Table of Contents

FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS
Modern Units
The Atom
Chart of the Nuclides
MODERN PHYSICS CONCEPTS
The Special Theory of Relativity
Radiation as Waves and Particles
Quantum Mechanics
Addendum 1: Derivation of Some Special Relativity Results
Addendum 2: 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 Nulcei
RADIOACTIVITY
Overview
Types of Radioactive Decay
Energetics of Radioactive Decay
Characteristics of Radioactive Decay
Decay Dynamics
Naturally Occurring Radionuclides
Radiodating
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 Radiation Detectors
Scintillation Detectors
Semiconductor lonizing-Radiation Detectors
Personal Dosimeters
Measurement Theory
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 a Thermal Reactor
Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Cores
Reflectors
Reactor Kinetics
Reactivity Feedback
Fission Product Poisons
Addendum 1: The Diffusion Equation
Addendum 2: Kinetic Model with Delayed Neutrons
Addendum 3: Solution for a Step Reactivity Insertion
NUCLEAR POWER
Nuclear Electric Power
Pressurized Water Reactors
Boiling Water Reactors
New Designs for Central-Station Power
The Nuclear Fuel Cycle
Nuclear Propulsion
OTHER METHODS FOR CONVERTING NUCLEAR ENERGY TO ELECTRICITY
Thermoelectric Generators
Thermionic Electrical Generators
AMTEC Conversion
Stirling Converters
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
MEDICAL APPLICATIONS OF NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY
Diagnostic Imaging
Radioimmunoassay
Diagnostic Radiotracers
Radioimmunoscintigraphy
Radiation Therapy
Appendix A: Fundamental Atomic Data
Appendix B: Atomic Mass Table
Appendix C: Cross Sections and Related Data
Appendix D: Decay Characteristics of Selected Radionuclides
Index

Each chapter also includes an Overview and exercises.