Canadian nuclear experts update CANDU reactor physics fundamentals in new book
A new CANDU reactor physics book, by nuclear experts Dr. Benjamin Rouben and Dr. Wei Shen, updates CANDU reactor concepts and engineering requirements… without all the math.
JULY 19, 2021 – UNENE’s own Dr. Benjamin Rouben, a long-time nuclear expert and professor, has co-authored a textbook geared to working professionals and students looking for a practical guide to CANDU reactor fundamentals.
Rouben authored the book with Dr. Wei Shen, well known in the Canadian and international nuclear industry for his extensive experience in reactor physics. Shen works as CANDU Owners Group’s (COG) R&D safety and licensing program manager and prior, served many years at Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL), with the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), and with international organizations. Like Rouben, he is an extensively published adjunct professor.
Their book, Fundamentals of CANDU Reactor Physics, reflects the CANDU reactor concepts and engineering requirements of today.
Rouben and Shen say they wanted to develop a book that incorporated the most current basic knowledge about CANDU reactor physics.
“The purpose of this new book was to be a practical book on CANDU reactor physics, particularly for the safe operation of aged and aging CANDU reactors, with almost no mathematics or equations,” says Rouben.
Shen adds, “This book is ideal as a reference for CANDU physicists, operators, regulatory staff, and for those who need to interact with reactor physicists at CANDU sites, nuclear laboratories, institutes, universities, or engineering companies, as it assumes prior knowledge of nuclear physics offered at the high-school level and/or at universities only.”
Fundamentals of CANDU Reactor Physics was published by The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). ASME members will receive a 20 per cent discount on book purchases. You can purchase the book here.
Author Bios
Dr. Benjamin Rouben
Dr. Benjamin Rouben has been working in the nuclear field for almost five decades. Rouben worked for more than 30 years at AECL, where he was head of the reactor physics branch in the decade before retiring. He is an Adjunct Professor at McMaster University and Ontario Tech University. He teaches a number of courses on reactor physics, nuclear fuel management, and nuclear plant operation. He served as president of the Canadian Nuclear Society (CNS) in 1997- 1998, and remains active in the organization, today. He currently serves as the secretary treasurer for UNENE, where he also teaches courses. Rouben is also the president of 12 & 1 Consulting.
Dr. Wei Shen
With almost 30 years of experience, Dr. Wei Shen works with COG as the R&D safety and licensing program manager. He also serves as the member relationship manager for China Nuclear Power Operations Management (CNNO). Shen is an adjunct professor at the Royal Military College of Canada and worked for AECL, the CNSC, and international nuclear organizations. Shen’s experience and career diversity gives him a unique perspective in the ever-evolving nuclear field and his work in R&D.