Modelado integral de reactores nucleares. Un enfoque conceptual

The purpose of this work is to conceptually present three fundamental disciplines for understanding the behavior of nuclear power reactors through mathematical modeling applied to numerical simulation.

These three disciplines are:

-Nuclear reactor physics, which allows understanding of neutron processes.

-Thermohydraulics, focused on the science of thermal fluids.

-Heat transfer in nuclear fuel, an aspect that requires a simultaneous and interdisciplinary approach.

This book is aimed at undergraduate and graduate students and researchers interested in understanding the integrated behavior of nuclear power reactors through mathematical modeling. It includes diagrams to understand inherent feedback phenomena, using reduced-order models based on ordinary differential equations, more complex models that depend on position and are described using partial differential equations, or even a combination of both approaches.

The work is designed to be accessible to anyone with a solid university background in reactor physics, transport phenomena, thermodynamics, and programming. A student can independently understand this book and acquire the tools to approach current literature and conduct rigorous research.

The mathematical modeling presented in this book allows for the analysis of reactors with Generation III+ and earlier technologies, as well as emerging Generation IV technologies, aimed at the design and analysis of small nuclear reactors and microreactors.