Introduction to Nuclear Engineering serves as an accompanying study guide for a complete, introductory single-semester course in nuclear engineering. It is structured for general class use alongside fundamental nuclear physics and engineering textbooks as well as individual self-study.
Beginning with a review of basic modern physics with atomic and nuclear models, the book covers nuclear energetics, radioactivity and decays, and binary nuclear reactions and basic fusion. It also explores basic radiation interactions with matter, introducing students to nuclear reactor physics, nuclear fuel cycles, and radiation doses and hazard assessment. Each chapter includes basic concepts, examples, problems with answers, and a final assessment.
The book is intended for senior undergraduate and graduate engineering students taking Introduction to Nuclear Engineering and Nuclear Energy courses.
About the Author: Dr. Supathorn Phongikaroon is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering at Virginia Commonwealth University. He earned his PhD and BS degrees in chemical engineering and nuclear engineering from University of Maryland, College Park in 2001 and 1997, respectively. Prior to joining the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in January 2014, he held academic and research positions at University of Idaho in Idaho Falls, ID; Idaho National Laboratory in Idaho Falls, ID; and Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, D.C. During his research career, Dr. Phongikaroon established chemical and electrochemical separation of used nuclear fuel through pyroprocessing technology and extended his expertise toward reactor physics and material detection and accountability for safeguarding applications. His effort led to a strong establishment of Radiochemistry and Laser Spectroscopy Laboratories at VCU.
His work has been published in over 30 papers in peer-reviewed journals and presented at over 90 international and national conferences and workshops. He has been able to maintain continuous diverse research support from international and national programs through Department of Energy, national laboratories, and other universities. He has been Principal Investigator and Co-Principal Investigator for more than 20 external supported projects in total of over 3.17 million dollars of external awards since joining academia in 2007. He has taught more than 30 classes in nuclear and chemical engineering related topics for resident students and more than 10 classes for continuing (long distance - video conference) education over the last 9 years.
