The Artisanal Nuke, 2014
Authored by Mary C. Dixon, USAF Center for Unconventional Weapons Studies, Air University, Maxwell AFB, AL
This thesis examines the artisanal scientific and engineering challenges inherent in maintaining the safety, security and reliability of nuclear weapons within the DOE's Stockpile Stewardship Program (SSP.) The author argues that the SSP is a reasonable solution to the continued need for a nuclear deterrent, but the program could be more cost-effective.