Fundamentals of Nuclear Science and Engineering Second Edition

Since the publication of the bestselling first edition, there have been numerous advances in the field of nuclear science. In medicine, accelerator based teletherapy and electron-beam therapy have become standard. New demands in national security have stimulated major advances in nuclear instrumentation.An ideal introduction to the fundamentals of nuclear science and engineering, this book presents the basic nuclear science needed to understand and quantify an extensive range of nuclear phenomena. New to the Second Edition— A chapter on radiation detection by Douglas McGregor Up-to-date coverage of radiation hazards, reactor designs, and medical applications Flexible organization of material that allows for quick reference This edition also takes an in-depth look at particle accelerators, nuclear fusion reactions and devices, and nuclear technology in medical diagnostics and treatment. In addition, the author discusses applications such as the direct conversion of nuclear energy into electricity. The breadth of coverage is unparalleled, ranging from the theory and design characteristics of nuclear reactors to the identification of biological risks associated with ionizing radiation. All topics are supplemented with extensive nuclear data compilations to perform a wealth of calculations. Providing extensive coverage of physics, nuclear science, and nuclear technology of all types, this up-to-date second edition of Fundamentals of Nuclear Science and Engineering is a key reference for any physicists or engineer.

Table of Contents:
FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS Modern Units The Atom Chart of Nuclides MODERN PHYSICS CONCEPTS The Special Theory of Relativity Radiation as Waves and Particles Quantum Mechanics Derivation of Some Special Relativity Results 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 Nuclei RADIOACTIVITY Overview Types of Radioactive Decay Radioactive Decay Diagrams Energetics of Radioactive Decay Characteristics of Radioactive Decay Decay Dynamics Naturally Occurring Radionuclides Radiodating Radioactive Decay Data 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 Detectors Scintillation Detectors Semiconductor Detectors Personal Dosimeters Other Interesting Detectors Measurement Theory Detection Equipment 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 Thermal Reactor Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Cores Reflectors Reactor Kinetics Reactivity Feedback Fission Product Poisons The Diffusion Equation Kinetic Model with Delayed Neutrons Solution for a Step Reactivity Insertion NUCLEAR POWER Nuclear Electric Power Generation II Pressurized Water Reactors Generation II Boiling Water Reactors Generation III Nuclear Reactor Designs Generation IV Nuclear Reactor Designs The Nuclear Fuel Cycle Nuclear Propulsion FUSION REACTORS AND OTHER CONVERSION DEVICES Fusion Reactors Magnetically Confined Fusion (MCF) Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF) Thermoelectric Generators Thermionic Electrical Generators AMTEC Conversion Stirling Convertors 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 Particle Accelerators MEDICAL APPLICATIONS OF NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY Diagnostic Imaging Radioimmunoassay Diagnostic Radiotracers Radioimmunoscintigraphy Radiation Therapy APPENDICES Fundamental Atomic Data Atomic Mass Table Cross Sections and Related Data Decay Characteristics of Selected Radionuclides