fisson (cont'd)
“8
(
Plutonium-239, ‘Although these substances
are radioactive, they have relatively
long half-lives, so that they may be
regarded as moderately stable, Also, they
will undergo fusion by. the capture of
neutrons of all energies~either fast
(high energy) or slow (low energy).
fractionation
The breaking down of nuclear particles or
of radioactive debris into various chemicals,
Such breakdown increases difficulties of
identification through radio-chemical analysis,
fusion
A mclear reaction in which light nuclei
combine to form a nucleus of a higher mass
number, This process can be said to represent
the opposite to nuclear fission, The fusion
of nuclei of a low atomic number releases
large amounts of energy. Such fusion
reactions go on constantly in the interiors
of stars and form the basic principle of the
~ thermonuclear bomb,
fuzing system
That portion of a weapon which originates
the signal which triggers the firing system,
The fuzing system normally consists of such
components as radars, baro switches, timers,
impact crystals, antennas, baro sensing
elements, and the like.
G or G-force
Force exerted upon an object by gravity or
by reaction to acceleration or deceleration,
as in a change of direction; one G is the
measure of the gravitational pull required
to move a body at the rate of about 32.16
feet per second,
gamma ray
Short wavelength electromagnetic radiation
originating in the nucleus of certain radioactive atoms, The rays possess great
penetration capabilities and, as associated
with nuclear detonations, constitute a
potential health hazard.
guided missile
A trajectile that is directed to its target
while in flight or motion, either by a
preset or self-reacting device within the
trajectile or by radio command outside
the missile,
323
AFWL/H@
SWEH -2 -0034
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