- #1
Involute
- 15
- 0
I understand that the vast majority of our atomic warheads are fusion devices. I realize that fusion yields are potentially much larger than fission yields, but our most modern fusion warhead, the W88, has a maximum yield of "only" 475 kilotons, while the maximum theoretical yield of a fission warhead is around 500 kilotons.
I believe the limiting factor in fission is how much fissile material can be made to undergo fission before the device destroys itself. Fusion isn't subject to a similar limitation since it can go on fusing as much fuel as is provided.
Given the relative simplicity of fission devices, and our apparent desire for roughly half-megaton yields, why don't we just use pure fission warheads? I assume they'd be significantly larger and heavier than the W88 and its predecessors (which I gather achieve much of their yield from fusion-boosted fission), but is that true? Are there other reasons?
I believe the limiting factor in fission is how much fissile material can be made to undergo fission before the device destroys itself. Fusion isn't subject to a similar limitation since it can go on fusing as much fuel as is provided.
Given the relative simplicity of fission devices, and our apparent desire for roughly half-megaton yields, why don't we just use pure fission warheads? I assume they'd be significantly larger and heavier than the W88 and its predecessors (which I gather achieve much of their yield from fusion-boosted fission), but is that true? Are there other reasons?