The Manhattan Project

The development of nuclear weapons by the Manhattan Project during World
War II was one of the most dramatic scientific/technological episodes
in human history. This book, prepared by a recognized expert on the
Manhattan Project, offers a concise survey of the essential physics
concepts underlying fission weapons.The text describes the
energetics and timescales of fast-neutron chain reactions, why only
certain isotopes of uranium and plutonium are suitable for use in
fission weapons, how critical mass and bomb yield can be estimated, how
the efficiency of nuclear weapons can be enhanced, how the fissile forms
of uranium and plutonium were obtained, some of the design details of
the 'Little Boy' and 'Fat Man' bombs, and some of the thermal, shock,
and radiation effects of nuclear weapons. Calculation exercises are
provided, and a Bibliography lists authoritative print and online
sources of information for readers who wish to pursue more detailed
study of this fascinating topic.