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Re: Fission Efficiency
RADSAFERS,
One of the wonderful things about RADSAFE is the archive search function.
Earlier in the year this issue was discussed. I've copied the relevant
reply and posted below.
Andrew Tompkins
Woodstock, GA
RE: Weapon Efficency "Bradshaw, Keith" Thu, 24 Feb 2000 16:59:19 -0000
From: "Bradshaw, Keith"
Subject: RE: Weapon Efficency
Date: Thu, 24 Feb 2000 16:59:19 -0000
If I remember Seaborgs recent book correctly, the efficiency is not high. I
think around 18% of Pu in a warhead fissions. If the device uses U-235, the
efficiency is lower. The book also states that the yield of a so-called
hydrogen bomb is about half and half due to fission and fusion.
Personal thoughts only
keith.bradshaw@nnc.co.uk At 11:10 AM 10/4/00 -0500, you wrote:
>At 23:36 10/03/2000 -0500, you wrote:
> >RADSAFERS
> >
> >I was reading an article recently which stated that nuclear weapons are only
> >33% efficient. In other words, the article stated, only 33% of the
> >plutonium would fission during the weapons detonation and the remainder
> >would be distributed in the fallout. This efficiency seems low to me, but
> >then again, I am not an expert in this area. Can anyone tell me if this
> >statement is true?
> Mr. Reese:
>
>The people who know the answer to that one had better not tell. Security
>regulations are still enforced on such subjects,
>
>HBK
>
>
>H.B. Knowles, PhD, Physics Consulting
>4030 Hillcrest Rd, El Sobrante, CA 94803
>Phone (510)758-5449
>Fax (510) 758-5508
><hbknowles@hbknowles.com>
><www.hbknowles.com>
>
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J. Andrew Tompkins
Woodstock, GA
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The RADSAFE Frequently Asked Questions list, archives and subscription
information can be accessed at http://www.ehs.uiuc.edu/~rad/radsafe.html