PORTALE DELLA DIDATTICA

PORTALE DELLA DIDATTICA

PORTALE DELLA DIDATTICA

Elenco notifiche



Nuclear engineering lab and advanced heat transfer problems

01TWSXY, 01TWSND

A.A. 2025/26

Course Language

Inglese

Degree programme(s)

Master of science-level of the Bologna process in Ingegneria Energetica E Nucleare - Torino

Course structure
Teaching Hours
Lezioni 38
Tutoraggio 26
Esercitazioni in laboratorio 38,5
Lecturers
Teacher Status SSD h.Les h.Ex h.Lab h.Tut Years teaching
Savoldi Laura Professore Ordinario IIND-07/D 18 0 6 0 0 7
Co-lectures
Espandi

Context
SSD CFU Activities Area context
ING-IND/08
ING-IND/10
ING-IND/19
2
2
4
B - Caratterizzanti
B - Caratterizzanti
B - Caratterizzanti
Ingegneria energetica e nucleare
Ingegneria energetica e nucleare
Ingegneria energetica e nucleare
2025/26
The course is logically divided in two parts: one is more related to the development of a hands-on attitude for some nuclear-relevant measurements; the second is more theoretical, and related to the problem of removing high heat fluxes from nuclear components.
The course is structured in three complementary parts integrating theoretical foundations, experimental practice, and engineering design. Part 1 – Fundamentals of Measurement Science: this part develops the theoretical basis and practical skills required for experimental measurements of key physical quantities in energetic and nuclear systems. Emphasis is placed on dynamic system modelling, signal analysis, and data acquisition techniques relevant to thermal, hydraulic, and electrical measurements. Parts 2 and 3 – Theoretical Block and Parallel Laboratory & Project Tracks: the second and third parts of the course begin with a common theoretical block (18 + 18 hours of lectures) devoted to: • The modelling and experimental characterization of superconducting tapes and cables; • Advanced heat transfer and high heat flux removal in nuclear components. Following the theoretical block, students are divided into two parallel Laboratory & Project Tracks: • Superconducting Systems Track • Advanced Heat Transfer Track Each student attends one track. The laboratory activities are integrated with the development of an engineering project, related to the selected pathway. The track structure combines experimentation, modelling, and design-oriented problem solving. (The present course is included in a teaching experimentation path and anticipates — already in the 2025/26 academic year — some of the characteristic elements of the new educational model).
The students are expected to become aware of techniques and issues in the experiments that concern single phase and two phase pressure drop and heat transfer, and the characterization of materials in nuclear environment, relevant for fission and fusion applications. Furthermore, the acquisition of critical capability to model components or systems characterized by the need for removal of high heat fluxes is expected.
At the end of the course, students are expected to: • Understand and apply the principles of measurement science relevant to energetic and nuclear systems, including the experimental determination of temperature, pressure, heat flux, and electrical current in complex environments. • Describe and model the electrical and thermal behaviour of superconducting materials, particularly high-temperature superconducting tapes and cables, including multi-physics and multi-scale aspects. • Analyse thermo-fluid dynamic phenomena related to high heat flux removal in nuclear components under natural and forced convection regimes, with fluids such as water and liquid metals. • Develop and apply analytical, semi-analytical, and numerical tools (including CFD methods) for the modelling of thermal-hydraulic and electro-thermal systems. • Integrate theoretical knowledge, experimental observations, and modelling approaches in order to formulate and evaluate engineering solutions to complex problems. • Exercise autonomous judgement in the assessment of modelling assumptions, experimental uncertainties, and engineering design implications.
Knowledge of thermo-dynamics, single-phase thermal-fluid dynamics, advanced materials for nuclear applications, basic knowledge of operating principles of fission and fusion nuclear reactors. Basic knowledge of programming (in MATLAB) is welcome.
Knowledge of thermo-dynamics, single-phase thermal-fluid dynamics, advanced materials for nuclear applications, basic knowledge of operating principles of fission and fusion nuclear reactors. Basic knowledge of programming (in python and MATLAB) is welcome.
1. Fundamentals of measurement instruments and signal analysis (17h lectures + 3h lab) a. International System of Measurements (SI) b. Measurement Methods and Experimental Errors c. System Dynamic Models (zero, first and second order) and Fourier analysis d. Basic Electrical Principles (Electrical Components, Bode Plot, Bridges, Amplifiers, Analogical and Numerical Filters) 2. Hydraulic characteristics for components in incompressible and compressible flows: mass and momentum conservation equations in single-phase and two-phase flow. (9h lectures + 6h lab) 3. Thermal-Hydraulic characteristics for components in single-phase flow: enhanced heat transfer in turbulence promoters, finned surfaces, porous media, ... Applications to devices of interest in nuclear applications (10.5h lectures + 9h lab) 4. Thermal-Hydraulic characteristics for components in two-phase flow: the modeling of boiling, condensation and critical heat flux (12h lectures + 4.5h lab) 5. Problems of heat transfer for superconducting materials at cryogenic temperatures and measurements (4.5h lectures + 4.5h lab)
1. Fundamentals of Measurement Instruments and Signal Analysis (14 h lectures + 6 h laboratory) • System dynamic models (zero, first and second order) and Fourier analysis • Digital acquisition systems • Analog and digital filters • Laboratory activities on measurement systems and signal processing 2. Superconducting Systems – Theory and Laboratory & Project Track (18 h lectures + 24 h laboratory and project activities) Theoretical block: • Superconducting tapes and cables; applications to nuclear fusion, high-energy physics and electric machines • Multi-physics modelling of superconducting tapes, wires and cables • Multi-scale modelling approaches • Thermal–electrical coupling in superconducting systems Laboratory & Project Track (for half of the class *): • Magneto-optical imaging (MOI) • DC performance measurement of HTS tapes and critical current determination • Measurement of thermal and electrical properties of materials at cryogenic temperatures • Development of an engineering project related to superconducting components 3. Advanced Heat Transfer – Theory and Laboratory & Project Track (18 h lectures + 24 h laboratory and project activities) Theoretical block: • Mass, momentum and energy conservation laws • Laminar and turbulent convection • Turbulence promoters and extended surfaces • Flow and heat transfer through porous media • Natural circulation loops: modelling and stability analysis • Finite volume method and 3D conjugate heat transfer modelling using CFD software Laboratory & Project Track (for half of the class *): • Design and 3D printing of innovative heat sinks • Experimental hydraulic and thermal characterization • Natural circulation loop experiments • Development of an engineering project related to high heat flux removal systems (*) Laboratory & Project Component Within the selected Laboratory & Project Track, each student develops an engineering project addressing a problem relevant to superconducting systems or advanced heat transfer. The project integrates the theoretical and methodological competences acquired during the course and requires the formulation and solution of a realistic engineering problem. Students are expected to apply physical principles and modelling approaches in a rigorous and coherent manner, selecting appropriate assumptions and analytical or numerical methods. Where applicable, experimental evidence is incorporated into the design and analysis process. Particular emphasis is placed on critical interpretation of results, awareness of modelling limitations, and autonomous engineering judgement in evaluating alternative solutions. The activity also develops the ability to structure technical work clearly and to communicate complex engineering reasoning effectively.
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The course will be organized in room lectures and hands-on experimental and computational lab sessions.
The course will be organized in room lectures and hands-on experimental and computational lab sessions.
Notes by the teachers. In addition: • Boiling, condensation and gas- liquid flow, P.B. Whalley, Clarendon, Oxford, 1987 • Convective boiling and condensation, John G. Collier, John R. Thome, 3rd ed., Clarendon, Oxford, 1996
Notes by the teachers.
Dispense;
Lecture notes;
Modalità di esame: Prova scritta (in aula); Elaborato progettuale individuale; Prova scritta in aula tramite PC con l'utilizzo della piattaforma di ateneo;
Exam: Written test; Individual project; Computer-based written test in class using POLITO platform;
... For the individual project: the teachers will evaluate the methodology used to develop the project, its originality and feasibility. The project max score is 24/30. The compulsory oral exam, based on open questions on the course topics, will allow students to round their score to the maximum.
Gli studenti e le studentesse con disabilità o con Disturbi Specifici di Apprendimento (DSA), oltre alla segnalazione tramite procedura informatizzata, sono invitati a comunicare anche direttamente al/la docente titolare dell'insegnamento, con un preavviso non inferiore ad una settimana dall'avvio della sessione d'esame, gli strumenti compensativi concordati con l'Unità Special Needs, al fine di permettere al/la docente la declinazione più idonea in riferimento alla specifica tipologia di esame.
Exam: Written test; Individual project; Computer-based written test in class using POLITO platform;
The final grade is based on two components: Part 1 (up to 7.5/30 of the final grade): written exam, that will check the student capability of selecting a proper transducer in accordance to the characteristics of the physical quantity under investigation, and of configuring the acquisition chain and set the acquisition parameters. The written exam will be divided in two parts, for a total duration of 50 min: - 1st part: the student has to answer to 5 multiple choice questions (MCQ). 2 MCQs concern to the practical activities developed in the laboratory and 3 MCQs are related to the topics discussed in the lectures. The MCQs can provide more than one correct answers. For details about the evaluation of the MCQ, contact the teacher. - 2nd part: the student has to solve 1 exercise regarding the DAQ setup. The written exam is passed when a satisfactory mark is obtained in both 1st and 2nd part. Allowed material in the written exam: calculator, pen and a sheet of white paper. Parts 2 and 3: Written Examination (up to 18/30 of the final grade): The written examination consists of four open questions covering the theoretical content of Parts 2 and 3. The exam may be taken as an in-progress test. The written examination contributes up to 18/30 of the final grade. Laboratory & Project Evaluation (up to 7.5/30 of the final grade): Each student is evaluated on the Laboratory & Project activity within the assigned track. The assessment considers technical competence, methodological consistency, critical analysis, and clarity of presentation. This component contributes up to 7.5/30 of the final grade.
In addition to the message sent by the online system, students with disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) are invited to directly inform the professor in charge of the course about the special arrangements for the exam that have been agreed with the Special Needs Unit. The professor has to be informed at least one week before the beginning of the examination session in order to provide students with the most suitable arrangements for each specific type of exam.
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