3 ms·
Was wondering the same, I would not have expected welds in places where plutonium is used and assumed things like casting, forging, and machining is what you do
by danbruc 3y ago
Was wondering the same, I would not have expected welds in places where plutonium is used and assumed things like casting, forging, and machining is what you do to plutonium. Maybe this was just for research, just in case the need ever arises? Or for experimental setups?
- chainingsolid 3y agoAddative manufactering (welding) has the advantage of working towards a critical mass. Where as subtractive requires getting even closer to it then moving away from it, as you make the desired part.
- danbruc 3y agoInteresting point but would that really be relevant? If you have a hollow pit or one with an initiator in the center, you will be making two half-spheres, so you will be far away from the critical mass. And even if you are making a solid pit, I would have assumed that you are quite a bit away from the critical mass without neutron reflectors and the compression from the detonation.
- icegreentea2 3y agoI think you'd want to weld the two half spheres together to give a more consistent mechanical fit to help with your implosion efficiency.