Looking for Nuclear Engineering must reads

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around recommendations for essential reading materials in nuclear engineering, with a focus on both coursework-related texts and recreational books that enhance understanding of the field. Participants express interest in various categories of literature, including foundational texts and those that address fusion perspectives in nuclear engineering.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Debate/contested, Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that "Knoll" is essential for radiation detection and "Lamarsh and Baratta" is important for introductory nuclear engineering, while noting that some may disagree with the simplification of the latter.
  • Another participant finds "Introductory Nuclear Physics" by Krane helpful for bridging concepts between quantum/particle physics and nuclear physics, although it is more recreational than useful for coursework.
  • A participant expresses frustration over the lack of resources focused on nuclear engineering from a fusion perspective, indicating that most materials emphasize fission reactors.
  • One participant recommends David Okrent's work on the history of light water reactor safety, noting its extensive references and availability through NRC ADAMS.
  • Another participant provides guidance on how to locate the referenced document in the NRC ADAMS database.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants have differing opinions on the importance and accessibility of certain texts, particularly regarding the focus on fusion versus fission in nuclear engineering literature. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best resources for fusion-related topics.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention challenges in finding specific texts and the varying availability of resources, particularly those that are out of print or expensive in the used market.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in nuclear engineering, particularly students and professionals seeking foundational and advanced texts, as well as those looking to expand their knowledge in fusion-related topics.

random_soldier
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I'm asking for suggestions in various categories as some of them might be more important for coursework whereas others might be more recreational and to expand knowledge.

I know for example that Knoll is the go to for radiation detection and Lamarsh and Baratta is the most important for intro to nuclear engineering (of course some disagree with dumbing down in it, which is why I ask). Any books that anyone would like to recommend as a must have for core nuclear courses?

Other books that I'm looking for are more for my knowledge. For example, I found introductory nuclear physics by krane really helpful in explaining some of the concepts and bridging the gap between quantum/particle physics and nuclear for someone who hasn't had a rigorous physics background in those. Not to mention a fun read. But despite all that, it has been not useful for coursework and has been more recreational for me. Point is, I enjoy it for knowledge and recreation and I would like other suggestions for these as well so that I may expand my understanding of nuclear even if I don't formally take a course, please?

There is one pet peeve that I would like to address specifically, however. I'm unable to find much information on books that detail nuclear engineering from a fusion perspective. For example, materials and neutronics usually detail everything from fission reactor standpoints with a very minor aside, if at all, towards fusion. Any suggestions for those?
 
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here's one totally outside any coursework: David Okrent's "book" On the History of the Evolution of Light Water Reactor Safety in the United States. Available on NRC ADAMS at ML090630275. This is a huge work over 1100 pages, with many many primary references (letters and memos) included. I think this is the basis for his published book(s) sadly long out of print and therefore quite pricey on the used market. This one is a download.
 
I can't find that specific one. The numbers jump from 090630266 to 090630285.
 
really, it comes up for me. In ADAMS do an Advanced Search, pick Property = Accession Number, Starts With, then in Value, enter ML090630275, then Search.

it is a big file cause its scanned, 64 MB
 
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Ah thanks. I found it. Please let me know if you have any other suggestions.
 

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