Reasoning about nuclear physics processes

The paper discusses a model for reasoning about nuclear physics processes. Nuclear process theory (NPT) is a formal knowledge representation system for nuclear physics processes. Knowledge of the nuclear physics process is expressed in terms of a basic nuclear physics model and an aggregate effects model. The basic nuclear physics model has the capability of expressing knowledge of nuclear physics processes for different types of reactions. The products of reactions are expressed as deterministic or probabilistic values. The aggregate effects model coordinates basic nuclear physics processes expressed an the basic nuclear physics model. NPT, along with the simulator designed for NPT, can be used to reason about nuclear physics processes. Results of a simulation with an enriched natural uranium (a mixture of 14% U235 and 86% U238) are presented.