Graphite Cylinder & Graphite Brick CP-1. Chicago Pile -1. Site of the First Self-Sustaining Nuclear Reaction. Stag... (Total: 2 Items)

Description

Graphite Cylinder & Graphite Brick CP-1
Chicago Pile -1
Site of the First Self-Sustaining Nuclear Reaction
Stagg Field - The University of Chicago
Chicago, Illinois, USA

This literally one-of-a-kind artifact of American history is beyond special and has one incredible and fully documented backstory. Historical achievements, especially in terms of Americana, tend to tie to specific dates, so December 2, 1942 - the date that a team of scientists led by legendary Enrico Fermi performed the world's first self-sustained nuclear reaction - was the first step in designing and building facilities such as Oak Ridge and Hanford which produced the Uranium and Plutonium used in the first nuclear weapons. Amazingly, the experiment took place below the stands at Stagg Field at the University of Chicago. The reactor, known as Chicago Pile-1 ("CP-1"), and later rebuilt as CP-2 was disassembled and bulldozed, then turned into a landfill. In the 1990s, pieces began heaving up through the soil, mandating that the Department of Energy would take the initiative to clean-up at the site. The Public Information Officer for the agency was able to get several 'souvenirs,' including this pairing of an unbelievable Graphite Cylinder and a Graphite Brick from the iconic location. This sizable metal accessory measuring 12 inches (30.5 cm) tall and 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter was used to hold test tubes that were filled with liquid and then later analyzed after insertion in the reactor to determine changes when irradiated to help in the development of tools for working with Plutonium and Uranium. The accompanying brick weighing 923.4 grams, is a solid block of gray matter with an equally impressive history. While comparatively nondescript, exhibiting minimal milling, it also represents a very significant remnant from the important locality. The cylinder has been tested, and it does not show any indications of radiation contamination. This pairing of two singular, and collectible pieces of American scientific history with impeccable provenance is one rather special "dynamic" duo.
Measurements: 12.01 x 5.91 inches (30.50 x 15.00 cm)

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