Technology and Control of Nuclear Weapons

3-0-9 units · Undergraduate

Examines the historical, physics, and engineering foundations of nuclear weapons, including neutronics, nuclear criticality and ignition, and the range of catastrophic effects produced by nuclear explosives. Explores methods of production of nuclear materials and the technical evolution of nuclear weapons from the first devices deployed in 1945 through modern multimegaton designs. Emphasizes two primary areas: (1) the physical processes and engineering innovations governing nuclear weapon performance and technological evolution, and (2) the system engineering considerations that determine military effectiveness and the strategic doctrines and policies adopted by nuclear weapons states. Concludes with focus on technical and diplomatic methods for nuclear weapons control and nonproliferation. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments.