Maintaining the US stockpile of nuclear weapons during a test ban

Conference · Tue Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1987

OSTI ID:5480589

Kidder, R

We review here results of several classes of US nuclear weapons tests conducted within the past decade, together with the principal strengths and weaknesses of nuclear weapons themselves. It is found that a high degree of confidence in the reliability of the existing stockpile is justified, and that it is sufficiently robust to permit confidence in the reliability of remanufactured warheads in the absence of nuclear explosive proof-tests. We also review problems encountered with the 14 nuclear weapon designs since 1958 that have been frequently and prominently cited as evidence that a Low-Threshold Test Ban (LTTB) or a Comprehensive Test Ban (CTB) would preclude the possibility of maintaining a reliable stockpile. It is concluded that the experience has little if any relevance to the question of maintaining the reliability of the stockpile of nuclear weapons that exists in 1987. It is recommended that the Department of Energy be encouraged to undertake the formulation and execution of a Readiness Program whose purpose is to ensure that the US is prepared to maintain the reliability of its stockpile of nuclear weapons in the absence of nuclear explosive tests, and that funds earmarked for this purpose be provided.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• OSTI ID: 5480589
• Report Number(s): UCRL-97877; CONF-880144-1; ON: DE88005037
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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