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IPC Subclass
G21J

NUCLEAR EXPLOSIVES; APPLICATIONS THEREOF

Introduced: September 1968

Classification Context

Section:
PHYSICS
Class:
NUCLEAR PHYSICS; NUCLEAR ENGINEERING
Subclass:
NUCLEAR EXPLOSIVES; APPLICATIONS THEREOF

Description

G21J covers nuclear explosive devices and their practical applications. This includes designs for nuclear weapons, thermonuclear devices, and related triggering or detonation mechanisms. The classification also encompasses peaceful applications of nuclear explosions, such as industrial excavation, seismic research, or mineral extraction where controlled nuclear detonation is employed. Related classified research on nuclear weapon design itself typically falls within national security restrictions rather than patent literature.

Scope Notes

Glossary: Uncontrollable reaction uncontrollable reactions Any fission or fusion reaction where event initiators (e.g. neutrons in the fission process) are produced in a number greater than required to sustain a chain reaction and where there is no mechanism to selectively moderate the reaction, e.g. a fission reactor where the operator has simply opted not to moderate or has failed to moderate the reaction is not a nuclear explosive device in the context of this subclass.

3 direct subcodes

Child Classifications

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  • G21J 1/00 Nuclear explosive devices
  • G21J 5/00 Detection arrangements for nuclear explosions