goingcritical:chicago-pile-1United States · Research reactor

Chicago Pile-1

Developer: Metallurgical Laboratory, University of Chicago

Site: Stagg Field, University of Chicago, Illinois

Status: Critical since December 2, 1942 critical

Summary:

First human-made self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction (k = 1.0006, 3:25 p.m., Dec 2, 1942)

Details

DesignGraphite-moderated natural uranium pile
Capacity5e-7 MW (thermal where reported)

Milestone history

  1. Announced —
  2. Construction start November 16, 1942
  3. Fuel load —
  4. First criticality December 2, 1942

References

  1. DOE, Chicago Pile-1 anniversary
  2. Atomic Archive, nuclear firsts