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Chapter
The threat of a self-sustained chain reaction device
DOI link for The threat of a self-sustained chain reaction device
The threat of a self-sustained chain reaction device book
The threat of a self-sustained chain reaction device
DOI link for The threat of a self-sustained chain reaction device
The threat of a self-sustained chain reaction device book
ABSTRACT
There has been an intense discussion on nuclear security issues in recent years within the professional nuclear community. Numerous incidents of unauthorized acquisition and possession of nuclear/radioactive materials show that nuclear security is still far from perfect. This chapter will consider the characteristics, functioning, and possible effects of such a device in comparison with other types of nuclear terrorism. This chapter considers three types of nuclear terrorism: an Improvised Nuclear Device (IND), a Radiological Exposure Device (RED), and a Radiation Dispersal Devices (RDD). An IND is a device intended to cause a yield-producing nuclear explosion. A RDD is a device in contrast to a nuclear explosive device specifically designed to employ radioactive material by dissemination. A RED is a device that causes harm without dissemination or dispersal of radioactive material. The SCRD irradiation capability is much higher than that of a RDD or RED with high-level radioactive isotopes.
