Theoretical physics has become a many-faceted science. For the young student it is difficult enough to cope with the overwhelming amount of new scientific material that has to be learned, let alone to obtain an overview of the entire field, which ranges from mechanics through electrodynamics, quantum mechanics, field theory, nuclear and heavy-ion science, statistical mechanics, thermodynamics, and solid state theory to elementary-particle physics. And this knowledge should be acquired in just 8-10 semesters during which, in addition, a Diploma or Master's thesis has to be worked on or examinations prepared for. All this can be achieved only if the university teachers help to introduce the student to the new disciplines as early on as possible, in order to create interest and excitement that in turn set free essential new energy. Naturally, all inessential material must simply be eliminated. At the Johann Wolfgang Goethe University in Frankfurt we therefore confront the student with theoretical physics immediately in the first semester. Theoretical Mechanics I and II, Electrodynamics, and Quantum Mechanics I - an Introduction are the basic courses during the first two years. These lectures are supplemented with many mathematical explanations and much support material. After the fourth semester of studies, graduate work begins and Quantum Mechanics II - Symme tries, Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics, Relativistic Quantum Mechanics, Quantum Electrodynamics, the Gauge Theory of Weak Interactions, and Quantum Chromodynamics are obligatory.
This book is aimed at enabling the reader to obtain a working knowledge of the nuclear shell model and to understand nuclear structure within the framework of the shell model. Attention is concentrated on a coherent, self-contained exposition of the main ideas behind the model with ample illustrations to give an idea beyond formal exposition of the concepts. Since this text grew out of a course taught for advanced undergraduate and first-year graduate students in theoretical nuclear physics, the accents are on a detailed exposition of the material with step-by-step derivations rather than on a superficial description of a large number of topics. In this sense, the book differs from a number of books on theoretical nuclear physics by narrowing the subject to only the nuclear shell model. Most of the expressions used in many of the existing books treating the nuclear shell model are derived here in more detail, in a practitioner's way. Due to frequent student requests I have expanded of detail in order to take away the typical phrase " . . . after some the level simple and straightforward algebra one finds . . . ". The material could probably be treated in a one-year course (implying going through the problem sets and setting up a number of numerical studies by using the provided computer codes). The book is essentially self-contained but requires an introductory course on quantum mechanics and nuclear physics on a more general level.
Modelling of Nuclear Reactor Multiphysics: From Local Balance Equations to Macroscopic Models in Neutronics and Thermal-Hydraulics is an accessible guide to the advanced methods used to model nuclear reactor systems. The book addresses the frontier discipline of neutronic/thermal-hydraulic modelling of nuclear reactor cores, presenting the main techniques in a generic manner and for practical reactor calculations.The modelling of nuclear reactor systems is one of the most challenging tasks in complex system modelling, due to the many different scales and intertwined physical phenomena involved. The nuclear industry as well as the research institutes and universities heavily rely on the use of complex numerical codes. All the commercial codes are based on using different numerical tools for resolving the various physical fields, and to some extent the different scales, whereas the latest research platforms attempt to adopt a more integrated approach in resolving multiple scales and fields of physics. The book presents the main algorithms used in such codes for neutronic and thermal-hydraulic modelling, providing the details of the underlying methods, together with their assumptions and limitations. Because of the rapidly expanding use of coupled calculations for performing safety analyses, the analysists should be equally knowledgeable in all fields (i.e. neutron transport, fluid dynamics, heat transfer).The first chapter introduces the book's subject matter and explains how to use its digital resources and interactive features. The following chapter derives the governing equations for neutron transport, fluid transport, and heat transfer, so that readers not familiar with any of these fields can comprehend the book without difficulty. The book thereafter examines the peculiarities of nuclear reactor systems and provides an overview of the relevant modelling strategies. Computational methods for neutron transport, first at the cell and assembly levels, then at the core level, and for one-/two-phase flow transport and heat transfer are treated in depth in respective chapters. The coupling between neutron transport solvers and thermal-hydraulic solvers for coarse mesh macroscopic models is given particular attention in a dedicated chapter. The final chapter summarizes the main techniques presented in the book and their interrelation, then explores beyond state-of-the-art modelling techniques relying on more integrated approaches. - Covers neutron transport, fluid dynamics, and heat transfer, and their interdependence, in one reference - Analyses the emerging area of multi-physics and multi-scale reactor modelling - Contains 71 short videos explaining the key concepts and 77 interactive quizzes allowing the readers to test their understanding
From Nucleons to Nucleus deals with single-particle and collective features of spherical nuclei. Each nuclear model is introduced and derived in detail. The formalism is then applied to light and medium-heavy nuclei in worked-out examples, and finally the acquired skills are strengthened by a wide selection of exercises, many relating the models to experimental data. Nuclear properties are discussed using particles, holes and quasi-particles. From Nucleons to Nucleus is based on lectures on nuclear physics given by the author, and serves well as a textbook for advanced students. Researchers too will appreciate it as a well-balanced reference to theoretical nuclear physics.
Remarkable advances in cold fusion experiments have raised the hope for a safer and cheaper nuclear energy. The results, however, cannot be explained from the point of view of current physical understanding of nuclear fusion. This is an obstacle to endorsement and investment in this field. The research needs a supporting theory. The present book suggests a new approach for analysis of the results and offers practical recommendations based on the physical models of atomic nuclei derived in the BSM-Supergravitation Unified theory (BSM-SG). The book provides: (1) a method for analysis of the LENR experiments using the BSM-SG atomic models; (b) a selection of isotopes suitable for a more efficient energy yield with a minimum of radioactive byproducts; (c) practical considerations for selection of the technical method and the reaction environment.The BSM-SG theory is based on a concept of space that follows the view of Michael Faraday and the recommendations of James Maxwell about the properties of the envisioned space medium, known as Aether. The concept of an Aether (Ether) was abandoned in favor of the quantum mechanical formalism adopted in the first quarter of 20th century. However, Albert Einstein was against this approach and openly expressed his concerns after he developed General Relativity. In his monograph “Sidelights on relativity” (1921) he wrote: “To deny the ether is ultimately to assume that empty space has no physical qualities whatever” (p.23) and “According to general theory of relativity space without ether is unthinkable” (p. 23).From our point of view, the major problem for recognition of the feasibility of LENR is the adopted quantum mechanical formalism. In quantum mechanics and particles physics, all elementary and subelementary particles are assumed spherical without any geometrical structure. Then the data interpretation of scattering experiments leads to a very small atomic nucleus on the order of a femtometer. This leads to a conclusion of a very strong Coulomb barrier that might be overcome only at temperatures of millions of degrees. The results from LENR experiments are in a sharp contrast to this consideration. According to BSM-SG theory, the physical models of protons and neutrons have superdense material structures with the shape of a folded and a twisted torus, respectively. They are much larger but thinner, so the Coulomb barrier also has a non-spherical shape and it is not so strong. The protons and neutrons are held in the nucleus by a Supergravitational (SG) field, which is behind the strong nuclear forces. The protons and neutrons in the atomic nuclei form three-dimensional fractal structures. The spatial geometry of the nuclear structures defines the row-column pattern of the periodic table with identifiable features of the valences, isotope stability, nuclear spin and chemical bond directions. The analysis leads to a hypothesis that the superdense nucleus causes a micro-curvature – a general relativistic effect around the nucleus. It has a feature of energy storage that corresponds to the mass deficit or nuclear binding energy expressed by Einstein's equation, E = mc^2. The fusion or fission reaction causes a small change of the micro-curvature, so the difference in the binding energy is released as gamma and particle radiation that is finally converted to heat.The analysis of some LENR experiments shows that the excited state of hydrogen and deuterium, known as the Rydberg state, facilitates some fusion reactions. According to BSM-SG, the Rydberg state is an ion-electron pair, with a finite size at the boundary of the SG field, while possessing a strong magnetic field due to the dominated magnetic moment of the electron. Additionally, the anomalous magnetic moment of the electron provides a constant driving momentum. When combined with a proper nuclear spin state of a selected heavier element, this momentum assists the magnetic field interactions, and this leads to nuclear fusion.
Nuclear Physics in a Nutshell provides a clear, concise, and up-to-date overview of the atomic nucleus and the theories that seek to explain it. Bringing together a systematic explanation of hadrons, nuclei, and stars for the first time in one volume, Carlos A. Bertulani provides the core material needed by graduate and advanced undergraduate students of physics to acquire a solid understanding of nuclear and particle science. Nuclear Physics in a Nutshell is the definitive new resource for anyone considering a career in this dynamic field. The book opens by setting nuclear physics in the context of elementary particle physics and then shows how simple models can provide an understanding of the properties of nuclei, both in their ground states and excited states, and also of the nature of nuclear reactions. It then describes: nuclear constituents and their characteristics; nuclear interactions; nuclear structure, including the liquid-drop model approach, and the nuclear shell model; and recent developments such as the nuclear mean-field and the nuclear physics of very light nuclei, nuclear reactions with unstable nuclear beams, and the role of nuclear physics in energy production and nucleosynthesis in stars. Throughout, discussions of theory are reinforced with examples that provide applications, thus aiding students in their reading and analysis of current literature. Each chapter closes with problems, and appendixes address supporting technical topics.
The Linear Reactivity Model (LRM) is a simple nuclear fuel management model that comes with a diskette containing three programs. Consisting of a collection of algorithms and methods, the LRM describes complex core behavior, but it is simpler than the complex programs developed for design calculations. This makes the LRM particularly useful as a teaching tool to explain the basic principles of nuclear fuel management. The LRM mainly focuses on the pressurized water reactor, but it is also directly applicable to the boiling water reactor. Application of the LRM to the CANDU reactor is also covered.
Dramatic progress has been made in all branches of physics since the National Research Council's 1986 decadal survey of the field. The Physics in a New Era series explores these advances and looks ahead to future goals. The series includes assessments of the major subfields and reports on several smaller subfields, and preparation has begun on an overview volume on the unity of physics, its relationships to other fields, and its contributions to national needs. Nuclear Physics is the latest volume of the series. The book describes current activity in understanding nuclear structure and symmetries, the behavior of matter at extreme densities, the role of nuclear physics in astrophysics and cosmology, and the instrumentation and facilities used by the field. It makes recommendations on the resources needed for experimental and theoretical advances in the coming decade.
