Heavy water (deuterium oxide) played a sinister role in the race for nuclear energy during the World War II. It was a key factor in Germany's bid to harness atomic energy primarily as a source of electric power; its acute shortage was a factor in Japan's decision not to pursue seriously nuclear weaponry; its very existence was a nagging thorn in the side of the Allied powers. Books and films have dwelt on the Allies' efforts to deny the Germans heavy water by military means; however, a history of heavy water has yet to be written. Filling this gap, Heavy Water and the Wartime Race for Nuclear Energy concentrates on the circumstances whereby Norway became the preeminent producer of heavy water and on the scientific role the rare isotope of hydrogen played in the wartime efforts by the Axis and Allied powers alike. Instead of a purely technical treatise on heavy water, the book describes the social history of the subject. The book covers the discovery and early uses of deuterium before World War II and its large-scale production by Norsk Hydro in Norway, especially under German control. It also discusses the French-German race for the Norwegian heavy-water stocks in 1940 and heavy water's importance for the subsequent German uranium project, including the Allied sabotage and bombing of the Norwegian plants, as well as its lesser role in Allied projects, especially in the United States and Canada. The book concludes with an overall assessment of the importance and the perceived importance of heavy water for the German program, which alone staked everything on heavy water in its quest for a nuclear chain reaction.

Outlines the characteristics of heavy water reactors and provides an insight into the technology for specialists in countries where the establishment of nuclear power programmes is being considered. This report should serve as a reference for engineers and scientists working in the field, as well as for lecturers in nuclear technology.

Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors: CANDU, the seventh volume in the JSME Series on Thermal and Nuclear Power Generation series, provides a comprehensive and complete review of a single type of reactor in a very accessible and practical way. The book presents the full lifecycle, from design and manufacturing to operation and maintenance, also covering fitness-for-service and long-term operation. It does not relate to any specific vendor-based technology, but rather provides a broad overview of the latest technologies from a variety of active locations which will be of great value to countries invested in developing their own nuclear programs. Including contemporary capabilities and challenges of nuclear technology, the book offers practical solutions to common problems faced, along with the safe and approved processes to reach suitable solutions. Professionals involved in nuclear power plant lifecycle assessment and researchers interested in the development and improvement of nuclear energy technologies will gain a deep understanding of PHWR nuclear reactor physics, chemistry and thermal-hydraulic properties. Provides a complete reference dedicated to the latest research on Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors and their economic and environmental benefits Goes beyond CANDU reactors to analyze the popular German and Indian designs, as well as plant design in Korea, Romania, China and Argentina Spans all phases of the nuclear power plant lifecycle, from design, manufacturing, operation, maintenance and long-term operation

Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors: CANDU, the seventh volume in the JSME Series on Thermal and Nuclear Power Generation series, provides a comprehensive and complete review of a single type of reactor in a very accessible and practical way. The book presents the full lifecycle, from design and manufacturing to operation and maintenance, also covering fitness-for-service and long-term operation. It does not relate to any specific vendor-based technology, but rather provides a broad overview of the latest technologies from a variety of active locations which will be of great value to countries invested in developing their own nuclear programs. Including contemporary capabilities and challenges of nuclear technology, the book offers practical solutions to common problems faced, along with the safe and approved processes to reach suitable solutions. Professionals involved in nuclear power plant lifecycle assessment and researchers interested in the development and improvement of nuclear energy technologies will gain a deep understanding of PHWR nuclear reactor physics, chemistry and thermal-hydraulic properties. Provides a complete reference dedicated to the latest research on Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors and their economic and environmental benefits Goes beyond CANDU reactors to analyze the popular German and Indian designs, as well as plant design in Korea, Romania, China and Argentina Spans all phases of the nuclear power plant lifecycle, from design, manufacturing, operation, maintenance and long-term operation