Manhattan Project
Conundrum, Fri Feb 15 2019, 05:07AMHi all.
Interesting idea: can you enrich nuclear materials without conventional equipment?
Early experiments were done by a Mr D Hahn (RIP) but it did show proof of concept.
In my case the experiments I ran were done using relatively safe isotopes like 40K
and the setup was simple enough that anyone with GCSE level science could make it work.
Incidentally don't do this unless you know *exactly* what you are doing.
As it turns out the side effects were severe enough not to even attempt this again without the
correct setup, supervision and lots more shielding.
I had it up to something like 3-6% enrichment before it got a bit out of control and shut down
the experiment safely.
Also useful: made some very fascinating 40KCl crystals that were "hot" and glowed red when
exposed to RF energy suggesting that something interesting happened.
Yes I have pictures, somewhere.
-A
Re: Manhattan Project
MRMILSTAR, Fri Feb 15 2019, 03:19PM
I have always accepted a certain level of risk in my hobbies: tesla coils, Marx generator, quarter shrinker, and other HV equipment and things that go "bang". After all, I always tell people that unless something involves a certain amount of risk, it is probably not much fun or not very exciting or interesting.
I draw the line though at devices that emit radiation which requires protective shielding. If I can be hurt or killed by something that I can't even see or feel then that is more risk than I care to assume. I also would not be confident that I had the proper shielding. I leave those kinds of devices to professional laboratories.
That being said, if someone is willing to assume those risks, I enthusiastically say proceed.
MRMILSTAR, Fri Feb 15 2019, 03:19PM
I have always accepted a certain level of risk in my hobbies: tesla coils, Marx generator, quarter shrinker, and other HV equipment and things that go "bang". After all, I always tell people that unless something involves a certain amount of risk, it is probably not much fun or not very exciting or interesting.
I draw the line though at devices that emit radiation which requires protective shielding. If I can be hurt or killed by something that I can't even see or feel then that is more risk than I care to assume. I also would not be confident that I had the proper shielding. I leave those kinds of devices to professional laboratories.
That being said, if someone is willing to assume those risks, I enthusiastically say proceed.
Re: Manhattan Project
Conundrum, Sat Feb 16 2019, 08:08AM
Fair enough. 40K is sufficiently safe that it can be handled though with caution.
It has the distinction of being obtainable literally anywhere, either from health food shops or supermarkets.
When I say "side effects", equipment malfunctions were an issue.
Might have been other things but tested it and did see an effect on some RAM modules.
Note: if you get it above 3% then watch out!
Conundrum, Sat Feb 16 2019, 08:08AM
Fair enough. 40K is sufficiently safe that it can be handled though with caution.
It has the distinction of being obtainable literally anywhere, either from health food shops or supermarkets.
When I say "side effects", equipment malfunctions were an issue.
Might have been other things but tested it and did see an effect on some RAM modules.
Note: if you get it above 3% then watch out!
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