One subcritical chunk of uranium falling on another is sufficient.
I don't think this is correct. It's my understanding that unless the material is contained, like by an explosive force, the fluid dynamic nature of the material at high temperature will just physically blow it apart producing a dirty, low yield explosion from the heat.
Someone want to do a little research on this and report back? The FBI will probably be watching you. :o)
Incidentally, I had the good fortune to associate from time to time over the past 15 years with Glenn Seaborg, the Nobel prize "inventor" of plutonium, Chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission, the only person to have a patent on an element (Americium), namesake of Element 106, Seaborgium, and advisor to Presidents for half a century. As a former Chancellor of UC Berkely, he was very proud that his name was an anagram for Go Bears! Dr. Seaborg,a member of my wife's PhD committee, "hooded" her at the graduation ceremony. He was a great and kindly man, taking infinite interest in the science education of our nation's children. We were greatly saddened by his recent passing.
lbl.gov
--fl |
