En busca de los efectos gravitacionales de Birkhoff: la ultracentr{\i}fuga transelastica

TL;DR

This paper reviews Mexico's ultracentrifuge project from 1971 to 1986, aiming to test Birkhoff's gravity theory, and discusses its development, outcomes, and applications in uranium enrichment.

Contribution

It documents the development and results of a unique ultracentrifuge designed to test gravitational theories and its application in uranium enrichment.

Findings

Ultracentrifuge achieved small-scale uranium enrichment.

Project aimed to validate Birkhoff's gravity theory.

Ultracentrifuge received national recognition in 1973.

Abstract

This work reviews the origin, development, completion, and outcome of a trans-elastic ultracentrifuge project of Mexico's Nuclear Center through 1971 to 1986. The project had its origin in the search for an effect that supposedly would validate Birkhoff's gravity theory over Einstein's General Relativity. For this purpose an extraordinary ultracentrifuge was built which deserved the 1973 National Award for Instruments (Mexico). The ultracentrifuge was also used to investigate the feasibility of uranium enrichment by solid state centrifugation. Highly enriched uranium was obtained, but in small quantities.