Ummm...didn't you have the blueprints for the nukes?

The_Minister · 15-06-2009 11:56pm #1

http://www.allgov.com/ViewNews/Scientists_Forget_How_to_Build_Nuclear_Bomb_90531

They've forgotten how to make a key component for nuclear weapons.

I'd say they are running around like crazy trying to rediscover it.

Captain-America · 15-06-2009 11:57pm

I bet Kim Jong-il is delighted.

mink_man · 15-06-2009 11:58pm

it seems the intelligence of the world powers is going, chinese people cheatin' in tests and everythin! :rolleyes:

Biggins · 15-06-2009 11:59pm

I once downloaded plans a nunber of years ago on how to build a nuke (it was for book background research).
Within 24 hours a recieved a polite email from a department from an American Government agency asking why I downloaded and/or need such information!

Nosey sods!

Senna · 16-06-2009 12:01am

They cant remember what makes them detonate?? isn't normally the big red button?

The_Minister · 16-06-2009 12:01am

Biggins wrote: »

I once downloaded plans a nunber of years ago on how to build a nuke (it was for book background research).
Within 24 hours a recieved a polite email from a department from an American Government agency asking why I downloaded and/or need such information!

Nosey sods!

http://xkcd.com/576/

AlmightyCushion · 16-06-2009 12:05am

http://sadtrombone.com/

Pygmalion · 16-06-2009 12:07am

Find it very hard to believe that this is true.
There should be no special material needed to make it reach critical mass, store two pieces of radioactive material, just over half critical mass each, at opposite ends of a reinforced tube, to detonate simply fire the two masses towards the center of tube (using conventional, low power explosives, not strong enough to even destroy the tube) and you have more than critical mass.

Critical mass of enriched plutonium requires a sphere of diameter less than 10cm, so it's not like it's a miniaturization thing either.

TheZohanS · 16-06-2009 12:13am

Pygmalion wrote: »

Find it very hard to believe that this is true.
There should be no special material needed to make it reach critical mass, store two pieces of radioactive material, just over half critical mass each, at opposite ends of a reinforced tube, to detonate simply fire the two masses towards the center of tube (using conventional, low power explosives, not strong enough to even destroy the tube) and you have more than critical mass.

Critical mass of enriched plutonium requires a sphere of diameter less than 10cm, so it's not like it's a miniaturization thing either.

If only it was that simple Pygmalion.....if only it was that simple...

uprising · 16-06-2009 12:51am

I cant see this being true, it says "the issue stems from the “profiteering agenda” of the contractors running Lawrence Livermore and Los Alamos National Laboratory who have “chased out” the experts who knew how to build the bombs"
If it were true, maybe they could recruit some north korean expert, they seem to remember how to make them blow. Its either misinformation or just total bullix, just bullix if you ask me.

Biggins · 16-06-2009 12:56am

http://xkcd.com/576/

Hell! Sure I've been on that list a long time now I suspect lol.

Aaa yes... I can just hear the sellers calling out on the streets of Dublin now...

"Com' and ged it... Get your Plutonium 235 - 2 fissions to the pound"

"238 all sold outa - get the rest quick!"

"Have a bit of Plutonium 239 - for that little extra sparkle - come and ged it!"

bronte · 16-06-2009 1:29am

AlmightyCushion wrote: »

http://sadtrombone.com/

Lmao! :pac:

Manic Moran · 16-06-2009 2:12am

There should be no special material needed to make it reach critical mass, store two pieces of radioactive material, just over half critical mass each, at opposite ends of a reinforced tube, to detonate simply fire the two masses towards the center of tube (using conventional, low power explosives, not strong enough to even destroy the tube) and you have more than critical mass.

Critical mass of enriched plutonium requires a sphere of diameter less than 10cm, so it's not like it's a miniaturization thing either.

I think if it were that simple, then it wouldn't take countries years, billions of dollars, and a lot of smart people in white coats to make a nuke.

There was also the problem that the US's nuclear arsenal as it currently exists is pretty archaic. Some B-61 nukes still in service have vacuum tubes in the fuzing systems, and supplies of spare parts are running out. Apparently nobody makes the things any more.

NTM