Nuclear Engineering Branches Uses Introduction
Nuclear Engineering
Nuclear engineering is the field of engineering dealing with the application and science of radiation and nuclear phenomenon. It involves production and utilization of radioactive materials and control, release and use of nuclear energy for research, industry uses, medicine, and national security.
This branch of engineering has primary principles of mathematics and physics as its basis which explains transmission of gamma rays and neutrons in the form of nuclear interactions. Nuclear interactions are dependant on the flow of heat and fluid, chemical reactions and change in the behavior of substances when exposed to nuclear radiation.
Nuclear engineering is thus, a multidimensional area that involves the application of various areas of physics and analysis of large and complex systems.
History of Nuclear Engineering
The field of nuclear engineering originated in the 20th century when German scientists Fritz Strassmann and Otto Hahn discovered nuclear fission reaction in 1939. It was realized immediately that a strong weapon can be formed by employing this phenomenon of nuclear fission. This idea gave rise to the “Manhattan Project” in World War ll by the United States of America. University of Chicago scientists build the first nuclear reactor based on the principles of N-Eng. After the first reactor, many such weapons and reactors were made at Washington.
Hence Late 1940s and early 1950s, brought about the peaceful and positive uses of nuclear energy and various institutions and laboratories related to nuclear technology came into being. During Colleges and schools in the U.S started offering degree programs in N-Eng by the 1950’s and 60’s. Now, there are more than 60 programs related to N-Eng are offered and taught around the world.
Areas of Nuclear Engineering
Following are some of the branches of nuclear engineering
Nuclear Power
During Nuclear Power deals with the production and applications of nuclear power plants and radiators. In short Nuclear power plants, today are controlled to produce electricity especially in U.S. This area of N-Eng has its further specialities.
Plasma Physics
Plasma Physics is based on the principles of nuclear fusion reactions, which is different from nuclear fission. Therefore Fusion reactions combine the nuclei to release the enumerable amount of energy. Plasma physicists work in production and application of fusion reactors.
Nuclear Weapons
This is a highly classified area of N-Eng which involves the production, application, design and management of nuclear weapons. It mainly involves production of atomic bombs and hydrogen bombs which can cause massive destruction.
Radioisotopes
Radioisotopes have found their applications in several industries these days, including medical, research, preservation and plastic etc. And Nearly 2000 isotopes are prepare by nuclear engineers in nuclear reactors.
Nuclear Waste Management
Due to this area deals with the management of this waste from atomic reactors, industries, research and medical labs. If this waste material is highly reactive and needs to be disposed off properly.
Health Physics
Finally Nuclear engineers in health physics determine the application and transmission of radiation in the human body for medical purposes.
Uses of Nuclear Engineering
Nuclear engineering is helpful in following fields and organizations
1. Architectural engineering organizations
2. Manufacturing Firms
3. Electric Utility Firms
4. Medical Centres and laboratories
5. Defense programs
6. Universities and Educational institutions