| ID | 092920 |
| Title Proper | Explosive properties of reactor-grade Plutonium |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Mark, J Carson ; Hippel, Frank Von ; Lyman, Edward |
| Publication | 2009. |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | The following discussion focuses on the question of whether a terrorist organization or a threshold state could make use of plutonium recovered from light-water-reactor fuel to construct a nuclear explosive device having a significantly damaging yield. Questions persist in some nonproliferation policy circles as to whether a bomb could be made from reactor-grade plutonium of high burn-up, and if so, whether the task would be too difficult for a threshold state or terrorist group to consider. Although the information relevant to these questions is in the public domain, and has been for a considerable time, it is assembled here for use by policy makers and members of the public who are concerned about preventing the spread of nuclear explosives. |
| `In' analytical Note | Science and Global Security Vol. 17, No. 2-3; May 2009: p.170 - 185 |
| Journal Source | Science and Global Security Vol. 17, No. 2-3; May 2009: p.170 - 185 |
| Key Words | Explosive Properties ; Reactor - Grade Plutonium ; Terrorist Organization ; Plutonium ; Nuclear Explosives ; Nuclear ; Nonproliferation Policy |