3D Printing for Nuclear Science and Engineering

🌟 Course Headline: 🚀 3D Print your very own nuclear fuel assembly using Blender and Cura, designed from a real Pressurized Water Reactor!

Course Title:

3D Printing for Nuclear Science and Engineering

Course Description:

Unlock the Secrets of Nuclear Reactors with 3D Printing 🎓

Ever wanted a nuclear reactor core to dazzle your family, classmates, or coworkers? Now you can! In this comprehensive course, I'll take you on an exploratory journey through the anatomy of a nuclear reactor. From the fundamental uranium fuel pins all the way up to a full-size nuclear reactor core, you'll gain a profound understanding of how these marvels of engineering work!

We'll delve into the design of a Pressurized Water Reactor, a commercial maritime propulsion system developed by UK-based researchers. This isn't just theoretical - it's a real, working design that you can model and 3D print!

Why Take This Course?

• Accessible to All: No personal computer or expertise in nuclear physics required! Designed for busy individuals, this course can be completed in under a week.
• For Students and Educators Alike: Perfect for students looking to stand out in scholarship applications or educators seeking innovative ways to teach complex concepts with tangible models.
• No Printer? No Problem! I'll guide you through services where you can have your model printed and delivered right to your doorstep.

What You'll Learn:

By enrolling in this course, you will:

1. Anatomy of a Pressurized Water Reactor: Discover how researchers plan to power commercial cargo and passenger ships with this reactor technology.
2. Blender Mastery: Navigate the user-friendly interface of Blender, a powerful free and open-source 3D modelling program that's widely used in both art and engineering fields.
3. Model Building Expertise: Step-by-step, learn to create a detailed 3D model of a nuclear reactor core from individual fuel pins up to the complete assembly.
4. Optimization Techniques: Understand how to optimize your 3D model design for the best performance in Blender and for flawless 3D prints.
5. Customization Options: Customize your fuel assembly with personal touches that reflect your own unique style or design preferences.
6. FDM Printer Basics: Get familiar with Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) 3D printers, including key safety considerations for successful print jobs.
7. Real-World Applications: See how researchers from the USA and Russia are using 3D printing technology to create actual nuclear reactor fuel and core components.

Course Syllabus:

1. Introduction to Nuclear Reactors: A guided tour of the core components and their functions within a Pressurized Water Reactor.
2. Blender Essentials: Learn the basics of this versatile 3D modelling tool, including navigation and basic manipulation of objects in 3D space.
3. Modelling the Fuel Pins: Start with the foundational elements of the reactor core - the fuel pins - and learn how to accurately represent them in 3D.
4. Constructing the Fuel Rods and Assemblies: Progress from individual rods to complete assemblies, understanding how they fit together to form a cohesive structure.
5. Building the Reactor Core: Combine all the elements you've learned to model the entire Pressurized Water Reactor core.
6. Optimization for 3D Printing: Learn how to adjust your design to ensure it prints efficiently and effectively on an FDM printer.
7. Customizing Your Design: Add personal touches to your reactor model, making it unique to you.
8. Understanding FDM Printers: Get to know the inner workings of FDM printers, including how to set them up for optimal print results.
9. Real-World Applications in Nuclear Science: Explore the cutting-edge research and development happening in nuclear science, where 3D printing is revolutionizing components for real reactors.

Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to blend your passion for technology with the fascinating world of nuclear science and engineering. Enroll now and take your first step towards mastering 3D printing, enhancing your understanding of nuclear reactors, and joining the forefront of the Additive Manufacturing revolution!

Reference: Peakman, Aiden, Hywel Owen, and Tim Abram. "The core design of a Small Modular Pressurised Water Reactor for commercial marine propulsion." Progress in Nuclear Energy, 2019.