The utilization of nuclear energy makes great demands on the knowledge of the engineers engaged in design work and calculations relating to construction in nuclear industry. Apart, of course, from nuclear reactors themselves, a great deal of nuclear experience is involved in the design and construction of radiotherapy centres, non- destructive testing laboratories, particle accelerators, radioisotope laboratories and nuclear research plants. Whereas in the USA there appears to be no great difference in the methods of training personnel for fundamental or for applied science, European universities draw a sharp dividing line between the two fields. However, if we consider graduates solely from the point of view of their activities at their place of employment, two types of personnel can be distinguished: scientifically oriented research workers and those with a more technical and practical background who are looking for rational and rapid methods and solutions, even at some expense in terms of accuracy. The Engineering Compendium on Radiation Shielding endeavours to cover both approaches, the scientific and the technical.
Volume I was devoted to the fundamental aspects of shielding, while Volumes II and III discuss its technology.