10-15,
(The discussion focussed on the number 10, since this seemed to be
the Limitation that the Commission was actually considering.)
The
Committee could see no technical or safety reasons for fixing on the
number lo,
A better policy would be to shoot whatever number are necessary
and practical, appropriate precautions being taken for each shot.
(Appendix B)
The Committee next considered the linked subjects of preinitiation, , 7
Pre-
plutonium quality, and production of materials, Dr, Rabi expressed
initiation,
ete,
ae
pleasure that the problem of producing 20 n/g-sec ("200 g/T") plutonium
now seemed less formidable,
However, the need for material of this
quality had not been demonstrated,
Dr. von Neumann pointed out that some
quantities of high grade material would continue to be needed as long as
there were new weapon designs to be tested, in order to eliminate
plutonium quality as a factor in the test results,
(He referred here to
tests necessary in the development of new designs rather than to proof
firings.)
(Appendix C, item 2)
Greater knowledge and understanding is required on two technical
Preproblems:
initiation
Test
(1) what is the effect on the thermonuclear yield of a reduced
;
(or variable) yield of the primary bomb; and, (2) quantitatively, what is
the preinitiation behavior of the primary bomb,
At the Chairman's request, —
Dr. von Neumann agreed to Look into the present theory of preinitiaticn
to see if it is being done as well as can be. The Committee agreed to
reiterate its suggestion that a preinitiation test be carried out to check
the theory under conditions remote from those of maximum yield,