Atomic Pile

Atomic Pile
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Atomic Pile
Stagg Field (Old) 2
II: Buildings and Grounds
Photograph taken in November 1942 during construction of the first nuclear reactor as the 19th layer of graphite was being added. The roughly spherical form of the structure is shown as is some of the supporting framework. Layer 18 (partially covered) contained uranium. Layers of graphite containing uranium metal and uranium oxide were spaced by sections of dead graphite to layer 57, one beyond critical or operating dimensions. The reactor was constructed beneath a portion of the west stands of the University of Chicago's Stagg Field, and was operated for the first time December 2, 1942.
Metallurgical Laboratory, Manhattan Engineer District
Nuclear reactors | Science rooms and equipment | Manhattan Project (U.S.)
Argonne National Laboratory
1942-11
Photographic prints; 22.2 x 17.8 cm
University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
CH01
Archival Photographic Files
University of Chicago Library, Special Collections Research Center
apf2-00502

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