Bethe–Feynman formula for nuclear explosions
E75708
The Bethe–Feynman formula for nuclear explosions is a theoretical expression developed by Hans Bethe and Richard Feynman that estimates the energy yield and behavior of nuclear detonations based on fundamental physical parameters of the device.
Statements (47)
| Predicate | Object |
|---|---|
| instanceOf |
nuclear weapons theory concept
→
physical formula → theoretical model → |
| appliesTo |
fission weapons
→
nuclear device yield estimation → nuclear explosions → |
| approximationType |
simplified analytic approximation
→
|
| assumes |
homogeneous fissile core
→
rapidly varying neutron population → spherical symmetry of the core → |
| basedOn |
chain reaction kinetics
→
exponential growth of fission power → neutron transport theory → |
| characterizes |
exponential growth phase of a nuclear explosion
→
time to disassembly of the core → |
| describes |
behavior of nuclear detonations
→
energy yield of nuclear detonations → time evolution of nuclear explosion power → |
| developedAt |
Los Alamos Laboratory
→
|
| developedBy |
Hans Bethe
→
Richard Feynman → |
| developedDuring |
Manhattan Project
→
|
| estimates |
fraction of material fissioned
→
power as a function of time → total explosive yield → |
| field |
nuclear physics
→
weapons physics → |
| historicalSignificance |
one of the first systematic yield estimation formulas for nuclear weapons
→
|
| involves |
coupled neutron and hydrodynamic behavior
→
|
| namedAfter |
Hans Bethe
→
Richard Feynman → |
| purpose |
guide nuclear weapon design calculations
→
predict nuclear weapon yield → |
| relatedTo |
critical mass
→
neutron diffusion equation → nuclear chain reaction → point‑kinetics approximation → supercritical assembly → |
| usedIn |
early nuclear weapon design studies
→
|
| usesParameter |
degree of supercriticality
→
density of fissile core → fission energy per event → mass of fissile material → multiplication factor k → neutron absorption in non‑fission reactions → neutron generation time → neutron leakage → |
Referenced by (1)
| Subject (surface form when different) | Predicate |
|---|---|
|
Hans Bethe
→
|
notableIdea |