Reddit reviews The Curve of Binding Energy: A Journey into the Awesome and Alarming World of Theodore B. Taylor
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In 1976, and underachieving 3rd year physics student at Princeton designed an atomic bomb in just a few months. It was his independent study term project.
The biggest problem he faced was determining the geometric configuration of the explosives used to implode the fissile core. After weeks of fruitless work, he had the crazy idea to call up DuPont and just ask them about it. They gave him the information over the phone.
He published a very entertaining book about the experience and the ensuing media frenzy. It's well worth reading.
As a companion piece, check out The Curve of Binding Energy, an investigation into just how astoundingly poorly secured nuclear material was in the 70's. I remember one description of a storage site where a chain link fence and an window with no alarm were the only barriers to entering a room full of containers of enriched uranium. The only security was a guard post around the corner, 1/4 mile away. Hopefully security is better now.
It's absolutely amazing there has not yet been a nuclear terrorist attack.