What is the role of nuclear physics in helping to overcome the present energy problem? With over 200 000 megawatts of capacity already either operational, under construction or on order in the United States, nuclear power unquestionably constitutes one of today's major energy options. In this article we shall consider the research in nuclear physics needed to improve the efficiency and safety of light‐water reactors, which make up most of this generating capacity. For the economically promising breeder‐reactor programs, both of the fast‐neutron and thermal‐neutron types, we shall discuss the challenges these present to nuclear physics. The recent International Conference on Nuclear Cross Sections and Technology (see the Bibliography) emphasized the continuing impact of nuclear physics on energy.
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August 1976
August 01 1976
Nuclear cross sections for nuclear energy
Physics Today 29 (8), 42–50 (1976);