Os aceleradores lineares do general argus e a sua rede tecnocientífica

Abstract

This paper describes the history of four electrons linear accelerators in the Centro Brasileiro de Pesquisas Físicas - CBPF during the 60's and 70's. Applying the actor-network approach to the decision making process, construction and use of these machines in scientific research, the physicists, MeV, funding, technical challenges, difficulties, technical personnel, rewards etc. are discussed. lt points out that, beside the strong personal determination of the head of the project, General Argus, the enterprise owes its success to the participation of experienced foreign engineer and technician, of devoted junior Brazilian engineers and competent machinists, the well equipped mechanical shop and the perfect translation of the interests of the allies: physicists, militaries and the techno-bureaucracy members. Along the same line, it is attributed to the destabilization of the "aceleradores do Argus" project the withdrawal of support by CBPF physicists. This story reflects the character of the relationship between military and some techno-scientific areas in Brazil.