Computational Methods in Reactor Shielding


Book Description

Computational Methods in Reactor Shielding deals with the mathematical processes involved in how to effectively control the dangerous effect of nuclear radiation. Reactor shielding is considered an important aspect in the operation of reactor systems to ensure the safety of personnel and others that can be directly or indirectly affected. Composed of seven chapters, the book discusses ionizing radiation and how it aids in the control and containment of radioactive substances that are considered harmful to all living things. The text also outlines the necessary radiation quantities and units that are needed for a systemic control of shielding and presents an examination of the main sources of nuclear radiation. A discussion of the gamma photon cross sections and an introduction to BMIX, a computer program used in illustrating a technique in identifying the gamma ray build-up factor for a reactor shield, are added. The selection also discusses various mathematical representations and areas of shielding theory that are being used in radiation shielding. The book is of great value to those involved in the development and implementation of systems to minimize and control the dangerous and lethal effect of radiation.







Physics of Nuclear Reactors


Book Description

Physics of Nuclear Reactors presents a comprehensive analysis of nuclear reactor physics. Editors P. Mohanakrishnan, Om Pal Singh, and Kannan Umasankari and a team of expert contributors combine their knowledge to guide the reader through a toolkit of methods for solving transport equations, understanding the physics of reactor design principles, and developing reactor safety strategies. The inclusion of experimental and operational reactor physics makes this a unique reference for those working and researching nuclear power and the fuel cycle in existing power generation sites and experimental facilities. The book also includes radiation physics, shielding techniques and an analysis of shield design, neutron monitoring and core operations. Those involved in the development and operation of nuclear reactors and the fuel cycle will gain a thorough understanding of all elements of nuclear reactor physics, thus enabling them to apply the analysis and solution methods provided to their own work and research. This book looks to future reactors in development and analyzes their status and challenges before providing possible worked-through solutions. Cover image: Kaiga Atomic Power Station Units 1 - 4, Karnataka, India. In 2018, Unit 1 of the Kaiga Station surpassed the world record of continuous operation, at 962 days. Image courtesy of DAE, India. Includes methods for solving neutron transport problems, nuclear cross-section data and solutions of transport theory Dedicates a chapter to reactor safety that covers mitigation, probabilistic safety assessment and uncertainty analysis Covers experimental and operational physics with details on noise analysis and failed fuel detection







Radiation Shielding


Book Description

This newly published book is intended for dual use as a textbook for students in radiation shielding courses and a reference work for shielding practitioners. It emphasizes the principles behind techniques used in various aspects of shield analysis and presents these principles in many different contexts. This approach is intended to provide a strong base of understanding in order to facilitate use of the large shielding codes that have come to dominate shielding design and analysis. An assumption is made that the reader has an understanding of mathematics through basic calculus and vector analysis as well as a knowledge of the nuclear physics of radioactive decay. For most chapters, problem sets are provided.










The Physics of Nuclear Reactors


Book Description

This comprehensive volume offers readers a progressive and highly detailed introduction to the complex behavior of neutrons in general, and in the context of nuclear power generation. A compendium and handbook for nuclear engineers, a source of teaching material for academic lecturers as well as a graduate text for advanced students and other non-experts wishing to enter this field, it is based on the author’s teaching and research experience and his recognized expertise in nuclear safety. After recapping a number of points in nuclear physics, placing the theoretical notions in their historical context, the book successively reveals the latest quantitative theories concerning: • The slowing-down of neutrons in matter • The charged particles and electromagnetic rays • The calculation scheme, especially the simplification hypothesis • The concept of criticality based on chain reactions • The theory of homogeneous and heterogeneous reactors • The problem of self-shielding • The theory of the nuclear reflector, a subject largely ignored in literature • The computational methods in transport and diffusion theories Complemented by more than 400 bibliographical references, some of which are commented and annotated, and augmented by an appendix on the history of reactor physics at EDF (Electricité De France), this book is the most comprehensive and up-to-date introduction to and reference resource in neutronics and reactor theory.




Engineering Compendium on Radiation Shielding


Book Description

The utilization of nuclear energy makes great demands on the knowledge of the engineers engaged in design work and calculations relating to construction in nuclear industry. Apart, of course, from nuclear reactors themselves, a great deal of nuclear experience is involved in the design and construction of radiotherapy centres, non destructive testing laboratories, particle accelerators, radioisotope laboratories and nuclear research plants. Whereas in the USA there appears to be no great difference in the methods of training personnel for fundamental or for applied science, European universities draw a sharp dividing line between the two fields. However, if we consider graduates solely from the point of view of their activities at their place of employment, two types of personnel can be distinguished: scientifically oriented research workers and those with a more technical and practical background who are looking for rational and rapid methods and solutions, even at some expense in terms of accuracy. The Engineering Compendium on Radiation Shielding endeavours to cover both approaches, the scientific and the technical. Volume I was devoted to the fundamental aspects of shielding, while Volumes II and III discuss its technology.




Computational Methods in Nuclear Radiation Shielding and Dosimetry


Book Description

This book is a compilation of the most widely used computational methods and techniques for calculating shielding parameters that are required for radiation-shielding investigations of dosimetric materials. The theoretical, experimental, and simulation methods and their applications are described. The book is divided into thirteen chapters that are arranged in a systematic order and written by experienced scientists and academicians worldwide. The gamma-ray shielding parameter calculations with the Monte Carlo simulation techniques viz. MCNP, GEANT4, FLUKA, and EGS5 codes are illustrated. Descriptions of various software such as XCOM, WinXCom, FLUKA, Phy-X, BMIX, ASFIT, and ANSI are provided. A review of fundamental quantities for calculation of ambient dose, i.e., photon and neutron buildup factors, is presented. A phantom-based computation model has been included to indicate the applications of radiation dosimetry in medical diagnostics. The chapters on computed-tomography (CT) have been included to provide insight into the radiations' diagnostic capabilities and applications. The shielding effectiveness of some materials such as ignimbrite rocks, amorphous metals, marbles, dosimetric materials, and novel shielding materials have been investigated. The most recent concept of multi-layered shielding and related buildup factors' influence on the shielding effectiveness is described with a computer program, the RIMP-TOOLKIT. This book is the result of the authors' hard-work and determination during the worldwide lockdown period caused by the spread of COVID-19. The conclusions presented in this book will be useful in nuclear radiation shielding and for dosimetric purposes. Additionally, this book will be helpful for postgraduate students of physics and chemistry.