Budapest University of Technology and Economics Hungary Simulation

Budapest University of Technology and Economics (Hungary) Simulation programs for Nuclear Education Computer exercises of the Leo Szilárd Physics Competitions for secondary school students (1999 -2002) Dr. Csaba Sükösd Department of Nuclear Techniques Budapest University of Technology and Economics (Hungary)

Budapest University of Technology and Economics (Hungary) About the Leo Szilárd Physics Competitions • started in 1998, in the year of the Szilárd Centenary (initiative of George Marx) • every year, two-steps competition: • preselection in schools • final in Paks for the best 20 (senior) and 10 (junior) students • preselection: 10 theoretical problems are to be solved. The students’ work is evaluated by physics teachers, and the best papers (>60%, >40%) are sent to the Eötvös Society. They will be re-evaluated by univ. professors and the best 20+10 are selected. (February) • final: 10 theoretical problems, 1 experimental exercise and 1 computer simulation exercise (since 1999). A „whole-day” competition. (April)

Budapest University of Technology and Economics (Hungary) Why computer simulations for secondary school students? • todays scientific methodology is threefold: • experimental • theoretical • computerised (even math!) (computer simulations are part of the scientific work) • computer simulations enable the teacher to „bring” nearly anything into the classroom (NPP, cyclotron, etc. ) • they have strong demonstration power (they enable to show very fast or very slow processes too) • they are interactive and creative („experimenting”) • students are usually motivated to use computers • using computers is fun !

Budapest University of Technology and Economics (Hungary) About simulations in general Aims of the simulations (not a complete list!): • to demonstrate a process or physical phenomenon • to aid designing a device or a complicated technical instrument • to analyse the operation of a real, existing object • … etc. Requirements: • For demonstration purposes simplicity is required, the main features must be well reflected. • For design or analysis the most possible, detailed reproduction of the behaviour of the (designed or existing) real object is required

Budapest University of Technology and Economics (Hungary) About the simulations in the Szilárd competitions: • All are for demonstration and for education. • They have a more or less detailed „Help” (description). • They should test the nuclear knowledge and skills of the students (and NOT „computer-skills”). • They should test also the creativity in „experimenting” (not a „unique” solution to the problems) • They should enable the jury to evaluate the work of the students individually and relatively fast The versions on this CD are NOT the ones used in the competition, because • they are in English, • they are upgraded and rewritten in a form that can easily be translated to other languages

Budapest University of Technology and Economics (Hungary) Simulations in the Szilárd competitions • 1999: Operation of a Nuclear Power Plant unit Evaluation (plotting): . • 2000: Construction of a critical assembly („reactor core”). • 2001: Operation of a cyclotron • 2002: Testing a nuclear fuel container (safeguards)

Budapest University of Technology and Economics (Hungary) Conclusions • The best students can cope with these types of problems. There are several good, creative solutions every year • The students become aware that these type of „games” can be very useful also for the research and for the understanding • The students enjoy the simulation games • They want to have the programs because they want to play with even after the competition • The simulation exercises in physics competitions motivate also the teachers to use simulations in school

Budapest University of Technology and Economics (Hungary) Thank you for your attention ! Further information available: Dr. Csaba Sükösd Mail. addr: Dept. of Nuclear Techniques H-1521 Budapest Fax: + 361 -463 -1954 Tel: + 361 -463 -2523 Email: sukosd@reak. bme. hu