Skip to main content

Memorial Tributes Volume 21 (2017) / Chapter Skim
Currently Skimming:

THOMAS B. COOK, JR.
Pages 60-67

The Chapter Skim interface presents what we've algorithmically identified as the most significant single chunk of text within every page in the chapter.
Select key terms on the right to highlight them within pages of the chapter.


From page 61...
... In 1951 Sandia was entering a transition period as its focus changed from nuclear weapon production to the engineering and development of nuclear weapons. Sandia recognized that, to be a competent engineering laboratory, it must develop a sound research base from which to work.
Read the entire page →
From page 62...
... It was widely used and became known by those in the field as the "Cook Book." The work became increasingly important as Sandia took on the design and manufacture of micro­ electronics that were tolerant of these nuclear environments, a unique area of expertise that continues to this day at Sandia. Given his expertise in nuclear explosion effects, Tom subsequently chaired an Air Force Scientific Advisory Task Group that first delineated the problem of gamma-ray transients and their effect on military electronics systems.
Read the entire page →
From page 63...
... . The original Polaris SLBM carried a single nuclear warhead on each missile, but with miniaturization and integration of components it was deemed possible to sufficiently reduce the size and weight that multiple warheads might be carried on a single missile, hence the original code name "Pebbles." Sandia's job was to miniaturize all the arming, firing, and fuzing components and to integrate them with the Lawrence Livermore–designed nuclear package into a small, Navysupplied reentry body.
Read the entire page →
From page 64...
... He clearly recognized the strength of engineering with a solid scientific research base. As vice president for research and then as vice president of Sandia Livermore he was at the forefront of Sandia's efforts to recruit
Read the entire page →
From page 65...
... Lawrence Award, given by the Atomic Energy Commission to recognize meritorious contributions in the field of atomic energy. His citation read as follows: "For his significant contributions to the study of nuclear weapon effects, for his original work in the translation of this knowledge into advanced technology for peaceful and military uses of atomic energy, and for his outstanding contributions to the nation through his service as an advisor to the Atomic Energy Commission and the Department of Defense on the effects of nuclear detonations." In 1981 Tom was elected to the National Academy of
Read the entire page →
From page 66...
... In addition to these awards, Tom served on many boards and advisory groups; among them were the Defense Science Board Task Force on Vulnerability (chair) , Air Force Scientific Advisory Board, Scientific Advisory Group of the Joint Strategic Target Planning Staff, DoD Scientific Advisory Group on Effects, Steering Task Group for the US Navy Strategic Projects Office, and Air Force Penetration Program Panel.
Read the entire page →

Key Terms

  • nuclear burst
  • tom cook
  • nuclear explosion
  • nuclear warhead
  • nuclear weapon

  • executive vice
  • ballistic missile
  • combustion research
  • energy commission
  • burst effects

  • navy program
  • western kentucky
  • force scientific
  • outstanding contributions
  • research facility

  • steering task
  • help solve
  • nuclear detonations
  • nuclear warheads
  • nuclear survivability

  • doe nuclear
  • defined nuclear
  • nuclear explosions
  • atmospheric nuclear
  • single nuclear

  • deploying nuclear
  • poseidon slbm
  • broyles analyzed
  • program panel
  • defense science


    • This material may be derived from roughly machine-read images, and so is provided only to facilitate research.
    More information on Chapter Skim is available.