Nuclear Engineering

Nuclear Reactor Physics and Design is the foundational discipline within nuclear engineering that explores the behavior of neutrons in a nuclear reactor to achieve and control a self-sustaining fission chain reaction. This field applies the principles of neutron transport, interaction, and diffusion to analyze and predict the state of a reactor core, a condition known as criticality. These physical models are then used to inform the engineering design of the reactor, including the selection and arrangement of fuel, moderator, coolant, and control systems, with the ultimate goal of creating a safe, stable, and efficient system for generating power or serving research purposes.

The nuclear fuel cycle encompasses the complete life of nuclear fuel, from its initial creation to its final disposal. This multi-stage process begins with the "front end," which involves mining uranium ore, converting and enriching it to increase the concentration of fissile isotopes, and fabricating it into fuel assemblies for use in a reactor. Following its service period generating power through fission, the "back end" of the cycle addresses the management of spent fuel, which includes options for temporary storage, reprocessing to recover usable materials like plutonium and uranium, and ultimately, the long-term disposal of high-level radioactive waste in a permanent geological repository.

Radiation Detection and Measurement is a fundamental discipline within nuclear engineering focused on the principles, instrumentation, and techniques used to identify and quantify ionizing radiation. It involves the design and application of various detectors—such as gas-filled detectors, scintillators, and semiconductors—that work by converting the energy deposited by radiation (alpha, beta, gamma, or neutrons) into a measurable electrical signal. The field is critical for characterizing radiation fields, determining radiation dose for safety and health physics, monitoring nuclear reactor operations, and enabling applications in medical imaging, environmental monitoring, and national security.

Nuclear Safety and Waste Management is a critical discipline within nuclear engineering focused on protecting human health and the environment from the potential hazards of radioactive materials. It involves the application of engineering principles to design, implement, and regulate robust safety systems—such as reactor containment structures and emergency cooling mechanisms—to prevent accidents and mitigate their consequences. This field also addresses the complete lifecycle of nuclear waste, from its generation in reactors and medical applications to its collection, treatment, secure storage, and ultimate long-term disposal in deep geological repositories, ensuring its isolation from the biosphere for millennia.