ATOMIC BOMBS and ATOMIC BOMBS and THEIR CONSEQUENCESTHEIR CONSEQUENCES

ByBy

MARIAM AWANMARIAM AWAN

ROLL NO:1159 ROLL NO:1159

BS(H)PHYSICSBS(H)PHYSICS

77thth SEMESTER SEMESTER

UNDER THE SUPERVISION UNDER THE SUPERVISION

OFOF

SIR ATTIQUE KHAN SHAHIDSIR ATTIQUE KHAN SHAHID

NUCLEAR REACTIONSNUCLEAR REACTIONS

In In nuclear physics, a , a nuclear reactionnuclear reaction is the process is the process in which two in which two nuclei or or nuclear particles collide to collide to produce products different from the initial particles. produce products different from the initial particles.

the transformation is spontaneous in the case of the transformation is spontaneous in the case of radioactive decay, and is initiated by a particle in the , and is initiated by a particle in the case of a nuclear reaction. case of a nuclear reaction.

If the particles collide and separate without changing, If the particles collide and separate without changing, the process is called an elastic the process is called an elastic collision rather than a rather than a reaction.reaction.

TYPES OF NUCLEAR TYPES OF NUCLEAR REACTIONSREACTIONS

the number of possible nuclear reactions is immense, there are several the number of possible nuclear reactions is immense, there are several types which are more common. types which are more common.

Fusion reactions - two light nuclei join to form a heavier one, with reactions - two light nuclei join to form a heavier one, with additional particles (usually protons or neutrons) thrown off to conserve additional particles (usually protons or neutrons) thrown off to conserve momentum. momentum.

Fission reactions - a very heavy nucleus, spontaneously or after absorbing reactions - a very heavy nucleus, spontaneously or after absorbing additional light particles (usually neutrons), splits into two or sometimes additional light particles (usually neutrons), splits into two or sometimes three pieces. (α decay is not usually called fission.) three pieces. (α decay is not usually called fission.)

Spallation - a nucleus is hit by a particle with sufficient energy and - a nucleus is hit by a particle with sufficient energy and momentum to knock out several small fragments or, smash it into many momentum to knock out several small fragments or, smash it into many fragments. fragments.

Induced gamma emission belongs to a class in which only photons were belongs to a class in which only photons were involved in creating and destroying states of nuclear excitation. involved in creating and destroying states of nuclear excitation.

NUCLEAR FISSIONNUCLEAR FISSION

When a nucleus fissions, it When a nucleus fissions, it splits into several smaller splits into several smaller fragments. These fragments, fragments. These fragments, or fission products, are or fission products, are about equal to half the about equal to half the original mass. Two or three original mass. Two or three neutrons are also emitted.neutrons are also emitted.

Fission can occur when a Fission can occur when a nucleus of a heavy atom nucleus of a heavy atom captures a neutron, or it can captures a neutron, or it can happen spontaneously happen spontaneously

FISSION CHAIN REACTIONSFISSION CHAIN REACTIONS A chain reaction refers to a A chain reaction refers to a

process in which neutrons process in which neutrons released in fission produce released in fission produce an additional fission in at an additional fission in at least one further nucleus. least one further nucleus. This nucleus in turn This nucleus in turn produces neutrons, and the produces neutrons, and the process repeats. process repeats.

The process may be The process may be controlled (nuclear power) controlled (nuclear power) or uncontrolled (nuclear or uncontrolled (nuclear weapons). weapons).

UNCONTROLLED FISSION & UNCONTROLLED FISSION & NUCLEAR WEAPONSNUCLEAR WEAPONS

A A nuclear weaponnuclear weapon is an explosive device that derives is an explosive device that derives its destructive force from its destructive force from nuclear reactions, either , either fission or a combination of fission and or a combination of fission and fusion. Both . Both reactions release vast quantities of energy from reactions release vast quantities of energy from relatively small amounts of matter.relatively small amounts of matter.

Nuclear weapons are considered Nuclear weapons are considered weapons of mass destruction, and their use and , and their use and control has been a major aspect of international control has been a major aspect of international policy since their debut.policy since their debut.

TYPES OF NUCLEAR WEAPONSTYPES OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS

From the military usage point of view, they are From the military usage point of view, they are classified asclassified as

Tactical weapons Tactical weapons Strategic weaponsStrategic weapons Tactical weapons are low yield weapons that meant to Tactical weapons are low yield weapons that meant to

be used in the battlefield against military formations. be used in the battlefield against military formations. Strategic weapons are high yield weapons to be used Strategic weapons are high yield weapons to be used

against civilian populations in big cities. against civilian populations in big cities.

BASIC TYPES OF NUCLEAR BASIC TYPES OF NUCLEAR WEAPONSWEAPONS

The basic types of weapons that have been The basic types of weapons that have been built or conceived of are described below: built or conceived of are described below:

Pure fission weaponsPure fission weapons Boosted fission weaponsBoosted fission weapons Thermonuclear weaponsThermonuclear weapons Enhanced radiation weapons (ERW)Enhanced radiation weapons (ERW) Salted nuclear weaponsSalted nuclear weapons

PURE FISSION WEAPONSPURE FISSION WEAPONS

Weapons in which only the fission reaction takes Weapons in which only the fission reaction takes place are called pure fission weapons or simply place are called pure fission weapons or simply fission weapons.e.g, The bombs that were dropped at fission weapons.e.g, The bombs that were dropped at Hiroshima and Nagasaki were both fission bombs. Hiroshima and Nagasaki were both fission bombs.

They could be either tactical or strategic weapons. They could be either tactical or strategic weapons. These are the simplest nuclear weapons to design and These are the simplest nuclear weapons to design and

build. They form the basis for developing other types build. They form the basis for developing other types of weapons. of weapons.

Their yield can range from a few tons to about a few Their yield can range from a few tons to about a few hundred kilotons. hundred kilotons.

BOOSTED FISSION BOOSTED FISSION WEAPONSWEAPONS

The efficiency of a fission weapon can be increased dramatically by The efficiency of a fission weapon can be increased dramatically by introducing a small amount of material that can undergo fusion. Such introducing a small amount of material that can undergo fusion. Such weapons are called boosted fission weapons.weapons are called boosted fission weapons.

These are fission fusion fission weapons. In boosted weapons, the fission These are fission fusion fission weapons. In boosted weapons, the fission reaction takes place first and produces the required temperatures and reaction takes place first and produces the required temperatures and densities for the fusion reaction. The fusion in turn accelerates the fission densities for the fusion reaction. The fusion in turn accelerates the fission reaction. reaction.

The fusion only serves to help the fission process go faster and hence make The fusion only serves to help the fission process go faster and hence make the weapon more efficient. It contributes only about 1% of the yield. the weapon more efficient. It contributes only about 1% of the yield.

Since boosted fission weapons are more efficient than pure fission Since boosted fission weapons are more efficient than pure fission weapons, they can be made lighter for the same yield. So most of the weapons, they can be made lighter for the same yield. So most of the fission weapons deployed today are boosted fission weapons fission weapons deployed today are boosted fission weapons

THERMONUCLEAR WEAPONSTHERMONUCLEAR WEAPONS

Thermonuclear weapons, also called hydrogen bombs, get Thermonuclear weapons, also called hydrogen bombs, get most of their yield from the fusion reaction. most of their yield from the fusion reaction.

They require a fission explosion to trigger fusion, called the They require a fission explosion to trigger fusion, called the primary stage.primary stage.

To initiate the fusion reaction is called the secondary stage. To initiate the fusion reaction is called the secondary stage. However unlike the boosted weapons, thermonuclear weapons However unlike the boosted weapons, thermonuclear weapons

contain a substantial amount of fusion fuel and most of their contain a substantial amount of fusion fuel and most of their yield comes from fusion. Indeed these are the most powerful yield comes from fusion. Indeed these are the most powerful of nuclear weapons, often with yields of a few megatons.of nuclear weapons, often with yields of a few megatons.

A third fission stage named as Tertiary can also be added to A third fission stage named as Tertiary can also be added to produce very high yield weapons. produce very high yield weapons.

ENHANCED RADIATION ENHANCED RADIATION WEAPONSWEAPONS

Enhanced radiation weapons, also called Enhanced radiation weapons, also called neutron bombs are small tactical neutron bombs are small tactical thermonuclear weapons which are designed to thermonuclear weapons which are designed to produce intense nuclear radiation. produce intense nuclear radiation.

These weapons are designed to kill soldiers These weapons are designed to kill soldiers protected by armour (eg. inside tanks). The protected by armour (eg. inside tanks). The radiation produced by the neutron bombs can radiation produced by the neutron bombs can easily penetrate the armour of the tanks and easily penetrate the armour of the tanks and kill the humans inside them. kill the humans inside them.

SALTED NUCLEAR WEAPONSSALTED NUCLEAR WEAPONS

Salted nuclear weapons, or cobalt bombs, are thermonuclear Salted nuclear weapons, or cobalt bombs, are thermonuclear weapons which are designed to produce a large amount of weapons which are designed to produce a large amount of long lasting radioactive fallout. long lasting radioactive fallout.

This would result in large scale radioactive contamination of This would result in large scale radioactive contamination of the area they are dropped in. The difference between the the area they are dropped in. The difference between the fallout from the salted weapons and the unsalted one is that the fallout from the salted weapons and the unsalted one is that the former is much more in quantity and also has a much longer former is much more in quantity and also has a much longer lifetime. lifetime.

The fallout remains radioactive for much longer. The long The fallout remains radioactive for much longer. The long term effects of such weapons would therefore be much worse. term effects of such weapons would therefore be much worse.

These weapons are called Doomsday Devices since they could These weapons are called Doomsday Devices since they could possibly kill everyone on earth. possibly kill everyone on earth.

DETONATION TECHNIQUES DETONATION TECHNIQUES of of

ATOMIC BOMBSATOMIC BOMBS There are three techniques to bring the There are three techniques to bring the

subcritical masses together into a supercritical subcritical masses together into a supercritical mass.These are given below:mass.These are given below:

Gun-triggeredGun-triggered Implosion-triggeredImplosion-triggered Modern Implosion-triggeredModern Implosion-triggered

Neutrons are introduced by making a Neutrons are introduced by making a neutron generatorneutron generator. This generator is . This generator is a small pellet of polonium and beryllium, separated by foil within the a small pellet of polonium and beryllium, separated by foil within the fissionable fuel core. In this generator:fissionable fuel core. In this generator:

The foil is broken when the subcritical masses come together and The foil is broken when the subcritical masses come together and polonium spontaneously emits alpha particles. polonium spontaneously emits alpha particles.

These alpha particles then collide with beryllium-9 to produce beryllium-8 These alpha particles then collide with beryllium-9 to produce beryllium-8 and free neutrons. and free neutrons.

The neutrons then initiate fission. The neutrons then initiate fission. Finally, the fission reaction is confined within a dense material called a Finally, the fission reaction is confined within a dense material called a

tampertamper, which is usually made of uranium-238. The tamper gets heated , which is usually made of uranium-238. The tamper gets heated and expanded by the fission core. This expansion of the tamper exerts and expanded by the fission core. This expansion of the tamper exerts pressure back on the fission core and slows the core's expansion. The pressure back on the fission core and slows the core's expansion. The tamper also reflects neutrons back into the fission core, increasing the tamper also reflects neutrons back into the fission core, increasing the efficiency of the fission reaction.efficiency of the fission reaction.

Gun-triggered TechniqueGun-triggered Technique The simplest way to bring The simplest way to bring

the subcritical masses the subcritical masses together is to make a gun together is to make a gun that fires one mass into the that fires one mass into the other. A sphere of U-235 is other. A sphere of U-235 is made around the neutron made around the neutron generator and a small generator and a small bulletbullet of U-235 is removed. The of U-235 is removed. The bullet is placed at the one bullet is placed at the one end of a long tube with end of a long tube with explosives behind it, while explosives behind it, while the sphere is placed at the the sphere is placed at the other end.other end.

A barometric-pressure sensor A barometric-pressure sensor determines the appropriate altitude determines the appropriate altitude for detonation and triggers the for detonation and triggers the following sequence of events:following sequence of events:

The explosives fire and propel the The explosives fire and propel the bullet down the barrel. bullet down the barrel.

The bullet strikes the sphere and The bullet strikes the sphere and generator, initiating the fission generator, initiating the fission reaction. reaction.

The fission reaction begins. The fission reaction begins. The bomb explodes. The bomb explodes. Example:Little BoyExample:Little Boy was this type of was this type of

bomb and had a 14.5-kiloton yield bomb and had a 14.5-kiloton yield (equal to 14,500 tons of TNT) with (equal to 14,500 tons of TNT) with an efficiency of about 1.5 percent. an efficiency of about 1.5 percent. That is, 1.5 percent of the material That is, 1.5 percent of the material was fissioned before the explosion was fissioned before the explosion carried the material away.carried the material away.

Implosion-Triggered TechniqueImplosion-Triggered Technique The implosion device The implosion device

consisted of a sphere of consisted of a sphere of uranium-235 (tamper) and a uranium-235 (tamper) and a plutonium-239 core plutonium-239 core surrounded by high surrounded by high explosives. When the bomb explosives. When the bomb was detonated, this is what was detonated, this is what happened:happened:

The explosives fired, The explosives fired, creating a shock wave. creating a shock wave.

The shock wave compressed The shock wave compressed the core. the core.

The fission reaction began. The fission reaction began. The bomb exploded. The bomb exploded.

Example:Example:Fat ManFat Man was was this type of bomb and this type of bomb and had a 23-kiloton yield had a 23-kiloton yield with an efficiency of 17 with an efficiency of 17 percent. These bombs percent. These bombs exploded in fractions of exploded in fractions of a second. The fission a second. The fission usually occurred in 560 usually occurred in 560 billionths of a second.billionths of a second.

Modern Implosion-Triggered Modern Implosion-Triggered TechniqueTechnique

In a later modification of the implosion-In a later modification of the implosion-triggered design, here is what happens:triggered design, here is what happens:

The explosives fire, creating a shock wave. The explosives fire, creating a shock wave. The shock wave propels the plutonium pieces The shock wave propels the plutonium pieces

together into a sphere. together into a sphere. The plutonium pieces strike a pellet of The plutonium pieces strike a pellet of

beryllium/polonium at the center. beryllium/polonium at the center. The fission reaction begins. The fission reaction begins. The bomb explodes. The bomb explodes.

The Mechanism of the BombThe Mechanism of the Bomb

AltimeterAltimeter As the bomb begins to descend, the altimeter transmitter sends out a pulse starting As the bomb begins to descend, the altimeter transmitter sends out a pulse starting

at 4200 MHz. When that pulse returns, the altimeter transmitter emits a higher at 4200 MHz. When that pulse returns, the altimeter transmitter emits a higher frequency. The difference depends on how long the pulse has taken to return to the frequency. The difference depends on how long the pulse has taken to return to the altimeter. When these two frequencies are mixed electronically, a new frequency is altimeter. When these two frequencies are mixed electronically, a new frequency is measured by microchips that are built into the bomb. This value gives the actual measured by microchips that are built into the bomb. This value gives the actual height. The altimeter errs within five feet, which is not a major concern because the height. The altimeter errs within five feet, which is not a major concern because the normal air burst setting for an atomic bomb is 1,980 feet.normal air burst setting for an atomic bomb is 1,980 feet.

Air Pressure DetonatorAir Pressure Detonator At high altitudes, the air is of lesser pressure. As the altitude drops, the pressure At high altitudes, the air is of lesser pressure. As the altitude drops, the pressure

increases. A piece of very thin magnetized metal can be used for an air pressure increases. A piece of very thin magnetized metal can be used for an air pressure detonator. The strip of metal must only have a bubble of very thin metal in the detonator. The strip of metal must only have a bubble of very thin metal in the center and have it placed directly underneath the electrical contact which will center and have it placed directly underneath the electrical contact which will trigger the conventional explosive detonation.The bubble must be pushed so that it trigger the conventional explosive detonation.The bubble must be pushed so that it is inverted. When the air pressure has reached the correct level, the bubble will is inverted. When the air pressure has reached the correct level, the bubble will snap back into place, hitting the contact, completing the circuit and setting off the snap back into place, hitting the contact, completing the circuit and setting off the explosive explosive

Detonating HeadDetonating Head The detonating head simply serves as a catalyst to make a bigger explosion. The The detonating head simply serves as a catalyst to make a bigger explosion. The

calibration of this is extremely important. A detonating head that is too small will calibration of this is extremely important. A detonating head that is too small will only cause the bomb to fail. It will be even more dangerous because someone will only cause the bomb to fail. It will be even more dangerous because someone will have to disarm and refit the bomb with another head. The detonating head will have to disarm and refit the bomb with another head. The detonating head will receive an electrical charge from either the air pressure detonator or the altimeter.receive an electrical charge from either the air pressure detonator or the altimeter.

Conventional Explosive ChargeConventional Explosive Charge This is used to weld the greater amount of Uranium to the lesser within the bomb's This is used to weld the greater amount of Uranium to the lesser within the bomb's

housing. housing. Neutron DeflectorNeutron Deflector The neutron deflector is made out of U-238 because it is non-fissionable and has The neutron deflector is made out of U-238 because it is non-fissionable and has

the power to reflect neutrons back to their original source. In the Uranium bomb, the power to reflect neutrons back to their original source. In the Uranium bomb, the neutron deflector is a safeguard to keep accidental supercritical mass from the neutron deflector is a safeguard to keep accidental supercritical mass from occurring. In the Plutonium bomb it helps the wedges of Plutonium retain their occurring. In the Plutonium bomb it helps the wedges of Plutonium retain their neutrons by reflecting them back to the center.neutrons by reflecting them back to the center.

Lead ShieldLead Shield The lead shield's purpose is to prevent the The lead shield's purpose is to prevent the

radioactivity of the bomb's payload from interfering radioactivity of the bomb's payload from interfering with the rest of the mechanisms of the bomb. Without with the rest of the mechanisms of the bomb. Without this, premature detonation is likely to happen.this, premature detonation is likely to happen.

FusesFuses The fuses serve as another safeguard against The fuses serve as another safeguard against

accidental detonation. They are placed near the accidental detonation. They are placed near the surface of the nose of the bomb so they can be surface of the nose of the bomb so they can be installed easily during flight. They are installed only installed easily during flight. They are installed only shortly before the bomb is launched, or a disaster is shortly before the bomb is launched, or a disaster is asked for.asked for.

Effects of Nuclear WeaponsEffects of Nuclear Weapons

There are two types of effects:There are two types of effects: Typical EffectsTypical Effects General EffectsGeneral Effects The effects of a nuclear explosion depend in The effects of a nuclear explosion depend in

part to the height of the detonation from part to the height of the detonation from GROUND ZERO. GROUND ZERO.

GROUND ZEROGROUND ZERO

The centre of the bomb blast is called the hypocenter The centre of the bomb blast is called the hypocenter or ground zero of explosion.or ground zero of explosion.

The term "ground zero" refers to the point on the The term "ground zero" refers to the point on the earth's surface immediately below (or above) the earth's surface immediately below (or above) the point of detonation. point of detonation.

For a burst over (or under) water, the corresponding For a burst over (or under) water, the corresponding point is generally called "surface zero". The term point is generally called "surface zero". The term "surface zero" or "surface ground zero" is also "surface zero" or "surface ground zero" is also commonly used for ground surface and underground commonly used for ground surface and underground explosions. explosions.

Types Of Nuclear ExplosionsTypes Of Nuclear Explosions

There is general classifications of bursts:There is general classifications of bursts: Air burstsAir bursts High-altitude bursts High-altitude bursts Surface burstsSurface bursts Subsurface burstsSubsurface bursts

Typical EffectsTypical Effects

These are sub-divided as:These are sub-divided as: Blast and ShockBlast and Shock Thermal EffectsThermal Effects Nuclear RadiationsNuclear Radiations Electromagnetic Pulse Effect (EMP)Electromagnetic Pulse Effect (EMP) Transient Radiation Effect on Electronics Transient Radiation Effect on Electronics

(TREE) (TREE)

BLAST and SHOCKBLAST and SHOCK

Blast waveBlast wave The effects of the blast The effects of the blast

wave on a typical wood wave on a typical wood framed house.framed house.

OverpressureOverpressure

Overpressure Physical EffectsOverpressure Physical Effects 20 psi Heavily built concrete buildings are severely 20 psi Heavily built concrete buildings are severely

damaged or demolished.damaged or demolished. 10 psi Reinforced concrete buildings are severely 10 psi Reinforced concrete buildings are severely

damaged or demolished.Most people damaged or demolished.Most people are killed.are killed.

5 psi Most buildings collapse.Injuries are 5 psi Most buildings collapse.Injuries are universal, fatalities are widespread.universal, fatalities are widespread.

3 psi Residential structures collapse. Serious 3 psi Residential structures collapse. Serious injuries are common, fatalities may injuries are common, fatalities may

occur.occur. 1 psi Window glass shatters. Light injuries from 1 psi Window glass shatters. Light injuries from

fragments occur. fragments occur.

The Mach StemThe Mach Stem If the explosion occurs above the If the explosion occurs above the

ground, when the expanding blast ground, when the expanding blast wave strikes the surface of the earth, wave strikes the surface of the earth, it is reflected off the ground to form a it is reflected off the ground to form a second shock wave traveling behind second shock wave traveling behind the first. This reflected wave travels the first. This reflected wave travels faster than the first, or incident, shock faster than the first, or incident, shock wave since it is traveling through air wave since it is traveling through air already moving at high speed due to already moving at high speed due to the passage of the incident wave. The the passage of the incident wave. The reflected blast wave merges with the reflected blast wave merges with the incident shock wave to form a single incident shock wave to form a single wave, known as the Mach Stem. wave, known as the Mach Stem.

The overpressure at the front of the The overpressure at the front of the Mach wave is generally about twice Mach wave is generally about twice as great as that at the direct blast as great as that at the direct blast wave front.wave front.

Thermal EffectsThermal Effects

Fire Ball formationFire Ball formation First picture is taken First picture is taken

shortly after detonation.shortly after detonation. In second picture all In second picture all

components of nuclear components of nuclear explosion are illustrated.explosion are illustrated.

Mushroom CloudMushroom Cloud First picture shows early First picture shows early

formation of mashroom formation of mashroom cloud.cloud.

In 2In 2ndnd picture a picture a mushroom cloud at mushroom cloud at navada test site is navada test site is shown.shown.

Thermal Pulse EffectThermal Pulse Effect One of the important differences between a nuclear and One of the important differences between a nuclear and

conventional weapon is the large proportion of a nuclear conventional weapon is the large proportion of a nuclear explosion's energy that is released in the form of thermal energy. explosion's energy that is released in the form of thermal energy.

This energy is emitted from the fireball in two pulses. This energy is emitted from the fireball in two pulses. The first is quite short, and carries only about 1 percent of the The first is quite short, and carries only about 1 percent of the

energy;energy; the second pulse is more significant and is of longer duration (up the second pulse is more significant and is of longer duration (up

to 20 seconds).to 20 seconds). The energy from the thermal pulse can initiate fires in dry, The energy from the thermal pulse can initiate fires in dry,

flammable materials, such as dry leaves, grass, old newspaper, thin flammable materials, such as dry leaves, grass, old newspaper, thin dark flammable fabrics, etc. The incendiary effect of the thermal dark flammable fabrics, etc. The incendiary effect of the thermal pulse is also substantially affected by the later arrival of the blast pulse is also substantially affected by the later arrival of the blast wave, which usually blows out any flames that have already been wave, which usually blows out any flames that have already been kindled. However, smoldering material can reignite later.kindled. However, smoldering material can reignite later.

FirestormsFirestorms

For a firestorm to develop:For a firestorm to develop: There must be at least 8 There must be at least 8

pounds of combustibles per pounds of combustibles per square foot. square foot.

At least one-half of the At least one-half of the structures in the area are on structures in the area are on fire simultaneously. fire simultaneously.

There is initially a wind of There is initially a wind of less than 8 miles per hour. less than 8 miles per hour.

The burning area is at least The burning area is at least 0.5 square miles. 0.5 square miles.

The firestorm at The firestorm at Hiroshima.Hiroshima.

Nuclear RadiationNuclear Radiation The release of radiation is a phenomenon unique to nuclear explosions. The release of radiation is a phenomenon unique to nuclear explosions. There are several kinds of radiation emitted; these types include gamma, There are several kinds of radiation emitted; these types include gamma,

neutron, and ionizing radiation, and are emitted not only at the time of neutron, and ionizing radiation, and are emitted not only at the time of detonation (initial radiation) but also for long periods of time afterward detonation (initial radiation) but also for long periods of time afterward (residual radiation).(residual radiation).

Initial Nuclear RadiationInitial Nuclear Radiation Initial nuclear radiation is defined as the radiation that arrives during the Initial nuclear radiation is defined as the radiation that arrives during the

first minute after an explosion, and is mostly gamma radiation and neutron first minute after an explosion, and is mostly gamma radiation and neutron radiation. radiation.

Residual Nuclear RadiationResidual Nuclear Radiation The residual radiation from a nuclear explosion is mostly from the The residual radiation from a nuclear explosion is mostly from the

radioactive fallout. This radiation comes from the weapon debris, fission radioactive fallout. This radiation comes from the weapon debris, fission products, and, in the case of a ground burst, radiated soil.products, and, in the case of a ground burst, radiated soil.

Radioactive FalloutRadioactive Fallout Fallout is the radioactive particles Fallout is the radioactive particles

that fall to earth as a result of a that fall to earth as a result of a nuclear explosion. nuclear explosion.

It consists of weapon debris, It consists of weapon debris, fission products, and, in the case fission products, and, in the case of a ground burst, radiated soil.of a ground burst, radiated soil.

Fallout particles vary in size from Fallout particles vary in size from thousandths of a millimeter to thousandths of a millimeter to several millimeters. several millimeters.

Fallout ParticlesFallout Particles Strontium 90 Strontium 90 Iodine 131 Iodine 131 Cesium 137 Cesium 137 The Fallout PatternThe Fallout Pattern

Transient Radiation Effects on Transient Radiation Effects on Electronics (TREE):Electronics (TREE):

A nuclear detonation causes transient initial nuclear radiation, specifically A nuclear detonation causes transient initial nuclear radiation, specifically gamma rays and neutrons, that can affect electronics systems and gamma rays and neutrons, that can affect electronics systems and associated circuitry including radios and computers. associated circuitry including radios and computers.

Gamma rays and neutrons travel considerable distances and can penetrate Gamma rays and neutrons travel considerable distances and can penetrate deep into materials and electronic devices, causing significant damage to deep into materials and electronic devices, causing significant damage to these systems. Although the initial nuclear radiation may pass through these systems. Although the initial nuclear radiation may pass through material and equipment in a matter of seconds, the damage can be material and equipment in a matter of seconds, the damage can be permanent. While all electronics are susceptible to the effects of TREE, permanent. While all electronics are susceptible to the effects of TREE, smaller, solid-state electronics such as transistors and integrated circuits smaller, solid-state electronics such as transistors and integrated circuits are most vulnerable to these effects. There are two situations where are most vulnerable to these effects. There are two situations where Transient Radiation Effects on Electronics (TREE) consequences are most Transient Radiation Effects on Electronics (TREE) consequences are most significant. The first is in the event of a high-altitude burst, where space significant. The first is in the event of a high-altitude burst, where space systems may receive large doses of prompt, initial nuclear radiation in the systems may receive large doses of prompt, initial nuclear radiation in the form of gamma rays and neutrons. The second is following a low-yield form of gamma rays and neutrons. The second is following a low-yield surface or near-surface (low air) burst when the gamma rays and neutrons surface or near-surface (low air) burst when the gamma rays and neutrons can reach targets not damaged by blast and thermal radiation.can reach targets not damaged by blast and thermal radiation.

General EffectsGeneral Effects

These are sub-divided as:These are sub-divided as: EMPEMP Ozone DepletionOzone Depletion Nuclear WinterNuclear Winter Nuclear SummerNuclear Summer EarthquakesEarthquakes

Electromagnetic PulseElectromagnetic Pulse Electromagnetic pulse (EMP) is an electromagnetic wave similar to radio Electromagnetic pulse (EMP) is an electromagnetic wave similar to radio

waves, which results from secondary reactions occurring when the nuclear waves, which results from secondary reactions occurring when the nuclear gamma radiation is absorbed in the air or ground. gamma radiation is absorbed in the air or ground.

It differs from the usual radio waves in two important ways. It differs from the usual radio waves in two important ways. First, it creates much higher electric field strengths. Whereas a radio signal First, it creates much higher electric field strengths. Whereas a radio signal

might produce a thousandth of a volt or less in a receiving antenna, an might produce a thousandth of a volt or less in a receiving antenna, an EMP pulse might produce thousands of volts. EMP pulse might produce thousands of volts.

Secondly, it is a single pulse of energy that disappears completely in a Secondly, it is a single pulse of energy that disappears completely in a small fraction of a second. In this sense, it is rather similar to the electrical small fraction of a second. In this sense, it is rather similar to the electrical signal from lightning, but the rise in voltage is typically a hundred times signal from lightning, but the rise in voltage is typically a hundred times faster. This means that most equipment designed to protect electrical faster. This means that most equipment designed to protect electrical facilities from lightning works too slowly to be effective against EMP.facilities from lightning works too slowly to be effective against EMP.

There is no evidence that EMP is a physical threat to There is no evidence that EMP is a physical threat to humans. However, electrical or electronic systems, humans. However, electrical or electronic systems, particularly those connected to long wires such as particularly those connected to long wires such as power lines or antennas, can undergo damage. There power lines or antennas, can undergo damage. There could be actual physical damage to an electrical could be actual physical damage to an electrical component or a temporary disruption of operation.component or a temporary disruption of operation.

An attacker might detonate a few weapons at high An attacker might detonate a few weapons at high altitudes in an effort to destroy or damage the altitudes in an effort to destroy or damage the communications and electric power systems. It can be communications and electric power systems. It can be expected that EMP would cause massive disruption expected that EMP would cause massive disruption for an indeterminable period, and would cause huge for an indeterminable period, and would cause huge economic damages.economic damages.

Ozone DepletionOzone Depletion When a nuclear weapon When a nuclear weapon

explodes in the air, the explodes in the air, the surrounding air is subjected surrounding air is subjected to great heat, followed by to great heat, followed by relatively rapid cooling. relatively rapid cooling. These conditions are ideal These conditions are ideal for the production of for the production of tremendous amounts of tremendous amounts of nitric oxides. These oxides nitric oxides. These oxides are carried into the upper are carried into the upper atmosphere, where they atmosphere, where they reduce the concentration of reduce the concentration of protective ozone. protective ozone.

Nuclear WinterNuclear Winter Nuclear SummerNuclear Summer EarthquakeEarthquake The pressure wave from an underground explosion The pressure wave from an underground explosion

will propagate through the ground and cause a minor will propagate through the ground and cause a minor earthquake. Theory suggests that a nuclear explosion . Theory suggests that a nuclear explosion could trigger fault rupture and cause a major quake at could trigger fault rupture and cause a major quake at distances within a few tens of kilometers from the distances within a few tens of kilometers from the shot point. shot point.

The Effect of Nuclear Explosions on The Effect of Nuclear Explosions on Human HealthHuman Health

. The . The medical effects of a nuclear blastmedical effects of a nuclear blast upon humans can be put into four upon humans can be put into four categories:categories:

the the initialinitial stage, the first 1-2 weeks, stage, the first 1-2 weeks, the greatest amount of deaths are in the greatest amount of deaths are in this period with 90% due to this period with 90% due to thermal injury and or blast effects and 10% injury and or blast effects and 10% due to supralethal due to supralethal radiation exposure, exposure,

the the intermediateintermediate stage from 3-8 weeks stage from 3-8 weeks the deaths in this period are from the deaths in this period are from ionization radiation in the median lethal range, and ionization radiation in the median lethal range, and

the the latelate period lasting from 8-20 weeks period lasting from 8-20 weeks, this period has some , this period has some improvement in survivors condition andimprovement in survivors condition and

delayeddelayed period from 20+ weeks. period from 20+ weeks. The last section is characterized by The last section is characterized by “numerous complications, mostly related to healing of thermal and “numerous complications, mostly related to healing of thermal and mechanical injuries coupled with infertility, subfretility and blood mechanical injuries coupled with infertility, subfretility and blood disorders caused by radiation.” Also, ionizing radiation from fallout can disorders caused by radiation.” Also, ionizing radiation from fallout can cause genetic effects, birth defects, cancer cataracts and other effects in cause genetic effects, birth defects, cancer cataracts and other effects in organs and tissue.organs and tissue.

Blast Effects on HumansBlast Effects on Humans Blast damage is caused by the arrival of Blast damage is caused by the arrival of

the shock wave created by the nuclear the shock wave created by the nuclear explosion. Humans are actually quite explosion. Humans are actually quite resistant to the direct effect of resistant to the direct effect of overpressure. Pressures of over 40 psi are overpressure. Pressures of over 40 psi are required before lethal effects are noted. required before lethal effects are noted.

The danger from overpressure comes from The danger from overpressure comes from the collapse of buildings that are generally the collapse of buildings that are generally not as resistant. Urban areas contain many not as resistant. Urban areas contain many objects that can become airborne, and the objects that can become airborne, and the destruction of buildings generates many destruction of buildings generates many more. The collapse of the structure above more. The collapse of the structure above can crush or suffocate those caught inside. can crush or suffocate those caught inside. Serious injury or death can also occur from Serious injury or death can also occur from impact after being thrown through the air. impact after being thrown through the air.

The blast also magnifies thermal radiation The blast also magnifies thermal radiation burn injuries by tearing away severely burn injuries by tearing away severely burned skin. This creates raw open burned skin. This creates raw open wounds that readily become infected. wounds that readily become infected.

Blast effects on a concrete building at Blast effects on a concrete building at Hiroshima.Hiroshima.

Thermal Radiation Effect On Thermal Radiation Effect On Humans:Humans:

Flash BurnsFlash Burns Flash blindnessFlash blindness

Radiation Effects on HumansRadiation Effects on Humans

The effects of radiation on the human body vary, depending The effects of radiation on the human body vary, depending on the dosage of radiation, and whether exposure is slow and on the dosage of radiation, and whether exposure is slow and protracted or large and instantaneous. protracted or large and instantaneous.

Extremely high doses: 4000-5000 radsExtremely high doses: 4000-5000 rads High doses: 1000-4000 radsHigh doses: 1000-4000 rads Moderate doses: 400-1000 radsModerate doses: 400-1000 rads Low Doses: 100-400 radsLow Doses: 100-400 rads Acute Radiation SyndromeAcute Radiation Syndrome

Late Effects Of RadiationsLate Effects Of Radiations Delayed effects of radiation exposure, largely secondary to blood vessel damage, are the Delayed effects of radiation exposure, largely secondary to blood vessel damage, are the

impaired functioning of and degenerative changes in many organs, particularly bone marrow, impaired functioning of and degenerative changes in many organs, particularly bone marrow, kidneys, lungs, and the lens of the eye. The most serious late effect of radiation exposure is a kidneys, lungs, and the lens of the eye. The most serious late effect of radiation exposure is a significantly increased incidence of leukemia and thyroid, lung, and breast cancers (compared significantly increased incidence of leukemia and thyroid, lung, and breast cancers (compared to the average figure among people exposed to doses of less than 100 rads). There is also an to the average figure among people exposed to doses of less than 100 rads). There is also an increased incidence of leukemia, lung cancer, radiation-induced anemia, and bone cancer increased incidence of leukemia, lung cancer, radiation-induced anemia, and bone cancer among people exposed to lower doses of radiation. The type of cancer depends on how the among people exposed to lower doses of radiation. The type of cancer depends on how the radiation exposure occurs. radiation exposure occurs.

Several factors are involved in determining the potential health effects of exposure to Several factors are involved in determining the potential health effects of exposure to radiation. These include: radiation. These include:

The size of the dose (amount of energy deposited in the body) The size of the dose (amount of energy deposited in the body) The ability of the radiation to harm human tissue The ability of the radiation to harm human tissue Which organs are affected Which organs are affected The most important factor is the amount of the dose - the amount of energy actually deposited The most important factor is the amount of the dose - the amount of energy actually deposited

in your body. The more energy absorbed by cells, the greater the biological damage. Health in your body. The more energy absorbed by cells, the greater the biological damage. Health physicists refer to the amount of energy absorbed by the body as the radiation dose. physicists refer to the amount of energy absorbed by the body as the radiation dose.

For beta, gamma and X-ray radiation, this number is generally one. For some neutrons, For beta, gamma and X-ray radiation, this number is generally one. For some neutrons, protons, or alpha particles, the number is twenty. protons, or alpha particles, the number is twenty.

Effects Of Radiation On Different Effects Of Radiation On Different Parts Of BodyParts Of Body

HairHair BrainBrain ThyroidThyroid Blood SystemBlood System HeartHeart Gastrointestinal TractGastrointestinal Tract

Long Term Effects Long Term Effects

Long after the acute effects of radiation have Long after the acute effects of radiation have subsided, radiation damage continues to produce a subsided, radiation damage continues to produce a wide range of physical problems. These effects- wide range of physical problems. These effects- including leukemia, cancer, and many others- appear including leukemia, cancer, and many others- appear two, three, even ten years later.two, three, even ten years later.

Blood DisordersBlood Disorders CataractsCataracts Malignant TumorsMalignant Tumors KeloidsKeloids

Types Of Bombs Types Of Bombs Just like ice-cream in which ingredients remain same but for different Just like ice-cream in which ingredients remain same but for different

tastes we use different flavors. So is the case with bombs main terminology tastes we use different flavors. So is the case with bombs main terminology remains same but kind of weapon is changed according to additive remains same but kind of weapon is changed according to additive material.material.

There are different types of bombs:There are different types of bombs: FISSION BOMBSFISSION BOMBS FUSION BOMBSFUSION BOMBS NEUTRON BOMBSNEUTRON BOMBS E-BOMBSE-BOMBS SMART BOMBSSMART BOMBS DIRTY BOMBSDIRTY BOMBS BIOLOGICAL WEAPONSBIOLOGICAL WEAPONS CHEMICAL WEAPONSCHEMICAL WEAPONS CLUSTER BOMBSCLUSTER BOMBS DOOMSDAY BOMBSDOOMSDAY BOMBS

FUSION BOMBSFUSION BOMBS Fission bombs worked, but they weren't very efficient. Fusion Fission bombs worked, but they weren't very efficient. Fusion

bombs, also called bombs, also called thermonuclearthermonuclear bombs or bombs or Hydrogen Hydrogen bombs, have higher kiloton yields and greater efficiencies than bombs, have higher kiloton yields and greater efficiencies than fission bombs. To design a fusion bomb, some problems have fission bombs. To design a fusion bomb, some problems have to be solved:to be solved:

Deuterium and tritium, the fuel for fusion, are both gases, Deuterium and tritium, the fuel for fusion, are both gases, which are hard to store. which are hard to store.

Tritium is in short supply and has a short Tritium is in short supply and has a short half-life, so the fuel , so the fuel in the bomb would have to be continuously replenished. in the bomb would have to be continuously replenished.

Deuterium or tritium has to be highly compressed at high Deuterium or tritium has to be highly compressed at high temperature to initiate the fusion reaction. temperature to initiate the fusion reaction.

Development of bombDevelopment of bomb First, to store deuterium, the gas could be chemically First, to store deuterium, the gas could be chemically

combined with lithium to make a solid lithium-deuterate combined with lithium to make a solid lithium-deuterate compound. To overcome the tritium problem, the bomb compound. To overcome the tritium problem, the bomb designers recognized that the neutrons from a fission reaction designers recognized that the neutrons from a fission reaction could produce tritium from lithium (lithium-6 plus a neutron could produce tritium from lithium (lithium-6 plus a neutron yields tritium and helium-4; lithium-7 plus a neutron yields yields tritium and helium-4; lithium-7 plus a neutron yields tritium, helium-4 and a neutron). That meant that tritium tritium, helium-4 and a neutron). That meant that tritium would not have to be stored in the bomb. Finally, would not have to be stored in the bomb. Finally, Stanislaw Stanislaw UlamUlam recognized that the majority of radiation given off in a recognized that the majority of radiation given off in a fission reaction was fission reaction was X-rays, and that these X-rays could , and that these X-rays could provide the high temperatures and pressures necessary to provide the high temperatures and pressures necessary to initiate fusion. Therefore, by encasing a fission bomb within a initiate fusion. Therefore, by encasing a fission bomb within a fusion bomb, several problems could be solved.fusion bomb, several problems could be solved.

Teller-Ulam Design of a Fusion Teller-Ulam Design of a Fusion Bomb:Bomb:

To understand this bomb design, imagine that within a bomb casing you To understand this bomb design, imagine that within a bomb casing you have an implosion fission bomb and a cylinder casing of uranium-238 have an implosion fission bomb and a cylinder casing of uranium-238 (tamper). Within the tamper is the lithium deuteride (fuel) and a hollow rod (tamper). Within the tamper is the lithium deuteride (fuel) and a hollow rod of plutonium-239 in the center of the cylinder. Separating the cylinder of plutonium-239 in the center of the cylinder. Separating the cylinder from the implosion bomb is a shield of uranium-238 and plastic foam that from the implosion bomb is a shield of uranium-238 and plastic foam that fills the remaining spaces in the bomb casing. Detonation of the bomb fills the remaining spaces in the bomb casing. Detonation of the bomb caused the following sequence of events:caused the following sequence of events:

The fission bomb imploded, giving off X-rays. The fission bomb imploded, giving off X-rays. These X-rays heated the interior of the bomb and the tamper; the shield These X-rays heated the interior of the bomb and the tamper; the shield

prevented premature detonation of the fuel. prevented premature detonation of the fuel. The heat caused the tamper to expand and burn away, exerting pressure The heat caused the tamper to expand and burn away, exerting pressure

inward against the lithium deuterate. inward against the lithium deuterate. The lithium deuterate was squeezed by about 30-fold. The lithium deuterate was squeezed by about 30-fold. The compression shock waves initiated fission in the plutonium rod. The compression shock waves initiated fission in the plutonium rod.

The fissioning rod gave off radiation, heat and neutrons. The fissioning rod gave off radiation, heat and neutrons. The neutrons went into the lithium deuterate, combined with the lithium The neutrons went into the lithium deuterate, combined with the lithium

and made tritium. and made tritium. The combination of high temperature and pressure were sufficient for The combination of high temperature and pressure were sufficient for

tritium-deuterium and deuterium-deuterium fusion reactions to occur, tritium-deuterium and deuterium-deuterium fusion reactions to occur, producing more heat, radiation and neutrons. producing more heat, radiation and neutrons.

The neutrons from the fusion reactions induced fission in the uranium-238 The neutrons from the fusion reactions induced fission in the uranium-238 pieces from the tamper and shield. pieces from the tamper and shield.

Fission of the tamper and shield pieces produced even more radiation and Fission of the tamper and shield pieces produced even more radiation and heat. heat.

The bomb exploded. The bomb exploded. All of these events happened in about 600 billionths of a second (550 All of these events happened in about 600 billionths of a second (550

billionths of a second for the fission bomb implosion, 50 billionths of a billionths of a second for the fission bomb implosion, 50 billionths of a second for the fusion events). The result was an immense explosion that second for the fusion events). The result was an immense explosion that was more than 700 times greater than the Little Boy explosion: It had a was more than 700 times greater than the Little Boy explosion: It had a 10,000-kiloton yield.10,000-kiloton yield.

Enhanced Radiation WeaponsEnhanced Radiation Weapons A A neutron bombneutron bomb, technically referred to as an , technically referred to as an enhanced enhanced

radiation weaponradiation weapon (ERW), is a type of tactical (ERW), is a type of tactical nuclear weapon formerly built mainly by the formerly built mainly by the United States

Release a large portion of its Release a large portion of its energy as energetic as energetic neutron radiation. .

. In terms of yield, ERWs typically produce about one-tenth . In terms of yield, ERWs typically produce about one-tenth that of a fission-type atomic weapon.that of a fission-type atomic weapon.

ERWs are capable of much greater destruction than any ERWs are capable of much greater destruction than any conventional bomb. Meanwhile, relative to other nuclear conventional bomb. Meanwhile, relative to other nuclear weapons, damage is more focused on biological material than weapons, damage is more focused on biological material than on material infrastructure (though extreme blast and heat on material infrastructure (though extreme blast and heat effects are not eliminated.effects are not eliminated.

Technical overviewTechnical overview

An ERW is a An ERW is a fission-fusion thermonuclear weapon in which the burst of thermonuclear weapon in which the burst of neutrons generated by a generated by a fusion reaction is intentionally allowed to escape reaction is intentionally allowed to escape the weapon, rather than being absorbed by its other components. The the weapon, rather than being absorbed by its other components. The weapon's weapon's X-ray mirrors and shell are made of mirrors and shell are made of chromium or or nickel so that so that the neutrons can escape. the neutrons can escape.

Having low yields because neutrons are absorbed by air, so a high-yield Having low yields because neutrons are absorbed by air, so a high-yield neutron bomb is not able to radiate neutrons beyond its blast range and so neutron bomb is not able to radiate neutrons beyond its blast range and so would have no destructive advantage over a normal hydrogen bomb.would have no destructive advantage over a normal hydrogen bomb.

Most of the injuries caused by an ERW come from Most of the injuries caused by an ERW come from ionizing radiation, not , not from heat and blast.from heat and blast.

One of the uses for which this weapon was conceived is large-scale One of the uses for which this weapon was conceived is large-scale anti-tank weaponry. Armored vehicles offer a relatively high degree of . Armored vehicles offer a relatively high degree of protection against heat and blast. That is, military personnel inside a tank protection against heat and blast. That is, military personnel inside a tank can be expected to survive a nuclear explosion at relatively close range, can be expected to survive a nuclear explosion at relatively close range, while the vehicle's while the vehicle's NBC protection systems ensure a high degree of protection systems ensure a high degree of operability even in a operability even in a nuclear fallout environment. environment.

By contrast, ER weapons are meant to kill a much higher By contrast, ER weapons are meant to kill a much higher percentage of enemy personnel inside such protected percentage of enemy personnel inside such protected environments through the release of a higher percentage of environments through the release of a higher percentage of their yield in the form of neutron radiation, against which even their yield in the form of neutron radiation, against which even tank armor is not very effective.tank armor is not very effective.

The term The term enhanced radiationenhanced radiation refers only to the burst of refers only to the burst of neutron radiation released at the moment of released at the moment of detonation, not to , not to any enhancement of residual radiation in fallout.any enhancement of residual radiation in fallout.

A neutron bomb requires considerable amounts of A neutron bomb requires considerable amounts of tritium, , which has a which has a half-life of 12.3 years, compounding the of 12.3 years, compounding the difficulties of extended storage. For a weapon to remain difficulties of extended storage. For a weapon to remain effective over time, tritium components would have to be effective over time, tritium components would have to be periodically replaced.periodically replaced.

Neutron bomb tacticsNeutron bomb tactics

Neutron bombs could be used as strategic Neutron bombs could be used as strategic anti-ballistic missile weapons or as tactical weapons intended for use against weapons or as tactical weapons intended for use against armored forces.armored forces.

As an anti-ballistic missile weapon, an ER warhead was As an anti-ballistic missile weapon, an ER warhead was developed for the developed for the Sprint missile system as part of the missile system as part of the Safeguard Program to protect United States cities and to protect United States cities and missile silos from incoming from incoming Soviet warheads by damaging warheads by damaging their electronic components with the intense their electronic components with the intense neutron flux..

By emitting large amounts of lethal radiation of the most By emitting large amounts of lethal radiation of the most penetrating kind, ER warheads maximize the lethal range of a penetrating kind, ER warheads maximize the lethal range of a given yield of nuclear warhead against armored targets.given yield of nuclear warhead against armored targets.

. If a neutron bomb were detonated at the correct altitude, . If a neutron bomb were detonated at the correct altitude, deadly levels of radiation would blanket a wide area with deadly levels of radiation would blanket a wide area with minimal heat and blast effects when compared to a pure bomb.minimal heat and blast effects when compared to a pure bomb.

The The neutron flux can induce significant amounts of short-lived secondary can induce significant amounts of short-lived secondary radioactivity in the environment in the high flux region near the burst radioactivity in the environment in the high flux region near the burst point. The alloys used in steel armor can develop point. The alloys used in steel armor can develop radioactivity that is that is dangerous for 24-48 hours. If a tank exposed to a 1 kt neutron bomb at 690 dangerous for 24-48 hours. If a tank exposed to a 1 kt neutron bomb at 690 m (the effective range for immediate crew incapacitation) is immediately m (the effective range for immediate crew incapacitation) is immediately occupied by a new crew, they will receive a lethal dose of radiation within occupied by a new crew, they will receive a lethal dose of radiation within 24 hours.24 hours.

One significant drawback of the weapon is that not all targeted troops will One significant drawback of the weapon is that not all targeted troops will die or be incapacitated immediately. After a brief period of nausea, many die or be incapacitated immediately. After a brief period of nausea, many of those hit with about of those hit with about 5-50 Sv of radiation will experience a temporary will experience a temporary recovery (the latent or "recovery (the latent or "walking ghost phase") lasting days to weeks. ") lasting days to weeks. Moreover, these victims would likely be aware of their inevitable fate and Moreover, these victims would likely be aware of their inevitable fate and react accordingly.react accordingly.

E-BOMBSE-BOMBS

INTRODUCTION:INTRODUCTION: Example of Loadshedding.Example of Loadshedding. An electromagnetic bomb, or e-bomb, is a weapon An electromagnetic bomb, or e-bomb, is a weapon

designed to take advantage of this dependency. But designed to take advantage of this dependency. But instead of simply cutting off power in an area, an e-instead of simply cutting off power in an area, an e-bomb would actually destroy most machines that use bomb would actually destroy most machines that use electricity. Generators would be useless, cars electricity. Generators would be useless, cars wouldn't run, and there would be no chance of wouldn't run, and there would be no chance of making a phone call. In a matter of seconds, a big making a phone call. In a matter of seconds, a big enough e-bomb could thrust an entire city back 200 enough e-bomb could thrust an entire city back 200 years or cripple a military unit. years or cripple a military unit.

The Basic IdeaThe Basic Idea The basic idea of an e-bomb or an electromagnetic pulse The basic idea of an e-bomb or an electromagnetic pulse

(EMP) weapon is pretty simple. (EMP) weapon is pretty simple. These sorts of weapons are designed to overwhelm These sorts of weapons are designed to overwhelm

electrical circuitry with an intense electromagnetic field.electrical circuitry with an intense electromagnetic field. Electromagnetic field------Electromagnetic energy and to Electromagnetic field------Electromagnetic energy and to

understand it we need to understandunderstand it we need to understand Electric current----Magnetic field and vice versa.Electric current----Magnetic field and vice versa. EXAMPLE: Radio transmitter and receiver used in EXAMPLE: Radio transmitter and receiver used in

receiving Radio Waves/signalsreceiving Radio Waves/signals The intense fluctuating magnetic field inducing a massive The intense fluctuating magnetic field inducing a massive

current in electrically conductive object -- for example current in electrically conductive object -- for example phone lines, power lines and even metal pipes. phone lines, power lines and even metal pipes.

Nuclear EMP ThreatNuclear EMP Threat E-Bomb use the concept of E-Bomb use the concept of

Compton Effect.Compton Effect. Just like photons of Just like photons of

electromagnetic energy electromagnetic energy could knock loose electrons could knock loose electrons from atoms with low atomic from atoms with low atomic numbers, the photons from numbers, the photons from the blast's intense gamma the blast's intense gamma radiation knocked a large radiation knocked a large number of electrons free number of electrons free from oxygen and nitrogen from oxygen and nitrogen atoms in the atmosphere. atoms in the atmosphere.

This flood of electrons interacted with the Earth's This flood of electrons interacted with the Earth's magnetic field to create a fluctuating electric current, magnetic field to create a fluctuating electric current, which induced a powerful magnetic field. The which induced a powerful magnetic field. The resulting electromagnetic pulse induced intense resulting electromagnetic pulse induced intense electrical currents in conductive materials over a wide electrical currents in conductive materials over a wide area.area.

These weapons wouldn't affect as wide an area, These weapons wouldn't affect as wide an area, because they wouldn't blast photons so high above because they wouldn't blast photons so high above the Earth. But they could be used to create total the Earth. But they could be used to create total blackouts on a more local level.blackouts on a more local level.

Structure Of E-BombStructure Of E-Bomb This technology is advanced and This technology is advanced and

expensive and so would be expensive and so would be inaccessible to military forces inaccessible to military forces without considerable resources. without considerable resources.

The bomb consists of a metal The bomb consists of a metal cylinder (called the armature), cylinder (called the armature), surrounded by a coil of wire (the surrounded by a coil of wire (the stator winding). The armature stator winding). The armature cylinder is filled with high cylinder is filled with high explosive, and a sturdy jacket explosive, and a sturdy jacket surrounds the entire device. The surrounds the entire device. The stator winding and the armature stator winding and the armature cylinder are separated by empty cylinder are separated by empty space. The bomb also has a power space. The bomb also has a power source, such as a bank of source, such as a bank of capacitors, which can be , which can be connected to the stator. connected to the stator.

Detonation Of BombDetonation Of Bomb Here's the sequence of events when the bomb goes off: Here's the sequence of events when the bomb goes off: A switch connects the capacitors to the stator, sending an electrical current A switch connects the capacitors to the stator, sending an electrical current

through the wires. This generates an intense magnetic field. through the wires. This generates an intense magnetic field. A fuze mechanism ignites the explosive material. The explosion travels as A fuze mechanism ignites the explosive material. The explosion travels as

a wave through the middle of the armature cylinder. a wave through the middle of the armature cylinder. As the explosion makes its way through the cylinder, the cylinder comes in As the explosion makes its way through the cylinder, the cylinder comes in

contact with the stator winding. This creates a short circuit, cutting the contact with the stator winding. This creates a short circuit, cutting the stator off from its power supply. stator off from its power supply.

The moving short circuit compresses the magnetic field, generating an The moving short circuit compresses the magnetic field, generating an intense electromagnetic burst.intense electromagnetic burst.

Most likely, this type of weapon would affect a relatively small area -- Most likely, this type of weapon would affect a relatively small area -- nothing on the order of a nuclear EMP attack -- but it could do some nothing on the order of a nuclear EMP attack -- but it could do some serious damage. serious damage.

E-Bomb EffectsE-Bomb Effects it is potentially non-lethal, but is still highly destructive. An E-it is potentially non-lethal, but is still highly destructive. An E-

bomb attack would leave buildings standing and spare lives, bomb attack would leave buildings standing and spare lives, but it could destroy a sizeable military. but it could destroy a sizeable military.

Low-level electromagnetic pulses would temporarily jam Low-level electromagnetic pulses would temporarily jam electronics systems, electronics systems,

more intense pulses would corrupt important computer data more intense pulses would corrupt important computer data and and

very powerful bursts would completely fry electric and very powerful bursts would completely fry electric and electronic equipment. electronic equipment.

the most far-reaching effect of an e-bomb could be the most far-reaching effect of an e-bomb could be psychological. A full-scale EMP attack in a developed country psychological. A full-scale EMP attack in a developed country would instantly bring modern life to a screeching halt. There would instantly bring modern life to a screeching halt. There would be plenty of survivors, but they would find themselves would be plenty of survivors, but they would find themselves in a very different world. in a very different world.

In modern warfare, the various levels of attack could In modern warfare, the various levels of attack could accomplish a number of important combat missions without accomplish a number of important combat missions without racking up many casualties. For example, an e-bomb could racking up many casualties. For example, an e-bomb could effectively neutralize: effectively neutralize:

vehicle control systems vehicle control systems targeting systems, on the ground and on missiles and bombs targeting systems, on the ground and on missiles and bombs communications systems communications systems navigation systems navigation systems long and short-range sensor systems long and short-range sensor systems EMP weapons are generally considered non-lethal, they could EMP weapons are generally considered non-lethal, they could

easily kill people if they were directed towards particular easily kill people if they were directed towards particular targets. If an EMP knocked out a hospital's electricity, for targets. If an EMP knocked out a hospital's electricity, for example, any patient on life support would die immediately.example, any patient on life support would die immediately.

SMART BOMBSSMART BOMBS A conventional bomb A conventional bomb

consists of some explosive consists of some explosive material packed into a material packed into a sturdy case with a sturdy case with a fuze mechanism. The fuze mechanism. The fuze mechanism has a triggering mechanism has a triggering device -- typically a time-device -- typically a time-delay system, an impact delay system, an impact sensor or a target-proximity sensor or a target-proximity sensor -- which sets the sensor -- which sets the bomb off. When the trigger bomb off. When the trigger goes off, the fuze ignites the goes off, the fuze ignites the explosive material, resulting explosive material, resulting in an explosion. in an explosion.

The extreme pressure and flying debris of the The extreme pressure and flying debris of the explosion destroys surrounding structures.explosion destroys surrounding structures.

A "dumb bomb" is a bomb with only these elements, A "dumb bomb" is a bomb with only these elements, dropped from an airplane. The bomb is considered dropped from an airplane. The bomb is considered "dumb" because it simply falls to the ground without "dumb" because it simply falls to the ground without actively steering itself. A bomber might have to drop actively steering itself. A bomber might have to drop dozens, or even hundreds of dumb bombs to take out dozens, or even hundreds of dumb bombs to take out a target effectively. a target effectively.

"Smart bombs," by contrast, control their fall "Smart bombs," by contrast, control their fall precisely in order to hit a designated target dead on. precisely in order to hit a designated target dead on.

Smart Bomb Basics Smart Bomb Basics

A smart bomb is essentially A smart bomb is essentially an ordinary dumb bomb an ordinary dumb bomb with a few major with a few major modifications. In addition to modifications. In addition to the usual fuze and explosive the usual fuze and explosive material, it has: material, it has:

an electronic sensor system an electronic sensor system a built-in control system (an a built-in control system (an

onboard computer) onboard computer) a set of adjustable flight fins a set of adjustable flight fins A A battery

Yesterday's Smart BombsYesterday's Smart Bombs

TV/IR Guided BombsTV/IR Guided BombsPhoto courtesy Photo courtesy U.S. Air ForceThe GBU-15, a TV/IR The GBU-15, a TV/IR smart bomb smart bomb

LASER Guided BombsLASER Guided Bombs Photo courtesy Photo courtesy

U.S. Department of Defense

The GBU-10 laser-The GBU-10 laser-guided smart bomb guided smart bomb

The JDAMThe JDAM

The preeminent smart-The preeminent smart-bomb technology of the bomb technology of the day is Boeing's day is Boeing's JDAM, , which stands for Joint which stands for Joint Direct Attack Munition. Direct Attack Munition. The basic idea behind The basic idea behind the JDAM program is to the JDAM program is to outfit existing "dumb" outfit existing "dumb" bombs with bombs with sophisticated rear sophisticated rear guidance sections.guidance sections.

Photo courtesy Photo courtesy U.S. Air ForceAn F-16 drops a JDAM-An F-16 drops a JDAM-equipped GBU-31 2,000-equipped GBU-31 2,000-pound bomb. pound bomb.

The JDAM "tail kit" includesThe JDAM "tail kit" includes adjustable tail fins,adjustable tail fins, a control computer,a control computer, an inertial guidance system andan inertial guidance system and a a GPS receiver. .

the system is accurate to within 40 feet (13 meters). the system is accurate to within 40 feet (13 meters). When everything goes exactly right, the bombs When everything goes exactly right, the bombs

generally hit within a few feet of their targets.generally hit within a few feet of their targets. This system works fine even in bad weather, because This system works fine even in bad weather, because

the JDAM gets all its information from the JDAM gets all its information from satellite signals, which aren't blocked by cloud cover or signals, which aren't blocked by cloud cover or obstacles. The bomb doesn't have to see anything at obstacles. The bomb doesn't have to see anything at all to find its way to the target. all to find its way to the target.

And at around $20,000 per tail kit (which can be And at around $20,000 per tail kit (which can be added to an existing warhead), it's much more added to an existing warhead), it's much more economical than $120,000+ laser-guided bombs. economical than $120,000+ laser-guided bombs.

DIRTY BOMBSDIRTY BOMBS A dirty bomb is an explosive designed to spread dangerous A dirty bomb is an explosive designed to spread dangerous

radioactive material over a wide area.radioactive material over a wide area. A dirty bomb is much closer in power to an ordinary explosive A dirty bomb is much closer in power to an ordinary explosive

than it is to the widespread destructive force of a than it is to the widespread destructive force of a nuclear bomb. But the fear of contamination could be debilitating.. But the fear of contamination could be debilitating.

A dirty bomb (or radiological dispersion bomb) is a very A dirty bomb (or radiological dispersion bomb) is a very simple device. It's a conventional explosive, such as TNT simple device. It's a conventional explosive, such as TNT (trinitrotoluene), packaged with (trinitrotoluene), packaged with radioactive material. It's a lot material. It's a lot cruder and cheaper than a cruder and cheaper than a nuclear bomb, and it's also a lot less , and it's also a lot less effective. But it does have the combination of explosive de effective. But it does have the combination of explosive de struction and radiation damage. struction and radiation damage.

Basic Idea Of A Dirty BombBasic Idea Of A Dirty Bomb

The basic idea of a dirty bomb is to use the gas The basic idea of a dirty bomb is to use the gas expansion as a means of propelling radioactive expansion as a means of propelling radioactive material over a wide area rather than as a material over a wide area rather than as a destructive force in its own right. destructive force in its own right.

When the explosive goes off, the radioactive When the explosive goes off, the radioactive material spreads in a sort of dust cloud, carried material spreads in a sort of dust cloud, carried by the wind, that reaches a wider area than the by the wind, that reaches a wider area than the explosion itself. explosion itself.

Dirty Bomb PossibilitiesDirty Bomb Possibilities There is a huge range of possible dirty bomb designs. There is a huge range of possible dirty bomb designs.

Different explosive materials, applied in different quantities, Different explosive materials, applied in different quantities, would generate explosions of varying sizes, and different would generate explosions of varying sizes, and different types and quantities of radioactive material would contaminate types and quantities of radioactive material would contaminate an area to different degrees. Some designs include: an area to different degrees. Some designs include:

A small bomb, consisting of one stick of dynamite and a very A small bomb, consisting of one stick of dynamite and a very small amount of radioactive material small amount of radioactive material

A medium-size bomb, such as a backpack or small car filled A medium-size bomb, such as a backpack or small car filled with explosives and a greater amount of radioactive material with explosives and a greater amount of radioactive material

A large bomb, such as a truck filled with explosives and a A large bomb, such as a truck filled with explosives and a good amount of radioactive material good amount of radioactive material

Sources Of Getting Radioactive Sources Of Getting Radioactive MaterialMaterial

It's not nearly as accessible as explosive material, but there are a number of It's not nearly as accessible as explosive material, but there are a number of sources for radioactive material around the world. For example: sources for radioactive material around the world. For example:

Hospitals use small quantities of radioactive material, such as cesium-137, Hospitals use small quantities of radioactive material, such as cesium-137, in in nuclear medicine. .

Universities use similar materials to conduct scientific research. Universities use similar materials to conduct scientific research. Food irradiation plants use radiation from cobalt-60 to kill harmful bacteria Food irradiation plants use radiation from cobalt-60 to kill harmful bacteria

on food. on food. Natural radioactive Natural radioactive uranium isotopes are mined for use in nuclear energy. isotopes are mined for use in nuclear energy.

Terrorists could conceivably acquire uranium from various mines in Africa Terrorists could conceivably acquire uranium from various mines in Africa There are a number of abandoned "nuclear batteries" . These portable There are a number of abandoned "nuclear batteries" . These portable

thermoelectric generators contain a sizable amount of strontium-90, a thermoelectric generators contain a sizable amount of strontium-90, a highly potent radioactive isotope. highly potent radioactive isotope.

They could also put something together using various low-level radioactive They could also put something together using various low-level radioactive materials available to anybody, such as the radioactive material in materials available to anybody, such as the radioactive material in smoke alarms. .

Dirty Bomb DamageDirty Bomb Damage It's difficult to predict the extent of a dirty bomb's damage It's difficult to predict the extent of a dirty bomb's damage

because there are a huge number of variables at work. The because there are a huge number of variables at work. The type and quantity of the explosives and radioactive material type and quantity of the explosives and radioactive material make a big difference, of course, but completely random make a big difference, of course, but completely random things like wind speed would also have an effect. things like wind speed would also have an effect.

The long-term destructive force of the bomb would be The long-term destructive force of the bomb would be ionizing radiation from the radioactive material. ionizing radiation from the radioactive material.

Ionizing radiation in a person's body makes ion can cause a lot in a person's body makes ion can cause a lot of serious problems, leading to unnatural chemical reactions of serious problems, leading to unnatural chemical reactions inside inside cells breaking DNA chains. A cell with a broken strand breaking DNA chains. A cell with a broken strand of DNA will either die or mutate.of DNA will either die or mutate.

If the DNA mutates, a cell may become If the DNA mutates, a cell may become cancerous, and this , and this cancer may spread. cancer may spread.

Ionization radiation may also cause cells to malfunction, Ionization radiation may also cause cells to malfunction, resulting in a wide variety of symptoms collectively referred resulting in a wide variety of symptoms collectively referred to as to as radiation sickness. Radiation sickness can be deadly, but . Radiation sickness can be deadly, but people can survive it, particularly if they receive a bone people can survive it, particularly if they receive a bone marrow transplant. marrow transplant.

In a dirty bomb, the ionizing radiation would come from In a dirty bomb, the ionizing radiation would come from radioactive isotopes (also called radioisotopes). Radioactive radioactive isotopes (also called radioisotopes). Radioactive isotopes are simply atoms that decay over time. isotopes are simply atoms that decay over time.

A dirty bomb would boost the radiation level above normal A dirty bomb would boost the radiation level above normal levels, increasing the risk of cancer and radiation sickness to levels, increasing the risk of cancer and radiation sickness to some degree. Most likely, it wouldn't kill many people right some degree. Most likely, it wouldn't kill many people right away, but it could possibly kill people years down the road. away, but it could possibly kill people years down the road.

BIOLOGICAL WEAPONSBIOLOGICAL WEAPONS A biological weapon uses a bacteria or virus, or in A biological weapon uses a bacteria or virus, or in

some cases toxins that come directly from bacteria, to some cases toxins that come directly from bacteria, to kill people. If you were to dump a load of manure or kill people. If you were to dump a load of manure or human waste into a town's well, that would be a human waste into a town's well, that would be a simple form or biological warfare -- human and simple form or biological warfare -- human and animal manure contain bacteria that are deadly in a animal manure contain bacteria that are deadly in a variety of ways. In the 19th century, American variety of ways. In the 19th century, American Indians were infected with smallpox through donated Indians were infected with smallpox through donated blankets. blankets.

A modern biological weapon would use a strain of A modern biological weapon would use a strain of bacteria or a bacteria or a virus that would kill thousands of that would kill thousands of people. people.

Definition Of Biological WeaponDefinition Of Biological Weapon Biological weapons are defined as: Biological weapons are defined as: Microorganisms that infect and grow in the target host producing a clinical Microorganisms that infect and grow in the target host producing a clinical

disease that kills or incapacitates the targeted host. Such microbes may be disease that kills or incapacitates the targeted host. Such microbes may be natural, wild-type strains or may be the result of genetically engineered natural, wild-type strains or may be the result of genetically engineered organisms. organisms.

Biologically Derived Bioactive Substances (BDBS) products of metabolism Biologically Derived Bioactive Substances (BDBS) products of metabolism (usually, but not always, of microbial origin) that kill or incapacitate the (usually, but not always, of microbial origin) that kill or incapacitate the targeted host. These include biological toxins, as well as substances that targeted host. These include biological toxins, as well as substances that interfere with normal behavior, such as hormones, neuropeptides and interfere with normal behavior, such as hormones, neuropeptides and cytokines.cytokines.

Artificially Designed Biological-Mimicking Substances: With the provided Artificially Designed Biological-Mimicking Substances: With the provided knowledge of the mechanisms of biological processes it is now possible to knowledge of the mechanisms of biological processes it is now possible to design and manufacture substances that mimic the action of biologics. For design and manufacture substances that mimic the action of biologics. For example, we already make nerve gases and their close relatives, pesticides, that example, we already make nerve gases and their close relatives, pesticides, that act by binding specifically to receptors of targeted organisms, so it takes little act by binding specifically to receptors of targeted organisms, so it takes little imagination to predict that, as we learn more about the specifics of biological imagination to predict that, as we learn more about the specifics of biological processes, we will be able to create "designer" substances that can be processes, we will be able to create "designer" substances that can be specifically targeted to a particular cell-type in an enemy (e.g. people with specifically targeted to a particular cell-type in an enemy (e.g. people with blond hair and blue eyes). blond hair and blue eyes).

AdvantagesAdvantages Requires a single microbial bioweapon as it reproduces in Requires a single microbial bioweapon as it reproduces in

the host, theoretically produce the desired detrimental the host, theoretically produce the desired detrimental outcome in a target host. outcome in a target host.

Biological toxins are among the most toxic agents known. Biological toxins are among the most toxic agents known. For example, the quantity of botox in the dot of an ‘i’ is,  For example, the quantity of botox in the dot of an ‘i’ is,  when delivered properly, enough to kill ~10 people.when delivered properly, enough to kill ~10 people.

Most bioweapons grade microbes are relatively easy and Most bioweapons grade microbes are relatively easy and inexpensive to grow. inexpensive to grow.

Large quantities of biological weapons can, in most cases, Large quantities of biological weapons can, in most cases, be produced in a short period (a few days to a few weeks) be produced in a short period (a few days to a few weeks) at small facilities scattered over a large area. at small facilities scattered over a large area.

DisadvantagesDisadvantages

Difficulty of protection of workers.Difficulty of protection of workers. Difficulty in maintaining quality control and Difficulty in maintaining quality control and

sufficient containment during growth and sufficient containment during growth and harvesting of agents.harvesting of agents.

Effective delivery problems Effective delivery problems Poor storage survival Poor storage survival Difficult to control once released Difficult to control once released

Characteristics Of A Perfect Characteristics Of A Perfect Biological WeaponBiological Weapon

Highly infectious; requiring only a few organisms to Highly infectious; requiring only a few organisms to cause the desired effect (e.g. smallpox) or highly cause the desired effect (e.g. smallpox) or highly effective; requiring a small quantity of material to cause effective; requiring a small quantity of material to cause the desired effect (e.g. botox).the desired effect (e.g. botox).

Efficiently dispersible, usually in the air; contagious or Efficiently dispersible, usually in the air; contagious or effective on contact.effective on contact.

Readily grown and produced in large quantities.Readily grown and produced in large quantities. Stable in storage; preferably in a ready-to-deliver state.Stable in storage; preferably in a ready-to-deliver state. Resistant enough to environmental conditions so as to Resistant enough to environmental conditions so as to

remain infectious or operational long enough to affect remain infectious or operational long enough to affect the majority of the target, but not so persistent as to the majority of the target, but not so persistent as to affect the occupying army. affect the occupying army.

Resistant to treatment; e.g. antibiotics, antibodies, Resistant to treatment; e.g. antibiotics, antibodies, pharmaceutical drugs etc. pharmaceutical drugs etc.

Targets Of A Biological WeaponTargets Of A Biological Weapon

Biological (and chemical) weapons are apply called Biological (and chemical) weapons are apply called the "Poor Man’s Weapons of Mass Destruction". the "Poor Man’s Weapons of Mass Destruction".

Biological weapons may target living organisms or an Biological weapons may target living organisms or an environment seen as affecting the outcome of a environment seen as affecting the outcome of a struggle for control. struggle for control.

These include humans, both soldiers and These include humans, both soldiers and noncombatants, commercial crops and animals, the noncombatants, commercial crops and animals, the water supply, the soil, the air, or any combination of water supply, the soil, the air, or any combination of these. these.

Genetically-Modified Bio Weapons:Genetically-Modified Bio Weapons:The Ethnic BombThe Ethnic Bomb

"Biological weapons are green weapons, they’re "Biological weapons are green weapons, they’re biodegradable.biodegradable.

In 1998 there was a report that the White SA government In 1998 there was a report that the White SA government had ordered a program to develop a genetic engineered had ordered a program to develop a genetic engineered biological weapon that would specifically kill blacks.biological weapon that would specifically kill blacks.

Recently Israel was working on a Biological Weapon that Recently Israel was working on a Biological Weapon that would specifically harm Arabs carrying certain genes.would specifically harm Arabs carrying certain genes.

Two questions come to mind:Two questions come to mind: IS THIS SORT OF WEAPON POSSIBLE? IS THIS SORT OF WEAPON POSSIBLE? SHOULD PEOPLE EVEN BE THINKING OF SUCH SHOULD PEOPLE EVEN BE THINKING OF SUCH

THINGS?THINGS?

The Top Biological WeaponsThe Top Biological Weapons

The following are prime suspects in this The following are prime suspects in this rogue’s gallery of biological horrors: rogue’s gallery of biological horrors:

SmallpoxSmallpox AnthraxAnthrax Botulinum ToxinBotulinum Toxin AflatoxinAflatoxin Clostridium perfringensClostridium perfringens RicinRicin

SmallpoxSmallpox The smallpox virus is a prime candidate for a BW because The smallpox virus is a prime candidate for a BW because

of the following characteristics:of the following characteristics: It is a DNA virus whose genetic code has been sequenced.It is a DNA virus whose genetic code has been sequenced. It is easily (for a virus) cultivated and large quantities of It is easily (for a virus) cultivated and large quantities of

the virus could be produced in a relatively short period the virus could be produced in a relatively short period of time.e.g,Russia of time.e.g,Russia

It is a prime candidate for genetic engineering. It is easy It is a prime candidate for genetic engineering. It is easy to engineer it so that the current vaccines are no longer to engineer it so that the current vaccines are no longer effective and to add virulence factors to the smallpox effective and to add virulence factors to the smallpox genome (e.g. botox gene) that would make it virtually genome (e.g. botox gene) that would make it virtually 100% fatal.100% fatal.

It is highly infectious, being spread by close human It is highly infectious, being spread by close human contact. It can be contracted by inhaling the virus. contact. It can be contracted by inhaling the virus.

It is extremely hardy; surviving for days or weeks.It is extremely hardy; surviving for days or weeks. There is no known treatment to abate the course of the There is no known treatment to abate the course of the

disease other than routine medical care.disease other than routine medical care. If you took a gram of smallpox, which is highly contagious If you took a gram of smallpox, which is highly contagious

and lethal, and for which there’s no vaccine available and lethal, and for which there’s no vaccine available globally now, and released it in the air and created about a globally now, and released it in the air and created about a hundred cases, the chances are excellent that the virus hundred cases, the chances are excellent that the virus would go global in six weeks as people moved from city to would go global in six weeks as people moved from city to city……the death toll could easily hit the hundreds of city……the death toll could easily hit the hundreds of millions…..in scale, that’s like a nuclear war. millions…..in scale, that’s like a nuclear war.

AnthraxAnthrax Another old favorite BW, B. anthracis, is an aerobic spore Another old favorite BW, B. anthracis, is an aerobic spore

forming, gram positive bacterium that is highly infections andforming, gram positive bacterium that is highly infections and lethal to man and many of his domestic animals. lethal to man and many of his domestic animals. contracted through wounds but it can also be inhaled. contracted through wounds but it can also be inhaled. it produces a large cutaneous wound which, if the bacteria it produces a large cutaneous wound which, if the bacteria

reaches the blood stream, results in a fulminating septicemia reaches the blood stream, results in a fulminating septicemia that is usually fatal if untreated. that is usually fatal if untreated.

Inhaled spores germinate in the lungs and produce a Inhaled spores germinate in the lungs and produce a pulmonary anthrax which is rapidly fatal in 80% of the cases. pulmonary anthrax which is rapidly fatal in 80% of the cases.

Doctors who’ve treated anthrax patients have found that Doctors who’ve treated anthrax patients have found that they’ll be asking a patient how he feels, and the patient dies in they’ll be asking a patient how he feels, and the patient dies in mid-sentence." mid-sentence."

Botulinum ToxinBotulinum Toxin(BOTOX)(BOTOX)

Production and Dispersion:Production and Dispersion: C. botulinum can be isolated from its natural habitat, the soil C. botulinum can be isolated from its natural habitat, the soil

and it has been obtained from culture supply houses. It is an and it has been obtained from culture supply houses. It is an obligate anaerobe, which makes it a bit difficult to grow, but obligate anaerobe, which makes it a bit difficult to grow, but this presents no serious obstacle to a competent this presents no serious obstacle to a competent microbiologist. Purification of the botox protein is not microbiologist. Purification of the botox protein is not difficult. botox is relatively stable and can be stored in difficult. botox is relatively stable and can be stored in crystalline form.crystalline form.

It can be absorbed through the mucous membranes so aerosol It can be absorbed through the mucous membranes so aerosol dispersal, addition to a municipal water or food supplies are dispersal, addition to a municipal water or food supplies are likely ways of introducing botox into a population. likely ways of introducing botox into a population.

It is tasteless and odorless and, depending on the dosage, and It is tasteless and odorless and, depending on the dosage, and may take from 2 to 14 days before the symptoms appear. may take from 2 to 14 days before the symptoms appear.

Symptoms:Symptoms: The symptoms includeThe symptoms include double vision,double vision, difficulty in swallowing and speaking,difficulty in swallowing and speaking, muscle weakness, muscle weakness, vomiting vomiting eventually respiratory failure. eventually respiratory failure. The protein is a neurotoxin and once the symptoms appear the The protein is a neurotoxin and once the symptoms appear the

damage is irreversible (after ~48 hours). There are several damage is irreversible (after ~48 hours). There are several botox immunologically unique strains. The only treatment botox immunologically unique strains. The only treatment involves passive antibody shots against all the botox strains involves passive antibody shots against all the botox strains

AflatoxinAflatoxin This is a class of biological carcinogens, product by certain This is a class of biological carcinogens, product by certain

molds, that induce liver cancer.molds, that induce liver cancer. Man and many other animals are susceptible to this Man and many other animals are susceptible to this

material. material. The molds that produces this material grows well on grain, The molds that produces this material grows well on grain,

peanuts and other rich nutrients. peanuts and other rich nutrients. Aflatoxins are readily extracted with ethanol and easily Aflatoxins are readily extracted with ethanol and easily

concentrated.concentrated. They are stable on storage, but their stability after They are stable on storage, but their stability after

dispersal has not been reported. dispersal has not been reported. The onset of the cancer is uncertain and clearly dose The onset of the cancer is uncertain and clearly dose

dependent. As there are no known human tests on the dependent. As there are no known human tests on the toxicity of this material, it is impossible to assign a minimal toxicity of this material, it is impossible to assign a minimal lethal dose.lethal dose.

Clostridium perfringens Clostridium perfringens C. perfringens is an anaerobic gram positive spore former that C. perfringens is an anaerobic gram positive spore former that

grows well in the absence of oxygen and produces spores grows well in the absence of oxygen and produces spores resistant to adverse conditions. resistant to adverse conditions.

It enters the body through wounds, particularly the jagged, It enters the body through wounds, particularly the jagged, deep, and dirty type produced in war, where it cause gas deep, and dirty type produced in war, where it cause gas gangrene. gangrene.

Gas gangrene is an especially nasty disease that eats away the Gas gangrene is an especially nasty disease that eats away the body. It is one disease that physicians can diagnose a block body. It is one disease that physicians can diagnose a block away from the patient. away from the patient.

C. perfringens is a natural inhabitant of the human intestine as C. perfringens is a natural inhabitant of the human intestine as well as most other animals it is not hard to obtain. It also is one well as most other animals it is not hard to obtain. It also is one of the most common agents of food poisonings, frequently of the most common agents of food poisonings, frequently spoiling foods like turkey and other fowl as well as any rich food spoiling foods like turkey and other fowl as well as any rich food it contaminates.it contaminates.

Treatment involves antibiotics and exposure of the patient to Treatment involves antibiotics and exposure of the patient to pure oxygen which inhibits the growth of the bacillus. pure oxygen which inhibits the growth of the bacillus.

RicinRicin Ricin is a protein toxin extracted from the castor bean plant. Ricin is a protein toxin extracted from the castor bean plant. Ricin kills by destroying an important component of the Ricin kills by destroying an important component of the

protein synthesizing machinery of cells, the ribosome.protein synthesizing machinery of cells, the ribosome. It works as a slow poison, eventually causing a total body It works as a slow poison, eventually causing a total body

collapse as necessary proteins are not replaced. collapse as necessary proteins are not replaced. The structure and mechanism of action of ricin is well The structure and mechanism of action of ricin is well

understood, thus making it an excellent candidate for genetic understood, thus making it an excellent candidate for genetic manipulation. manipulation.

That is, because of this knowledge, it should be possible to That is, because of this knowledge, it should be possible to genetically modify ricin so as to make it a more effective BW. genetically modify ricin so as to make it a more effective BW.

Ricin is already being investigated for its "magic bullet" Ricin is already being investigated for its "magic bullet" properties as an agent that might selectively destroy cancer properties as an agent that might selectively destroy cancer cells. cells.

CHEMICAL WEAPONSCHEMICAL WEAPONS A chemical weapon is any weapon that uses a manufactured chemical to A chemical weapon is any weapon that uses a manufactured chemical to

kill people. kill people. The first chemical weapon used effectively in battle was chlorine gas, The first chemical weapon used effectively in battle was chlorine gas,

which burns and destroys lung tissue. Chlorine is not an exotic chemical. which burns and destroys lung tissue. Chlorine is not an exotic chemical. Most municipal water systems use it today to kill bacteria. It is easy to Most municipal water systems use it today to kill bacteria. It is easy to manufacture from common table salt. In World War I, the German army manufacture from common table salt. In World War I, the German army released tons of the gas to create a cloud that the wind carried toward the released tons of the gas to create a cloud that the wind carried toward the enemy. enemy.

Modern chemical weapons tend to focus on agents with much greater Modern chemical weapons tend to focus on agents with much greater killing power, meaning that it takes a lot less of the chemical to kill the killing power, meaning that it takes a lot less of the chemical to kill the same number of people. Many of them use the sorts of chemicals found in same number of people. Many of them use the sorts of chemicals found in insecticides. When you spray your lawn or garden with a chemical to insecticides. When you spray your lawn or garden with a chemical to control aphids, you are, in essence, waging a chemical war on aphids. control aphids, you are, in essence, waging a chemical war on aphids.

Chemical weapons use the toxic properties of chemical substances rather Chemical weapons use the toxic properties of chemical substances rather than their explosive properties to produce physical or physiological effects than their explosive properties to produce physical or physiological effects on an enemy.on an enemy.

Chemical Weapon deliveryChemical Weapon delivery The most important factor in the effectiveness of chemical The most important factor in the effectiveness of chemical

weapons is the efficiency of dissemination.weapons is the efficiency of dissemination. A variety of technologies can be used to weaponize toxic A variety of technologies can be used to weaponize toxic

chemical agents. chemical agents. Munitions include bombs, submunitions, projectiles, Munitions include bombs, submunitions, projectiles,

warheads, and spray tanks. The principal method of warheads, and spray tanks. The principal method of disseminating chemical agents has been the use of explosives. disseminating chemical agents has been the use of explosives.

There are three ways as:There are three ways as: Aerodynamic disseminationAerodynamic dissemination Thermal disseminationThermal dissemination DispersionDispersion

Types Of CWTypes Of CW A chemical agent is a substance which is intended for A chemical agent is a substance which is intended for

use in military operations to kill, seriously injure or use in military operations to kill, seriously injure or incapacitate people because of its physiological incapacitate people because of its physiological effects. Excluded from this definition are riot control effects. Excluded from this definition are riot control agents, herbicides, smoke, and flame. These agents agents, herbicides, smoke, and flame. These agents are as follows:are as follows:

Nerve AgentsNerve Agents Blister AgentsBlister Agents Choking AgentsChoking Agents Blood AgentsBlood Agents Pulmonary AgentsPulmonary Agents

Nerve AgentsNerve Agents

The principle agents in this group are:The principle agents in this group are: GA - tabunGA - tabun GB - sarinGB - sarin GD - somanGD - soman GF - cyclosarinGF - cyclosarin VX - methylphosphonothioic acidVX - methylphosphonothioic acid In the pure state nerve agents are colorless and In the pure state nerve agents are colorless and

mobile liquids. In an impure state nerve agents may mobile liquids. In an impure state nerve agents may be encountered as yellowish to brown liquids. Some be encountered as yellowish to brown liquids. Some nerve agents have a faint fruity odor.nerve agents have a faint fruity odor.

Nerve agents interfere with the signaling system used by the Nerve agents interfere with the signaling system used by the nervous system. Many organophosphates inhibit nervous system. Many organophosphates inhibit acetylcholinesterase, an essential chemical that breaks down acetylcholinesterase, an essential chemical that breaks down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which carries nerve signals the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which carries nerve signals across gaps between nerve cells. across gaps between nerve cells.

Symptoms and CuresSymptoms and Cures The rapid action of nerve agents producesThe rapid action of nerve agents produces Unexplained nasal secretionUnexplained nasal secretion salivationsalivation tightness of the chesttightness of the chest shortness of breathshortness of breath constriction of pupilsconstriction of pupils muscular twitchingmuscular twitching nausea nausea abdominal crampsabdominal cramps The immediate intramuscular injection of 2 mg of atropine, The immediate intramuscular injection of 2 mg of atropine,

combined if possible with oxime combined if possible with oxime

Blister AgentsBlister Agents Blister or vesicant agents are likely to be used both to Blister or vesicant agents are likely to be used both to

produce casualties and to force opposing troops to produce casualties and to force opposing troops to wear full protective equipment thus degrading wear full protective equipment thus degrading fighting efficiency, rather than to kill, although fighting efficiency, rather than to kill, although exposure to such agents can be fatal.exposure to such agents can be fatal.

Vesicants burn and blister the skin or any other part Vesicants burn and blister the skin or any other part of the body they contact. of the body they contact.

They act on the eyes, mucous membranes, lungs, skin They act on the eyes, mucous membranes, lungs, skin and blood-forming organs. and blood-forming organs.

They damage the respiratory tract when inhaled and They damage the respiratory tract when inhaled and cause vomiting and diarrhea when ingested.cause vomiting and diarrhea when ingested.

The vesicant agents include: The vesicant agents include: HD - sulfur mustard, or yperiteHD - sulfur mustard, or yperite HN - nitrogen mustardHN - nitrogen mustard L - lewisite (arsenical vesicants may be used in a L - lewisite (arsenical vesicants may be used in a

mixture with HD)mixture with HD) CX - phosgene (properties and effects are very CX - phosgene (properties and effects are very

different from other vesicants)different from other vesicants) HD and HN are the most feared vesicants because of HD and HN are the most feared vesicants because of

their effects as they attack skin as well as eyes and their effects as they attack skin as well as eyes and respiratory tract, and because no effective therapy is respiratory tract, and because no effective therapy is yet available for countering their effects. yet available for countering their effects.

LewisiteLewisite In a pure form lewisite is a colorless and odorless liquid, but In a pure form lewisite is a colorless and odorless liquid, but

usually contains small amounts of impurities that give it a usually contains small amounts of impurities that give it a brownish color and an odor resembling geranium oil.brownish color and an odor resembling geranium oil.

It is heavier than mustard, poorly soluble in water but soluble It is heavier than mustard, poorly soluble in water but soluble in organic solvents. in organic solvents.

L is a vesicant (blister agent) acts as a systemic poison, L is a vesicant (blister agent) acts as a systemic poison, causing pulmonary edema, diarrhea, restlessness, weakness, causing pulmonary edema, diarrhea, restlessness, weakness, subnormal temperature, and low blood pressure. subnormal temperature, and low blood pressure.

In order of severity and appearance of symptoms, it is: a In order of severity and appearance of symptoms, it is: a blister agent, a toxic lung irritant, absorbed in tissues, and a blister agent, a toxic lung irritant, absorbed in tissues, and a systemic poison. When inhaled in high concentrations, may be systemic poison. When inhaled in high concentrations, may be fatal in as short a time as 10 minutes.fatal in as short a time as 10 minutes.

Phosgene Oxime:Phosgene Oxime: Phosgene oxime (CX) is a white crystalline powder. It melts Phosgene oxime (CX) is a white crystalline powder. It melts

between 39-40°C, and boils at 129°C. between 39-40°C, and boils at 129°C. In low concentrations, phosgene oxime severely irritates the In low concentrations, phosgene oxime severely irritates the

eyes causing corneal lesions and blindness and respiratory eyes causing corneal lesions and blindness and respiratory organs causing pulmonary edema. organs causing pulmonary edema.

In high concentrations, it also attacks the skin. In high concentrations, it also attacks the skin. A few milligrams applied to the skin cause severe irritation, A few milligrams applied to the skin cause severe irritation,

intense pain, and subsequently a necrotizing wound. Very few intense pain, and subsequently a necrotizing wound. Very few compounds are as painful and destructive to the tissues. compounds are as painful and destructive to the tissues. Recovery takes 1 to 3 months. Recovery takes 1 to 3 months.

Choking AgentsChoking Agents

Chemical agents which attack lung tissue, Chemical agents which attack lung tissue, primarily causing pulmonary edema, are primarily causing pulmonary edema, are classed as lung damaging agents. To this classed as lung damaging agents. To this group belong:group belong:

CG - phosgeneCG - phosgene DP - diphosgeneDP - diphosgene Cl - chlorineCl - chlorine PS - chloropicrinPS - chloropicrin

PhosgenePhosgene

Phosgene is the most dangerous member of Phosgene is the most dangerous member of this group and the only one considered likely this group and the only one considered likely to be used in the future. to be used in the future.

Phosgene is a colorless gas under ordinary Phosgene is a colorless gas under ordinary conditions of temperature and pressure. conditions of temperature and pressure.

The outstanding feature of phosgene poisoning The outstanding feature of phosgene poisoning is massive pulmonary edema. With exposure is massive pulmonary edema. With exposure to very high concentrations death may occur to very high concentrations death may occur within several hours.within several hours.

During and immediately after exposure, there is likely During and immediately after exposure, there is likely to be coughing, choking, a feeling of tightness in the to be coughing, choking, a feeling of tightness in the chest, nausea, and occasionally vomiting and chest, nausea, and occasionally vomiting and headache.headache.

It is terminated by the signs and symptoms of It is terminated by the signs and symptoms of pulmonary edema. These begin with cough, dyspnea, pulmonary edema. These begin with cough, dyspnea, rapid shallow breathing and cyanosis. Nausea and rapid shallow breathing and cyanosis. Nausea and vomiting may appear. As the edema progresses, vomiting may appear. As the edema progresses, discomfort increases. discomfort increases.

The patient may develop shock-like symptoms, with The patient may develop shock-like symptoms, with pale, clammy skin, low blood pressure and feeble, pale, clammy skin, low blood pressure and feeble, rapid heartbeat. rapid heartbeat.

Blood AgentsBlood Agents

A blood agent is a chemical compound, that prevents A blood agent is a chemical compound, that prevents the body from utilizing oxygen. CK and AC contain the body from utilizing oxygen. CK and AC contain the cyanide group. They exert their toxic effect at the the cyanide group. They exert their toxic effect at the cellular level by directly interrupting cellular cellular level by directly interrupting cellular respiration respiration

SA is the only true blood agent because it causes SA is the only true blood agent because it causes hemolysis of the red blood cells.hemolysis of the red blood cells.

Cyanogen chloride (CK) Cyanogen chloride (CK) Hydrogen cyanide (AC) Hydrogen cyanide (AC) Arsine (SA) Arsine (SA)

Pulmonary AgentsPulmonary Agents A pulmonary agent (or choking agent) is a chemical weapon A pulmonary agent (or choking agent) is a chemical weapon

agent designed to impede a victim's ability to breathe, agent designed to impede a victim's ability to breathe, resulting in suffocation.resulting in suffocation.

Adamsite (DM) Adamsite (DM) Acrolein Acrolein Bis(chloromethyl) ether (BCME) Bis(chloromethyl) ether (BCME) Chlorine (Cl2) Chlorine (Cl2) Chloropicrin (PS) Chloropicrin (PS) Diphosgene (DP) Diphosgene (DP) Methyl chlorosulfonate Methyl chlorosulfonate Phosgene (CG) Phosgene (CG) Stannic chloride Stannic chloride

CLUSTER BOMBSCLUSTER BOMBS Cluster munitions also named as Steel Cluster munitions also named as Steel

Rain are large weapons open in mid-air Rain are large weapons open in mid-air and scatter widely in smaller sub and scatter widely in smaller sub munitions, usually number in the dozens munitions, usually number in the dozens or hundreds.or hundreds.

These munitions spread their contents with These munitions spread their contents with a radius of up to 600 m. a radius of up to 600 m.

Destroy broad targets like airfields and Destroy broad targets like airfields and surface-to-air missile sites. surface-to-air missile sites.

Effective against targets that move or do Effective against targets that move or do not have precise locations, such as enemy not have precise locations, such as enemy troops or vehicles.troops or vehicles.

Cluster bombs carry up to 200 bomblets, Cluster bombs carry up to 200 bomblets, each the size of a soft drink can. each the size of a soft drink can.

The sub munitions are designed to explode The sub munitions are designed to explode on impact.on impact.

When fail to explode, remain hazardous When fail to explode, remain hazardous and explode when touched or disturbedand explode when touched or disturbed

Used against civilians.Used against civilians.

Cluster munitions are more Cluster munitions are more dangerous for a number of reasons:dangerous for a number of reasons:

There are large numbers of released sub munitions. There are large numbers of released sub munitions. Nearly every cluster bomb will leave behind a Nearly every cluster bomb will leave behind a significant amount of hazardous unexploded significant amount of hazardous unexploded ordnance. ordnance.

Cluster munitions are even more volatile and difficult Cluster munitions are even more volatile and difficult to clear and destroy than landmines. to clear and destroy than landmines.

Cluster bombs are much more likely to cause death Cluster bombs are much more likely to cause death than injury, making them in fact more lethal than than injury, making them in fact more lethal than landmines. landmines.

Most cluster bombs are unguided, so they can miss Most cluster bombs are unguided, so they can miss their mark, hit nearby civilian objects and disperse their mark, hit nearby civilian objects and disperse over an area that is not always predictable.over an area that is not always predictable.

Working Of Cluster BombsWorking Of Cluster Bombs

Cluster bombs are complex weapons. Cluster bombs are complex weapons. The following sequence explains its functioning and why bomblets cover a The following sequence explains its functioning and why bomblets cover a large arealarge area

Step 1Step 1 The cluster bomb dropped from a plane weighs about 430 kg and carries The cluster bomb dropped from a plane weighs about 430 kg and carries

about 200 bomblets. The bomb can fly about 9 miles by itself before the about 200 bomblets. The bomb can fly about 9 miles by itself before the bomblets are released.bomblets are released.

Step 2Step 2 A short time before the bomblets are released the cluster A short time before the bomblets are released the cluster

bombs begin to spin. The canister opens at an altitude bombs begin to spin. The canister opens at an altitude between 100m and 1000m. The height, velocity and between 100m and 1000m. The height, velocity and rotation speed determine what area will be covered by the rotation speed determine what area will be covered by the bomblets.bomblets.

Step 3 Step 3 Each bomblet is the size of a soft

drink can. They deploy a little parachute that stabilizes them and makes sure that they descend with their nose down. Each of the bomblets holds hundreds of metal pieces, which can pierce armour.

Step 4 Depending on the altitude from

which the bomblets were released and on the wind conditions, the bomblets can cover an area of up to 200m by 400 m.

When the bomblets explode, they cause injury and damage across a wide area. The blast of one bomblet can cause deadly shrapnel injuries of in a radius of up to 25 metres.

DOOMSDAY BOMBSDOOMSDAY BOMBS

We have so far been discussing Doomsday We have so far been discussing Doomsday brought about by natural causes. The term brought about by natural causes. The term "Doomsday Machine" refers to the class of "Doomsday Machine" refers to the class of hypothetical weapons specially designed to hypothetical weapons specially designed to destroy all large life forms including humans. destroy all large life forms including humans.

Cobalt Bomb Cluster.Cobalt Bomb Cluster. Wobble BombsWobble Bombs. . Asteroid Bomb.Asteroid Bomb. Botulis Bombs.Botulis Bombs.