Publisher's Synopsis
This introduction to reactor kinetics is designed for those following a specialized course of study in nuclear engineering or those interested in the way fission reactors work. While no knowledge of nuclear physics is necessary for an understanding of the material, mathematical methods covered in the first years of university are a prerequisite. The book should allow the reader to understand kinetics sufficiently to predict the behaviour of a reactor subjected to various perturbations and to perform more detailed calculations. Reactivity is a reactor-physics concept that allows us to characterize in a simple fashion the dynamic state of a reactor. By recalling the fundamental theory and the more basic methods available, the text can also serve as a reference work for engineers and analysts engaged in technical-support activities for reactor operation.
