Introduction to Nuclear Reactors

Discusses the newest developments in nuclear reaction theory and experimentsExplores both direct reaction theories and heavy ion reactions, which are newly important to nuclear physics.Analyzes in detail different models of the nucleus and discusses their interrelationsCovers topics that include multiple scattering, compound nuclear resonances, heavy ion scattering, transfer reactions, fusion and fission reactions, and relativistic heavy ion collisionsSupplements chapters with problem sections, a detailed bibliography for further study, and many appendices for clarification of the subjects discussed in the chapter Until the publication of Introduction to Nuclear Reactions, an introductory reference on nonrelativistic nuclear reactions had been unavailable. Providing a concise overview of nuclear reactions, this reference discusses the main formalisms, ranging from basic laws to the final formulae used to calculate measurable quantities.Well known in their fields, the authors begin with a discussion of scattering theory followed by a study of its applications to specific nuclear reactions. Early chapters give a framework of scattering theory that can be easily understood by the novice. These chapters also serve as an introduction to the underlying physical ideas. The largest section of the book comprises the physical models that have been developed to account for the various aspects of nuclear reaction phenomena. The final chapters survey applications of the eikonal wavefunction to nuclear reactions as well as examine the important branch of nuclear transport equations.By combining a thorough theoretical approach with applications to recent experimental data, Introduction to Nuclear Reactions helps you understand the results of experimental measurements rather than describe how they are made. A clear treatment of the topics and coherent organization make this information understandable to students and professionals with a solid foundation in physics as well as to those with a more general science and technology background.