Fundamentals of Nuclear Science and Engineering

Fundamentals of Nuclear Science and Engineering provides an ideal introduction to the subject. The first half of the text reviews the important results of "modern" physics and introduces the fundamentals of nuclear science. The second half introduces the theory of nuclear reactors and its application in electrical power production and propulsion. I

Table of Contents:
FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS Modern Units The Atom Chart of the Nuclides MODERN PHYSICS CONCEPTS The Special Theory of Relativity Radiation as Waves and Particles Quantum Mechanics Addendum 1: Derivation of Some Special Relativity Results Addendum 2: Solutions to Schrodinger's Wave Equation ATOMIC/NUCLEAR MODELS Development of the Modern Atom Model Models of the Nucleus NUCLEAR ENERGETICS Binding Energy Nucleon Separation Energy Nuclear Reactions Examples of Binary Nuclear Reactions Q-Value for a Reaction Conservation of Charge and the Calculation of Q-Values Q-Value for Reactions Producing Excited Nulcei RADIOACTIVITY Overview Types of Radioactive Decay Energetics of Radioactive Decay Characteristics of Radioactive Decay Decay Dynamics Naturally Occurring Radionuclides Radiodating BINARY NUCLEAR REACTIONS Types of Binary Reactions Kinematics of Binary Two-Product Nuclear Reactions Reaction Threshold Energy Applications of Binary Kinematics Reactions Involving Neutrons Characteristics of the Fission Reaction Fusion Reactions RADIATION INTERACTIONS WITH MATTER Attenuation of Neutral Particle Beams Calculation of Radiation Interaction Rates Photon Interactions Neutron Interactions Attenuation of Charged Particles DETECTION AND MEASUREMENT OF RADIATION Gas-Filled Radiation Detectors Scintillation Detectors Semiconductor lonizing-Radiation Detectors Personal Dosimeters Measurement Theory RADIATION DOSES AND HAZARD ASSESSMENT Historical Roots Dosimetric Quantities Natural Exposures for Humans Health Effects from Large Acute Doses Hereditary Effects Cancer Risks from Radiation Exposures Radon and Lung Cancer Risks Radiation Protection Standards PRINCIPLES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS Neutron Moderation Thermal-Neutron Properties of Fuels The Neutron Life Cycle in a Thermal Reactor Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Cores Reflectors Reactor Kinetics Reactivity Feedback Fission Product Poisons Addendum 1: The Diffusion Equation Addendum 2: Kinetic Model with Delayed Neutrons Addendum 3: Solution for a Step Reactivity Insertion NUCLEAR POWER Nuclear Electric Power Pressurized Water Reactors Boiling Water Reactors New Designs for Central-Station Power The Nuclear Fuel Cycle Nuclear Propulsion OTHER METHODS FOR CONVERTING NUCLEAR ENERGY TO ELECTRICITY Thermoelectric Generators Thermionic Electrical Generators AMTEC Conversion Stirling Converters Direct Conversion of Nuclear Radiation Radioisotopes for Thermal Power Sources Space Reactors NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY IN INDUSTRY AND RESEARCH Production of Radioisotopes Industrial and Research Uses of Radioisotopes and Radiation Tracer Applications Materials Affect Radiation Radiation Affects Materials MEDICAL APPLICATIONS OF NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY Diagnostic Imaging Radioimmunoassay Diagnostic Radiotracers Radioimmunoscintigraphy Radiation Therapy Appendix A: Fundamental Atomic Data Appendix B: Atomic Mass Table Appendix C: Cross Sections and Related Data Appendix D: Decay Characteristics of Selected Radionuclides Index Each chapter also includes an Overview and exercises.