and working with others, as well as the effective use of general IT facilities and information retrieval skills. They also include planning self-learning and improving performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD.
IA1
Apply appropriate quantitative science and engineering tools to the analysis of problems.
IA2
Demonstrate creative and innovative ability in the synthesis of solutions and in formulating designs.
KU1
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, theories and principles of their engineering discipline, and its underpinning science and mathematics.
KU2
Have an appreciation of the wider multidisciplinary engineering context and its underlying principles.
S1
The ability to make general evaluations of commercial risks through some understanding of the basis of such risks.
S4
Awareness of the framework of relevant legal requirements governing engineering activities, including personnel, health, safety, and risk (including environmental risk) issues.
E1
Ability to use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies.
E2
Ability to extract data pertinent to an unfamiliar problem, and apply its solution using computer based engineering tools when appropriate.
E3
Ability to apply mathematical and computer based models for solving problems in engineering, and the ability to assess the limitations of particular cases.
P1
A thorough understanding of current practice and its limitations and some appreciation of likely new developments.
P3
Understanding of contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied (e.g. operations and management, technology, development, etc).
US1
A comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles of own specialisation and related disciplines.
US3
An understanding of concepts from a range of areas including some outside engineering, and the ability to apply them effectively in engineering projects.
Last modified: 30/05/2018 11:46
Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4M16: Nuclear Power Engineering (shared with IIA), 2021-22
Module Leader
Lecturers
Dr G T Parks, Dr E Shwageraus and Mr R L Skelton
Timing and Structure
Lent Term. 12 lectures + 2 examples classes + 2 in-lecture demonstrations. Assessment: 100% exam
Aims
The aims of the course are to:
- give the student an introduction to and appreciation of nuclear power engineering and the UK nuclear industry
Objectives
As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:
- appreciate the nature of neutron-nucleus interactions
- classify ionising radiation by physical nature and health hazard
- conduct safely a simple experiment involving radiation
- understand the principles of radiation detection and shielding
- understand the principles of operation of UK nuclear reactors
- apply elementary models of neutron behaviour in reactors
- compute simple power distributions in reactors
- compute simple temperature distributions in reactors and appreciate their consequences
- appreciate the significance of delayed neutrons and xenon-135 to the control and operation of reactors
- appreciate the advantages and disadvantages of on-load and off-load refuelling
- perform simple calculations to predict the refuelling requirements of reactors
- explain the operation of enrichment plant
- appreciate the problems of radioactive waste management
- appreciate the range of activities of the UK nuclear industry
Content
This module aims to give the student an introduction to and appreciation of nuclear power engineering and the UK nuclear industry, particularly the technology used in the production of electricity in nuclear power stations, the preparation and subsequent treatment of the fuel and its by-products, and the detection of ionising radiation and the protection of workers within the nuclear industry and the general public from it.
Basic Principles and Health Physics (2L, Dr E Shwageraus)
- Principles of nuclear reactions;
- Radioactivity and the effects of ionising radiation;
- Introduction to health physics and shielding.
Reactor Physics (3L, Dr G T Parks)
- The fission chain process;
- Interactions of neutrons with matter;
- Models for neutron distributions in space and energy.
Reactor Design & Operation (4L, Dr G T Parks)
- Simple reactor design;
- Heat transfer and temperature distributions in commercial reactors;
- Time-dependent aspects of reactor operations; delayed neutrons and xenon poisoning;
- In-core and out-of-core fuel cycles.
Fuel Processing (3L, Mr R L Skelton)
- Enrichment and reprocessing;
- The treatment, containment and disposal of radioactive wastes.
Demonstrations (2L, Dr G T Parks)
Demonstration of the use of Geiger-Muller and scintillation counters for detecting ionising radiation (1 hour in-lecture time).
Demonstration of the detection and shielding of fast and thermal neutrons using a 37 GBq Americium-Beryllium source (1 hour in-lecture time).
Booklists
Please refer to the Booklist for references to this module. This can be found on the associated Moodle course.
Examination Guidelines
Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.
UK-SPEC
This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:
Toggle display of UK-SPEC areas.
GT1
Develop transferable skills that will be of value in a wide range of situations. These are exemplified by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority Higher Level Key Skills and include problem solving, communication, and working with others, as well as the effective use of general IT facilities and information retrieval skills. They also include planning self-learning and improving performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD.
IA1
Apply appropriate quantitative science and engineering tools to the analysis of problems.
IA2
Demonstrate creative and innovative ability in the synthesis of solutions and in formulating designs.
KU1
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, theories and principles of their engineering discipline, and its underpinning science and mathematics.
KU2
Have an appreciation of the wider multidisciplinary engineering context and its underlying principles.
S1
The ability to make general evaluations of commercial risks through some understanding of the basis of such risks.
S4
Awareness of the framework of relevant legal requirements governing engineering activities, including personnel, health, safety, and risk (including environmental risk) issues.
E1
Ability to use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies.
E2
Ability to extract data pertinent to an unfamiliar problem, and apply its solution using computer based engineering tools when appropriate.
E3
Ability to apply mathematical and computer based models for solving problems in engineering, and the ability to assess the limitations of particular cases.
P1
A thorough understanding of current practice and its limitations and some appreciation of likely new developments.
P3
Understanding of contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied (e.g. operations and management, technology, development, etc).
US1
A comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles of own specialisation and related disciplines.
US3
An understanding of concepts from a range of areas including some outside engineering, and the ability to apply them effectively in engineering projects.
Last modified: 23/08/2021 16:57
Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4M16: Nuclear Power Engineering (shared with IIA), 2017-18
Module Leader
Lecturers
Dr G T Parks and Mr R L Skelton
Timing and Structure
Lent term. 12 lectures + 2 examples classes + 2 laboratory demonstrations. Assessment: 100% exam
Aims
The aims of the course are to:
- give the student an introduction to and appreciation of nuclear power engineering and the UK nuclear industry
Objectives
As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:
- appreciate the nature of neutron-nucleus interactions
- classify ionising radiation by physical nature and health hazard
- conduct safely a simple experiment involving radiation
- understand the principles of radiation detection and shielding
- understand the principles of operation of UK nuclear reactors
- apply elementary models of neutron behaviour in reactors
- compute simple power distributions in reactors
- compute simple temperature distributions in reactors and appreciate their consequences
- appreciate the significance of delayed neutrons and xenon-135 to the control and operation of reactors
- appreciate the advantages and disadvantages of on-load and off-load refuelling
- perform simple calculations to predict the refuelling requirements of reactors
- explain the operation of enrichment plant
- appreciate the problems of radioactive waste management
- appreciate the range of activities of the UK nuclear industry
Content
This module aims to give the student an introduction to and appreciation of nuclear power engineering and the UK nuclear industry, particularly the technology used in the production of electricity in nuclear power stations, the preparation and subsequent treatment of the fuel and its by-products, and the detection of ionising radiation and the protection of workers within the nuclear industry and the general public from it.
Basic Principles and Health Physics (2L, Dr E Shwageraus)
- Principles of nuclear reactions;
- Radioactivity and the effects of ionising radiation;
- Introduction to health physics and shielding.
Reactor Physics (3L, Dr G T Parks)
- The fission chain process;
- Interactions of neutrons with matter;
- Models for neutron distributions in space and energy.
Reactor Design & Operation (4L, Dr G T Parks)
- Simple reactor design;
- Heat transfer and temperature distributions in commercial reactors;
- Time dependent aspects of reactor operations; delayed neutrons and xenon poisoning;
- In-core and out-of-core fuel cycles.
Fuel Processing (3L, Mr R L Skelton)
- Enrichment and reprocessing;
- The containment and disposal of radioactive wastes.
LABORATORY DEMONSTRATIONS
Demonstration of the use of Geiger-Muller and scintillation counters for detecting ionising radiation (1 hour in-lecture time).
Demonstration of the detection and shielding of fast and thermal neutrons using a 37 GBq Americium-Beryllium source (1 hour in-lecture time).
Booklists
Please see the Booklist for Group M Courses for references for this module.
Examination Guidelines
Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.
UK-SPEC
This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:
Toggle display of UK-SPEC areas.
GT1
Develop transferable skills that will be of value in a wide range of situations. These are exemplified by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority Higher Level Key Skills and include problem solving, communication, and working with others, as well as the effective use of general IT facilities and information retrieval skills. They also include planning self-learning and improving performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD.
IA1
Apply appropriate quantitative science and engineering tools to the analysis of problems.
IA2
Demonstrate creative and innovative ability in the synthesis of solutions and in formulating designs.
KU1
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, theories and principles of their engineering discipline, and its underpinning science and mathematics.
KU2
Have an appreciation of the wider multidisciplinary engineering context and its underlying principles.
S1
The ability to make general evaluations of commercial risks through some understanding of the basis of such risks.
S4
Awareness of the framework of relevant legal requirements governing engineering activities, including personnel, health, safety, and risk (including environmental risk) issues.
E1
Ability to use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies.
E2
Ability to extract data pertinent to an unfamiliar problem, and apply its solution using computer based engineering tools when appropriate.
E3
Ability to apply mathematical and computer based models for solving problems in engineering, and the ability to assess the limitations of particular cases.
P1
A thorough understanding of current practice and its limitations and some appreciation of likely new developments.
P3
Understanding of contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied (e.g. operations and management, technology, development, etc).
US1
A comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles of own specialisation and related disciplines.
US3
An understanding of concepts from a range of areas including some outside engineering, and the ability to apply them effectively in engineering projects.
Last modified: 31/05/2017 09:12
Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4M16: Nuclear Power Engineering (shared with IIA), 2023-24
Module Leader
Lecturers
Prof. Geoff Parks, Prof. Eugene Shwageraus and Mr Bob Skelton
Timing and Structure
Lent Term. 12 lectures + 2 examples classes + 2 in-lecture demonstrations. Assessment: 100% exam. Lectures will be recorded.
Aims
The aims of the course are to:
- give the student an introduction to and appreciation of nuclear power engineering and the UK nuclear industry
Objectives
As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:
- appreciate the nature of neutron-nucleus interactions
- classify ionising radiation by physical nature and health hazard
- conduct safely a simple experiment involving radiation
- understand the principles of radiation detection and shielding
- understand the principles of operation of UK nuclear reactors
- apply elementary models of neutron behaviour in reactors
- compute simple power distributions in reactors
- compute simple temperature distributions in reactors and appreciate their consequences
- appreciate the significance of delayed neutrons and xenon-135 to the control and operation of reactors
- appreciate the advantages and disadvantages of on-load and off-load refuelling
- perform simple calculations to predict the refuelling requirements of reactors
- explain the operation of enrichment plant
- appreciate the problems of radioactive waste management
- appreciate the range of activities of the UK nuclear industry
Content
This module aims to give the student an introduction to and appreciation of nuclear power engineering and the UK nuclear industry, particularly the technology used in the production of electricity in nuclear power stations, the preparation and subsequent treatment of the fuel and its by-products, and the detection of ionising radiation and the protection of workers within the nuclear industry and the general public from it.
Basic Principles and Health Physics (2L, Prof. E. Shwageraus)
- Principles of nuclear reactions;
- Radioactivity and the effects of ionising radiation;
- Introduction to health physics and shielding.
Reactor Physics (3L, Prof. G.T. Parks)
- The fission chain process;
- Interactions of neutrons with matter;
- Models for neutron distributions in space and energy.
Reactor Design & Operation (4L, Prof. G.T. Parks)
- Simple reactor design;
- Heat transfer and temperature distributions in commercial reactors;
- Time-dependent aspects of reactor operations; delayed neutrons and xenon poisoning;
- In-core and out-of-core fuel cycles.
Fuel Processing (3L, Mr R.L. Skelton)
- Enrichment and reprocessing;
- The treatment, containment and disposal of radioactive wastes.
Demonstrations (2L, Prof. G.T. Parks)
Demonstration of the use of Geiger-Muller and scintillation counters for detecting ionising radiation (1 hour in-lecture time).
Demonstration of the detection and shielding of fast and thermal neutrons using a 37 GBq Americium-Beryllium source (1 hour in-lecture time).
Booklists
Please refer to the Booklist for references to this module. This can be found on the associated Moodle course.
Examination Guidelines
Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.
UK-SPEC
This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:
Toggle display of UK-SPEC areas.
GT1
Develop transferable skills that will be of value in a wide range of situations. These are exemplified by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority Higher Level Key Skills and include problem solving, communication, and working with others, as well as the effective use of general IT facilities and information retrieval skills. They also include planning self-learning and improving performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD.
IA1
Apply appropriate quantitative science and engineering tools to the analysis of problems.
IA2
Demonstrate creative and innovative ability in the synthesis of solutions and in formulating designs.
KU1
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, theories and principles of their engineering discipline, and its underpinning science and mathematics.
KU2
Have an appreciation of the wider multidisciplinary engineering context and its underlying principles.
S1
The ability to make general evaluations of commercial risks through some understanding of the basis of such risks.
S4
Awareness of the framework of relevant legal requirements governing engineering activities, including personnel, health, safety, and risk (including environmental risk) issues.
E1
Ability to use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies.
E2
Ability to extract data pertinent to an unfamiliar problem, and apply its solution using computer based engineering tools when appropriate.
E3
Ability to apply mathematical and computer based models for solving problems in engineering, and the ability to assess the limitations of particular cases.
P1
A thorough understanding of current practice and its limitations and some appreciation of likely new developments.
P3
Understanding of contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied (e.g. operations and management, technology, development, etc).
US1
A comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles of own specialisation and related disciplines.
US3
An understanding of concepts from a range of areas including some outside engineering, and the ability to apply them effectively in engineering projects.
Last modified: 30/05/2023 15:35
Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4M12: Partial Differential Equations & Variational Methods (shared with IIA), 2018-19
Module Leader
Lecturers
Dr J S Biggins and Prof P Davidson
Timing and Structure
Lent term. 16 lectures (including examples classes). Assessment: 100% exam
Aims
The aims of the course are to:
- provide an introduction to the various classes of PDE and the physical nature of their solution
- demonstrate how variational calculus can be used to derive both ordinary and partial differential equations, and also how the technique can be used to obtain approximate solutions to these equations
Objectives
As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:
- understand the various types of PDE and the physical nature of their solutions.
- understand various solution methods for PDEs and be able to apply these to a range of problems.
- understand the formulation of various physical problems in terms of variational statements
- estimate solutions using trial functions and direct minimisation;
- calculate an Euler-Lagrange differential equation from a variational statement, and to find the corresponding natural boundary conditions;
- perform vector manipulations using suffix notation.
Content
Partial differential equations (PDEs) occur widely in all branches of engineering science, and this course provides an introduction to the various classes of PDE and the physical nature of their solution. The second part of the course demonstrates how variational calculus can be used to derive both ordinary and partial differential equations, and also how the technique can be used to obtain approximate solutions to these equations. The final section on the summation convention provides a powerful mathematical tool for the manipulation of equations that arise in engineering analysis
Suffix notation and the summation convention (2L Dr J S Biggins)
Index notation for scalar, vector, and matrix products, and for grad, div and curl. Applications including Stokes’ theorem and the divergence theorem.
Variational methods in engineering analysis (6L DrJ S Biggins)
Introduction to variational calculus. Functionals and their first variation. Derivation of differential equations and boundary conditions from variational principles. The Euler-Lagrange equations. The effect of constraints. Applications in mechanics, optics, stress analysis, and optimal control.
Partial Differential Equations (8L Prof. P. A. Davidson)
What is a PDE? Classification of PDEs: elliptic/parabolic/hyperbolic types. Canonical examples of each type: Laplace/diffusion/wave equations. solving the diffusion equation. Solving the wave equation. Solving the Laplace equation.
Booklists
Please see the Booklist for Group M Courses for references for this module.
Examination Guidelines
Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.
UK-SPEC
This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:
Toggle display of UK-SPEC areas.
GT1
Develop transferable skills that will be of value in a wide range of situations. These are exemplified by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority Higher Level Key Skills and include problem solving, communication, and working with others, as well as the effective use of general IT facilities and information retrieval skills. They also include planning self-learning and improving performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD.
IA1
Apply appropriate quantitative science and engineering tools to the analysis of problems.
IA2
Demonstrate creative and innovative ability in the synthesis of solutions and in formulating designs.
KU1
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, theories and principles of their engineering discipline, and its underpinning science and mathematics.
KU2
Have an appreciation of the wider multidisciplinary engineering context and its underlying principles.
E1
Ability to use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies.
E3
Ability to apply mathematical and computer based models for solving problems in engineering, and the ability to assess the limitations of particular cases.
P3
Understanding of contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied (e.g. operations and management, technology, development, etc).
US1
A comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles of own specialisation and related disciplines.
US2
A comprehensive knowledge and understanding of mathematical and computer models relevant to the engineering discipline, and an appreciation of their limitations.
US3
An understanding of concepts from a range of areas including some outside engineering, and the ability to apply them effectively in engineering projects.
Last modified: 17/08/2018 21:31
Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4M12: Partial Differential Equations & Variational Methods (shared with IIA), 2021-22
Module Leader
Lecturers
Dr J S Biggins and Prof P Davidson
Timing and Structure
Lent term. 16 lectures (including examples classes). Assessment: 100% exam
Aims
The aims of the course are to:
- provide an introduction to the various classes of PDE and the physical nature of their solution
- demonstrate how variational calculus can be used to derive both ordinary and partial differential equations, and also how the technique can be used to obtain approximate solutions to these equations
Objectives
As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:
- understand the various types of PDE and the physical nature of their solutions.
- understand various solution methods for PDEs and be able to apply these to a range of problems.
- understand the formulation of various physical problems in terms of variational statements
- estimate solutions using trial functions and direct minimisation;
- calculate an Euler-Lagrange differential equation from a variational statement, and to find the corresponding natural boundary conditions;
- perform vector manipulations using suffix notation.
Content
Partial differential equations (PDEs) occur widely in all branches of engineering science, and this course provides an introduction to the various classes of PDE and the physical nature of their solution. The second part of the course demonstrates how variational calculus can be used to derive both ordinary and partial differential equations, and also how the technique can be used to obtain approximate solutions to these equations. The final section on the summation convention provides a powerful mathematical tool for the manipulation of equations that arise in engineering analysis
Suffix notation and the summation convention (2L Dr J S Biggins)
Index notation for scalar, vector, and matrix products, and for grad, div and curl. Applications including Stokes’ theorem and the divergence theorem.
Variational methods in engineering analysis (6L DrJ S Biggins)
Introduction to variational calculus. Functionals and their first variation. Derivation of differential equations and boundary conditions from variational principles. The Euler-Lagrange equations. The effect of constraints. Applications in mechanics, optics, stress analysis, and optimal control.
Partial Differential Equations (8L Prof. P. A. Davidson)
What is a PDE? Classification of PDEs: elliptic/parabolic/hyperbolic types. Canonical examples of each type: Laplace/diffusion/wave equations. solving the diffusion equation. Solving the wave equation. Solving the Laplace equation.
Booklists
Please refer to the Booklist for references to this module, this can be found on the associated Moodle course.
Examination Guidelines
Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.
UK-SPEC
This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:
Toggle display of UK-SPEC areas.
GT1
Develop transferable skills that will be of value in a wide range of situations. These are exemplified by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority Higher Level Key Skills and include problem solving, communication, and working with others, as well as the effective use of general IT facilities and information retrieval skills. They also include planning self-learning and improving performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD.
IA1
Apply appropriate quantitative science and engineering tools to the analysis of problems.
IA2
Demonstrate creative and innovative ability in the synthesis of solutions and in formulating designs.
KU1
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, theories and principles of their engineering discipline, and its underpinning science and mathematics.
KU2
Have an appreciation of the wider multidisciplinary engineering context and its underlying principles.
E1
Ability to use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies.
E3
Ability to apply mathematical and computer based models for solving problems in engineering, and the ability to assess the limitations of particular cases.
P3
Understanding of contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied (e.g. operations and management, technology, development, etc).
US1
A comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles of own specialisation and related disciplines.
US2
A comprehensive knowledge and understanding of mathematical and computer models relevant to the engineering discipline, and an appreciation of their limitations.
US3
An understanding of concepts from a range of areas including some outside engineering, and the ability to apply them effectively in engineering projects.
Last modified: 20/05/2021 07:52
Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4M12: Partial Differential Equations & Variational Methods (shared with IIA), 2023-24
Module Leader
Lecturers
Timing and Structure
Lent term. 16 lectures (including examples classes). Assessment: 100% exam
Aims
The aims of the course are to:
- provide an introduction to the various classes of PDE and the physical nature of their solution
- demonstrate how variational calculus can be used to derive both ordinary and partial differential equations, and also how the technique can be used to obtain approximate solutions to these equations
Objectives
As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:
- understand the various types of PDE and the physical nature of their solutions.
- understand various solution methods for PDEs and be able to apply these to a range of problems.
- understand the formulation of various physical problems in terms of variational statements
- estimate solutions using trial functions and direct minimisation;
- calculate an Euler-Lagrange differential equation from a variational statement, and to find the corresponding natural boundary conditions;
- perform vector manipulations using suffix notation.
Content
Partial differential equations (PDEs) occur widely in all branches of engineering science, and this course provides an introduction to the various classes of PDE and the physical nature of their solution. The second part of the course demonstrates how variational calculus can be used to derive both ordinary and partial differential equations, and also how the technique can be used to obtain approximate solutions to these equations. The final section on the summation convention provides a powerful mathematical tool for the manipulation of equations that arise in engineering analysis
Suffix notation and the summation convention (2L Prof J S Biggins)
Index notation for scalar, vector, and matrix products, and for grad, div and curl. Applications including Stokes’ theorem and the divergence theorem.
Variational methods in engineering analysis (6L Prof J S Biggins)
Introduction to variational calculus. Functionals and their first variation. Derivation of differential equations and boundary conditions from variational principles. The Euler-Lagrange equations. The effect of constraints. Applications in mechanics, optics, stress analysis, and optimal control.
Partial Differential Equations (8L Dr J Li)
What is a PDE? Classification of PDEs: elliptic/parabolic/hyperbolic types. Canonical examples of each type: Laplace/diffusion/wave equations. Typical solution techniques and example solutions for simple geometries.
Booklists
Please refer to the Booklist for references to this module, this can be found on the associated Moodle course.
Examination Guidelines
Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.
UK-SPEC
This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:
Toggle display of UK-SPEC areas.
GT1
Develop transferable skills that will be of value in a wide range of situations. These are exemplified by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority Higher Level Key Skills and include problem solving, communication, and working with others, as well as the effective use of general IT facilities and information retrieval skills. They also include planning self-learning and improving performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD.
IA1
Apply appropriate quantitative science and engineering tools to the analysis of problems.
IA2
Demonstrate creative and innovative ability in the synthesis of solutions and in formulating designs.
KU1
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, theories and principles of their engineering discipline, and its underpinning science and mathematics.
KU2
Have an appreciation of the wider multidisciplinary engineering context and its underlying principles.
E1
Ability to use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies.
E3
Ability to apply mathematical and computer based models for solving problems in engineering, and the ability to assess the limitations of particular cases.
P3
Understanding of contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied (e.g. operations and management, technology, development, etc).
US1
A comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles of own specialisation and related disciplines.
US2
A comprehensive knowledge and understanding of mathematical and computer models relevant to the engineering discipline, and an appreciation of their limitations.
US3
An understanding of concepts from a range of areas including some outside engineering, and the ability to apply them effectively in engineering projects.
Last modified: 19/09/2023 09:58
Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4M12: Partial Differential Equations & Variational Methods (shared with IIA), 2022-23
Module Leader
Lecturers
Dr J S Biggins and Prof P Davidson
Timing and Structure
Lent term. 16 lectures (including examples classes). Assessment: 100% exam
Aims
The aims of the course are to:
- provide an introduction to the various classes of PDE and the physical nature of their solution
- demonstrate how variational calculus can be used to derive both ordinary and partial differential equations, and also how the technique can be used to obtain approximate solutions to these equations
Objectives
As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:
- understand the various types of PDE and the physical nature of their solutions.
- understand various solution methods for PDEs and be able to apply these to a range of problems.
- understand the formulation of various physical problems in terms of variational statements
- estimate solutions using trial functions and direct minimisation;
- calculate an Euler-Lagrange differential equation from a variational statement, and to find the corresponding natural boundary conditions;
- perform vector manipulations using suffix notation.
Content
Partial differential equations (PDEs) occur widely in all branches of engineering science, and this course provides an introduction to the various classes of PDE and the physical nature of their solution. The second part of the course demonstrates how variational calculus can be used to derive both ordinary and partial differential equations, and also how the technique can be used to obtain approximate solutions to these equations. The final section on the summation convention provides a powerful mathematical tool for the manipulation of equations that arise in engineering analysis
Suffix notation and the summation convention (2L Dr J S Biggins)
Index notation for scalar, vector, and matrix products, and for grad, div and curl. Applications including Stokes’ theorem and the divergence theorem.
Variational methods in engineering analysis (6L DrJ S Biggins)
Introduction to variational calculus. Functionals and their first variation. Derivation of differential equations and boundary conditions from variational principles. The Euler-Lagrange equations. The effect of constraints. Applications in mechanics, optics, stress analysis, and optimal control.
Partial Differential Equations (8L Prof. P. A. Davidson)
What is a PDE? Classification of PDEs: elliptic/parabolic/hyperbolic types. Canonical examples of each type: Laplace/diffusion/wave equations. solving the diffusion equation. Solving the wave equation. Solving the Laplace equation.
Booklists
Please refer to the Booklist for references to this module, this can be found on the associated Moodle course.
Examination Guidelines
Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.
UK-SPEC
This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:
Toggle display of UK-SPEC areas.
GT1
Develop transferable skills that will be of value in a wide range of situations. These are exemplified by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority Higher Level Key Skills and include problem solving, communication, and working with others, as well as the effective use of general IT facilities and information retrieval skills. They also include planning self-learning and improving performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD.
IA1
Apply appropriate quantitative science and engineering tools to the analysis of problems.
IA2
Demonstrate creative and innovative ability in the synthesis of solutions and in formulating designs.
KU1
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, theories and principles of their engineering discipline, and its underpinning science and mathematics.
KU2
Have an appreciation of the wider multidisciplinary engineering context and its underlying principles.
E1
Ability to use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies.
E3
Ability to apply mathematical and computer based models for solving problems in engineering, and the ability to assess the limitations of particular cases.
P3
Understanding of contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied (e.g. operations and management, technology, development, etc).
US1
A comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles of own specialisation and related disciplines.
US2
A comprehensive knowledge and understanding of mathematical and computer models relevant to the engineering discipline, and an appreciation of their limitations.
US3
An understanding of concepts from a range of areas including some outside engineering, and the ability to apply them effectively in engineering projects.
Last modified: 24/05/2022 13:14
Pages
