RE: An Apology

["Stokes, James" <StokesJ@TTNUS.COM>]

 That individuals information is misleading.  There are very specific

special weapons designs that enhance the neutron radition emission compared

to "standard" fission or fusion weapons.  The old ABM's were examples of

neutron weapons.



Jim Stokes RRPT





-----Original Message-----

From: Vernig, Peter G.

To: 'Radsafe (E-mail)'

Sent: 10/25/01 4:40 PM

Subject: An Apology



I commented on Mr. Caceci's post, in part, as follows,



Marco Caceci wrote,



"I am led to believe that direct fusion devices (a.k.a.neutron bombs)

are

free from the critical mass constrains of fission gadgets."



...The concept of the neutron bomb is to enhance neutron production so

that

the reverse would be true.  Troops in hardened bunkers and tanks would

be

tactical targets for N bombs.



I realized in talking with someone else the "neutron bomb" is an ill

defined

or undefined thing.  All nuclear weapons produce neutrons in the fission

process.  All neutrons from a fission trigger are part of what initiates

the

fusion in a fusion weapon.



To make a smaller fission weapon one would want more neutrons in order

to

reduce the size of fissionable material needed.  So at some point in

down

sizing a weapon, enhancing neutron production is going to be a method of

achieving that.  So in a sense any smaller weapon can be considered a

"neutron bomb".



I was thinking of it as a device where lethal effects of neutron

radiation

extends out beyond the range where blast effects are liable to produce

casualties to moderately protected personnel.



I should know better than to get involved in these discussions.  I am

sorry.



I am not aware of any direct fusion device as I said in earlier parts of

my

response.



Any opinions expressed are mine alone and do not necessarily represent

those

of the Denver VA Medical Center, The Department of Veterans Affairs, or

the

U.S. Government.



Peter G. Vernig                

Radiation Safety Officer, VA Medical Center, 1055 Clermont St. Denver,

CO

80220, ATTN; RSO MS 115

303-399-8020 ext. 2447, peter.vernig@med.va.gov [alternate for business

-

vernig.peter@forum.va.gov; private - peter_vernig@hotmail.com] Fax

303-393-5026 [8 - 4:30 MT service] Alternate Fax 303-377-5686



"...whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is

pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is found to

be

excellent or praiseworthy, let your mind dwell on these things."    Paul



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