Abstract
RECENT suggestions1 for the adoption of a unit of neutron intensity in reactor physics and technology provide an opportunity to raise the issue of non-ambiguity. In the physical sciences, the term ‘flux density’ has been used since the earliest days to denote units of the relevant quantity per unit area traversed normally per unit time. The term ‘flux’, then, describes the product ‘flux density × area’. Apparently owing to the isolation of nuclear physics during the period 1939–45, the practice seems to have become established in certain branches of this subject and its associated technologies of using the term ‘flux’ as a short hand for ‘flux density’. This ambiguous use tends to deprive both terms of their original significance, and has led to considerable confusion.
Similar content being viewed by others
Article PDF
References
Harrison and Thorley, Nature, 188, 571 (1960). McGill, Menzies, and Price, Nature, 190, 162 (1961).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
GHOSE, S., YOUNG, J. The Use of the Term ‘Flux’. Nature 190, 621 (1961). https://doi.org/10.1038/190621a0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/190621a0
This article is cited by
-
Neutron Terminology
Nature (1961)
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.