Nuclear engineering

Nuclear engineering is a special kind of science that deals with using energy from tiny parts inside atoms. The main way people use this energy is to make electricity. Right now, in about 31 countries around the world, special machines called nuclear reactors use a process known as nuclear fission to create power. This accounts for about 10 percent of all the energy used worldwide.

In the future, scientists hope to use another process called nuclear fusion to make even more energy. Both fission and fusion get their power from the strong forces that hold atoms together. When atoms split apart (fission) or come together (fusion), they release a huge amount of energy—much more than burning coal or oil. For example, splitting just one gram of uranium can create as much energy as burning three tons of coal or 600 gallons of fuel oil, and it doesn’t add harmful gases to the air.

History

Nuclear engineering started in 1938 when scientists discovered nuclear fission. The first man-made nuclear reactor, CP-1, was built by scientists who were worried that Nazi Germany might try to create a bomb using this discovery.

The first reactor to produce electricity was Experimental Breeder Reactor I (EBR-I), which operated near Arco, Idaho, in 1951. Later, a reactor in the BORAX series supplied power to the town of Arco in 1955. The first commercial nuclear power plant connected to a grid was the Obninsk Nuclear Power Plant, which began operating in 1954, followed by the Shippingport Atomic Power Station in 1957.

Sub-disciplines

Nuclear engineers work on many important areas. They design nuclear reactors, which have changed from early models in the 1950s to newer, advanced types today. They study how heat moves and turns into electricity in a nuclear power plant. They also work with special materials used in nuclear power and manage the nuclear fuel cycle, from getting the fuel to storing or reusing it safely.

Other areas include creating power for ships using nuclear energy, studying plasma physics for future fusion power, and developing safe ways to handle nuclear waste. Nuclear engineering also helps in medicine, health and safety, and many other fields. Many different types of engineers and scientists work together in this industry.

Employment

In the United States, nuclear engineers work in many places. About 25% help make electricity, 18% work for the government, and 15% do scientific research. Some work in engineering services, manufacturing, and other jobs.

Experts think that by the year 2050, the world will need a lot more nuclear energy—about 40% more than we use today. Many countries already use nuclear power, and more are looking into it too.

Education

Organizations that offer study and training in nuclear engineering include various institutions around the world.

Organizations

Many groups help support and guide the use of nuclear energy around the world. Some important ones include the American Nuclear Society, the Canadian Nuclear Association, the Chinese Nuclear Society, and the International Atomic Energy Agency. There are also groups like the International Energy Agency, the Japan Atomic Industrial Forum, and the World Nuclear Association that work together to make sure nuclear energy is used safely and effectively.