Nuclear Fission

Society Meeting

Thursday, 31st October 2019 (19:45 - 22:00)

Venue: swmcmeet

Nuclear Energy: The Engine of the Universe

James Lennard – 3 1/10/19

In this talk I will introduce some fundamental physics relating to the nuclear structure of atoms and, in turn, the atomic structure of stars and beyond. I will then spend the remaining 45 minutes or so trying to convince everybody that ‘nuclear’ can at least be considered the second most interesting branch of physics; talking through the various nuclear processes which govern the stellar lifecycle, and the ones which we are trying to recreate on Earth in the hope of solving our energy crisis. I will cover aspects of fission and fusion energy and, where possible, do my best to ratchet an ‘astro-’ theme on to everything covered on the night!

everything covered on the night!Nuclear Energy: The Engine of the everything covered on the night!

Speaker: James Lennard

James completed his undergraduate degree in Materials Science at Sheffield Hallam University in 2018 and has recently completed his Master's in Nuclear Engineering at the University of Sheffield. He is now pursuing his long-held interests in nuclear fusion and has just embarked on a four-year PhD at the University of Manchester investigating structural superalloys for the next-generation fleet of prototype fusion reactors. He has lived in Rotherham all his life up to now save for one year spent living in Hampshire which he spent working as a Metallurgist for a defence contractor. He has been a member of MSAS since May of this year. Outside of University he enjoys loud music and photography.