How does the Tamper in a nuclear bomb survive?

In summary, the conversation discusses the process of how nuclear bombs work, specifically the role of the tamper in triggering the chain reaction. The tamper is destroyed mechanically by the shock waves from the conventional explosives, but its job is still accomplished through the momentum it creates. The time involved in this process is very short.
  • #1
gvlr96
9
1
I can't really explain my query fully in the space of a title but after hearing an explanation about how nuclear bombs work there is one thing I don't understand - the fissile material is in the centre, around that is the neutron deflector and around that the conventional explosives (this is probably a simplification). The shock waves from the conventional explosives must squeeze the fissile material to critical mass to trigger the chain reaction, but the shock wave must travel through the tamper first. Why is the tamper not destroyed? If the blast is powerful enough to cause critical mass surely any material used for the tamper would not survive?
 
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  • #2
It all gets compressed. The time involved is very short.
 
  • #3
The tamper gets destroyed mechanically - it doesn't matter, as long as it moves inwards it serves its purpose.
 
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  • #4
mfb said:
The tamper gets destroyed mechanically - it doesn't matter, as long as it moves inwards it serves its purpose.

So it gets destroyed but still can do its job - thank you.
 
  • #5
gvlr96 said:
So it gets destroyed but still can do its job - thank you.
The momentum of the tamper does the job. A structure can be destroyed; momentum can not be.
 

1. How does the tamper in a nuclear bomb protect the core?

The tamper in a nuclear bomb is made of a dense material, such as uranium, that is designed to reflect the energy of the core back into itself. This helps to increase the overall efficiency of the bomb and prevent premature detonation.

2. What is the purpose of the tamper in a nuclear bomb?

The tamper serves two main purposes in a nuclear bomb. First, it helps to compress the core of the bomb, increasing the density and therefore the efficiency of the nuclear reaction. Second, it helps to delay the expansion of the bomb, allowing for a more complete fission reaction.

3. How is the tamper designed and constructed?

The tamper is typically made of a dense, heavy material such as uranium, plutonium, or lead. It is often shaped into a sphere or cylinder and is surrounded by layers of other materials, such as explosives, to help compress and shape it into the desired form.

4. Can the tamper survive the intense heat and pressure of a nuclear explosion?

Yes, the tamper is specifically designed to withstand the extreme temperatures and pressures produced by a nuclear explosion. It is made of highly heat-resistant materials and is reinforced to withstand the immense forces at play.

5. What happens to the tamper after a nuclear bomb detonates?

After the explosion, the tamper is either completely destroyed or severely damaged, depending on the strength of the bomb. However, its role in the nuclear reaction is critical and without it, the bomb would not be as powerful or effective.

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