

Episode 92: The Quest for Pure Uranium
Aug 22, 2024
Harley Wilhelm, an unsung hero of the Manhattan Project, shares his groundbreaking work in revolutionizing pure uranium metal production. He discusses the Ames Process that transformed slow metal smelting into a vital operation for ending World War II. The conversation dives into the intricate science of uranium enrichment and the unexpected connections in rare earth research. Wilhelm also highlights the challenges of maintaining secrecy during wartime collaboration and details the surprising uses and health implications of depleted uranium.
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
1 2 3 4 5 6
Intro
00:00 • 2min
The Unsung Heroes of Uranium Production
01:38 • 2min
The Unexpected Connection in Rare Earth Research
03:56 • 2min
Uranium and Collaboration in WWII
05:45 • 13min
The Journey of Uranium: From Ore to Ingot
18:53 • 16min
Exploring the Origins and Implications of Depleted Uranium
34:56 • 5min