Uranium Enrichment

Purpose of Enrichment: Uranium enrichment increases the concentration of the U-235 isotope, essential for nuclear reactors and weapons. Natural uranium contains only 0.7% U-235, while reactors need 3-20% and weapons require around 90%.

Centrifuge Process Overview: Uranium hexafluoride (UF₆) gas is spun at extremely high speeds (around 50,000 rpm) within a centrifuge.

Isotope Separation: Due to the slight mass difference (1.27%) between U-238 (heavier) and U-235 (lighter), centrifugal force pushes the heavier U-238 towards the outer edge, leaving the lighter U-235 closer to the center.

Multi-Stage Process: The U-235 enriched gas is passed through multiple centrifuges in a cascade, progressively increasing the U-235 concentration.

Centrifuge Design: Centrifuges are constructed with strong, lightweight materials like carbon fiber to withstand the immense forces generated by high-speed rotation.

Application and Significance: The centrifuge process is a key step in producing nuclear fuel for power generation and the creation of nuclear weapons. Enrichment is vital for both technologies.