Peierls critical mass formula

In summary, the conversation discusses a project about the development of the nuclear bomb and the mathematicians involved, specifically focusing on Peierls and his critical mass formula. The Nuclear Threat Initiative website and the book The Making of the Atomic Bomb may provide helpful information for the project.
  • #1
uraknai
6
0
Hi,

I'm doing a project for my 3rd year maths degree about the development of the nuclear bomb and the mathematicians that contributed. I have so far wrote about early experiments that led to the discovery of radioactivity, the michelson-morley experiment and Einsteins Special relativity. I am writing a chapter about peierls but am having a lot of trouble finding any information about the formula he derived concerning critical mass. Could anyone give me link to any websites that contain info about peierls' critical mass formula or any books that will help

Thanks in advance
 
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  • #2
.One website that may be useful is the Nuclear Threat Initiative website, which provides information about the history of the nuclear bomb and the mathematicians that contributed to its development. The website has an article about Peierls and his contributions to the development of the nuclear bomb, and it includes a discussion of his critical mass formula. Additionally, there is a link to the book The Making of the Atomic Bomb by Richard Rhodes, which may provide more information about Peierls and his formula.
 
  • #3
for any help!

The Peierls critical mass formula is a mathematical equation derived by physicist Rudolf Peierls in 1940. It is used to calculate the minimum amount of fissionable material needed to sustain a nuclear chain reaction. This was a crucial development in the development of the atomic bomb during World War II.

The formula takes into account various factors such as the density, shape, and composition of the fissionable material, as well as the neutron cross-section and the energy of the neutrons. It also considers the speed at which neutrons are released and the rate at which they are absorbed by the fissionable material.

Unfortunately, there is limited information available online about Peierls' critical mass formula. However, there are a few resources that may be helpful in your research:

1. "The Making of the Atomic Bomb" by Richard Rhodes - This Pulitzer Prize-winning book provides a comprehensive history of the development of the atomic bomb, including a chapter on Peierls and his contributions.

2. "Critical Mass: How Nazi Germany Surrendered Enriched Uranium for the United States' Atomic Bomb" by Carter P. Hydrick - This book delves into the race to develop the atomic bomb during World War II and includes information about Peierls' formula.

3. "Rudolf Peierls and the Uranium Bomb: Project Tube Alloys and the British Quest for Nuclear Weapons, 1939-1945" by Robert L. Sime - This book specifically focuses on Peierls' role in the development of the atomic bomb and may have more information about his critical mass formula.

Additionally, you may want to check out academic journals or articles that discuss Peierls' work in more detail. Good luck with your project!
 

What is the Peierls critical mass formula?

The Peierls critical mass formula is a mathematical equation used to calculate the minimum amount of fissile material needed to sustain a nuclear chain reaction. It takes into account factors such as the shape, density, and enrichment of the material, as well as the neutron absorption cross-section.

Who developed the Peierls critical mass formula?

The formula was developed by German-born physicist Rudolf Peierls in 1940. Peierls was a key figure in the development of the atomic bomb during World War II and played a significant role in the Manhattan Project.

How is the Peierls critical mass formula used?

The formula is primarily used in nuclear engineering and nuclear weapons design to determine the amount of fissile material needed for a critical mass, which is the minimum amount of material required for a self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction. It is also used in nuclear safety and non-proliferation efforts to ensure that nuclear materials are handled and stored safely.

What are the limitations of the Peierls critical mass formula?

The formula is based on simplified assumptions and does not take into account certain complex factors, such as the presence of impurities or the effects of neutron moderation. It is also not applicable to all types of fissile materials and may not accurately predict critical masses for materials with unique properties.

Why is the Peierls critical mass formula important?

The formula is important because it provides a basic understanding of the criticality of nuclear materials and allows for the safe handling and storage of these materials. It also played a crucial role in the development of nuclear weapons and continues to be used in nuclear research and engineering today.

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