Unlike existing books of nuclear reactor physics, nuclear engineering and nuclear chemical engineering this book covers a complete description and evaluation of nuclear fission power generation. It covers the whole nuclear fuel cycle, from the extraction of natural uranium from ore mines, uranium conversion and enrichment up to the fabrication of fuel elements for the cores of various types of fission reactors. This is followed by the description of the different fuel cycle options and the final storage in nuclear waste repositories. In addition the release of radioactivity under normal and possible accidental conditions is given for all parts of the nuclear fuel cycle and especially for the different fission reactor types.

From Fission to Fusion provides an insider's view of breakthrough science. Dr M.R. Srinivasan explains the birth and development of India's atomic energy programme, which grew with his own career from a senior research officer in the 1950s to the chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission and secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy (1987-90). This engrossing memoir explains how a team comprising India's leading physicists, chemists, engineers, metallurgists and other scientists came together to develop an atomic energy programme from scratch and take India into the forefront in this technology in a remarkably short time. Srinivasan relives the excitement of the days when India's first reactor, Apsara, went into operation in 1956. The success of that endeavour led to the generation of nuclear power at six locations throughout the country. Indian industry was mobilized to participate in the execution of the pressurized heavy water reactor programme and will be engaged in building enriched-uranium reactors and fast breeder reactors involving another leap in technology. These advancements are some of the many challenges Srinivasan puts in an economic and historical context.Alongside the account of the programme's giant strides is a moving portrayal of the people who made it possible and their extraordinary qualities as motivators. Ranking in the pantheon are Homi Bhabha, Vikram Sarabhai, Homi Sethna, Brahm Prakash and N.B. Prasad. What stands out at the end of this compelling tale is an endeavour of high calibre whose contribution to the pride of an independent nation goes well beyond the equations of science.

Fission, Fusion and the Energy Crisis, Second Edition focuses on the importance of the breeder reactor to the efficient use of nuclear fuel reserves. This book examines the interrelationships of the scientific, technological, economic, and ecological aspects of nuclear power and considers the debate on the possible danger of a ""plutonium economy."" This monograph is comprised of 12 chapters and opens with a discussion on the energy requirements and available fuel supplies on a global scale, with emphasis on capital fuel reserves and renewable energy sources. An overview of the atom and its nucleus, mass, and energy is then presented. The following chapters explore the process of nuclear fission and how it can be used to produce a hydrogen bomb; natural uranium reactors and enriched reactors; the control and safety of nuclear reactors; and the short- and long-term economics of nuclear power stations. The nuclear power programs of some countries such as Canada, Britain, and the United States are also considered. Finally, the nuclear fusion process and attempts to control it for use in the production of heat and electricity are analyzed. This text is intended for nuclear scientists and undergraduate students.

This book provides an overview on nuclear physics and energy production from nuclear fission. It serves as a readable and reliable source of information for anyone who wants to have a well-balanced opinion about exploitation of nuclear fission in power plants. The text is divided into two parts; the first covers the basics of nuclear forces and properties of nuclei, nuclear collisions, nuclear stability, radioactivity, and provides a detailed discussion of nuclear fission and relevant topics in its application to energy production. The second part covers the basic technical aspects of nuclear fission reactors, nuclear fuel cycle and resources, safety, safeguards, and radioactive waste management. The book also contains a discussion of the biological effects of nuclear radiation and of radiation protection, and a summary of the ten most relevant nuclear accidents. The book is suitable for undergraduates in physics, nuclear engineering and other science subjects. However, the mathematics is kept at a level that can be easily followed by wider circles of readers. The addition of solved problems, strategically placed throughout the text, and the collections of problems at the end of the chapters allow readers to appreciate the quantitative aspects of various phenomena and processes. Many illustrations and graphs effectively supplement the text and help visualising specific points.

Nuclear Fission provides a comprehensive account of nuclear fission. This book is organized into 14 chapters. Chapter I introduces and discusses the discovery of fission, followed by a treatment of transition nucleus in Chapters II to VIII. Chapter IX deals with the theories of mass and energy distributions. The kinetic energy release in fission is described in Chapter X, while the distribution of mass and charge in fission is considered in Chapter XI. Chapters XII and XIII consider the emission of neutrons and ? rays from fission. Detailed studies of the ? particles accompanying fission are covered in the last chapter. This volume is intended for students, but is also valuable to research scientists interested in the physics and chemistry of fission.

This text provides a comprehensive review of knowledge regarding nuclear fission from both the purely scientific and practical points of view. Topics discussed include fission barriers, spontaneous fission, neutron-induced fission cross-sections, photon- and electron-induced fission, charged particle induced fission fragment angular momentum and ternary fission. The characteristics of other reaction products are also discussed. Contributed articles from several distinguished nuclear scientists guarantee adequate treatment of some of the specialized research fields included in the text. Intended primarily as an introduction to nuclear fission for graduate students, this book will also provide useful information for nuclear physicists involved with research or teaching.