Do neutron bombs have a beryllium cladding?

[shelanachium]

Neutron bombs (not that we hear much of them now) are said to produce intense neutron radiation but little blast. I long wondered how this could be done.

It then occurred to me that fast neutrons from the DT reaction in a thermonuclear bomb could drive the energy-absorbing reaction Be-9 + n ---> 2He-4 + 2n; (absorbs 1.56 Mev)

and that these two neutrons may still have enough energy to split further beryllium, leading in total 6 slower neutrons for every fast one. This would both greatly increase the neutron flux and absorb much of the energy of the original thermonuclear reaction.

Is this how it's done? And if it is, can I expect a knock on the door at 3 am?

 

[AndyW]

Thank you for your question about neutron bombs and their production of intense neutron radiation. it is my duty to provide accurate and factual information on this topic.

Firstly, it is important to clarify that neutron bombs are not commonly used or talked about because they are a type of nuclear weapon designed specifically to produce a high amount of neutron radiation while minimizing the blast and thermal effects. They are considered a tactical nuclear weapon, meaning they are designed for use in specific military situations rather than as a strategic deterrent.

To answer your question, it is true that the production of intense neutron radiation in a neutron bomb is achieved through the use of a thermonuclear reaction. Specifically, the reaction you mentioned, Be-9 + n ---> 2He-4 + 2n, is one of the key reactions involved in the production of fast neutrons.

However, the production of fast neutrons alone is not enough to explain the intense neutron radiation produced by a neutron bomb. In fact, the majority of the neutron radiation comes from the secondary stage of the thermonuclear reaction, where the fast neutrons are used to initiate a fusion reaction in a mixture of deuterium and tritium (hence the name DT reaction). This fusion reaction produces even more neutrons, which are then released in a highly directional and concentrated beam.

The absorption of energy by beryllium, as you mentioned, is also a key component of a neutron bomb. In fact, the beryllium is used as a neutron reflector, helping to contain and direct the neutron beam towards the target. However, the splitting of beryllium by neutrons is not the main source of energy absorption in a neutron bomb.

In summary, the production of intense neutron radiation in a neutron bomb is achieved through a combination of the DT reaction, beryllium reflectors, and other design features that enhance the production and directionality of the neutron beam. I hope this answers your question and provides a better understanding of how neutron bombs work.

As for your concern about a knock on the door at 3 am, I can assure you that discussing this topic on a forum is not a cause for alarm. However, it is important to approach topics related to nuclear weapons with caution and responsibility. Thank you for your interest and curious mind.

 

[sir-pinski]

Yes, it is true that neutron bombs do have a beryllium cladding. The beryllium cladding is used in the tamper layer of the bomb, which surrounds the fusion fuel and helps to contain the explosion. The beryllium is used because it is a good neutron reflector and helps to increase the efficiency of the bomb.

As for how a neutron bomb produces intense neutron radiation but little blast, your understanding is correct. The beryllium in the bomb absorbs the fast neutrons from the fusion reaction and releases more slower neutrons. This process, known as neutron multiplication, greatly increases the neutron flux and reduces the blast effects.

And no, you should not expect a knock on the door at 3 am for discussing this topic. The technology and design of neutron bombs are well-known and have been studied for decades. It is not a secret or classified information. However, it is important to note that the production and use of neutron bombs are highly regulated and controlled by governments.