On Wed, 20 Mar 2013 17:08:35 -0700, wrote:

On Wed, 20 Mar 2013 12:59:30 -0500, dpb wrote:

On 3/20/2013 12:02 PM, Gunner wrote:
On Wed, 20 Mar 2013 09:03:01 -0500, wrote:

On 3/20/2013 8:49 AM, Spehro Pefhany wrote:
...

Cost aside, I don't think it's very easy to get ahold of. I didn't try
very hard, but I didn't see much on offer in macroscopic sizes.

Ayup, it's not likely on the rack at the local ironmonger's, fer sure...

Oddly enough..it has turned up there, along with Cesium and other
Stuff.
...

Yeah, and (very hot) Co60 sources have turned up in kids' trousers
pockets on occasion, too, but it ain't terribly commonplace...

In US, ownership, production and use of DU are subject to state and
federal regulations per Title 10, Part 40, of the Code of Federal
Regulations (10CFR40).

In general, possession of more that 15 lbs. of DU requires a license
from the NRC or an Agreement State (a State which has it's own
equivalent of NRC oversight for commercial uses of nuclear material).

There are some specific exemptions for usage such as counterweights for
aircraft, missiles, large flywheels, etc., as well as for shielding for
things like spent fuel casks, x-ray and other radiation shielding
applications and the like with specific restrictions on how these items
are produced/labeled/controlled, etc., etc., etc., ...

That doesn't say that some don't necessarily follow all the rules on
disposal of some of these materials or that there aren't dealers who
have the necessary licenses in place to handle them. Again, just not
common.
I have looked, on occasion, for a couple pound chunk of DU, to use as
a conversation piece. Cast into some Lucite it would pose no radiation
hazard or contact dermatitis from handling. But I have not yet found
a source. Osmium would be an even better choice, as far as weight per
volume, but it is way too expensive.

I want a working Slammer's main battle tank for the front yard, all
that iridium shining in the sunlight, blinding potential perps and
intruders, making them ready for a powergun's gentle plasma nudge...
It's prettier than your osmium. You guys can have your DU.

--
In order to become the master, the politician poses as the servant.
--Charles de Gaulle