Hydrogen Bomb Fuel: Tritium or Lithium Deuteride?

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SUMMARY

The primary fuel used in hydrogen bombs created from heavy water reactors is Tritium (T), which is produced through neutron capture by Deuterium (D) in the reaction D + n -> T. While Lithium Deuteride (LiD) is utilized in thermonuclear weapons, it is not a product of heavy water reactors. The discussion confirms Tritium's role in nuclear fusion processes, particularly in the context of thermonuclear weapons.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of nuclear fusion processes
  • Familiarity with heavy water reactors and their operation
  • Knowledge of isotopes, specifically Deuterium and Tritium
  • Basic principles of neutron capture reactions
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the production methods of Tritium in nuclear reactors
  • Study the role of Lithium Deuteride in thermonuclear weapons
  • Explore the physics of neutron capture and its applications
  • Investigate the safety and regulatory aspects of Tritium handling
USEFUL FOR

Nuclear physicists, students studying nuclear engineering, and professionals involved in nuclear weapons research or policy development will benefit from this discussion.

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Homework Statement


What product of heavy water reactors has been used to create hydrogen bombs?


Homework Equations


This is basically what I'm looking for.


The Attempt at a Solution


It's not a math question. I took an online quiz for my class and it said it was Tritium, but I thought it was Lithium Deuteride. My textbook's terrible index didn't help any, and I couldn't find any online resources. So if you answer this I would be very grateful if you could cite a source :)
 
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Tritium is correct.

Heavy water is predominantly D2O and neutron capture by D produces T (D + n -> T). http://www.fas.org/nuke/intro/nuke/tritium.htm

Nuclear Renaissance: Technologies and Policies for the Future of Nuclear

CANDU Fundamentals - Moderator And Moderator System
http://canteach.candu.org/library/20040712.pdf

Thermonuclear weapons have used DT fusion, as well as LiD, but LiD is not a product a heavy water reactor.
 
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Alright thanks :)
 

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