THERMODYNAMICSTHERMODYNAMICSWhat the high school science student should knowWhat the high school science student should know

to better understand nuclear energy to better understand nuclear energy

Fred Gunnerson, Ph.D.Fred Gunnerson, Ph.D.University of IdahoUniversity of Idahogunner@if.uidaho.edugunner@if.uidaho.edu

GNEP National Physics Teachers WorkshopGNEP National Physics Teachers WorkshopIdaho Falls, IDIdaho Falls, ID July 15-20, 2007July 15-20, 2007

THERMODYNAMICSTHERMODYNAMICS

• ‘Zeroth Law’ (Temperature)

• First Law (Energy)

• Second Law (Entropy and the Heat Engine)

0th Law0th Law Temperature Measurement / Thermometer CalibrationTemperature Measurement / Thermometer Calibration

• What is Temperature?

• Temperature scales

• Thermal Equilibrium

1st Law1st Lawenergy / units / relation to forceenergy / units / relation to forceCONSERVATION OF ENERGYCONSERVATION OF ENERGY

Types of EnergyPotentialKineticWork = F x dInternal / HeatNuclear (E=mc2 nucleon binding energy)Radiant (EM spectrum)ChemicalElectricalEtc……

Uses of Energy• Electricity• Transportation• Propulsion• Etc…

Sources of EnergyFossil FuelNuclear (fission & fusion)RenewableEtc…….

2nd Law2nd LawEntropy and the Heat EngineEntropy and the Heat Engine

ηmax = 1 – (Tcold / Thot)

Thot

Tcold

Heat Engine Work

Carnot Heat Engine

A nuclear reactor is a source of heatA nuclear reactor is a source of heatA nuclear power plant is a heat engineA nuclear power plant is a heat engine

HEAT is generated by fission and radioactive decay

Heat boils water to steam,

which turns a trubine,

which turns a generator

which makes electricity.

Rankine Cycle

A nuclear reactor is also a source of radiationsA nuclear reactor is also a source of radiationsneutrons / gamma rays / x-rays / alpha-beta-gamma / etc.neutrons / gamma rays / x-rays / alpha-beta-gamma / etc.

Isotope Production

Materials R&D

Nuclear Power for Hydrogen ProductionNuclear Power for Hydrogen Production

Fast-spectrum reactorFast-spectrum reactornuclear transmutaion: “burn the waste”nuclear transmutaion: “burn the waste”

NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLENUCLEAR FUEL CYCLEAdvance Fuel Cycle Initiative - AFCIAdvance Fuel Cycle Initiative - AFCI

Possible Advantages of Fast ReactorsPossible Advantages of Fast Reactors

Better use of fuels

Less waste with shorter half-lives

ADVANCED TEST REACTOR - ATRADVANCED TEST REACTOR - ATR

Advanced Fuels Testingoxide / nitride / carbide / inert matrix / MOX / etc.

Materials Testingradiation damage / thermophysical properties / cross-sections / radiography / etc.

Isotope production

ThanksThanks

other questions?