Ebook: The First Reactor

U.S. Department of Energy, DOE/NE-0046, 1982. — 49 p.On December 2, 1942, in a racquets court underneath the West Stands of Stagg Field at the University of Chicago, a team of scientists led by Enrico Fermi created man’s first controlled, self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction. Since 1946 the story of this remarkable scientific and technological achievement has been periodically commemorated by those involved. It is now a well known and significant benchmark in the history of nuclear energy technology. This updated and revised story of the first reactor, or pile, is based on the firsthand accounts of the participants as told to Corbin Allardice and Edward R. Trapnell. It also includes the postwar recollections of Enrico and Laura Fermi. The text of the three accounts remains largely unchanged.Preface.
Introduction.
The first pile. – by Corbin Allardice and Edward R. Trapnell.
Fermi’s own story. - by Enrico Fermi.
Of secrecy and the pile. - by Laura Fermi.
Final chapters.
Epilogue.
Suggested references.