Upgrading Nukes: The Fate of Older Versions Explained

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the fate of older nuclear weapons and reactors as newer versions are developed. Participants explore the processes involved in upgrading nuclear technology and the handling of older materials, specifically uranium and plutonium.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about the specific types of nuclear technology being discussed, questioning whether the focus is on nuclear weapons or nuclear reactors.
  • There is a mention of the yield differences between older and newer nuclear weapons, with older versions having significantly lower yields compared to modern counterparts.
  • One participant suggests that older uranium may be down-blended and repurposed as fuel in reactors, indicating a potential recycling process for older materials.
  • Another participant references a similar program in Russia regarding the handling of older plutonium pits, suggesting that this practice may not be unique to the US.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the specifics of what happens to older nuclear materials, with some proposing recycling methods while others question the processes involved. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the exact fate of older nuclear weapons and materials.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the assumptions about recycling processes and the definitions of nuclear materials being referenced. The specifics of the programs mentioned are not fully detailed, leaving some aspects unclear.

rogerl
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Since nukes are being upgraded every so often, what happens to the older version?
 
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rogerl said:
Since nukes are being upgraded every so often, what happens to the older version?
What kind of nukes - nuclear weapons or nuclear reactors?
 
Astronuc said:
What kind of nukes - nuclear weapons or nuclear reactors?

The uranium and plutonium. Older ones have lower yield equal to twice of say Hiroshima explosive power. New nukes have 50 times the power. So what did they do with the older 1 kiloton uranium.. throw it away or recycle it to create 10 kiloton uranium?
 
rogerl said:
The uranium and plutonium. Older ones have lower yield equal to twice of say Hiroshima explosive power. New nukes have 50 times the power. So what did they do with the older 1 kiloton uranium. throw it away or recycle it to create 10 kiloton uranium?
As far as I know, the old U was down-blended (enrichment reduced) and the material used as fuel in reactors. The US is planning to do the same with the older Pu pits in stock. Russia has a similar program.

http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/WR_Slow_progress_towards_US_use_of_MOX_2102111.html
 
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