The Theory Of Neutron Slowing Down In Nuclear Reactors

The Theory of Neutron Slowing Down in Nuclear Reactors

The Theory of Neutron Slowing Down in Nuclear Reactors focuses on one facet of nuclear reactor design: the slowing down (or moderation) of neutrons from the high energies with which they are born in fission to the energies at which they are ultimately absorbed. In conjunction with the study of neutron moderation, calculations of reactor criticality are presented. A mathematical description of the slowing-down process is given, with particular emphasis on the problems encountered in the design of thermal reactors. This volume is comprised of four chapters and begins by considering the problems of neutron moderation and their importance in all types of reactors. An asymptotic reactor model is described, and the calculation of the elastic scattering frequency is explained. Subsequent chapters focus on the process of slowing down in finite and infinite medium by analyzing capture by individual resonances; resonance integrals in heterogeneous systems; the slowing-down kernels; the spherical harmonics method; statistical methods; and small source theory. The final chapter presents numerical solutions of the Boltzmann equation and covers topics such as the multigroup approach, group constants, and solution of the multigroup equations. This book will be a useful resource for nuclear physicists and engineers.

The Theory of Neutron Slowing Down in Nuclear Reactors

Nuclear Reactor Physics

The third, revised edition of this popular textbook and reference, which has been translated into Russian and Chinese, expands the comprehensive and balanced coverage of nuclear reactor physics to include recent advances in understanding of this topic. The first part of the book covers basic reactor physics, including, but not limited to nuclear reaction data, neutron diffusion theory, reactor criticality and dynamics, neutron energy distribution, fuel burnup, reactor types and reactor safety. The second part then deals with such physically and mathematically more advanced topics as neutron transport theory, neutron slowing down, resonance absorption, neutron thermalization, perturbation and variational methods, homogenization, nodal and synthesis methods, and space-time neutron dynamics. For ease of reference, the detailed appendices contain nuclear data, useful mathematical formulas, an overview of special functions as well as introductions to matrix algebra and Laplace transforms. With its focus on conveying the in-depth knowledge needed by advanced student and professional nuclear engineers, this text is ideal for use in numerous courses and for self-study by professionals in basic nuclear reactor physics, advanced nuclear reactor physics, neutron transport theory, nuclear reactor dynamics and stability, nuclear reactor fuel cycle physics and other important topics in the field of nuclear reactor physics.