Radioactive Boyscout: Real-Life Story of a Teenager's Quest for Nuclear Fusion

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the real-life story of David Hahn, known as the "Radioactive Boy Scout," who attempted to build a nuclear reactor in his mother's shed using materials like Americium-241 sourced from smoke detectors. Participants express skepticism about Hahn's understanding of nuclear physics, emphasizing his lack of knowledge regarding the principles of reactor design and the dangers of handling radioactive materials. The conversation highlights the risks associated with amateur experimentation in nuclear science and critiques Hahn's disregard for safety protocols, ultimately concluding that his actions posed significant dangers to himself and the public.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of nuclear physics principles
  • Knowledge of radioactive materials and their properties
  • Familiarity with radiation shielding concepts
  • Awareness of safety protocols in handling hazardous materials
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties and safety measures for handling Americium-241
  • Study the principles of nuclear reactor design and operation
  • Learn about radiation types and their biological effects
  • Investigate historical cases of amateur nuclear experiments and their consequences
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physicists, nuclear engineers, safety professionals, and anyone interested in the ethical implications of amateur science experiments involving hazardous materials.

  • #31
TOKAMAK said:
Just a quick question if I may: So would spallation be the appropriate term for the fissioning of the U238 tamper on a thermonuclear warhead? The U238 in the tamper fissions from the fast neutrons, but thermal neutrons won't have any effect (other than transmuting the uranium into neptonium, which will quickly decay to Pu239), correct?

TOKAMAK,

As tehfrr stated, fissioning of U238 is not spallation - it is a fission reaction.

Or more specifically, it is a "threshold fission reaction".

An isotope like U-235 is said to be "fissile" - because it will fission with
low energy neutrons - that is the neutron need not bring with it any added
kinetic energy. Just falling into the nuclear potential well of a U-235
nucleus is enough to fission U-235.

An isotope like U-238 is said to be "fissionable". That is it will fission,
but only if the neutron has a kinetic energy above a certain threshold
value; which in the case of U-238 is about 1 MeV. If you have a lot of
high energy neutrons running around, U-238 will fission, and it is called
"fission" - same mechanism as U-235 - but just needs a little more energy.

Dr. Gregory Greenman
Physicist
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
  • #32
Oh okay, I think I get it now. Thanks for the quick responses.
 

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