Nuclear Reactor Physics and Operation: Neutronic Analysis for Nuclear Reactor Design

This book serves as a thorough reference for students, researchers, and professionals in nuclear engineering and reactor physics, offering a detailed exploration of the core principles behind nuclear reactor theory, neutron transport, neutronic analysis, and reactor core design and calculations. Each chapter includes at least one example to illustrate the topics covered, and the latter half focuses on key areas relevant to operating reactors – reactor kinetics/dynamics and in-core fuel management. Building on the foundational physics presented in the first half, it develops reactivity models using realistic reactor cross-section data and advanced analytic tools. This book is a valuable resource for engineers and scientists in the nuclear industry, as well as senior and graduate students in Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Physics.

Key Features

• Offers an in-depth examination of reactor physics, encompassing neutron interactions, reactor kinetics, reactor dynamics, fuel cycles, and safety factors, to provide a comprehensive understanding of nuclear reactor operation and design
• Contains clear explanations of complex theories and mathematical formulations, accompanied by illustrative diagrams, figures, and examples to facilitate comprehension
• Features structured chapters with learning objectives, summaries, review questions, and problem sets at varying levels of difficulty to reinforce understanding and encourage active engagement with the material

Bahman Zohuri is currently an Adjunct Professor in Artificial Intelligence Science at Golden Gate University, San Francisco, California, USA, who runs his own consulting company and was previously a consultant at Sandia National Laboratory.

Seyed Kamal Mousavi Balgehshiri is currently working as a Researcher on the design and development of a Test Blanket Module for burning Minor Actinides and nuclear wastes and also producing Tritium in the Reversed Field Pinch and TOKAMAK configurations at University of Genova, Italy.

Guglielmo Lomonaco is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical, Energy, Management, and Transportation Engineering (DIME) at University of Genova, Italy. He specializes in advanced nuclear systems and is a pioneer in developing hybrid fusion–fission systems, making significant contributions to the sustainable energy transition.