Old man uranium Earlier this year, I did column on the stockpile
of highly enriched uranium at the Y-12 nuclear weapons plant and
studies under way there to understand the aging characteristics
of uranium and the long-term deployment of uranium components.
Here is more detailed information, based on questions submitted
to the National Nuclear Security Administration. Q. Does Y-12
perform studies on uranium aging? A. Yes, Y-12 conducts tests on
the components it produces. Y-12's role in this work is part of
NNSA's Stockpile Evaluation Program, which is conducted to
detect and evaluate potential problems in the nuclear weapons
stockpile that could affect safety, use, control, and
reliability. These evaluations are performed on materials and
components used in weapon manufacturing, newly built weapons,
weapons that have been retrofitted or upgraded, and weapons
withdrawn from the stockpile. Q. What can you tell me about
Y-12’s role in these studies? A. Y-12 has been conducting
uranium aging studies for many year