Learning How Nuclear Reactors Work/Are Constructed

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around resources for learning about the operation and construction of nuclear reactors, focusing on book recommendations suitable for different levels of understanding, from introductory to more advanced texts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants recommend "Introduction To Nuclear Engineering" by Lamarsh as a foundational text for nuclear engineering students.
  • Others suggest "Nuclear Reactor Analysis" by Duderstadt and Hamilton for more advanced study.
  • A participant inquires about the appropriate level of books for someone with a background in math and physics, indicating a preference for texts that match their undergraduate level.
  • Concerns are raised about the relevance of older editions of these texts, specifically the 1975 and 1976 versions, and whether they still provide adequate foundational knowledge.
  • One participant asserts that the theoretical principles in the recommended texts have not changed significantly, although computational methods have advanced.
  • Another participant mentions that core designers still utilize 2-group diffusion theory, suggesting that while methods have improved, the foundational theories remain standard.
  • Weston Stacey's book is also mentioned as a decent resource for learning about nuclear reactors.
  • A participant expresses enjoyment in studying the Lamarsh text, indicating a positive reception of the material.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the value of the recommended texts for foundational knowledge, but there is uncertainty regarding the impact of using older editions and whether they cover recent advancements in the field.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include potential gaps in knowledge due to the age of the recommended texts and the lack of consensus on how much the field has evolved since their publication.

NeoDevin
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Does anyone here know of any books which teach how nuclear reactors work/are constructed?

Thanks in advance.
 
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Introduction To Nuclear Engineering by Lamarsh is generally considered the introudtcory for nuclear engineering students. A more advanced book would be Nuclear reactor Analysis by Duderstadt and Hamilton.
 
Last edited:
NeoDevin said:
Does anyone here know of any books which teach how nuclear reactors work/are constructed?
NeoDevin,

What level of book do you want?

If you are a student of science and engineering, and have a good working knowledge
of physics, engineering, differential equations, calculus... then I would whole-heartedly
second the recommendations of daveb. The texts by Lamarsh and Duderstadt & Hamilton
are excellent.

However, if you are looking for elementary knowledge of how reactors work - more of
a "layman's" view - then Lamarsh and Duderstadt & Hamilton which are textbooks for
nuclear engineering students would not be what you want.

Dr. Gregory Greenman
Physicist
 
Thanks Dave and Dr. Greenman.

I am a math physics major (undergrad), so something of that level is what I'm looking for. They canceled the nuclear physics class next year (lack of enrollment), so I was hoping there would be some suggestions.

I'll go look for those two at the library.

Thanks again.
 
The lamarsh one, my library only has the '75 version.

The other one (Duderstadt & Hamilton) is '76.

Has the field changed much in the time since? Will I be missing anything by using the older versions?
 
NeoDevin said:
Has the field changed much in the time since? Will I be missing anything by using the older versions?
NeoDevin,

Those will be fine. Those books give you a good foundation in transport theory and its
approximations.

There's nothing new in the "theory" of transport. It's like using Jackson for ElectroMagnetism.

The principles in Jackson haven't really changed since James Clerk Maxwell first
derived his set of equations.

There have been advances in how to solve those equations via computer; but that's
not what is covered in those texts.

Dr. Gregory Greenman
Physicist
 
Ok, I picked up both of them at the library.

Thanks for the help guys.
 
NeoDevin said:
The lamarsh one, my library only has the '75 version.

The other one (Duderstadt & Hamilton) is '76.

Has the field changed much in the time since? Will I be missing anything by using the older versions?
The core designers still use 2-group diffusion theory. The methods are better, but Lamarsh and Duderstadt & Hamilton are the standards.

Also, Weston Stacey (GaTech) has a decent book.
 
Im studying Lamarsh right now and I enjoy it a lot!
 

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