Isotope separation
Isotope separation is the process of separating isotopes of a chemical element from each other. Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons, resulting in different atomic masses. For example, uranium has several isotopes, including uranium-235 and uranium-238, which have significant differences in their properties and uses, particularly in nuclear power and weapons.
Neutron sources
Neutron sources are devices or materials that produce neutrons. Neutrons are neutral subatomic particles, and their production is important in various fields, including nuclear physics, nuclear medicine, materials science, and radiation therapy. There are several primary types of neutron sources: 1. **Radioactive Neutron Sources**: These utilize radioactive materials that emit neutrons as part of their decay process.
Nuclear engineers
Nuclear engineers are professionals who design, develop, and oversee the construction and operation of nuclear systems and processes. Their work primarily involves the application of nuclear physics and engineering principles to create systems that use or produce nuclear energy, often for power generation, medical applications, or research purposes. Here are some key responsibilities and areas of expertise for nuclear engineers: 1. **Power Generation**: They work on nuclear reactors, ensuring the safe and efficient production of electricity through nuclear fission.
Nuclear explosives
Nuclear explosives are devices that release energy through nuclear reactions, primarily nuclear fission or nuclear fusion. There are two main types of nuclear explosives: 1. **Nuclear Fission Explosives**: These weapons work by splitting the nuclei of heavy atoms (like uranium-235 or plutonium-239) into smaller nuclei, releasing a tremendous amount of energy in the process.
Nuclear facilities
Nuclear facilities refer to installations or structures that are designed for the handling, processing, or storage of nuclear materials and the generation of nuclear energy. These facilities can serve various purposes, including: 1. **Nuclear Power Plants**: Facilities that use nuclear reactions (primarily fission) to generate electricity. They typically have reactors, turbines, and generators. 2. **Nuclear Research Facilities**: Institutions focused on research and development in nuclear science, technology, and engineering.
Nuclear fuels
Nuclear fuels are materials that can undergo nuclear fission or fusion to release energy. The most commonly used nuclear fuels in nuclear reactors are isotopes of uranium and plutonium. Here are some key points regarding nuclear fuels: 1. **Uranium**: The most widely used nuclear fuel is uranium, particularly the isotopes uranium-235 (U-235) and uranium-238 (U-238). Natural uranium contains about 0.
Nuclear materials
Nuclear materials refer to substances that can be used in the production of nuclear energy or nuclear weapons. These materials are primarily associated with nuclear reactors, nuclear fuel cycles, and various applications in research, medicine, and industry. There are several categories of nuclear materials, primarily including: 1. **Fissile Materials**: These materials can sustain a nuclear chain reaction.
Nuclear propulsion
Nuclear propulsion refers to the use of nuclear reactions to generate thrust for propulsion in vehicles, primarily in the context of spacecraft and naval vessels. There are two main types of nuclear propulsion systems: 1. **Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP)**: In this method, a nuclear reactor is used to heat a propellant (typically hydrogen) to high temperatures. The heated propellant is then expelled through a rocket nozzle to produce thrust.
Nuclear reactors
A nuclear reactor is a facility or device used to initiate and control a sustained nuclear chain reaction. Nuclear reactors are primarily employed for two purposes: the generation of electrical power and the production of isotopes for various applications, including medical and industrial uses. ### How Nuclear Reactors Work 1. **Nuclear Fission**: The core principle behind nuclear reactors is the process of nuclear fission.
Nuclear reprocessing
Nuclear reprocessing is a chemical process used to separate fissile materials—such as plutonium and uranium—from spent nuclear fuel. This spent fuel is the byproduct of nuclear reactors and contains a mix of radioactive isotopes, including unused nuclear fuel, and a variety of unstable and long-lived isotopes.
Nuclear technology companies
Nuclear technology companies are organizations that specialize in the development, production, and application of products and services related to nuclear energy and radiation. These companies operate in various sectors, including energy generation, medical applications, research and development, and nuclear safety. Here are some key areas where nuclear technology companies are involved: 1. **Nuclear Power Generation**: Companies in this sector design, construct, and operate nuclear power plants that generate electricity through nuclear fission.
Nuclear technology treaties
Nuclear technology treaties refer to international agreements aimed at regulating the development, proliferation, testing, and use of nuclear technology and materials. These treaties seek to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy, prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, and foster disarmament.
Nuclear weapons
Nuclear weapons are explosive devices that derive their destructive power from nuclear reactions, specifically fission (the splitting of an atomic nucleus) or fusion (the merging of atomic nuclei). There are two primary types of nuclear weapons: 1. **Fission Weapons (Atomic Bombs)**: These weapons rely on the fission process, where heavy atomic nuclei, such as uranium-235 or plutonium-239, are split into lighter nuclei, releasing a tremendous amount of energy.
Radioactive waste
Radioactive waste is material that contains radioactive substances and is generated during various processes, such as the operation of nuclear power plants, medical treatments, research activities, and the production and use of radioactive materials. This waste can emit radiation in the form of alpha particles, beta particles, or gamma rays and can pose significant health and environmental risks if not managed properly.
Advanced Fuel Cycle Initiative
The Advanced Fuel Cycle Initiative (AFCI) was a program initiated by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) aimed at developing advanced technologies and methods for the management of nuclear fuel and waste, specifically in the context of civil nuclear energy. The initiative sought to improve the efficiency and sustainability of nuclear power by addressing issues related to fuel cycle performance, safety, and environmental impact.
Airborne particulate radioactivity monitoring refers to the process of detecting and measuring radioactive particles present in the air. This type of monitoring is essential in various contexts, including environmental assessments, occupational safety, and public health protection. Here are some key aspects of airborne particulate radioactivity monitoring: ### Purpose 1. **Health Protection**: Monitoring is crucial for safeguarding public health from exposure to radioactive materials that can arise from nuclear accidents, industrial activities, or natural sources.
The Alsos Digital Library for Nuclear Issues is an online resource that provides access to a wide range of information related to nuclear science, technology, and policy. It serves as a comprehensive repository for historical and contemporary documents, research papers, and educational materials pertaining to nuclear issues. The library is named after the Alsos Mission, a World War II effort to investigate and document German nuclear research.
Silicon-germanium (SiGe) thermoelectric materials have important applications in space exploration, primarily due to their ability to convert heat directly into electricity and their performance at high temperatures.
Atomic engineering
Atomic engineering, often referred to in the context of nuclear engineering, is the branch of engineering that focuses on the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of systems and equipment that utilize nuclear energy and radiation. This field encompasses a wide range of activities, including: 1. **Nuclear Reactor Design**: Developing and optimizing nuclear reactors for generating electricity, medical applications, and research purposes.