@article{ author = {J. Carson Mark}, title = {Explosive properties of reactor-grade plutonium}, journal = {Science & Global Security}, volume = {4}, number = {1}, pages = {111-128}, year = {1993}, URL = {https://scienceandglobalsecurity.org/archive/1993/08/explosive_properties_of_reacto_1.html}, eprint = {http://scienceandglobalsecurity.org/archive/sgs04mark.pdf}, abstract = {The following discussion focuses on the question of whether a terrorist organization or a threshold state could make use of plutonium recovered from light-water-reactor fuel to construct a nuclear explosive device having a significantly damaging yield. Questions persist in some nonproliferation policy circles as to whether a bomb could be made from reactor-grade plutonium of high burn-up, and if so, whether the task would be too difficult for a threshold state or terrorist group to consider. Although the information relevant to these questions is in the public domain, and has been for a considerable time, it is assembled here for use by policy makers and members of the public who are concerned about preventing the spread of nuclear explosives.} }