Quote:
Originally Posted by pmulcahy11b
0.055 Kt. Isn't there a problem with the triggers on devices that small due to the radioactivity? Or was the actual device much larger than the yield would indicate?
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Paul,
Apparently, "Pascal-A" was actually a test of a fail-safe design and was intended to ignite a "1-point detonation", where (I guess) the plutonium only made contact at a single point and not at several points (like normal). The yield was only expected to be 1-2 lbs (as a "fizzle") but it fizzled a lot more than they expected! In theory, 55 tons is approaching the lower limit.
http://nuclearweaponarchive.org/Usa/Tests/Plumbob.html
(Scroll down to "Pascal-A".)
"It is not known how small the smallest theoretically possible nuclear explosion would be, but 55 tons is the smallest of which there is a record, and may approach the lower boundary."
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-...explosions.htm
Tony