The course will provide the basics necessary to physical understanding of nuclear energy systems and radiation
protection. The main objectives are (a) knowledge of benefits and key aspects of engineering, technology and safety associated with the ' nuclear energy use in space applications, (b) identification of the main features of the systems of
nuclear power generation , and of the connected systems for conversion and propulsion, (c) knowledge of the state of
the international research and perspectives of nuclear energy use for space applications . The Course is organized as
follows:
Fundamentals: Physics of nuclear reactions: radioactive decay, sources of radiation, interaction of ionizing radiation
with matter, nuclear reactions. Physics of nuclear fission: neutron flux, impact Sections, Fast neutrons and thermal
neutrons, the slowdown, the moderators, the resonances of capture, burn - up. The nuclear fusion reactions. Basic
concepts of radiation protection: Unit Radioactivity, dosimetry, the Environmental Radioactivity, Radiation Effects on
humans, protection systems, exposure limits.
Nuclear energy for Space Applications: advantages over other energy sources. Nuclear energy generators. Engineering
and technological aspects of the Space Applications of Nuclear Power: shielding of Radiation Heat Transfer, Materials.
Elements of Physics Reactor. Nuclear fission reactors configurations for onboard needs and size. The Nuclear Safety in
the different stages of a Space Mission. Nuclear Energy perspectives in peaceful applications.
Systems for Nuclear Power Generation and Propulsion: Classification of systems. Systems of radioisotopes. Conceptual
projects of Nuclear Reactors. Static ( thermoelectric and thermoionic ) and Dynamic ( Bryton , Rankine , Stirling ,
magnetohydrodynamic ) conversion systems. Reactors with solid, liquid and gas kernel. Fuels. Heat tubes reactor.
Electro-nuclear propulsion systems. Thermo-nuclear propulsion systems. Advanced Systems. The International Space
Nuclear Programs .
