Harnessing Atomic Power: The Promise and Perils
Introduction:
The aftermath of the nuclear bombing of Japan in 1945 left the world in shock and horror. However, just four months later, an Autocar article speculated on the potential peaceful applications of atomic power. This article explores the possibilities and challenges of using atomic energy for locomotion, focusing on cars. While the technical feasibility exists, the dangers and practical difficulties associated with radiation shielding and safety measures pose significant obstacles.
The Potential Power of Atomic Energy:
JT Thornber, a British wartime nuclear researcher, stated that the technique of producing power from atomic energy was already in existence. He cited atomic bomb inventor JR Oppenheimer’s claim that Americans would have a railway locomotive running on atomic power within two years. Thornber believed that there was no technical reason why a car could not be powered in a similar manner. However, he acknowledged the numerous practical difficulties and emphasized the necessity of efficient radiation shielding to prevent the devastating effects of exposure.
The Lethal Nature of Atomic Energy:
The fission of uranium-235, the key component in atomic energy production, produces unstable particles that rapidly decay into krypton and barium. Even the minutest particle of these elements could cause galloping cancer in a large population area. The dangers posed by these lethal constituents raise questions about the feasibility of using them in vehicles as vulnerable as cars. However, Thornber expressed confidence in the genius of humanity to devise the necessary protective measures, despite the challenges.
The Reckless Exploration of Atomic Power:
As the United States entered the 1950s, it embarked on a reckless exploration of atomic power. While military tests were conducted near Las Vegas with casinos even hosting parties for tourists to witness detonations, scientists worked on reactors to generate power and nuclear medicine. The US government even advocated using atomic energy for mining and creating an alternative to the Panama Canal. However, these ventures were met with skepticism and concern for safety.
Failed Dreams of Atomic-Powered Transportation:
Despite the initial enthusiasm, the promise of atomic-powered transportation never fully materialized. The mentioned railway locomotive running on atomic power did not come to fruition. Instead, the US Navy commissioned the USS Nautilus submarine with a 10MW reactor in 1954. The US Air Force also studied nuclear aircraft, and a converted Convair B-36 jet bomber was tested in 1955 to assess radiation protection. In the same era, Ford presented the Nucleon concept car, powered by a small reactor. However, safety concerns and practical challenges prevented these ideas from becoming a reality.
The Perils of Nuclear Energy:
The potential dangers associated with nuclear energy were evident in several incidents. In 1961, a Boeing B-52 bomber narrowly avoided accidentally nuking North Carolina due to a low-voltage safety switch. This incident highlights the catastrophic consequences that could have occurred. Additionally, the Cuban Missile Crisis demonstrated how close the United States and the USSR came to mutually assured destruction. These close calls and risks associated with nuclear energy underscore the miracle of human survival.
Conclusion:
The idea of using atomic power for peaceful purposes, including powering cars, captivated the imagination of scientists and researchers after the horrors of nuclear warfare. However, the practical difficulties and dangers associated with radiation shielding and safety measures proved insurmountable. While atomic power found limited applications in submarines and other areas, it never became a viable option for transportation. The perils and risks associated with nuclear energy remind us of the importance of responsible scientific exploration, emphasizing the need for safety and ethical considerations.