Nuclear engineering - Definition and Overview

Nuclear engineering is the practical application of the principles of nuclear physics and the interaction between radiation and matter. This field of engineering includes the design, analysis, development, testing, operation and maintenance of nuclear fission systems and components, specifically, nuclear reactors and nuclear weapons. The field can also include the study of nuclear fusion, medical applications of radiation, heat transport, nuclear fuels technology and the effect of radioactive waste or radioactivity in the environment.