Quote:
Originally Posted by DoTheMath
Yes there came a point in the project when the scientists were sure that the U-235 bomb would work. At what point did they reach the conclusion that such a bomb could be built? If they were so sure, why weren't all the combatants racing to make one? And on what date did the Soviets conclude that the west would eventually have a working bomb and what did they think would be the date by when the west would have it?
The complete design for the U-235 bomb was completed in Feb., 1945; the components still needed constructing and the main problem, then as now, for those wishing to make the simple type atomic bomb, is the arduous cost and time in processing enough natural Uranium to get the needed mass and purity of enriched U-235 for use. The U-235 bomb (Little Boy) was not assembled until July, 1945. That was after the separate components had been manufactured, tested, and the proper amount of enriched U-235 available.
The Trinity Test conducted July 16, 1945 proved 100% the viability of the Pu-239 bomb (the scientists were certain the U-235 bomb would work; but politicians need absolute certainty, thus the Trinity Test proved 100% one bomb would work ). I assume the knowledge of the successful test was known to Truman at or just before the Potsdam conference, which started on July 17, 1945 and lasted until August 2.
Others (including Germany) were pursing atomic weapons, the theory was known to all – the reason the American’s came in first is an interesting, convoluted, and remarkable story that I will not detail. See the book I referenced. Suffice to say that certain things worked in America’s favor and the sabotage of Germany’s heavy water facility in Norway by allied commandos (mainly Norwegian resistance but also allied bombing) was a stroke of fortune and genius. The reactor was knocked out of service by early 1943. This was a major blow to critical material and experiments required for atomic bomb construction. The Germans never recovered from that blow.
Last edited by Zeno; 09-01-2013 at 12:40 PM.