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On the other hand, our current nuclear bombs initiate a fusion reaction with a fission reaction. The radiation comes from the fission. If fusion research find
by max76 8y ago
On the other hand, our current nuclear bombs initiate a fusion reaction with a fission reaction. The radiation comes from the fission. If fusion research finds a way to initiate nuclear fusion in a payload small enough to fit in a warhead that does not make use of heavy elements then we will not have to worry about radiation poisoning, one of the most horrific aspects of current generation nuclear bombs. This would result in a less deadly bomb while still having the current or higher levels of deterrence. It could be seen as a net positive.
- philipkglass 8y agoFallout looms large in the public imagination but it's the giant explosions and loss of infrastructure that would cause the vast majority of deaths in a nuclear war. A bomb offering "all the explosive power of fission-triggered fusion weapons, but clean enough to use routinely" would be a terrible technology for humans to invent.
- max76 8y agoI'm not convinced such a bomb would be routinely used. It doesn't break MAD. The current trend in warfare is towards precision strikes, and this is pretty much the opposite of precision. I am convinced that, in the case that there is a global thermal nuclear war, it would be much better for humanities' long term prospects if there was no radiation involved.