Micro Nuclear Device: Is It Possible?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of micro nuclear devices, exploring the feasibility of such devices, their potential characteristics, and the implications of their use. Participants examine the physics of nuclear fission and fusion, as well as the associated radiation output.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the existence of micro nuclear devices, with one noting that traditional nuclear explosions produce large blasts due to critical mass requirements.
  • Another participant mentions historical examples of small nuclear warheads, such as the Davy Crockett, suggesting that while small, they still pose significant risks and yield substantial explosions.
  • A claim is made regarding the critical mass of uranium needed for a fission reaction, estimated at approximately 20 kg, and the conditions necessary for fusion, which require extreme temperatures.
  • One participant speculates that smaller devices might have a higher radiation-to-blast ratio due to inefficiencies, suggesting that smaller nuclear devices could be more dangerous in terms of radiation output.
  • It is asserted that any fission reaction would inevitably release radiation, although the specifics of how this relates to device size remain uncertain.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the existence and characteristics of micro nuclear devices, with no consensus reached on the feasibility or implications of such devices.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the assumptions made about nuclear physics, the definitions of micro devices, and the speculative nature of some claims about efficiency and radiation output.

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I have a limited understanding of how nuclear devices work and understand the basic physics related to fusion and fission.

However whilst I do not believe the latest assertions by Bashir the cleric from Indonesia who reckons the CIA set off a micro nuclear device in Bali - rather than it being some radical moslems from Indonesia.

It did get me to wondering though is there any such thing as a micro nuclear device? The explosions we classically see from nuclear tests and WW2 footage show enormous blasts, and the other information I have read seems to indicate that the critcal mass of product required would result in a sizable blast area - certainly much bigger than the one nightclub destroyed in Bali.

Can anyone tell me if:

a. there is any such thing as a micro nuclear bomb / device
b. if there was such a thing would it be possible for it to be mistaken for a normal device - ie by blast size?
c. and confirm that surely there would be some radiation output?

Thanks
 
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This'll get moved to S&D, or GD as a "conspiracy" thread. 'Bout the smallest nuclear warheads built for the U. S. arsenal were the Davy Crockett, or the "silver bullets" for the 155 (apocryphal --- heard about 'em at Ft. Sill, but never been able to confirm their existence). DC couldn't throw the warhead far enough to get the crew out of the fallout zone --- might as well put it in a suitcase and throw it --- after bending over, putting your head between your legs, and kissing your ass good-bye. 10-20 ton yield (not kton, ton) --- around half the size of the average mine under the Messines Ridge in WW I --- definitely more than enough to put the Bali club into low Earth orbit.
 
Critical mass of uranium in a sphere is approx. 20kgs I think, fusion doesn't need a specific mass or shape(obviously you want a lot for a large explosion), but it does need 100,000,000°c which is only obtainable by a normal nuclear explosion. So the smallest nuclear bomb would have to contain 20kgs of Uranium in 2 semi-spheres and some explosives as well as some neutron emmiters.

(I'm am in no way an expert on the matter but this is what I understand is required from my high-school knowledge and misc. facts I look up on the net)
 
And yes; there would be radiation. In fact, it is likely that the ratio of radiation to blast size would be much worse for a smaller device, because the higher ratio of surface area to mass within the fissile material would render such a device much less efficient. I think there are other innefficiencyies associated with a smaller device, but this is just speculation on my part (so far).

What I do know for certain is that there is no known way to produce a fission reaction without releasing radiation.