This book provides an overview on nuclear physics and energy production from nuclear fission. It serves as a readable and reliable source of information for anyone who wants to have a well-balanced opinion about exploitation of nuclear fission in power plants. The text is divided into two parts; the first covers the basics of nuclear forces and properties of nuclei, nuclear collisions, nuclear stability, radioactivity, and provides a detailed discussion of nuclear fission and relevant topics in its application to energy production. The second part covers the basic technical aspects of nuclear fission reactors, nuclear fuel cycle and resources, safety, safeguards, and radioactive waste management. The book also contains a discussion of the biological effects of nuclear radiation and of radiation protection, and a summary of the ten most relevant nuclear accidents. The book is suitable for undergraduates in physics, nuclear engineering and other science subjects. However, the mathematics is kept at a level that can be easily followed by wider circles of readers. The addition of solved problems, strategically placed throughout the text, and the collections of problems at the end of the chapters allow readers to appreciate the quantitative aspects of various phenomena and processes. Many illustrations and graphs effectively supplement the text and help visualising specific points.
"In Energy from Nuclear Fission: An Introduction, authors Enzo De Sanctis, Stefano Monti, and Marco Ripani survey their subject in a novel manner. ... What is striking about the book is the quality of the writing and the presentation of material. The graceful prose makes reading their book a pleasure. The sections are illustrated with graphs, pictures, and worked examples ... . Energy from Nuclear Fission is a unique, rich, and valuable resource." (Noel Corngold, Physics Today, Vol. 70 (3), March, 2017)
"A refreshing introduction in the physics of nuclear reactions and nuclear energy. ... The intended readers of this book, whether they are undergraduates, scientists or simply the curious should find therein not just a very good source of information but also an excellent collection of clear explanations of all aspects of nuclear energy. ... The book will be a welcome contribution to the libraries of all interested in a subject that has become controversial and misunderstood sincemany years." (Jef Ongena, Europhysics News, Vol. 48 (1), 2017)
"The book provides a complete overview of the many aspects and issues involved in the deployment of nuclear power. ... authoritative sources of information are given throughout the text to stimulate the reader to expand his/her knowledge ... . the book can serve as a readable and reliable source of information for anyone who wants to have a well balanced opinion about exploitation of nuclear fission in power production." (Gianluca Alimonti, Nuclear Physics News, Vol. 26 (4), 2016)
"A refreshing introduction in the physics of nuclear reactions and nuclear energy. ... The intended readers of this book, whether they are undergraduates, scientists or simply the curious should find therein not just a very good source of information but also an excellent collection of clear explanations of all aspects of nuclear energy. ... The book will be a welcome contribution to the libraries of all interested in a subject that has become controversial and misunderstood sincemany years." (Jef Ongena, Europhysics News, Vol. 48 (1), 2017)
"The book provides a complete overview of the many aspects and issues involved in the deployment of nuclear power. ... authoritative sources of information are given throughout the text to stimulate the reader to expand his/her knowledge ... . the book can serve as a readable and reliable source of information for anyone who wants to have a well balanced opinion about exploitation of nuclear fission in power production." (Gianluca Alimonti, Nuclear Physics News, Vol. 26 (4), 2016)