Anatomy of Fat man: implosion-critical bomb

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In summary, the person is looking for information on constructing a scale model of Fat Man, a nuclear bomb, and is asking for help finding details and components. They have checked the Wikipedia article but are also considering other sources such as government websites, although they are wary of potential investigation.
  • #1
protagoras
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Hi, I am tasked with constructing a scale model of Fat Man that can be broken down. Would anyone happen to know of any particular components, visible structures of the device, and any other necessary details. It is a long term project yet I can find no clear picture.
 
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  • #2
Have you checked the Wikipedia article on FAT MAN...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fat_Man

there are a number of "See Also" and "external Links" at the bottom
that may provide you information...

You might also ask at the USA Atomic Energy Commision
or Energy Department websites...of course you
might also get 'investigated" as well so be prepared.
 
  • #3
Wikipedia is as far as we go with this.
 

1. What is the anatomy of a fat man implosion-critical bomb?

The anatomy of a fat man implosion-critical bomb consists of three main components: the explosive core, the tamper, and the initiator. The explosive core is made of highly enriched uranium or plutonium, which is surrounded by a tamper made of beryllium or another dense material. The initiator is a small amount of conventional explosives that are used to compress the core, causing a chain reaction and resulting in a nuclear explosion.

2. How does a fat man implosion-critical bomb work?

A fat man implosion-critical bomb works by using an implosion design to compress the explosive core, causing a nuclear chain reaction. The initiator is detonated, creating a shockwave that travels through the tamper and compresses the core, increasing its density and causing it to reach critical mass. This results in a rapid release of energy, creating a powerful explosion.

3. What makes a fat man implosion-critical bomb so destructive?

The destructive power of a fat man implosion-critical bomb comes from the release of nuclear energy. The explosion releases a tremendous amount of heat and radiation, causing widespread destruction and devastation. The shockwave from the blast can also cause significant damage, particularly to structures and buildings in the immediate vicinity.

4. How is the implosion-critical bomb detonated?

The implosion-critical bomb is detonated through a complex series of steps. First, the bomb is dropped from an aircraft or launched from a missile. Once it reaches the desired altitude, the initiator is detonated, creating a shockwave that travels through the tamper and compresses the core. This initiates the nuclear chain reaction and results in the explosion of the bomb.

5. What are the potential effects of a fat man implosion-critical bomb detonation?

The potential effects of a fat man implosion-critical bomb detonation include immediate and long-term consequences. The initial blast can cause widespread destruction and loss of life, while the heat and radiation released can have long-lasting impacts on the environment and human health. The detonation of a single fat man bomb could have catastrophic effects on a large area, potentially leading to a nuclear war and global devastation.

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