Nuclear Energy: An Introduction to the Concepts, Systems, and Applications of Nuclear Processes

Nuclear Energy: An Introduction to the Concepts, Systems, and Applications of Nuclear Processes introduces the reader to the concepts, systems, and applications of nuclear processes. It provides a factual description of basic nuclear phenomena, as well as devices and processes that involve nuclear reactions. The problems and opportunities that are inherent in a nuclear age are also highlighted. Comprised of 27 chapters, this book begins with an overview of fundamental facts and principles, with emphasis on energy and states of matter, atoms and nuclei, and nuclear reactions. Radioactivity, radiation, and nuclear fusion and fission are then examined, along with the operating principles of radiation equipment, nuclear reactors, and other systems involving nuclear processes. Nuclear devices such as particle accelerators, isotope separators, and radiation detectors are described. Subsequent chapters focus on the relation between nuclear energy and peaceful applications. Finally, attention is directed to the subjects of radiation protection, beneficial usage of isotopes, and the connection between energy resources and human progress. This monograph will be of interest to those who wish to know about the role of nuclear energy in society or to learn nuclear concepts for use in professional work.

Table of Contents:
?The Author Part I Basic Concept Chapter 1 Energy and States of Matter 1.1 Forces and Energy 1.2 Thermal Energy 1.3 Radiant Energy 1.4 The Equivalence of Matter and Energy 1.5 Energy and the World 1.6 Summary 1.7 Problems Chapter 2 Atoms and Nuclei 2.1 Atomic Theory 2.2 Gases 2.3 The Atom and Light 2.4 Nuclear Structure 2.5 Sizes and Masses of Nuclei 2.6 Binding Energy 2.7 Summary 2.8 Problems Chapter 3 Radioactivity 3.1 Natural Radioactivity 3.2 The Decay Law 3.3 Measurement of Half-Life 3.4 Summary 3.5 Problems Chapter 4 Nuclear Reactions 4.1 Analogies between Nuclear and Chemical Reactions 4.2 Nuclear Transmutation 4.3 Neutron Reactions 4.4 Energy Balances 4.5 Momentum Conservation 4.6 General Concepts of Nuclear Reactions 4.7 Summary 4.8 Problems Chapter 5 Reaction Rates 5.1 Cross Sections for Particle Interaction 5.2 Particle Attenuation 5.3 Neutron Cross Sections 5.4 Neutron Slowing 5.5 Neutron Diffusion 5.6 Summary 5.7 Problems Chapter 6 Radiation and Materials 6.1 Excitation and Ionization by Electrons 6.2 Heavy Charged Particle Slowing by Atoms 6.3 Heavy Charged Particle Scattering by Nuclei 6.4 Gamma Ray Interactions with Matter 6.5 Neutron Reactions 6.6 Summary 6.7 Problems Chapter 7 Fission 7.1 The Fission Process 7.2 Energy Considerations 7.3 Byproducts of Fission 7.4 Energy from Nuclear Fuels 7.5 Summary 7.6 Problems Chapter 8 Fusion 8.1 Fusion Reactions 8.2 Electrostatic and Nuclear Forces 8.3 Thermonuclear Reactions in Ionic Plasma 8.4 Summary 8.5 Problems Part II Nuclear Systems Chapter 9 Particles Accelerators 9.1 Electric and Magnetic Forces 9.2 High-Voltage Machines 9.3 Linear Accelerator 9.4 Cyclotron 9.5 Betatron 9.6 New Developments 9.7 Summary 9.8 Problems Chapter 10 Isotope Separators 10.1 Mass Spectrograph 10.2 Gaseous Diffusion Separator 10.3 Uranium Enrichment Costs 10.4 Gas Centrifuge 10.5 Laser Isotope Separation 10.6 Separation of Deuterium 10.7 Summary 10.8 Problems Chapter 11 Radiation Detectors 11.1 Gas Counters 11.2 Neutron Detectors 11.3 Scintillation Counters 11.4 Solid-State Detectors 11.5 Summary 11.6 Problems Chapter 12 Neutron Chain Reactions 12.1 The Self-Sustaining Chain Reaction 12.2 Multiplication Factors 12.3 Neutron Balances 12.4 Reactor Power 12.5 Multiplication in a Thermal Reactor 12.6 Summary 12.7 Problems Chapter 13 Nuclear Reactor Concepts 13.1 Reactor Classification 13.2 Power Reactors 13.3 Consumption of Nuclear Fuels 13.4 Reactor Control 13.5 Other Effects on Reactor Operation 13.6 The Natural Reactor 13.7 Summary 13.8 Problems Chapter 14 Energy Conversion Methods 14.1 Methods of Heat Transmission 14.2 Conduction in Reactor Fuel 14.3 Heat Removal by Coolant 14.4 Steam Generation and Electrical Power Production 14.5 Summary 14.6 Problems Chapter 15 Breeder Reactors 15.1 The Concept of Breeding 15.2 The Fast Breeder Reactor 15.3 Breeding and Uranium Resources 15.4 Summary 15.5 Problems Chapter 16 Fusion Reactors 16.1 Comparison of Fusion Reactions 16.2 Requirements for Practical Fusion Reactors 16.3 Fusion Devices 16.4 Laser and Particle Beam Fusion 16.5 Hybrid Fission-Fusion Reactor 16.6 Summary 16.7 Problems Part III Nuclear Energy and Man Chapter 17 The History of Nuclear Energy 17.1 The Rise of Nuclear Physics 17.2 The Discovery of Fission 17.3 The Development of Nuclear Weapons 17.4 Peaceful Application of Nuclear Energy 17.5 Summary Chapter 18 Biological Effects of Radiation 18.1 Physiological Effects 18.2 Radiation Dosage Units 18.3 Establishment of Limits of Exposure 18.4 Summary 18.5 Problems Chapter 19 Radiation Protection and Control 19.1 Protective Measures 19.2 Energy Deposition 19.3 Effect of Distance 19.4 Shielding 19.5 Internal Exposure 19.6 Radiation Damage 19.7 Summary 19.8 Problems Chapter 20 Reactor Safety 20.1 Neutron Population Growth 20.2 Temperature Effects 20.3 Safety through Design, Fabrication and Operation 20.4 Standards, Quality Assurance, Licensing, and Regulation 20.5 Emergency Core Cooling 20.6 Three Mile Island 20.7 Philosophy of Safety 20.8 Summary 20.9 Problems Chapter 21 Radioactive Waste Processing and Disposal 21.1 Amounts of Fission Products 21.2 Fuel Handling 21.3 Transportation 21.4 Reprocessing 21.5 Waste Storage and Disposal 21.6 Summary 21.7 Problems Chapter 22 Beneficial Uses of Isotopes 22.1 Stable and Radioactive Isotopes 22.2 Tracer Techniques 22.3 Neutron Activation Analysis 22.4 Application of Activation Analysis 22.5 Gaging 22.6 Dating 22.7 Applications of Wastes 22.8 Summary 22.9 Problems Chapter 23 Applications of Radiation 23.1 Radiography 23.2 Medical Treatment 23.3 Pathogen Reduction 23.4 Fiber Improvement 23.5 Synthesis of Chemicals 23.6 Wood Plastic Processing 23.7 Radiation Preservation of Food 23.8 Crop Mutations 23.9 Insect Control 23.10 Isotopic Power Generators 23.11 Summary 23.12 Problems Chapter 24 Nuclear Explosives 24.1 The Nuclear Explosion 24.2 Nonproliferation 24.3 Safeguards 24.4 Potential Civil Engineering Applications 24.5 Natural Gas Stimulation 24.6 Nuclear Excavation 24.7 Extraction of Oil, Minerals, and Heat 24.8 Summary 24.9 Problems Chapter 25 Alternative Nuclear Power Systems 25.1 The Role of Options 25.2 Alternative Fuel Cycles 25.3 Thorium Reactors 25.4 Nuclear Centers 25.5 Offshore and Underground Nuclear Plants 25.6 Accelerator-Breeders 25.7 Summary 25.8 Problems Chapter 26 Thermal Effects and the Environment 26.1 Thermal Efficiency 26.2 Heat Rejection Methods 26.3 Biological Effects of Heated Water 26.4 Beneficial Uses of Waste Heat 26.5 Summary 26.6 Problems Chapter 27 Energy and Resources 27.1 Trends in Energy Consumption 27.2 Alternative Sources of Energy 27.3 The Role of Nuclear Energy 27.4 The Future 27.5 Summary 27.6 Problems Appendix Selected References Conversion Factors Atomic and Nuclear Data Answers to Problems Index Other Titles in the Pergamon Unified Engineering Series