The Nuclear Barcode: a New Taggant for Identifying Explosives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seman, James; Johnson, Catherine; Castaño, Carlos

2017-06-01

Creating an effective taggant system for explosives is a challenging problem since the taggant used must be designed to endure the detonation process. A new taggant for use in explosives has been recently developed and named the `nuclear barcode'. The nuclear barcode tags explosives by adding low concentrations of eight different elements to the explosive, and then reads the tag from the post-blast residue using neutron activation analysis (NAA) to identify the elements and their concentrations. The nuclear barcode can be used to identify explosives after detonation by sampling the post-blast residue that is deposited due to incomplete reaction of the explosives. This method of tagging explosives creates an identifying taggant that survives detonation as NAA detects atomic nuclei as opposed to using any chemical or physical properties of the taggant that don't always survive the detonation process. Additional advantages this taggant method offers is ease of recovery of the taggant after detonation, and a total of 25.6 billion possible taggants as currently conceived, which enables the nuclear barcode to be used to tag individual batches of explosives. This paper describes the development of the nuclear barcode taggant system and its potential use in the explosives industry.

Improvements to a Major Digital Archive of Seismic Waveforms from Nuclear Explosions: Borovoye Seismogram Archive

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-09-30

coda) meet expectations. We are also interpreting absolute amplitudes, for those underground nuclear explosions at the Semipalatinsk Test Site (STS...waves, coda) meet expectations. We are also interpreting absolute amplitudes, for those underground nuclear explosions at the Semipalatinsk Test Site ...Monitoring Research Review: Ground-Based Nuclear Explosion Monitoring Technologies 4.0- Balapan Subregion Semipalatinsk Test Site n- 3.5 - (U CIO ’-3.0 ES UI

A New Database of Digitized Regional Seismic Waveforms from Nuclear Explosions in Eurasia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sokolova, I. N.; Richards, P. G.; Kim, W. Y.; Mikhailova, N. N.

2014-12-01

Seismology is an observational science. Hence, the effort to understand details of seismic signals from underground nuclear explosions requires analysis of waveforms recorded from past nuclear explosions. Of principal interest, are regional signals from explosions too small to be reliably identified via teleseismic recording. But the great majority of stations operated today, even those in networks for nuclear explosion monitoring, have never recorded explosion signals at regional distances, because most stations were installed long after the period when most underground nuclear explosions were conducted; and the few nuclear explosions since the early 1990s were mostly recorded only at teleseismic distances. We have therefore gathered thousands of nuclear explosion regional seismograms from more than 200 analog stations operated in the former Soviet Union. Most of them lie in a region stretching approximately 6000 km East-West and 2000 km North-South and including much of Central Asia. We have digitized them and created a modern digital database, including significant metadata. Much of this work has been done in Kazakhstan. Most of the explosions were underground, but several were conducted in the atmosphere. This presentation will characterize the content and overall quality of the new database for signals from nuclear explosions in Eurasia, which were conducted across substantial ranges of yield and shot-point depth, and under a great variety of different geological conditions. This work complements a 20-year collaborative effort which made the original digital recordings of the Borovoye Geophysical Observatory, Kazakhstan, openly available in a modern format (see http://www.ldeo.columbia.edu/res/pi/Monitoring/Data/). For purposes of characterizing explosive sources, it would be of assistance to have seismogram archives from explosions conducted in all regions including the Pacific, North Africa, and the United States (including the Aleutians). Openly available seismogram archives for Eurasian explosions are in several respects now better than those for explosions conducted by the United States, France, and the UK, especially for the era from 1960 to about 1985. The opportunity to build and improve such archives will not last indefinitely.

The role of atmospheric nuclear explosions on the stagnation of global warming in the mid 20th century

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fujii, Yoshiaki

2011-04-01

This study suggests that the cause of the stagnation in global warming in the mid 20th century was the atmospheric nuclear explosions detonated between 1945 and 1980. The estimated GST drop due to fine dust from the actual atmospheric nuclear explosions based on the published simulation results by other researchers (a single column model and Atmosphere-Ocean General Circulation Model) has served to explain the stagnation in global warming. Atmospheric nuclear explosions can be regarded as full-scale in situ tests for nuclear winter. The non-negligible amount of GST drop from the actual atmospheric explosions suggests that nuclear winter is not just a theory but has actually occurred, albeit on a small scale. The accuracy of the simulations of GST by IPCC would also be improved significantly by introducing the influence of fine dust from the actual atmospheric nuclear explosions into their climate models; thus, global warming behavior could be more accurately predicted.

Civil Defense, U. S. A.: A Programmed Orientation to Civil Defense. Unit 2. Nuclear Weapons Effects and Shelter.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Defense Civil Preparedness Agency (DOD), Battle Creek, MI.

Basic information about nuclear weapons is presented so that their effects can be meaningfully related to the defensive countermeasures which will be most effective against them. Major topics include: (1) Explosive power of nuclear weapons, (2) Major effects of nuclear explosions, (3) Two basic types of nuclear explosions, (4) Contrast between air…

Refinement of parameters of weak nuclear explosions conducted at the Semipalatinsk test site on the basis of historical seismograms study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sokolova, Inna

2014-05-01

Many researchers working in the field of monitoring and discriminating of nuclear tests encounter the problem of lacking in seismic catalogues the information about source parameters for weak nuclear explosions. As usual, the information about origin time, coordinates and magnitude is absent, there is information about date, approximate coordinates and information about explosion yield. Huge work conducted on recovery of parameters of small underground nuclear explosions conducted at the Semipalatinsk Test Site using records of analogue seismic stations of the USSR located at regional distances was conducted by V. Khalturin, T. Rayutian, P. Richards (Pure and Applied Geophysics, 2001). However, if underground nuclear explosions are studied and described in literature quite well, then air and contact explosions were small and were not recorded by standard permanent seismic stations. In 1961-1962 maximum number of air and contact explosions was conducted at Opytnoye polye site of the STS. We managed to find and analyze additional seismic data from some temporary and permanent stations. That time IPE AS USSR installed a network of high-sensitive stations along Pamir-Baykal profile to study earth crust structure and upper mantle, the profile length was 3500 km. Epicentral distance from some stations of the profile to Opytnoye polye was 300-400 km. In addition, a permanent seismic station Semipalatinsk (SEM) located 175 km away from the site started its operation. The seismograms from this station became available recently. The digitized historical seismograms allowed to recover and add parameters for more than 36 air and surface explosions. Origin time, coordinates, magnitudes mpv, MLV and energy class K were determined for explosions. A regional travel-time curve for Central Kazakhstan constructed using records of calibration chemical explosions conducted at the STS in 1997-2000 and ground-truth underground nuclear explosions was used to determine kinematic parameters of explosions. MLV, mpv, and energy class K were determined for all underground nuclear explosions conducted at the STS using historical seismograms from Central Asia stations. Dependencies of regional magnitudes on yield were received for air and underground nuclear explosions. Thus, application of historical seismograms at regional distances allows to recover and replenish the seismic catalogues of past nuclear explosions for further use in scientific investigations and monitoring tasks.

Can North Korean Nuclear Explosions Stir Baekdu (Changbai) Volcano to be Erupted?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hong, T. K.; Choi, E.; Park, S.; Shin, J. S.

2015-12-01

Potential volcanic eruption in Mt. Baekdu (Changbai) hasbeen a long-lasting concern in the far-eastern Asia.There were several explosive eruptions historically. Themost recent eruption was made in 1903. The eruption in969 is believed to be the most violent with volcanicexplosivity index of 7. The volcano is located in ~130 kmaway from the North Korean nuclear explosion test sitewhere three moderate-size nuclear explosions withmagnitudes of 4.3, 4.7 and 5.1 were conducted in 2006,2009 and 2013. There is increasing concern that a largenuclear explosion may trigger volcanic eruption. Seismicwaveforms are subtle to vary with the crustal structure.The strong ground motions generated by a potential largenuclear explosion are difficult to be simulated forvolcanic regions where complex crustal structures areexpected. We calculate the ground motions by hypotheticallarge nuclear explosions using a nuclear-explosion sourcemodel and the seismic waveforms of prior nuclearexplosions. The validity of the method is examined bycomparing the observed and quasi-synthetic seismicwaveforms of prior nuclear explosions. The peak groundaccelerations (PGA) around the volcano are estimated froma PGA attenuation equation that was determined based onseismic waveforms from natural earthquakes. Thehorizontal and vertical PGAs by an M7.0 undergroundnuclear explosion are expected to reach 0.14 and 0.11m/s2 at the volcano, inducing a dynamic stress in themagma chamber. The induced pressure change in the magmachamber is verified by numerical modeling of dynamicstress changes.

Wave Pattern Peculiarities of Different Types of Explosions Conducted at Semipalatinsk Test Site

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sokolova, Inna

2014-05-01

The historical seismograms of the explosions conducted at the STS in 1949 - 1989 are of great interest for the researchers in the field of monitoring. Large number of air (86), surface (30) and underground nuclear explosions were conducted here in boreholes and tunnels (340). In addition to nuclear explosions, large chemical explosions were conducted at the Test Site. It is known that tectonic earthquakes occur on the Test Site territory and near it. Since 2005 the Institute of Geophysical Researches conducts works on digitizing the historical seismograms of nuclear explosions. Currently, the database contains more than 6000 digitized seismograms of nuclear explosions used for investigative monitoring tasks, major part of them (4000) are events from the STS region. Dynamic parameters of records of air, surface and underground nuclear explosions, as well as large chemical explosions with compact charge laying were investigated for seismic stations located on the territory of Kazakhstan using digitized records of the STS events. In addition, the comparison between salvo wave pattern and single explosions was conducted. The records of permanent and temporary seismic stations (epicentral distances range 100 - 800 km) were used for the investigations. Explosions spectra were analyzed, specific features of each class of events were found. The seismograms analysis shows that the wave pattern depends significantly on the explosion site and on the source type.

Characteristics of acoustic wave from atmospheric nuclear explosions conducted at the USSR Test Sites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sokolova, Inna

2015-04-01

Availability of the acoustic wave on the record of microbarograph is one of discriminate signs of atmospheric (surface layer of atmosphere) and contact explosions. Nowadays there is large number of air wave records from chemical explosions recorded by the IMS infrasound stations installed during recent decade. But there is small number of air wave records from nuclear explosions as air and contact nuclear explosions had been conducted since 1945 to 1962, before the Limited Test Ban Treaty was signed in 1963 (the treaty banning nuclear weapon tests in the atmosphere, in outer space and under water) by the Great Britain, USSR and USA. That time there was small number of installed microbarographs. First infrasound stations in the USSR appeared in 1954, and by the moment of the USSR collapse the network consisted of 25 infrasound stations, 3 of which were located on Kazakhstan territory - in Kurchatov (East Kazakhstan), in Borovoye Observatory (North Kazakhstan) and Talgar Observatory (Northern Tien Shan). The microbarograph of Talgar Observatory was installed in 1962 and recorded large number of air nuclear explosions conducted at Semipalatinsk Test Site and Novaya Zemlya Test Site. The epicentral distance to the STS was ~700 km, and to Novaya Zemlya Test Site ~3500 km. The historical analog records of the microbarograph were analyzed on the availability of the acoustic wave. The selected records were digitized, the database of acoustic signals from nuclear explosions was created. In addition, acoustic signals from atmospheric nuclear explosions conducted at the USSR Test Sites were recorded by analogue broadband seismic stations at wide range of epicentral distances, 300-3600 km. These signals coincide well by its form and spectral content with records of microbarographs and can be used for monitoring tasks and discrimination in places where infrasound observations are absent. Nuclear explosions which records contained acoustic wave were from 0.03 to 30 kt yield for the STS, and from 8.3 to 25 Mt yield for Novaya Zemlya Test Site region. The peculiarities of the wave pattern and spectral content of the acoustic wave records, and relation regularities of acoustic wave amplitude and periods with explosion yield and distance were investigated. The created database can be applied in different monitoring tasks, such as infrasound stations calibration, discrimination of nuclear explosions, precision of nuclear explosions parameters, determination of the explosion yield etc.

Nuclear technologies for explosives detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bell, Curtis J.

1992-12-01

This paper presents an exploration of several techniques for detection of Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) using interactions of specific nuclei with gammarays or fast neutrons. Techniques considered use these interactions to identify the device by measuring the densities and/or relative concentrations of the elemental constituents of explosives. These techniques are to be compared with selected other nuclear and non-nuclear methods. Combining of nuclear and non-nuclear techniques will also be briefly discussed.

Phenomenological study of decoherence in solid-state spin qubits due to nuclear spin diffusion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Biercuk, Michael J.; Bluhm, Hendrik

2011-06-01

We present a study of the prospects for coherence preservation in solid-state spin qubits using dynamical decoupling protocols. Recent experiments have provided the first demonstrations of multipulse dynamical decoupling sequences in this qubit system, but quantitative analyses of potential coherence improvements have been hampered by a lack of concrete knowledge of the relevant noise processes. We present calculations of qubit coherence under the application of arbitrary dynamical decoupling pulse sequences based on an experimentally validated semiclassical model. This phenomenological approach bundles the details of underlying noise processes into a single experimentally relevant noise power spectral density. Our results show that the dominant features of experimental measurements in a two-electron singlet-triplet spin qubit can be replicated using a 1/ω2 noise power spectrum associated with nuclear spin flips in the host material. Beginning with this validation, we address the effects of nuclear programming, high-frequency nuclear spin dynamics, and other high-frequency classical noise sources, with conjectures supported by physical arguments and microscopic calculations where relevant. Our results provide expected performance bounds and identify diagnostic metrics that can be measured experimentally in order to better elucidate the underlying nuclear spin dynamics.

Geologic constraints on clandestine nuclear testing in South Asia

PubMed Central

Davis, Dan M.; Sykes, Lynn R.

1999-01-01

Cavity decoupling in salt is the most plausible means by which a nation could conduct clandestine testing of militarily significant nuclear weapons. The conditions under which solution-mined salt can be used for this purpose are quite restrictive. The salt must be thick and reasonably pure. Containment of explosions sets a shallow limit on depth, and cavity stability sets a deep limit. These constraints are met in considerably <1% of the total land area of India and Pakistan. Most of that area is too dry for cavity construction by solution mining; disposal of brine in rivers can be detected easily. Salt domes, the most favorable structures for constructing large cavities, are not present in India and Pakistan. Confidence that they are adhering to the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) is enhanced by their geological conditions, which are quite favorable to verification, not evasion. Thus, their participation in the CTBT is constrained overwhelmingly by political, not scientific, issues. Confidence in the verification of the CTBT could be enhanced if India and Pakistan permitted stations of the various monitoring technologies that are now widely deployed elsewhere to be operated on their territories. PMID:10500134

Faithful Solid State Optical Memory with Dynamically Decoupled Spin Wave Storage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lovrić, Marko; Suter, Dieter; Ferrier, Alban; Goldner, Philippe

2013-07-01

We report a high fidelity optical memory in which dynamical decoupling is used to extend the storage time. This is demonstrated in a rare-earth doped crystal in which optical coherences were transferred to nuclear spin coherences and then protected against environmental noise by dynamical decoupling, leading to storage times of up to 4.2 ms. An interference experiment shows that relative phases of input pulses are preserved through the whole storage and retrieval process with a visibility ≈1, demonstrating the usefulness of dynamical decoupling for extending the storage time of quantum memories. We also show that dynamical decoupling sequences insensitive to initial spin coherence increase retrieval efficiency.

Faithful solid state optical memory with dynamically decoupled spin wave storage.

PubMed

Lovrić, Marko; Suter, Dieter; Ferrier, Alban; Goldner, Philippe

2013-07-12

We report a high fidelity optical memory in which dynamical decoupling is used to extend the storage time. This is demonstrated in a rare-earth doped crystal in which optical coherences were transferred to nuclear spin coherences and then protected against environmental noise by dynamical decoupling, leading to storage times of up to 4.2 ms. An interference experiment shows that relative phases of input pulses are preserved through the whole storage and retrieval process with a visibility ≈1, demonstrating the usefulness of dynamical decoupling for extending the storage time of quantum memories. We also show that dynamical decoupling sequences insensitive to initial spin coherence increase retrieval efficiency.

Prediction of ground motion and dynamic stress change in Baekdusan (Changbaishan) volcano caused by a North Korean nuclear explosion.

PubMed

Hong, Tae-Kyung; Choi, Eunseo; Park, Seongjun; Shin, Jin Soo

2016-02-17

Strong ground motions induce large dynamic stress changes that may disturb the magma chamber of a volcano, thus accelerating the volcanic activity. An underground nuclear explosion test near an active volcano constitutes a direct treat to the volcano. This study examined the dynamic stress changes of the magma chamber of Baekdusan (Changbaishan) that can be induced by hypothetical North Korean nuclear explosions. Seismic waveforms for hypothetical underground nuclear explosions at North Korean test site were calculated by using an empirical Green's function approach based on a source-spectral model of a nuclear explosion; such a technique is efficient for regions containing poorly constrained velocity structures. The peak ground motions around the volcano were estimated from empirical strong-motion attenuation curves. A hypothetical M7.0 North Korean underground nuclear explosion may produce peak ground accelerations of 0.1684 m/s(2) in the horizontal direction and 0.0917 m/s(2) in the vertical direction around the volcano, inducing peak dynamic stress change of 67 kPa on the volcano surface and ~120 kPa in the spherical magma chamber. North Korean underground nuclear explosions with magnitudes of 5.0-7.6 may induce overpressure in the magma chamber of several tens to hundreds of kilopascals.

Underground Nuclear Explosions and Release of Radioactive Noble Gases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dubasov, Yuri V.

2010-05-01

Over a period in 1961-1990 496 underground nuclear tests and explosions of different purpose and in different rocks were conducted in the Soviet Union at Semipalatinsk and anovaya Zemlya Test Sites. A total of 340 underground nuclear tests were conducted at the Semipalatinsk Test Site. One hundred seventy-nine explosions (52.6%) among them were classified as these of complete containment, 145 explosions (42.6%) as explosions with weak release of radioactive noble gases (RNG), 12 explosions (3.5%) as explosions with nonstandard radiation situation, and four excavation explosions with ground ejection (1.1%). Thirty-nine nuclear tests had been conducted at the Novaya Zemlya Test Site; six of them - in shafts. In 14 tests (36%) there were no RNG release. Twenty-three tests have been accompanied by RNG release into the atmosphere without sedimental contamination. Nonstandard radiation situation occurred in two tests. In incomplete containment explosions both early-time RNG release (up to ~1 h) and late-time release from 1 to 28 h after the explosion were observed. Sometimes gas release took place for several days, and it occurred either through tunnel portal or epicentral zone, depending on atmospheric air temperature.

Precision flyer initiator

DOEpatents

Frank, A.M.; Lee, R.S.

1998-05-26

A precision flyer initiator forms a substantially spherical detonation wave in a high explosive (HE) pellet. An explosive driver, such as a detonating cord, a wire bridge circuit or a small explosive, is detonated. A flyer material is sandwiched between the explosive driver and an end of a barrel that contains an inner channel. A projectile or ``flyer`` is sheared from the flyer material by the force of the explosive driver and projected through the inner channel. The flyer than strikes the HE pellet, which is supported above a second end of the barrel by a spacer ring. A gap or shock decoupling material delays the shock wave in the barrel from predetonating the HE pellet before the flyer. A spherical detonation wave is formed in the HE pellet. Thus, a shock wave traveling through the barrel fails to reach the HE pellet before the flyer strikes the HE pellet. The precision flyer initiator can be used in mining devices, well-drilling devices and anti-tank devices. 10 figs.

Precision flyer initiator

DOEpatents

Frank, Alan M.; Lee, Ronald S.

1998-01-01

A precision flyer initiator forms a substantially spherical detonation wave in a high explosive (HE) pellet. An explosive driver, such as a detonating cord, a wire bridge circuit or a small explosive, is detonated. A flyer material is sandwiched between the explosive driver and an end of a barrel that contains an inner channel. A projectile or "flyer" is sheared from the flyer material by the force of the explosive driver and projected through the inner channel. The flyer than strikes the HE pellet, which is supported above a second end of the barrel by a spacer ring. A gap or shock decoupling material delays the shock wave in the barrel from predetonating the HE pellet before the flyer. A spherical detonation wave is formed in the HE pellet. Thus, a shock wave traveling through the barrel fails to reach the HE pellet before the flyer strikes the HE pellet. The precision flyer initiator can be used in mining devices, well-drilling devices and anti-tank devices.

A unified heteronuclear decoupling strategy for magic-angle-spinning solid-state NMR spectroscopy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Equbal, Asif; Bjerring, Morten; Nielsen, Niels Chr., E-mail: madhu@tifr.res.in, E-mail: ncn@inano.au.dk

2015-05-14

A unified strategy of two-pulse based heteronuclear decoupling for solid-state magic-angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance is presented. The analysis presented here shows that different decoupling sequences like two-pulse phase-modulation (TPPM), X-inverse-X (XiX), and finite pulse refocused continuous wave (rCW{sup A}) are basically specific solutions of a more generalized decoupling scheme which incorporates the concept of time-modulation along with phase-modulation. A plethora of other good decoupling conditions apart from the standard, TPPM, XiX, and rCW{sup A} decoupling conditions are available from the unified decoupling approach. The importance of combined time- and phase-modulation in order to achieve the best decoupling conditions ismore » delineated. The consequences of different indirect dipolar interactions arising from cross terms comprising of heteronuclear and homonuclear dipolar coupling terms and also those between heteronuclear dipolar coupling and chemical-shift anisotropy terms are presented in order to unfold the effects of anisotropic interactions under different decoupling conditions. Extensive numerical simulation results are corroborated with experiments on standard amino acids.« less

Nuclear cycler: An incremental approach to the deflection of asteroids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vasile, Massimiliano; Thiry, Nicolas

2016-04-01

This paper introduces a novel deflection approach based on nuclear explosions: the nuclear cycler. The idea is to combine the effectiveness of nuclear explosions with the controllability and redundancy offered by slow push methods within an incremental deflection strategy. The paper will present an extended model for single nuclear stand-off explosions in the proximity of elongated ellipsoidal asteroids, and a family of natural formation orbits that allows the spacecraft to deploy multiple bombs while being shielded by the asteroid during the detonation.

Merging Infrasound and Electromagnetic Signals as a Means for Nuclear Explosion Detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ashkenazy, Joseph; Lipshtat, Azi; Kesar, Amit S.; Pistinner, Shlomo; Ben Horin, Yochai

2016-04-01

The infrasound monitoring network of the CTBT consists of 60 stations. These stations are capable of detecting atmospheric events, and may provide approximate location within time scale of a few hours. However, the nature of these events cannot be deduced from the infrasound signal. More than two decades ago it was proposed to use the electromagnetic pulse (EMP) as a means of discriminating nuclear explosion from other atmospheric events. An EMP is a unique signature of nuclear explosion and is not detected from chemical ones. Nevertheless, it was decided to exclude the EMP technology from the official CTBT verification regime, mainly because of the risk of high false alarm rate, due to lightning electromagnetic pulses [1]. Here we present a method of integrating the information retrieved from the infrasound system with the EMP signal which enables us to discriminate between lightning discharges and nuclear explosions. Furthermore, we show how spectral and other characteristics of the electromagnetic signal emitted from a nuclear explosion are distinguished from those of lightning discharge. We estimate the false alarm probability of detecting a lightning discharge from a given area of the infrasound event, and identifying it as a signature of a nuclear explosion. We show that this probability is very low and conclude that the combination of infrasound monitoring and EMP spectral analysis may produce a reliable method for identifying nuclear explosions. [1] R. Johnson, Unfinished Business: The Negotiation of the CTBT and the End of Nuclear Testing, United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research, 2009.

Prediction of ground motion and dynamic stress change in Baekdusan (Changbaishan) volcano caused by a North Korean nuclear explosion

PubMed Central

Hong, Tae-Kyung; Choi, Eunseo; Park, Seongjun; Shin, Jin Soo

2016-01-01

Strong ground motions induce large dynamic stress changes that may disturb the magma chamber of a volcano, thus accelerating the volcanic activity. An underground nuclear explosion test near an active volcano constitutes a direct treat to the volcano. This study examined the dynamic stress changes of the magma chamber of Baekdusan (Changbaishan) that can be induced by hypothetical North Korean nuclear explosions. Seismic waveforms for hypothetical underground nuclear explosions at North Korean test site were calculated by using an empirical Green’s function approach based on a source-spectral model of a nuclear explosion; such a technique is efficient for regions containing poorly constrained velocity structures. The peak ground motions around the volcano were estimated from empirical strong-motion attenuation curves. A hypothetical M7.0 North Korean underground nuclear explosion may produce peak ground accelerations of 0.1684 m/s2 in the horizontal direction and 0.0917 m/s2 in the vertical direction around the volcano, inducing peak dynamic stress change of 67 kPa on the volcano surface and ~120 kPa in the spherical magma chamber. North Korean underground nuclear explosions with magnitudes of 5.0–7.6 may induce overpressure in the magma chamber of several tens to hundreds of kilopascals. PMID:26884136

Nuclear explosions and distant earthquakes: A search for correlations

USGS Publications Warehouse

Healy, J.H.; Marshall, P.A.

1970-01-01

An apparent correlation between nuclear explosions and earthquakes has been reported for the events between September 1961 and September 1966. When data from the events between September 1966 and December 1968 are examined, this correlation disappears. No relationship between the size of the nuclear explosions and the number of distant earthquakes is apparent in the data.

The Soviet Program for Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Explosions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nordyke, M.D.

2000-07-26

During a period of some 23 years between 1965 and 1988, the Soviet Union's ''Program for the Utilization of Nuclear Explosions in the National Economy'' carried out 122 nuclear explosions to study and put into industrial use some 13 applications. In all, 128 explosives with yields ranging from 0.01 to 140 kt were used, with the vast majority being between 2 and 20 kt. Most peaceful applications of nuclear explosions in the Soviet PNE Program were explored in depth with a number of tests, but unfortunately little has been reported on the technical results other than general outcomes. Two applications,more » deep seismic sounding of the Earth's crust and upper mantle and the creation of underground cavities in salt for the storage of gas condensate, found widespread use, representing over 50% of all the explosions. Explosions to explore the technical possibilities of stimulating the production of oil and gas reservoirs accounted for an additional 17%.« less

Plowshare Program - American Atomic Bomb Tests For Industrial Applications

ScienceCinema

None

2018-01-16

The United States Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) established the Plowshare Program as a research and development activity to explore the technical and economic feasibility of using nuclear explosives for industrial applications. The reasoning was that the relatively inexpensive energy available from nuclear explosions could prove useful for a wide variety of peaceful purposes. The Plowshare Program began in 1958 and continued through 1975. Between December 1961 and May 1973, the United States conducted 27 Plowshare nuclear explosive tests comprising 35 individual detonations. Conceptually, industrial applications resulting from the use of nuclear explosives could be divided into two broad categories: 1) large-scale excavation and quarrying, where the energy from the explosion was used to break up and/or move rock; and 2) underground engineering, where the energy released from deeply buried nuclear explosives increased the permeability and porosity of the rock by massive breaking and fracturing. Possible excavation applications included: canals, harbors, highway and railroad cuts through mountains, open pit mining, construction of dams, and other quarry and construction-related projects. Underground nuclear explosion applications included: stimulation of natural gas production, preparation of leachable ore bodies for in situ leaching, creation of underground zones of fractured oil shale for in situ retorting, and formation of underground natural gas and petroleum storage reservoirs.

Plowshare Program - American Atomic Bomb Tests For Industrial Applications

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

None

2012-04-22

The United States Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) established the Plowshare Program as a research and development activity to explore the technical and economic feasibility of using nuclear explosives for industrial applications. The reasoning was that the relatively inexpensive energy available from nuclear explosions could prove useful for a wide variety of peaceful purposes. The Plowshare Program began in 1958 and continued through 1975. Between December 1961 and May 1973, the United States conducted 27 Plowshare nuclear explosive tests comprising 35 individual detonations. Conceptually, industrial applications resulting from the use of nuclear explosives could be divided into two broad categories: 1)more » large-scale excavation and quarrying, where the energy from the explosion was used to break up and/or move rock; and 2) underground engineering, where the energy released from deeply buried nuclear explosives increased the permeability and porosity of the rock by massive breaking and fracturing. Possible excavation applications included: canals, harbors, highway and railroad cuts through mountains, open pit mining, construction of dams, and other quarry and construction-related projects. Underground nuclear explosion applications included: stimulation of natural gas production, preparation of leachable ore bodies for in situ leaching, creation of underground zones of fractured oil shale for in situ retorting, and formation of underground natural gas and petroleum storage reservoirs.« less

Towards an Empirically Based Parametric Explosion Spectral Model

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ford, S R; Walter, W R; Ruppert, S

2009-08-31

Small underground nuclear explosions need to be confidently detected, identified, and characterized in regions of the world where they have never before been tested. The focus of our work is on the local and regional distances (< 2000 km) and phases (Pn, Pg, Sn, Lg) necessary to see small explosions. We are developing a parametric model of the nuclear explosion seismic source spectrum that is compatible with the earthquake-based geometrical spreading and attenuation models developed using the Magnitude Distance Amplitude Correction (MDAC) techniques (Walter and Taylor, 2002). The explosion parametric model will be particularly important in regions without any priormore » explosion data for calibration. The model is being developed using the available body of seismic data at local and regional distances for past nuclear explosions at foreign and domestic test sites. Parametric modeling is a simple and practical approach for widespread monitoring applications, prior to the capability to carry out fully deterministic modeling. The achievable goal of our parametric model development is to be able to predict observed local and regional distance seismic amplitudes for event identification and yield determination in regions with incomplete or no prior history of underground nuclear testing. The relationship between the parametric equations and the geologic and containment conditions will assist in our physical understanding of the nuclear explosion source.« less

Yield Determination of Underground and Near Surface Explosions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pasyanos, M.

2015-12-01

As seismic coverage of the earth's surface continues to improve, we are faced with signals from a wide variety of explosions from various sources ranging from oil train and ordnance explosions to military and terrorist attacks, as well as underground nuclear tests. We present on a method for determining the yield of underground and near surface explosions, which should be applicable for many of these. We first review the regional envelope method that was developed for underground explosions (Pasyanos et al., 2012) and more recently modified for near surface explosions (Pasyanos and Ford, 2015). The technique models the waveform envelope templates as a product of source, propagation (geometrical spreading and attenuation), and site terms, while near surface explosions include an additional surface effect. Yields and depths are determined by comparing the observed envelopes to the templates and minimizing the misfit. We then apply the method to nuclear and chemical explosions for a range of yields, depths, and distances. We will review some results from previous work, and show new examples from ordnance explosions in Scandinavia, nuclear explosions in Eurasia, and chemical explosions in Nevada associated with the Source Physics Experiments (SPE).

Los Alamos Explosives Performance Key to Stockpile Stewardship

ScienceCinema

Dattelbaum, Dana

2018-02-14

As the U.S. Nuclear Deterrent ages, one essential factor in making sure that the weapons will continue to perform as designed is understanding the fundamental properties of the high explosives that are part of a nuclear weapons system. As nuclear weapons go through life extension programs, some changes may be advantageous, particularly through the addition of what are known as "insensitive" high explosives that are much less likely to accidentally detonate than the already very safe "conventional" high explosives that are used in most weapons. At Los Alamos National Laboratory explosives research includes a wide variety of both large- and small-scale experiments that include small contained detonations, gas and powder gun firings, larger outdoor detonations, large-scale hydrodynamic tests, and at the Nevada Nuclear Security Site, underground sub-critical experiments.

Deterrence Requirements and Arms Control Responsibilities: The United State’s Obligation to Ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-02-17

systems to detect a nuclear explosion; seismic, hydroacoustic, infrasound , and radionuclide. These stations are able to detect a nuclear explosion as...These sites detect thousands of seismic events a year, mainly from earthquakes and mining explosions, and have proved effective in detecting past...that detect sound waves in the oceans, and the 60 infrasound stations above ground that detect ultra-low frequency sound waves emitted by nuclear

Effects of Nuclear Weapons.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sartori, Leo

1983-01-01

Fundamental principles governing nuclear explosions and their effects are discussed, including three components of a nuclear explosion (thermal radiation, shock wave, nuclear radiation). Describes how effects of these components depend on the weapon's yield, its height of burst, and distance of detonation point. Includes effects of three…

Scientific Support for NQR Explosive Detection Development

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-07-01

Final 3. DATES COVERED (From - To) 8 March 2004 - 7 March 2006 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE Scientific Support for NQR Explosive Detection Development...Laboratory (NRL) to improve explosive detection using nuclear quadrupole resonance ( NQR ) is summarized. The work includes studies of the effects...superconducting coils for explosive detection. Additional studies involving slowly rotating NQR measurements were also pursued. 15. SUBJECT TERMS Nuclear

Los Alamos Explosives Performance Key to Stockpile Stewardship

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dattelbaum, Dana

2014-11-03

As the U.S. Nuclear Deterrent ages, one essential factor in making sure that the weapons will continue to perform as designed is understanding the fundamental properties of the high explosives that are part of a nuclear weapons system. As nuclear weapons go through life extension programs, some changes may be advantageous, particularly through the addition of what are known as "insensitive" high explosives that are much less likely to accidentally detonate than the already very safe "conventional" high explosives that are used in most weapons. At Los Alamos National Laboratory explosives research includes a wide variety of both large- andmore » small-scale experiments that include small contained detonations, gas and powder gun firings, larger outdoor detonations, large-scale hydrodynamic tests, and at the Nevada Nuclear Security Site, underground sub-critical experiments.« less

Explosion Generated Seismic Waves and P/S Methods of Discrimination from Earthquakes with Insights from the Nevada Source Physics Experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Walter, W. R.; Ford, S. R.; Pitarka, A.; Pyle, M. L.; Pasyanos, M.; Mellors, R. J.; Dodge, D. A.

2017-12-01

The relative amplitudes of seismic P-waves to S-waves are effective at identifying underground explosions among a background of natural earthquakes. These P/S methods appear to work best at frequencies above 2 Hz and at regional distances ( >200 km). We illustrate this with a variety of historic nuclear explosion data as well as with the recent DPRK nuclear tests. However, the physical basis for the generation of explosion S-waves, and therefore the predictability of this P/S technique as a function of path, frequency and event properties such as size, depth, and geology, remains incompletely understood. A goal of current research, such as the Source Physics Experiments (SPE), is to improve our physical understanding of the mechanisms of explosion S-wave generation and advance our ability to numerically model and predict them. The SPE conducted six chemical explosions between 2011 and 2016 in the same borehole in granite in southern Nevada. The explosions were at a variety of depths and sizes, ranging from 0.1 to 5 tons TNT equivalent yield. The largest were observed at near regional distances, with P/S ratios comparable to much larger historic nuclear tests. If we control for material property effects, the explosions have very similar P/S ratios independent of yield or magnitude. These results are consistent with explosion S-waves coming mainly from conversion of P- and surface waves, and are inconsistent with source-size based models. A dense sensor deployment for the largest SPE explosion allowed this conversion to be mapped in detail. This is good news for P/S explosion identification, which can work well for very small explosions and may be ultimately limited by S-wave detection thresholds. The SPE also showed explosion P-wave source models need to be updated for small and/or deeply buried cases. We are developing new P- and S-wave explosion models that better match all the empirical data. Historic nuclear explosion seismic data shows that the media in which the explosion takes place is quite important. These material property effects can surprisingly degrade the seismic waveform correlation of even closely spaced explosions in different media. The next phase of the SPE will contrast chemical explosions in dry alluvium with the prior SPE explosions in granite and historic nuclear tests in a variety of media.

Weapons of mass destruction: Overview of the CBRNEs (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives).

PubMed

Prockop, Leon D

2006-11-01

The events of September 11, 2001, made citizens of the world acutely aware of disasters consequent to present-day terrorism. This is a war being waged for reasons obscure to many of its potential victims. The term "NBCs" was coined in reference to terrorist weapons of mass destruction, i.e., nuclear, biological and chemical. The currently accepted acronym is "CBRNE" which includes Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive weapons. Non-nuclear explosives are the most common terrorist weapon now in use. Nuclear and radiological weapons are beyond the scope of this publication, which focuses on the "CBEs", i.e. chemical, biological and explosive weapons. Although neurologists will not be the first responders to CBEs, they must know about the neurological effects in order to provide diagnosis and treatment to survivors. Neurological complications of chemical, biological and explosive weapons which have or may be used by terrorists are reviewed by international experts in this publication. Management and treatment profiles are outlined.

Refocused continuous-wave decoupling: a new approach to heteronuclear dipolar decoupling in solid-state NMR spectroscopy.

PubMed

Vinther, Joachim M; Nielsen, Anders B; Bjerring, Morten; van Eck, Ernst R H; Kentgens, Arno P M; Khaneja, Navin; Nielsen, Niels Chr

2012-12-07

A novel strategy for heteronuclear dipolar decoupling in magic-angle spinning solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is presented, which eliminates residual static high-order terms in the effective Hamiltonian originating from interactions between oscillating dipolar and anisotropic shielding tensors. The method, called refocused continuous-wave (rCW) decoupling, is systematically established by interleaving continuous wave decoupling with appropriately inserted rotor-synchronized high-power π refocusing pulses of alternating phases. The effect of the refocusing pulses in eliminating residual effects from dipolar coupling in heteronuclear spin systems is rationalized by effective Hamiltonian calculations to third order. In some variants the π pulse refocusing is supplemented by insertion of rotor-synchronized π/2 purging pulses to further reduce the residual dipolar coupling effects. Five different rCW decoupling sequences are presented and their performance is compared to state-of-the-art decoupling methods. The rCW decoupling sequences benefit from extreme broadbandedness, tolerance towards rf inhomogeneity, and improved potential for decoupling at relatively low average rf field strengths. In numerical simulations, the rCW schemes clearly reveal superior characteristics relative to the best decoupling schemes presented so far, which we to some extent also are capable of demonstrating experimentally. A major advantage of the rCW decoupling methods is that they are easy to set up and optimize experimentally.

Seismological investigation of September 09 2016, North Korea underground nuclear test

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gaber, H.; Elkholy, S.; Abdelazim, M.; Hamama, I. H.; Othman, A. S.

2017-12-01

On Sep. 9, 2016, a seismic event of mb 5.3 took place in North Korea. This event was reported as a nuclear test. In this study, we applied a number of discriminant techniques that facilitate the ability to distinguish between explosions and earthquakes on the Korean Peninsula. The differences between explosions and earthquakes are due to variation in source dimension, epicenter depth and source mechanism, or a collection of them. There are many seismological differences between nuclear explosions and earthquakes, but not all of them are detectable at large distances or are appropriate to each earthquake and explosion. The discrimination methods used in the current study include the seismic source location, source depth, the differences in the frequency contents, complexity versus spectral ratio and Ms-mb differences for both earthquakes and explosions. Sep. 9, 2016, event is located in the region of North Korea nuclear test site at a zero depth, which is likely to be a nuclear explosion. Comparison between the P wave spectra of the nuclear test and the Sep. 8, 2000, North Korea earthquake, mb 4.9 shows that the spectrum of both events is nearly the same. The results of applying the theoretical model of Brune to P wave spectra of both explosion and earthquake show that the explosion manifests larger corner frequency than the earthquake, reflecting the nature of the different sources. The complexity and spectral ratio were also calculated from the waveform data recorded at a number of stations in order to investigate the relation between them. The observed classification percentage of this method is about 81%. Finally, the mb:Ms method is also investigated. We calculate mb and Ms for the Sep. 9, 2016, explosion and compare the result with the mb: Ms chart obtained from the previous studies. This method is working well with the explosion.

Robust dynamical decoupling for quantum computing and quantum memory.

PubMed

Souza, Alexandre M; Alvarez, Gonzalo A; Suter, Dieter

2011-06-17

Dynamical decoupling (DD) is a popular technique for protecting qubits from the environment. However, unless special care is taken, experimental errors in the control pulses used in this technique can destroy the quantum information instead of preserving it. Here, we investigate techniques for making DD sequences robust against different types of experimental errors while retaining good decoupling efficiency in a fluctuating environment. We present experimental data from solid-state nuclear spin qubits and introduce a new DD sequence that is suitable for quantum computing and quantum memory.

Pigeonholing pyroclasts: Insights from the 19 March 2008 explosive eruption of Kīlauea volcano

USGS Publications Warehouse

Houghton, Bruce F.; Swanson, D.A.; Carey, R.J.; Rausch, J.; Sutton, A.J.

2011-01-01

We think, conventionally, of volcanic explosive eruptions as being triggered in one of two ways: by release and expansion of volatiles dissolved in the ejected magma (magmatic explosions) or by transfer of heat from magma into an external source of water (phreatic or phreatomagmatic explosions). We document here an event where neither magma nor an external water source was involved in explosive activity at K??lauea. Instead, the eruption was powered by the expansion of decoupled magmatic volatiles released from deeper magma, which was not ejected by the eruption, and the trigger was a collapse of near-surface wall rocks that then momentarily blocked that volatile flux. Mapping of the advected fall deposit a day after this eruption has highlighted the difficulty of constraining deposit edges from unobserved or prehistoric eruptions of all magnitudes. Our results suggest that the dispersal area of advected fall deposits could be miscalculated by up to 30% of the total, raising issues for accurate hazard zoning and assessment. Eruptions of this type challenge existing classification schemes for pyroclastic deposits and explosive eruptions and, in the past, have probably been interpreted as phreatic explosions, where the eruptive mechanism has been assumed to involve flashing of groundwater to steam. ?? 2011 Geological Society of America.

Non-malignant thyroid disease after exposure to radioactive elements during nuclear explosion: a neglected issue.

PubMed

Wiwanitkit, Viroj

2012-01-01

Recent nuclear explosion in Japan led to a great concern regarding its detrimental effects on health. As obtained data imply the increased risk of thyroid cancer, the prevention is widely suggested. Also the adverse effect of leaked radioactive elements can lead to non-malignant thyroid disease, which is neglected. In this article, non-malignant thyroid disease after exposure to radioactive elements during nuclear explosion was reviewed and discussed.

The acoustic field in the ionosphere caused by an underground nuclear explosion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krasnov, V. M.; Drobzheva, Ya. V.

2005-07-01

The problem of describing the generation and propagation of an infrasonic wave emitted by a finite extended source in the inhomogeneous absorbing atmosphere is the focus of this paper. It is of interest since the role of infrasonic waves in the energy balance of the upper atmosphere remains largely unknown. We present an algorithm, which allows adaptation of a point source model for calculating the infrasonic field from an underground nuclear explosion at ionospheric altitudes. Our calculations appear to agree remarkably well with HF Doppler sounding data measured for underground nuclear explosions at the Semipalatinsk Test Site. We show that the temperature and ionospheric electron density perturbation caused by an acoustic wave from underground nuclear explosion can reach 10% of background levels.

76 FR 43356 - Evaluations of Explosions Postulated To Occur at Nearby Facilities and on Transportation Routes...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-07-20

... the ``Regulatory Guides'' collection of the NRC's Library at http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc... NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION [NRC-2011-0152] Evaluations of Explosions Postulated To Occur at..., ``Evaluations of Explosions Postulated to Occur at Nearby Facilities and on Transportation Routes Near Nuclear...

Optically transmitted and inductively coupled electric reference to access in vivo concentrations for quantitative proton-decoupled ¹³C magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

PubMed

Chen, Xing; Pavan, Matteo; Heinzer-Schweizer, Susanne; Boesiger, Peter; Henning, Anke

2012-01-01

This report describes our efforts on quantification of tissue metabolite concentrations in mM by nuclear Overhauser enhanced and proton decoupled (13) C magnetic resonance spectroscopy and the Electric Reference To access In vivo Concentrations (ERETIC) method. Previous work showed that a calibrated synthetic magnetic resonance spectroscopy-like signal transmitted through an optical fiber and inductively coupled into a transmit/receive coil represents a reliable reference standard for in vivo (1) H magnetic resonance spectroscopy quantification on a clinical platform. In this work, we introduce a related implementation that enables simultaneous proton decoupling and ERETIC-based metabolite quantification and hence extends the applicability of the ERETIC method to nuclear Overhauser enhanced and proton decoupled in vivo (13) C magnetic resonance spectroscopy. In addition, ERETIC signal stability under the influence of simultaneous proton decoupling is investigated. The proposed quantification method was cross-validated against internal and external reference standards on human skeletal muscle. The ERETIC signal intensity stability was 100.65 ± 4.18% over 3 months including measurements with and without proton decoupling. Glycogen and unsaturated fatty acid concentrations measured with the ERETIC method were in excellent agreement with internal creatine and external phantom reference methods, showing a difference of 1.85 ± 1.21% for glycogen and 1.84 ± 1.00% for unsaturated fatty acid between ERETIC and creatine-based quantification, whereas the deviations between external reference and creatine-based quantification are 6.95 ± 9.52% and 3.19 ± 2.60%, respectively. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A Scaling Analysis of Frequency Dependent Energy Partition for Local and Regional Seismic Phases from Explosions

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-08-31

explosions at the former Soviet Semipalatinsk test site (STS). Labeled stations are those for which high resolution digital data are available. 12 8...characteristics of regional phase observations from underground nuclear explosions at the former Soviet Semipalatinsk and Novaya Zemlya test sites , the...various regional phases observed from underground nuclear explosions at the former Soviet Semipalatinsk test site (STS). Labeled stations are those for

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Winstanley, J. L.

In August 1945, U.S. Navy Captain William Parsons served as the weaponeer aboard the Enola Gay for the mission to Hiroshima (Shelton 1988). In view of the fact that four B-29s had crashed and burned on takeoff from Tinian the night before, Captain Parsons made the decision to arm the gun-type weapon after takeoff for safety reasons (15 kilotons of TNT equivalent). Although he had no control over the success of the takeoff, he could prevent the possibility of a nuclear detonation on Tinian by controlling what we now call the nuclear explosive. As head of the Ordnance Division atmore » Los Alamos and a former gunnery officer, Captain Parsons clearly understood the role of safety in his work. The advent of the pre-assembled implosion weapon where the high explosive and nuclear materials are always in an intimate configuration meant that nuclear explosive safety became a reality at a certain point in development and production not just at the time of delivery by the military. This is the only industry where nuclear materials are intentionally put in contact with high explosives. The agency of the U.S. Government responsible for development and production of U.S. nuclear weapons is the Department of Energy (DOE) (and its predecessor agencies). This paper will be limited to nuclear explosive safety as it is currently practiced within the DOE nuclear weapons« less

Characterization of heteronuclear decoupling through proton spin dynamics in solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

De Paëpe, Gaël; Eléna, Bénédicte; Emsley, Lyndon

2004-08-01

The work presented here aims at understanding the performance of phase modulated heteronuclear decoupling sequences such as Cosine Modulation or Two Pulse Phase Modulation. To that end we provide an analytical description of the intrinsic behavior of Cosine Modulation decoupling with respect to radio-frequency-inhomogeneity and the proton-proton dipolar coupling network. We discover through a Modulation Frame average Hamiltonian analysis that best decoupling is obtained under conditions where the heteronuclear interactions are removed but notably where homonuclear couplings are recoupled at a homonuclear Rotary Resonance (HORROR) condition in the Modulation Frame. These conclusions are supported by extensive experimental investigations, and notably through the introduction of proton nutation experiments to characterize spin dynamics in solids under decoupling conditions. The theoretical framework presented in this paper allows the prediction of the optimum parameters for a given set of experimental conditions.

Improved heteronuclear dipolar decoupling sequences for liquid-crystal NMR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thakur, Rajendra Singh; Kurur, Narayanan D.; Madhu, P. K.

2007-04-01

Recently we introduced a radiofrequency pulse scheme for heteronuclear dipolar decoupling in solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance under magic-angle spinning [R.S. Thakur, N.D. Kurur, P.K. Madhu, Swept-frequency two-pulse phase modulation for heteronuclear dipolar decoupling in solid-state NMR, Chem. Phys. Lett. 426 (2006) 459-463]. Variants of this sequence, swept-frequency TPPM, employing frequency modulation of different types have been further tested to improve the efficiency of heteronuclear dipolar decoupling. Among these, certain sequences that were found to perform well at lower spinning speeds are demonstrated here on a liquid-crystal sample of MBBA for application in static samples. The new sequences are compared with the standard TPPM and SPINAL schemes and are shown to perform better than them. These modulated schemes perform well at low decoupler radiofrequency power levels and are easy to implement on standard spectrometers.

Yield Estimation for Semipalatinsk Underground Nuclear Explosions Using Seismic Surface-wave Observations at Near-regional Distances

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adushkin, V. V.

- A statistical procedure is described for estimating the yields of underground nuclear tests at the former Soviet Semipalatinsk test site using the peak amplitudes of short-period surface waves observed at near-regional distances (Δ < 150 km) from these explosions. This methodology is then applied to data recorded from a large sample of the Semipalatinsk explosions, including the Soviet JVE explosion of September 14, 1988, and it is demonstrated that it provides seismic estimates of explosion yield which are typically within 20% of the yields determined for these same explosions using more accurate, non-seismic techniques based on near-source observations.

Application of Geophysical Techniques in Identifying UNE Signatures at Semipalatinsk Test Site (for OSI Purposes)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Belyashov, A.; Shaitorov, V.; Yefremov, M.

2014-03-01

This article describes geological and geophysical studies of an underground nuclear explosion area in one of the boreholes at the Semipalatinsk test site in Kazakhstan. During these studies, the typical elements of mechanical impact of the underground explosion on the host medium—fracturing of rock, spall zones, faults, cracks, etc., were observed. This information supplements to the database of underground nuclear explosion phenomenology and can be applied in fulfilling on-site inspection tasks under the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty.

Tritium as an indicator of venues for nuclear tests.

PubMed

Lyakhova, O N; Lukashenko, S N; Mulgin, S I; Zhdanov, S V

2013-10-01

Currently, due to the Treaty on the Non-proliferation of Nuclear Weapons there is a highly topical issue of an accurate verification of nuclear explosion venues. This paper proposes to consider new method for verification by using tritium as an indicator. Detailed studies of the tritium content in the air were carried in the locations of underground nuclear tests - "Balapan" and "Degelen" testing sites located in Semipalatinsk Test Site. The paper presents data on the levels and distribution of tritium in the air where tunnels and boreholes are located - explosion epicentres, wellheads and tunnel portals, as well as in estuarine areas of the venues for the underground nuclear explosions (UNE). Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Extending the electron spin coherence time of atomic hydrogen by dynamical decoupling.

PubMed

Mitrikas, George; Efthimiadou, Eleni K; Kordas, George

2014-02-14

We study the electron spin decoherence of encapsulated atomic hydrogen in octasilsesquioxane cages induced by the (1)H and (29)Si nuclear spin bath. By applying the Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill (CPMG) pulse sequence we significantly suppress the low-frequency noise due to nuclear spin flip-flops up to the point where a maximum T2 = 56 μs is observed. Moreover, dynamical decoupling with the CPMG sequence reveals the existence of two other sources of decoherence: first, a classical magnetic field noise imposed by the (1)H nuclear spins of the cage organic substituents, which can be described by a virtual fluctuating magnetic field with the proton Larmor frequency, and second, decoherence due to anisotropic hyperfine coupling between the electron and the inner (29)Si spins of the cage.

Effects of Containment on Radionuclide Releases from Underground Nuclear Explosions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carrigan, C. R.; Sun, Y.

2016-12-01

Confirming the occurrence of an underground nuclear explosion can require capturing short-lived noble gas radioisotopes produced by the explosion, sometimes referred to as the "smoking gun" for nuclear explosion detection. It is well known that the radioisotopic distribution resulting from the detonation evolves with time in the explosion cavity. In effect, the explosion cavity or chimney behaves as a chemical reactor. As long as the parent and daughter radionuclides remain in a closed and well-mixed cavity, parameters, such as radioxenon isotopic ratios, can be calculated analytically from a decay-chain network model. When gases from the cavity migrate into the containment regime, consideration of a "leaky reactor" model is more appropriate. We consider several implications of such a leaky reactor model relevant to interpretations of gas samples from the subsurface during an on-site inspection that could potentially be carried out under the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. Additionally, we have attempted to validate our leaky reactor model against atmospheric observations of radioactive xenon isotopes detected by radionuclide monitoring stations in Japan and Russia following the February 2013 DPRK underground nuclear explosion (Carrigan et al., 2016). While both model uncertainty and observational error are significant, our model of isotopic evolution appears to be in broad agreement with radionuclide observations, and for the first time links atmospheric measurements of radioxenon isotopic ratios to estimates of seismic yield. Carrigan et al., Scientific Reports 6, Article number: 23032 (2016) doi:10.1038/srep23032

(13)C MRS of human brain at 7 Tesla using [2-(13)C]glucose infusion and low power broadband stochastic proton decoupling.

PubMed

Li, Shizhe; An, Li; Yu, Shao; Ferraris Araneta, Maria; Johnson, Christopher S; Wang, Shumin; Shen, Jun

2016-03-01

Carbon-13 ((13)C) MR spectroscopy (MRS) of the human brain at 7 Tesla (T) may pose patient safety issues due to high radiofrequency (RF) power deposition for proton decoupling. The purpose of present work is to study the feasibility of in vivo (13)C MRS of human brain at 7 T using broadband low RF power proton decoupling. Carboxylic/amide (13)C MRS of human brain by broadband stochastic proton decoupling was demonstrated on a 7 T scanner. RF safety was evaluated using the finite-difference time-domain method. (13)C signal enhancement by nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE) and proton decoupling was evaluated in both phantoms and in vivo. At 7 T, the peak amplitude of carboxylic/amide (13)C signals was increased by a factor of greater than 4 due to the combined effects of NOE and proton decoupling. The 7 T (13)C MRS technique used decoupling power and average transmit power of less than 35 watts (W) and 3.6 W, respectively. In vivo (13)C MRS studies of human brain can be performed at 7 T, well below the RF safety threshold, by detecting carboxylic/amide carbons with broadband stochastic proton decoupling. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

13C MRS of Human Brain at 7 Tesla Using [2-13C]Glucose Infusion and Low Power Broadband Stochastic Proton Decoupling

PubMed Central

Li, Shizhe; An, Li; Yu, Shao; Araneta, Maria Ferraris; Johnson, Christopher S.; Wang, Shumin; Shen, Jun

2015-01-01

Purpose 13C magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) of human brain at 7 Tesla (T) may pose patient safety issues due to high RF power deposition for proton decoupling. The purpose of present work is to study the feasibility of in vivo 13C MRS of human brain at 7 T using broadband low RF power proton decoupling. Methods Carboxylic/amide 13C MRS of human brain by broadband stochastic proton decoupling was demonstrated on a 7 T scanner. RF safety was evaluated using the finite-difference time-domain method. 13C signal enhancement by nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE) and proton decoupling was evaluated in both phantoms and in vivo. Results At 7 T, the peak amplitude of carboxylic/amide 13C signals was increased by a factor of greater than 4 due to the combined effects of NOE and proton decoupling. The 7 T 13C MRS technique used decoupling power and average transmit power of less than 35 W and 3.6 W, respectively. Conclusion In vivo 13C MRS studies of human brain can be performed at 7 T well below the RF safety threshold by detecting carboxylic/amide carbons with broadband stochastic proton decoupling. PMID:25917936

A compilation of nuclear weapons test detonation data for U.S. Pacific ocean tests.

PubMed

Simon, S L; Robison, W L

1997-07-01

Prior to December 1993, the explosive yields of 44 of 66 nuclear tests conducted by the United States in the Marshall Islands were still classified. Following a request from the Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands to the U.S. Department of Energy to release this information, the Secretary of Energy declassified and released to the public the explosive yields of the Pacific nuclear tests. This paper presents a synopsis of information on nuclear test detonations in the Marshall Islands and other locations in the mid-Pacific including dates, explosive yields, locations, weapon placement, and summary statistics.

Laser Simulations of the Destructive Impact of Nuclear Explosions on Hazardous Asteroids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aristova, E. Yu.; Aushev, A. A.; Baranov, V. K.; Belov, I. A.; Bel'kov, S. A.; Voronin, A. Yu.; Voronich, I. N.; Garanin, R. V.; Garanin, S. G.; Gainullin, K. G.; Golubinskii, A. G.; Gorodnichev, A. V.; Denisova, V. A.; Derkach, V. N.; Drozhzhin, V. S.; Ericheva, I. A.; Zhidkov, N. V.; Il'kaev, R. I.; Krayukhin, A. A.; Leonov, A. G.; Litvin, D. N.; Makarov, K. N.; Martynenko, A. S.; Malinov, V. I.; Mis'ko, V. V.; Rogachev, V. G.; Rukavishnikov, A. N.; Salatov, E. A.; Skorochkin, Yu. V.; Smorchkov, G. Yu.; Stadnik, A. L.; Starodubtsev, V. A.; Starodubtsev, P. V.; Sungatullin, R. R.; Suslov, N. A.; Sysoeva, T. I.; Khatunkin, V. Yu.; Tsoi, E. S.; Shubin, O. N.; Yufa, V. N.

2018-01-01

We present the results of preliminary experiments at laser facilities in which the processes of the undeniable destruction of stony asteroids (chondrites) in space by nuclear explosions on the asteroid surface are simulated based on the principle of physical similarity. We present the results of comparative gasdynamic computations of a model nuclear explosion on the surface of a large asteroid and computations of the impact of a laser pulse on a miniature asteroid simulator confirming the similarity of the key processes in the fullscale and model cases. The technology of fabricating miniature mockups with mechanical properties close to those of stony asteroids is described. For mini-mockups 4-10 mm in size differing by the shape and impact conditions, we have made an experimental estimate of the energy threshold for the undeniable destruction of a mockup and investigated the parameters of its fragmentation at a laser energy up to 500 J. The results obtained confirm the possibility of an experimental determination of the criteria for the destruction of asteroids of various types by a nuclear explosion in laser experiments. We show that the undeniable destruction of a large asteroid is possible at attainable nuclear explosion energies on its surface.

Regional Seismic Methods of Identifying Explosions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Walter, W. R.; Ford, S. R.; Pasyanos, M.; Pyle, M. L.; Hauk, T. F.

2013-12-01

A lesson from the 2006, 2009 and 2013 DPRK declared nuclear explosion Ms:mb observations is that our historic collection of data may not be representative of future nuclear test signatures (e.g. Selby et al., 2012). To have confidence in identifying future explosions amongst the background of other seismic signals, we need to put our empirical methods on a firmer physical footing. Here we review the two of the main identification methods: 1) P/S ratios and 2) Moment Tensor techniques, which can be applied at the regional distance (200-1600 km) to very small events, improving nuclear explosion monitoring and confidence in verifying compliance with the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). Amplitude ratios of seismic P-to-S waves at sufficiently high frequencies (~>2 Hz) can identify explosions among a background of natural earthquakes (e.g. Walter et al., 1995). However the physical basis for the generation of explosion S-waves, and therefore the predictability of this P/S technique as a function of event properties such as size, depth, geology and path, remains incompletely understood. Calculated intermediate period (10-100s) waveforms from regional 1-D models can match data and provide moment tensor results that separate explosions from earthquakes and cavity collapses (e.g. Ford et al. 2009). However it has long been observed that some nuclear tests produce large Love waves and reversed Rayleigh waves that complicate moment tensor modeling. Again the physical basis for the generation of these effects from explosions remains incompletely understood. We are re-examining regional seismic data from a variety of nuclear test sites including the DPRK and the former Nevada Test Site (now the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS)). Newer relative amplitude techniques can be employed to better quantify differences between explosions and used to understand those differences in term of depth, media and other properties. We are also making use of the Source Physics Experiments (SPE) at NNSS. The SPE chemical explosions are explicitly designed to improve our understanding of emplacement and source material effects on the generation of shear and surface waves (e.g. Snelson et al., 2013). Our goal is to improve our explosion models and our ability to understand and predict where P/S and moment tensor methods of identifying explosions work, and any circumstances where they may not. This work performed under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under Contract DE-AC52-07NA27344.

Propulsion of space ships by nuclear explosion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Linhart, J. G.; Kravárik, J.

2005-01-01

Recent progress in the research on deuterium-tritium (D-T) inertially confined microexplosions encourages one to reconsider the nuclear propulsion of spaceships based on the concept originally proposed in the Orion project. We discuss first the acceleration of medium-sized spaceships by D-T explosions whose output is in the range of 0.1 10 t of TNT. The launching of such a ship into an Earth orbit or beyond by a large nuclear explosion in an underground cavity is sketched out in the second section of the paper, and finally we consider a hypothetical Mars mission based on these concepts. In the conclusion it is argued that propulsion based on the Orion concept only is not the best method for interplanetary travel owing to the very large number of nuclear explosion required. A combination of a super gun and subsequent rocket propulsion using advanced chemical fuels appears to be the best solution for space flights of the near future.

Nuclear quadrupole resonance detection of explosives: an overview

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miller, Joel B.

2011-06-01

Nuclear Quadrupole Resonance (NQR) is a spectroscopic technique closely related to Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). These techniques, and NQR in particular, induce signals from the material being interrogated that are very specific to the chemical and physical structure of the material, but are relatively insensitive to the physical form of the material. NQR explosives detection exploits this specificity to detect explosive materials, in contrast to other well known techniques that are designed to detect explosive devices. The past two decades have seen a large research and development effort in NQR explosives detection in the United States aimed at transportation security and military applications. Here, I will briefly describe the physical basis for NQR before discussing NQR developments over the past decade, with particular emphasis on landmine detection and the use of NQR in combating IED's. Potential future directions for NQR research and development are discussed.

Investigating a Quadrant Surface Coil Array for NQR Remote Sensing

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-10-23

UNCLASSIFIED 1  Abstract—this paper is on the design and fabrication of a surface coil array in a quadrant layout for NQR (Nuclear Quadrupole...coupling and SNR (Signal-to-Noise Ratio) at standoff distances perpendicular from each coil. Index Terms— Nuclear Quadrupole Resonance, NQR ...Coil Array, probe, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, tuning, decoupling, RLC, mutual coupling, RLC I. INTRODUCTION N Nuclear quadrupole resonance ( NQR

Schemes of detecting nuclear spin correlations by dynamical decoupling based quantum sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Wen-Long Ma; Liu, Ren-Bao

Single-molecule sensitivity of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and angstrom resolution of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are the highest challenges in magnetic microscopy. Recent development in dynamical decoupling (DD) enhanced diamond quantum sensing has enabled NMR of single nuclear spins and nanoscale NMR. Similar to conventional NMR and MRI, current DD-based quantum sensing utilizes the frequency fingerprints of target nuclear spins. Such schemes, however, cannot resolve different nuclear spins that have the same noise frequency or differentiate different types of correlations in nuclear spin clusters. Here we show that the first limitation can be overcome by using wavefunction fingerprints of target nuclear spins, which is much more sensitive than the ''frequency fingerprints'' to weak hyperfine interaction between the targets and a sensor, while the second one can be overcome by a new design of two-dimensional DD sequences composed of two sets of periodic DD sequences with different periods, which can be independently set to match two different transition frequencies. Our schemes not only offer an approach to breaking the resolution limit set by ''frequency gradients'' in conventional MRI, but also provide a standard approach to correlation spectroscopy for single-molecule NMR.

Noise-resilient quantum evolution steered by dynamical decoupling

PubMed Central

Liu, Gang-Qin; Po, Hoi Chun; Du, Jiangfeng; Liu, Ren-Bao; Pan, Xin-Yu

2013-01-01

Realistic quantum computing is subject to noise. Therefore, an important frontier in quantum computing is to implement noise-resilient quantum control over qubits. At the same time, dynamical decoupling can protect the coherence of qubits. Here we demonstrate non-trivial quantum evolution steered by dynamical decoupling control, which simultaneously suppresses noise effects. We design and implement a self-protected controlled-NOT gate on the electron spin of a nitrogen-vacancy centre and a nearby carbon-13 nuclear spin in diamond at room temperature, by employing an engineered dynamical decoupling control on the electron spin. Final state fidelity of 0.91(1) is observed in preparation of a Bell state using the gate. At the same time, the qubit coherence time is elongated at least 30 fold. The design scheme does not require the dynamical decoupling control to commute with the qubit interaction and therefore works for general qubit systems. This work marks a step towards implementing realistic quantum computing systems. PMID:23912335

Noise-resilient quantum evolution steered by dynamical decoupling.

PubMed

Liu, Gang-Qin; Po, Hoi Chun; Du, Jiangfeng; Liu, Ren-Bao; Pan, Xin-Yu

2013-01-01

Realistic quantum computing is subject to noise. Therefore, an important frontier in quantum computing is to implement noise-resilient quantum control over qubits. At the same time, dynamical decoupling can protect the coherence of qubits. Here we demonstrate non-trivial quantum evolution steered by dynamical decoupling control, which simultaneously suppresses noise effects. We design and implement a self-protected controlled-NOT gate on the electron spin of a nitrogen-vacancy centre and a nearby carbon-13 nuclear spin in diamond at room temperature, by employing an engineered dynamical decoupling control on the electron spin. Final state fidelity of 0.91(1) is observed in preparation of a Bell state using the gate. At the same time, the qubit coherence time is elongated at least 30 fold. The design scheme does not require the dynamical decoupling control to commute with the qubit interaction and therefore works for general qubit systems. This work marks a step towards implementing realistic quantum computing systems.

Monitoring of atmospheric nuclear explosions with infrasonic microphone arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wilson, Charles R.

2002-11-01

A review is given of the various United States programs for the infrasonic monitoring of atmospheric nuclear explosions from their inception in 1946 to their termination in 1975. The US Atomic Energy Detection System (USAEDS) monitored all nuclear weapons tests that were conducted by the Soviet Union, France, China, and the US with arrays of sensitive microbarographs in a worldwide network of infrasonic stations. A discussion of the source mechanism for the creation and subsequent propagation around the globe of long wavelength infrasound from explosions (volcanic and nuclear) is given to show the efficacy of infrasonic monitoring for the detection of atmospheric nuclear weapons tests. The equipment that was used for infrasound detection, the design of the sensor arrays, and the data processing techniques that were used by USAEDS are all discussed.

REGIONAL SEISMIC CHEMICAL AND NUCLEAR EXPLOSION DISCRIMINATION: WESTERN U.S. EXAMPLES

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Walter, W R; Taylor, S R; Matzel, E

2006-07-07

We continue exploring methodologies to improve regional explosion discrimination using the western U.S. as a natural laboratory. The western U.S. has abundant natural seismicity, historic nuclear explosion data, and widespread mine blasts, making it a good testing ground to study the performance of regional explosion discrimination techniques. We have assembled and measured a large set of these events to systematically explore how to best optimize discrimination performance. Nuclear explosions can be discriminated from a background of earthquakes using regional phase (Pn, Pg, Sn, Lg) amplitude measures such as high frequency P/S ratios. The discrimination performance is improved if the amplitudesmore » can be corrected for source size and path length effects. We show good results are achieved using earthquakes alone to calibrate for these effects with the MDAC technique (Walter and Taylor, 2001). We show significant further improvement is then possible by combining multiple MDAC amplitude ratios using an optimized weighting technique such as Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA). However this requires data or models for both earthquakes and explosions. In many areas of the world regional distance nuclear explosion data is lacking, but mine blast data is available. Mine explosions are often designed to fracture and/or move rock, giving them different frequency and amplitude behavior than contained chemical shots, which seismically look like nuclear tests. Here we explore discrimination performance differences between explosion types, the possible disparity in the optimization parameters that would be chosen if only chemical explosions were available and the corresponding effect of that disparity on nuclear explosion discrimination. Even after correcting for average path and site effects, regional phase ratios contain a large amount of scatter. This scatter appears to be due to variations in source properties such as depth, focal mechanism, stress drop, in the near source material properties (including emplacement conditions in the case of explosions) and in variations from the average path and site correction. Here we look at several kinds of averaging as a means to try and reduce variance in earthquake and explosion populations and better understand the factors going into a minimum variance level as a function of epicenter (see Anderson ee et al. this volume). We focus on the performance of P/S ratios over the frequency range from 1 to 16 Hz finding some improvements in discrimination as frequency increases. We also explore averaging and optimally combining P/S ratios in multiple frequency bands as a means to reduce variance. Similarly we explore the effects of azimuthally averaging both regional amplitudes and amplitude ratios over multiple stations to reduce variance. Finally we look at optimal performance as a function of magnitude and path length, as these put limits the availability of good high frequency discrimination measures.« less

Nucleosynthesis in Thermonuclear Supernovae

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seitenzahl, Ivo Rolf; Townsley, Dean M.

The explosion energy of thermonuclear (type Ia) supernovae is derived from the difference in nuclear binding energy liberated in the explosive fusion of light "fuel" nuclei, predominantly carbon and oxygen, into more tightly bound nuclear "ash" dominated by iron and silicon group elements. The very same explosive thermonuclear fusion event is also one of the major processes contributing to the nucleosynthesis of the heavy elements, in particular the iron-group elements. For example, most of the iron and manganese in the sun and its planetary system were produced in thermonuclear supernovae. Here, we review the physics of explosive thermonuclear burning in carbon-oxygen white dwarf material and the methodologies utilized in calculating predicted nucleosynthesis from hydrodynamic explosion models. While the dominant explosion scenario remains unclear, many aspects of the nuclear combustion and nucleosynthesis are common to all models and must occur in some form in order to produce the observed yields. We summarize the predicted nucleosynthetic yields for existing explosion models, placing particular emphasis on characteristic differences in the nucleosynthetic signatures of the different suggested scenarios leading to type Ia supernovae. Following this, we discuss how these signatures compare with observations of several individual supernovae, remnants, and the composition of material in our galaxy and galaxy clusters.

Regional Detection of Decoupled Explosions, Yield Estimation from Surface Waves, Two-Dimensional Source Effects, Three-Dimensional Earthquake Modeling and Automated Magnitude Measures

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-07-01

41 3.2 EXPERIMENTAL DETERMINATION OF THE DEPENDENCE OF RAYLEIGH WAVE AMPLITUDE ON PROPERTIES OF THE SOURCE MATERIAL ...Surface Wave Observations ...... ................ 48 3.3.3 Surface Wave Dependence on Source Material Properties ..... ................ .. 51 SYSTEMS...with various aspects of the problem of estimating yield from single station recordings of surface waves. The material in these four summaries has been

Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty seismic monitoring: 2012 USNAS report and recent explosions, earthquakes, and other seismic sources

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Richards, Paul G.

A comprehensive ban on nuclear explosive testing is briefly characterized as an arms control initiative related to the Non-Proliferation Treaty. The work of monitoring for nuclear explosions uses several technologies of which the most important is seismology-a physics discipline that draws upon extensive and ever-growing assets to monitor for earthquakes and other ground-motion phenomena as well as for explosions. This paper outlines the basic methods of seismic monitoring within that wider context, and lists web-based and other resources for learning details. It also summarizes the main conclusions, concerning capability to monitor for test-ban treaty compliance, contained in a major studymore » published in March 2012 by the US National Academy of Sciences.« less

Planning Guidance for Response to a Nuclear Detonation

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-01-16

Radiation and Fallout One of the primary outputs from a nuclear explosion is radiation . Intense... on the jet streams and have a low-level global impact. Radiation Injuries and Fallout Health Impacts A nuclear explosion will produce dangerous... radiation dose rates based on the quantity of visible fallout. Therefore, visible fallout may possibly be used as an indicator of a direct radiation

Proceedings of the 30th Monitoring Research Review: Ground-Based Nuclear Explosion Monitoring

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wetovsky, Marv A; Aguilar-chang, Julio; Arrowsmith, Marie

These proceedings contain papers prepared for the 30th Monitoring Research Review: Ground-Based Nuclear Explosion Monitoring Technologies, held 23-25 September, 2008 in Portsmouth, Virginia. These papers represent the combined research related to ground-based nuclear explosion monitoring funded by the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Air Force Technical Applications Center (AFTAC), Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), US Army Space and Missile Defense Command, Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), and other invited sponsors. The scientific objectives of the research are to improve the United States’ capability to detect, locate, and identify nuclear explosions. The purpose of the meeting is to provide the sponsoringmore » agencies, as well as potential users, an opportunity to review research accomplished during the preceding year and to discuss areas of investigation for the coming year. For the researchers, it provides a forum for the exchange of scientific information toward achieving program goals, and an opportunity to discuss results and future plans. Paper topics include: seismic regionalization and calibration; detection and location of sources; wave propagation from source to receiver; the nature of seismic sources, including mining practices; hydroacoustic, infrasound, and radionuclide methods; on-site inspection; and data processing.« less

Proceedings of the 2010 Monitoring Research Review: Ground-Based Nuclear Explosion Monitoring Technologies

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wetovsky, Marvin A; Patterson, Eileen F

These proceedings contain papers prepared for the Monitoring Research Review 2010: Ground-Based Nuclear Explosion Monitoring Technologies, held 21-23 September, 2010 in Orlando, Florida,. These papers represent the combined research related to ground-based nuclear explosion monitoring funded by the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), US Army Space and Missile Defense Command, National Science Foundation (NSF), Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), and other invited sponsors. The scientific objectives of the research are to improve the United States capability to detect, locate, and identify nuclear explosions. The purpose of the meeting is to provide the sponsoring agencies, asmore » well as potential users, an opportunity to review research accomplished during the preceding year and to discuss areas of investigation for the coming year. For the researchers, it provides a forum for the exchange of scientific information toward achieving program goals, and an opportunity to discuss results and future plans. Paper topics include: seismic regionalization and calibration; detection and location of sources; wave propagation from source to receiver; the nature of seismic sources, including mining practices; hydroacoustic, infrasound, and radionuclide methods; on-site inspection; and data processing.« less

Proceedings of the 2011 Monitoring Research Review: Ground-Based Nuclear Explosion Monitoring Technologies

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wetovsky, Marvin A.; Patterson, Eileen F.; Sandoval, Marisa N.

These proceedings contain papers prepared for the Monitoring Research Review 2011: Ground-Based Nuclear Explosion Monitoring Technologies, held 13-15 September, 2011 in Tucson, Arizona. These papers represent the combined research related to ground-based nuclear explosion monitoring funded by the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), US Army Space and Missile Defense Command, Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), National Science Foundation (NSF), and other invited sponsors. The scientific objectives of the research are to improve the United States' capability to detect, locate, and identify nuclear explosions. The purpose of the meeting is tomore » provide the sponsoring agencies, as well as potential users, an opportunity to review research accomplished during the preceding year and to discuss areas of investigation for the coming year. For the researchers, it provides a forum for the exchange of scientific information toward achieving program goals, and an opportunity to discuss results and future plans. Paper topics include: seismic regionalization and calibration; detection and location of sources; wave propagation from source to receiver; the nature of seismic sources, including mining practices; hydroacoustic, infrasound, and radionuclide methods; on-site inspection; and data processing.« less

Proceedings of the 28th Seismic Research Review: Ground-Based Nuclear Explosion Monitoring Technologies

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wetovsky, Marvin A.; Benson, Jody; Patterson, Eileen F.

These proceedings contain papers prepared for the 28th Seismic Research Review: Ground-Based Nuclear Explosion Monitoring Technologies, held 19-21 September, 2006 in Orlando, Florida. These papers represent the combined research related to ground-based nuclear explosion monitoring funded by the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Air Force Technical Applications Center (AFTAC), Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), US Army Space and Missile Defense Command, Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), and other invited sponsors. The scientific objectives of the research are to improve the United States capability to detect, locate, and identify nuclear explosions. The purpose of the meeting is to provide the sponsoringmore » agencies, as well as potential users, an opportunity to review research accomplished during the preceding year and to discuss areas of investigation for the coming year. For the researchers, it provides a forum for the exchange of scientific information toward achieving program goals, and an opportunity to discuss results and future plans. Paper topics include: seismic regionalization and calibration; detection and location of sources; wave propagation from source to receiver; the nature of seismic sources, including mining practices; hydroacoustic, infrasound, and radionuclide methods; on-site inspection; and data processing.« less

Proceedings of the 29th Monitoring Research Review: Ground-Based Nuclear Explosion Monitoring Technologies

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wetovsky, Marvin A.; Benson, Jody; Patterson, Eileen F.

These proceedings contain papers prepared for the 29th Monitoring Research Review: Ground-Based Nuclear Explosion Monitoring Technologies, held 25-27 September, 2007 in Denver, Colorado. These papers represent the combined research related to ground-based nuclear explosion monitoring funded by the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Air Force Technical Applications Center (AFTAC), Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), US Army Space and Missile Defense Command, Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), and other invited sponsors. The scientific objectives of the research are to improve the United States capability to detect, locate, and identify nuclear explosions. The purpose of the meeting is to provide the sponsoringmore » agencies, as well as potential users, an opportunity to review research accomplished during the preceding year and to discuss areas of investigation for the coming year. For the researchers, it provides a forum for the exchange of scientific information toward achieving program goals, and an opportunity to discuss results and future plans. Paper topics include: seismic regionalization and calibration; detection and location of sources; wave propagation from source to receiver; the nature of seismic sources, including mining practices; hydroacoustic, infrasound, and radionuclide methods; on-site inspection; and data processing.« less

Proceedings of the 24th Seismic Research Review: Nuclear Explosion Monitoring: Innovation and Integration

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Warren, N. Jill

2002-09-17

These proceedings contain papers prepared for the 24th Seismic Research Review: Nuclear Explosion Monitoring: Innovation and Integration, held 17-19 September, 2002 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. These papers represent the combined research related to ground-based nuclear explosion monitoring funded by the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), and other invited sponsors. The scientific objectives of the research are to improve the United States capability to detect, locate, and identify nuclear explosions. The purpose of the meeting is to provide the sponsoring agencies, as well as potential users, an opportunity to review research accomplished during the precedingmore » year and to discuss areas of investigation for the coming year. For the researchers, it provides a forum for the exchange of scientific information toward achieving program goals, and an opportunity to discuss results and future plans. Paper topics include: seismic regionalization and calibration; detection and location of sources; wave propagation from source to receiver; the nature of seismic sources, including mining practices; hydroacoustic, infrasound, and radionuclide methods; on-site inspection; and data processing.« less

Effect of Using Thorium Molten Salts on the Neutronic Performance of PACER

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Acır, Adem; Übeyli, Mustafa

2010-04-01

Utilization of nuclear explosives can produce a significant amount of energy which can be converted into electricity via a nuclear fusion power plant. An important fusion reactor concept using peaceful nuclear explosives is called as PACER which has an underground containment vessel to handle the nuclear explosives safely. In this reactor, Flibe has been considered as a working coolant for both tritium breeding and heat transferring. However, the rich neutron source supplied from the peaceful nuclear explosives can be used also for fissile fuel production. In this study, the effect of using thorium molten salts on the neutronic performance of the PACER was investigated. The computations were performed for various coolants bearing thorium and/or uranium-233 with respect to the molten salt zone thickness in the blanket. Results pointed out that an increase in the fissile content of the salt increased the neutronic performance of the reactor remarkably. In addition, higher energy production was obtained with thorium molten salts compared to the pure mode of the reactor. Moreover, a large quantity of 233U was produced in the blanket in all cases.

Reflection processing of the large-N seismic data from the Source Physics Experiment (SPE)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Paschall, Olivia C.

2016-07-18

The purpose of the SPE is to develop a more physics-based model for nuclear explosion identification to understand the development of S-waves from explosion sources in order to enhance nuclear test ban treaty monitoring.

Nuclear and Non-Nuclear Airblast Effects.

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-02-14

algorithms. 2 The above methodologr has been applied to a series of test prorlems initiated by a spherical high- explosive (HE) detonation In air . An...used, together with a real- air equation of state, to follow the development of an explosion initialized with the 1-kton standard as it reflects from the...interior. Stage (1) is not contained in our model; since the weapon mass greatly exceeds the ,mass of air contained within the initial explosion radius

Swedish Defence Research Abstracts 82/83-3 (Froe Foersvars Forsknings Referat 82/83-3)

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-12-01

A PROTECTION - ATOMIC A3 Effects of nuclear explosions , and protective measures (I 13) Radioactive fallout from nuclear weapons. A review of airborne...AND WEAPON TECHNOLOGY DI Technology of explosives (119) Boron-containing fuel-rich HTPB propellants. Manufacturing, burning experiments and specific...technology (122) TRYCK. A command procedure for presenting the param.ters of the shock wave •.:’. from detonating high- explosive charges D8 System studies (123

Decomposition of the Seismic Source Using Numerical Simulations and Observations of Nuclear Explosions

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-05-31

SUBJECT TERMS nonlinear finite element calculations, nuclear explosion monitoring, topography 16. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF: 17. LIMITATION OF ABSTRACT 18...3D North Korea calculations........ Figure 6. The CRAM 3D finite element outer grid (left) is rectangular......................... Figure 7. Stress...Figure 6. The CRAM 3D finite element outer grid (left) is rectangular. The inner grid (center) is shaped to match the shape of the explosion shock wave

Refinement of Regional Distance Seismic Moment Tensor and Uncertainty Analysis for Source-Type Identification

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-09-01

a NSS that lies in this negative explosion positive CLVD quadrant due to the large degree of tectonic release in this event that reversed the phase...Mellman (1986) in their analysis of fundamental model Love and Rayleigh wave amplitude and phase for nuclear and tectonic release source terms, and...1986). Estimating explosion and tectonic release source parameters of underground nuclear explosions from Rayleigh and Love wave observations, Air

Nuclear subsurface explosion modeling and hydrodynamic fragmentation simulation of hazardous asteroids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Premaratne, Pavithra Dhanuka

Disruption and fragmentation of an asteroid using nuclear explosive devices (NEDs) is a highly complex yet a practical solution to mitigating the impact threat of asteroids with short warning time. A Hypervelocity Asteroid Intercept Vehicle (HAIV) concept, developed at the Asteroid Deflection Research Center (ADRC), consists of a primary vehicle that acts as kinetic impactor and a secondary vehicle that houses NEDs. The kinetic impactor (lead vehicle) strikes the asteroid creating a crater. The secondary vehicle will immediately enter the crater and detonate its nuclear payload creating a blast wave powerful enough to fragment the asteroid. The nuclear subsurface explosion modeling and hydrodynamic simulation has been a challenging research goal that paves the way an array of mission critical information. A mesh-free hydrodynamic simulation method, Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) was utilized to obtain both qualitative and quantitative solutions for explosion efficiency. Commercial fluid dynamics packages such as AUTODYN along with the in-house GPU accelerated SPH algorithms were used to validate and optimize high-energy explosion dynamics for a variety of test cases. Energy coupling from the NED to the target body was also examined to determine the effectiveness of nuclear subsurface explosions. Success of a disruption mission also depends on the survivability of the nuclear payload when the secondary vehicle approaches the newly formed crater at a velocity of 10 km/s or higher. The vehicle may come into contact with debris ejecting the crater which required the conceptual development of a Whipple shield. As the vehicle closes on the crater, its skin may also experience extreme temperatures due to heat radiated from the crater bottom. In order to address this thermal problem, a simple metallic thermal shield design was implemented utilizing a radiative heat transfer algorithm and nodal solutions obtained from hydrodynamic simulations.

Broadband Evaluation of DPRK Explosions, Collapse Event, and Induced Aftershocks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mayeda, K.; Roman-Nieves, J. I.; Wagner, G.; Jeon, Y. S.

2017-12-01

We report on the past 6 declared DPRK nuclear explosions, a collapse event, and recent associated induced shear dislocation sources using long-period waveform modeling, direct regional phases, and stable P-coda and S-coda spectral ratios. We find that the recent September 3rd, 2017 explosion is well modeled with an MM71 explosion source model at normal scale depth, but the previous 5 smaller yield explosions exhibit much larger relative high frequency radiation, strongly suggesting they are all over buried by varying amounts. The collapse event that occurred 8 minutes following the September 3rd DPRK explosion shares significant similarities with a number of NTS collapse events for explosions of comparable yield, both in absolute amplitude and spectral fall-off. A large number of smaller sources have been observed, which from stable coda spectral analysis and waveform modeling, are consistent with shallow shear dislocations likely caused by stress redistribution following the past nuclear explosions. We conclude with testing of a new discriminant that is specific to this region.

Simulation Study of Near-Surface Coupling of Nuclear Devices vs. Equivalent High-Explosive Charges

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fournier, Kevin B; Walton, Otis R; Benjamin, Russ

2014-09-29

A computational study was performed to examine the differences in near-surface ground-waves and air-blast waves generated by high-explosive energy sources and those generated by much higher energy - density low - yield nuclear sources. The study examined the effect of explosive-source emplacement (i.e., height-of-burst, HOB, or depth-of-burial, DOB) over a range from depths of -35m to heights of 20m, for explosions with an explosive yield of 1-kt . The chemical explosive was modeled by a JWL equation-of-state model for a ~14m diameter sphere of ANFO (~1,200,000kg – 1 k t equivalent yield ), and the high-energy-density source was modeled asmore » a one tonne (1000 kg) plasma of ‘Iron-gas’ (utilizing LLNL’s tabular equation-of-state database, LEOS) in a 2m diameter sphere, with a total internal-energy content equivalent to 1 k t . A consistent equivalent-yield coupling-factor approach was developed to compare the behavior of the two sources. The results indicate that the equivalent-yield coupling-factor for air-blasts from 1 k t ANFO explosions varies monotonically and continuously from a nearly perfec t reflected wave off of the ground surface for a HOB ≈ 20m, to a coupling factor of nearly zero at DOB ≈ -25m. The nuclear air - blast coupling curve, on the other hand, remained nearly equal to a perfectly reflected wave all the way down to HOB’s very near zero, and then quickly dropped to a value near zero for explosions with a DOB ≈ -10m. The near - surface ground - wave traveling horizontally out from the explosive source region to distances of 100’s of meters exhibited equivalent - yield coupling - factors t hat varied nearly linearly with HOB/DOB for the simulated ANFO explosive source, going from a value near zero at HOB ≈ 5m to nearly one at DOB ≈ -25m. The nuclear-source generated near-surface ground wave coupling-factor remained near zero for almost all HOB’s greater than zero, and then appeared to vary nearly - linearly with depth-of-burial until it reached a value of one at a DOB between 15m and 20m. These simulations confirm the expected result that the variation of coupling to the ground, or the air, change s much more rapidly with emplacement location for a high-energy-density (i.e., nuclear-like) explosive source than it does for relatively low - energy - density chemical explosive sources. The Energy Partitioning, Energy Coupling (EPEC) platform at LLNL utilizes laser energy from one quad (i.e. 4-laser beams) of the 192 - beam NIF Laser bank to deliver ~10kJ of energy to 1mg of silver in a hohlraum creating an effective small-explosive ‘source’ with an energy density comparable to those in low-yield nuclear devices. Such experiments have the potential to provide direct experimental confirmation of the simulation results obtained in this study, at a physical scale (and time-scale) which is a factor of 1000 smaller than the spatial- or temporal-scales typically encountered when dealing with nuclear explosions.« less

UTEX modeling of xenon signature sensitivity to geology and explosion cavity characteristics following an underground nuclear explosion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lowrey, J. D.; Haas, D.

2013-12-01

Underground nuclear explosions (UNEs) produce anthropogenic isotopes that can potentially be used in the verification component of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. Several isotopes of radioactive xenon gas have been identified as radionuclides of interest within the International Monitoring System (IMS) and in an On-Site Inspection (OSI). Substantial research has been previously undertaken to characterize the geologic and atmospheric mechanisms that can drive the movement of radionuclide gas from a well-contained UNE, considering both sensitivities on gas arrival time and signature variability of xenon due to the nature of subsurface transport. This work further considers sensitivities of radioxenon gas arrival time and signatures to large variability in geologic stratification and generalized explosion cavity characteristics, as well as compares this influence to variability in the shallow surface.

The 2014 Integrated Field Exercise of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty revisited: The case for data fusion

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Burnett, Jonathan L.; Miley, Harry S.; Bowyer, Theodore W.

The International Monitoring System of the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) uses a global network of radionuclide monitoring stations to detect evidence of a nuclear explosion. The two radionuclide technologies employed—particulate and noble gas (radioxenon) detection—have applications for data fusion to improve detection of a nuclear explosion. Using the hypothetical 0.5 kT nuclear explosive test scenario of the CTBTO 2014 Integrated Field Exercise, the intrinsic relationship between particulate and noble gas signatures has been examined. This study shows that, depending upon the time of the radioxenon release, the particulate progeny can produce the more detectable signature.more » Thus, as both particulate and noble gas signatures are inherently coupled, the authors recommend that the sample categorization schemes should be linked.« less

The 2014 Integrated Field Exercise of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty revisited: The case for data fusion.

PubMed

Burnett, Jonathan L; Miley, Harry S; Bowyer, Theodore W; Cameron, Ian M

2018-09-01

The International Monitoring System of the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) uses a global network of radionuclide monitoring stations to detect evidence of a nuclear explosion. The two radionuclide technologies employed-particulate and noble gas (radioxenon) detection-have applications for data fusion to improve detection of a nuclear explosion. Using the hypothetical 0.5 kT nuclear explosive test scenario of the CTBTO 2014 Integrated Field Exercise, the intrinsic relationship between particulate and noble gas signatures has been examined. This study shows that, depending upon the time of the radioxenon release, the particulate progeny can produce the more detectable signature. Thus, as both particulate and noble gas signatures are inherently coupled, the authors recommend that the sample categorization schemes should be linked. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Las Vegas Valley Seismic Response Project: Ground Motions in Las Vegas Valley from Nuclear Explosions at the Nevada Test Site

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rodgers, A; Tkalcic, H; McCallen, D

2005-03-18

Between 2001-2004 the Las Vegas Seismic Response Project has sought to understand the response of Las Vegas Valley (LVV) to seismic excitation. In this study, the author report the findings of this project with an emphasis on ground motions in LVV from nuclear explosions at the Nevada Test Site (NTS). These ground motions are used to understand building structural response and damage as well as human perception. Historical nuclear explosion observations are augmented with earthquake recordings from a temporary deployment of seismometers to improve spatial coverage of LVV. The nuclear explosions were conducted between 1968 and 1989 and were recordedmore » at various sites within Las Vegas. The data from past nuclear tests were used to constrain ground motions in LVV and to gain a predictive capability of ground motions for possible future nuclear tests at NTS. Analysis of ground motion data includes peak ground motions (accelerations and velocities) and amplification of basin sites relative to hard rock sites (site response). Site response was measured with the Standard Spectral Ratios (SSR) technique relative to hard rock reference sites on the periphery of LVV. The site response curves indicate a strong basin amplification of up to a factor of ten at frequencies between 0.5-2 Hz. Amplifications are strongest in the central and northern portions of LVV, where the basin is deeper than 1 km based on the reported basin depths of Langenheim et al (2001a). They found a strong correlation between amplification and basin depth and shallow shear wave velocities. Amplification below 1 Hz is strongly controlled by slowness-averaged shear velocities to depths of 30 and 100 meters. Depth averaged shear velocities to 10 meters has modest control of amplifications between 1-3 Hz. Modeling reveals that low velocity material in the shallow layers (< 200 m) effectively controls amplification. They developed a method to scale nuclear explosion ground motion time series to sites around LVV that have no historical record of explosions. The method is also used to scale nuclear explosion ground motions to different yields. They also present a range of studies to understand basin structure and response performed on data from the temporary deployment.« less

A Story Too Good to Kill: The "Nuclear" Explosion in San Francisco Bay.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Badash, Lawrence; Hewlett, Richard G.

1993-01-01

Describes an explosion in Port Chicago (California) that a journalist later ascribed to a nuclear weapon, explains how his conclusions can be refuted, discusses the sociology of publishing such spectacular claims, and suggests how historians might better assist journalists in evaluating such claims. (40 references) (LRW)

Critical Homeland Infrastructure Protection

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-01-01

talent. Examples include: * Detection of surveillance activities; * Stand-off detection of chemical, biological, nuclear, radiation and explosive ...Manager Guardian DARPA Overview Mr. Roger Gibbs DARPA LLNL Technologies in Support of Infrastructure Mr. Don Prosnitz LLNL Protection Sandia National...FP Antiterrorism/Force Protection CBRNE Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Explosive CERT Commuter Emergency Response Team CIA Central

The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (Counterproliferation Papers, Future Warfare Series, Number 54)

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-06-01

parts to detect a nuclear explosion: seismic, hydroacoustic, infrasound and radionuclide. Figure 3. CTBTO International Monitoring System Sites26...Conference,” (Oct. 14, 2009), www.armscontrol.org.. [17] from earthquakes and mining explosions, but have proved effective in detecting past nuclear...hydroacoustic monitoring stations detect sound waves in the oceans, and the 60 infrasound stations detect above ground, ultra-low frequency sound waves

Statistical Study of Soviet Nuclear Explosions: Data, Results, and Software Tools

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-11-05

KIRTLAND AFB, NM 87117-6008 Monitored by: ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS AGENCY NUCLEAR MONITORING RESEARCH OFFICE 94-03131 3701 NORTH FAIRFAX DRIVE...AGENCY REPORT NUMBER ARPAINMRO (Attn. Dr. Alan Ryall, Jr.) 3701 North Fairfax Drive Arlington, VA 22203-1714 11. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES *Department of...dug by them, in Nuclear Explosions for Peaceful Purposes (I. D. Morokhov, Ed.), Atomizdat, Moscow, LLL Report UCRL -Trans-10517, 79-109. Nuttli, 0. W

Detection of explosives, shielded nuclear materials and other hazardous substances in cargo containers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuznetsov, Andrey; Evsenin, Alexey; Vakhtin, Dmitry; Gorshkov, Igor; Osetrov, Oleg; Kalinin, Valery

2006-05-01

Nanosecond Neutron Analysis / Associated Particles Technique (NNA/APT) has been used to create devices for detection of explosives, radioactive and heavily shielded nuclear materials in cargo containers. Explosives and other hazardous materials are detected by analyzing secondary high-energy gamma-rays form reactions of fast neutrons with the materials inside the container. Depending on the dimensions of the inspected containers, the detecting system consists of one or several detection modules, each of which contains a small neutron generator with built-in position sensitive detector of associated alpha-particles and several scintillator-based gamma-ray detectors. The same gamma-ray detectors are used to detect unshielded radioactive and nuclear materials. Array of several detectors of fast neutrons is used to detect neutrons from spontaneous and induced fission of nuclear materials. These neutrons can penetrate thick layers of lead shielding, which can be used to conceal gamma-radioactivity from nuclear materials. Coincidence and timing analysis allows one to discriminate between fission neutrons and scattered probing neutrons. Mathematical modeling by MCNP5 code was used to estimate the sensitivity of the device and its optimal configuration. Capability of the device to detect 1 kg of explosive imitator inside container filled with suitcases and other baggage items has been confirmed experimentally. First experiments with heavily shielded nuclear materials have been carried out.

Empirical Observations of Earthquake-Explosion Discrimination Using P/S Ratios and Implications for the Sources of Explosion S-Waves

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-09-01

stations at test sites around the world (e.g., Nevada, Lop Nor, Novaya Zemlya, Semipalatinsk , India, Pakistan, and North Korea). We show this pattern...regional P/S amplitudes tended to be dominated by frequencies around 1 Hz. As shown in Figure 2 at a number of major nuclear test sites , these...Figure 2. Bandpass filtered 1-2 Hz seismograms of earthquake (red) and explosion (blue) pairs at nuclear test sites show little consistent

User’s Guide and History of ANFO (Ammonium Nitrate/Fuel Oil) as a Nuclear Weapons Effect Simulation Explosive

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-03-31

SHOCK SIMULATION 1659 - Amonium nitrate first prepared by Glauber 1867 - Swedish patent granted to Ohlsson and Norrbein for use of ammonium nitrate ...neceessay aqd identify by block number) Ammonium Nitrate -Fuel Oil Aiiblast - . ANFO . Craters High Explosives Explosive Charge Construction * Nuclear...utilizatilon of ANFO for future W FJOAMw. 1473- EDIT00 or INOW ,Sois 0"LTZ"" DO t 473 UNCLASSIFIED SECUM"TY CLASSIFfCATIOl# OF THIS PAGEI(Whonf D Ia LI L

Proceedings of the 2009 Monitoring Research Review: Ground-Based Nuclear Explosion Monitoring Technologies

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wetovsky, Marv A; Aguilar - Chang, Julio; Anderson, Dale

These proceedings contain papers prepared for the Monitoring Research Review 2009: Ground -Based Nuclear Explosion Monitoring Technologies, held 21-23 September, 2009 in Tucson, Arizona,. These papers represent the combined research related to ground-based nuclear explosion monitoring funded by the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), US Army Space and Missile Defense Command, Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), and other invited sponsors. The scientific objectives of the research are to improve the United States’ capability to detect, locate, and identify nuclear explosions. The purpose of the meeting is to provide the sponsoring agencies, as well asmore » potential users, an opportunity to review research accomplished during the preceding year and to discuss areas of investigation for the coming year. For the researchers, it provides a forum for the exchange of scientific information toward achieving program goals, and an opportunity to discuss results and future plans. Paper topics include: seismic regionalization and calibration; detection and location of sources; wave propagation from source to receiver; the nature of seismic sources, including mining practices; hydroacoustic, infrasound, and radionuclide methods; on-site inspection; and data processing.« less

Proceedings of the 27th Seismic Research Review: Ground-Based Nuclear Explosion Monitoring Technologies

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wetovsky, Marvin A.; Benson, Jody; Patterson, Eileen F.

These proceedings contain papers prepared for the 27th Seismic Research Review: Ground-Based Nuclear Explosion Monitoring Technologies, held 20-22 September, 2005 in Rancho Mirage, California. These papers represent the combined research related to ground-based nuclear explosion monitoring funded by the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Air Force Technical Applications Center (AFTAC), Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), US Army Space and Missile Defense Command, and other invited sponsors. The scientific objectives of the research are to improve the United States capability to detect, locate, and identify nuclear explosions. The purpose of the meeting is to provide the sponsoring agencies, as well asmore » potential users, an opportunity to review research accomplished during the preceding year and to discuss areas of investigation for the coming year. For the researchers, it provides a forum for the exchange of scientific information toward achieving program goals, and an opportunity to discuss results and future plans. Paper topics include: seismic regionalization and calibration; detection and location of sources; wave propagation from source to receiver; the nature of seismic sources, including mining practices; hydroacoustic, infrasound, and radionuclide methods; on-site inspection; and data processing.« less

Proceedings of the 25th Seismic Research Review -- Nuclear Explosion Monitoring: Building the Knowledge Base

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chavez, Francesca C.; Mendius, E. Louise

These proceedings contain papers prepared for the 25th Seismic Research Review -- Nuclear Explosion Monitoring: Building the Knowledge Base, held 23-25 September, 2003 in Tucson, Arizona. These papers represent the combined research related to ground-based nuclear explosion monitoring funded by the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), US Army Space and Missile Defense Command, and other invited sponsors. The scientific objectives of the research are to improve the United States capability to detect, locate, and identify nuclear explosions. The purpose of the meeting is to provide the sponsoring agencies, as wellmore » as potential users, an opportunity to review research accomplished during the preceding year and to discuss areas of investigation for the coming year. For the researchers, it provides a forum for the exchange of scientific information toward achieving program goals, and an opportunity to discuss results and future plans. Paper topics include: seismic regionalization and calibration; detection and location of sources; wave propagation from source to receiver; the nature of seismic sources, including mining practices; hydroacoustic, infrasound, and radionuclide methods; on-site inspection; and data processing.« less

Proceedings of the 26th Seismic Research Review: Trends in Nuclear Explosion Monitoring

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chavez, Francesca C; Benson, Jody; Hanson, Stephanie

These proceedings contain papers prepared for the 26th Seismic Research Review: Trends in Nuclear Explosion Monitoring, held 21-23 September, 2004 in Orlando, Florida. These papers represent the combined research related to ground-based nuclear explosion monitoring funded by the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), US Army Space and Missile Defense Command, and other invited sponsors. The scientific objectives of the research are to improve the United States capability to detect, locate, and identify nuclear explosions. The purpose of the meeting is to provide the sponsoring agencies, as well as potential users,more » an opportunity to review research accomplished during the preceding year and to discuss areas of investigation for the coming year. For the researchers, it provides a forum for the exchange of scientific information toward achieving program goals, and an opportunity to discuss results and future plans. Paper topics include: seismic regionalization and calibration; detection and location of sources; wave propagation from source to receiver; the nature of seismic sources, including mining practices; hydroacoustic, infrasound, and radionuclide methods; on-site inspection; and data processing.« less

IDCDACS: IDC's Distributed Application Control System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ertl, Martin; Boresch, Alexander; Kianička, Ján; Sudakov, Alexander; Tomuta, Elena

2015-04-01

The Preparatory Commission for the CTBTO is an international organization based in Vienna, Austria. Its mission is to establish a global verification regime to monitor compliance with the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), which bans all nuclear explosions. For this purpose time series data from a global network of seismic, hydro-acoustic and infrasound (SHI) sensors are transmitted to the International Data Centre (IDC) in Vienna in near-real-time, where it is processed to locate events that may be nuclear explosions. We newly designed the distributed application control system that glues together the various components of the automatic waveform data processing system at the IDC (IDCDACS). Our highly-scalable solution preserves the existing architecture of the IDC processing system that proved successful over many years of operational use, but replaces proprietary components with open-source solutions and custom developed software. Existing code was refactored and extended to obtain a reusable software framework that is flexibly adaptable to different types of processing workflows. Automatic data processing is organized in series of self-contained processing steps, each series being referred to as a processing pipeline. Pipelines process data by time intervals, i.e. the time-series data received from monitoring stations is organized in segments based on the time when the data was recorded. So-called data monitor applications queue the data for processing in each pipeline based on specific conditions, e.g. data availability, elapsed time or completion states of preceding processing pipelines. IDCDACS consists of a configurable number of distributed monitoring and controlling processes, a message broker and a relational database. All processes communicate through message queues hosted on the message broker. Persistent state information is stored in the database. A configurable processing controller instantiates and monitors all data processing applications. Due to decoupling by message queues the system is highly versatile and failure tolerant. The implementation utilizes the RabbitMQ open-source messaging platform that is based upon the Advanced Message Queuing Protocol (AMQP), an on-the-wire protocol (like HTML) and open industry standard. IDCDACS uses high availability capabilities provided by RabbitMQ and is equipped with failure recovery features to survive network and server outages. It is implemented in C and Python and is operated in a Linux environment at the IDC. Although IDCDACS was specifically designed for the existing IDC processing system its architecture is generic and reusable for different automatic processing workflows, e.g. similar to those described in (Olivieri et al. 2012, Kværna et al. 2012). Major advantages are its independence of the specific data processing applications used and the possibility to reconfigure IDCDACS for different types of processing, data and trigger logic. A possible future development would be to use the IDCDACS framework for different scientific domains, e.g. for processing of Earth observation satellite data extending the one-dimensional time-series intervals to spatio-temporal data cubes. REFERENCES Olivieri M., J. Clinton (2012) An almost fair comparison between Earthworm and SeisComp3, Seismological Research Letters, 83(4), 720-727. Kværna, T., S. J. Gibbons, D. B. Harris, D. A. Dodge (2012) Adapting pipeline architectures to track developing aftershock sequences and recurrent explosions, Proceedings of the 2012 Monitoring Research Review: Ground-Based Nuclear Explosion Monitoring Technologies, 776-785.

On-Site inspections as a tool for nuclear explosion monitoring in the framework of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arndt, R.; Gaya-Pique, L.; Labak, P.; Tanaka, J.

2009-04-01

On-site inspections (OSIs) constitute the final verification measure under the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). OSIs are launched to establish whether or not a nuclear explosion has been carried out, thus they are conducted to verify States' compliance with the Treaty. During such an inspection, facts are gathered within a limited investigation area of 1000 Km2 to identify possible violators of the Treaty. Time scale (referring both to the preparation of the inspection as well as to the conduct of an OSI itself) is one of the challenges that an inspection team has to face when conducting an OSI. Other challenges are the size of the team - which is limited to 40 inspectors - and political limitations imposed by the Treaty in the use of allowed techniques. The Integrated Field Exercise 2008 (IFE08) recently conducted in Kazakhstan was the first large-scale, as well as the most comprehensive, on site inspection exercise ever conducted by the Preparatory Commission of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO). The exercise took place in a deserted area south east of Kurchatov, within the former Soviet Union's Semipalatinsk nuclear test site. In this paper we will provide an overview of the technical activities conducted by the inspection team during IFE08 in order to collect evidence for a hypothetical nuclear explosion test. The techniques applied can be distributed in four different blocks: visual observation (to look for man-made changes in the geomorphology as well as anthropogenic features related to an underground nuclear explosion, UNE); passive seismic monitoring (to identify possible aftershocks created by the UNE); radionuclide measurements (to collect evidence for radionuclide isotopes related to a nuclear explosion); and finally geophysical surveys (to identify geophysical signatures related to an UNE in terms of changes in the geological strata, to the hydrogeological regime, and in terms of the shallow remains of the infrastructure deployed during the preparation and monitoring of the test). The data collected during IFE08, together with data from previous exercises, set the fundaments of a database of invaluable value to be used by CTBTO in the future for a better understanding of the phenomenology related to a nuclear explosion.

Investigation Of Vapor Explosion Mechanisms Using High Speed Photography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Armstrong, Donn R.; Anderson, Richard P.

1983-03-01

The vapor explosion, a physical interaction between hot and cold liquids that causes the explosive vaporization of the cold liquid, is a hazard of concern in such diverse industries as metal smelting and casting, paper manufacture, and nuclear power generation. Intensive work on this problem worldwide, for the past 25 years has generated a number of theories and mechanisms proposed to explain vapor explosions. High speed photography has been the major instrument used to test the validity of the theories and to provide the observations that have lead to new theories. Examples are given of experimental techniques that have been used to investigate vapor explosions. Detailed studies of specific mechanisms have included microsecond flash photograph of contact boiling and high speed cinematography of shock driven breakup of liquid drops. Other studies looked at the explosivity of various liquid pairs using cinematography inside a pulsed nuclear reactor and x-ray cinematography of a thermite-sodium interaction.

New Horizon in Nuclear Physics and Astrophysics Using Radioactive Nuclear Beams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanihata, Isao

Beams of β- radioactive nuclei, having a lifetime as short as 1 ms have been used for studies of the nuclear structure and reaction relevant to nucleosynthesis in the universe. In nuclear-structure studies, decoupling of the proton and neutron distributions in nuclei has been discovered. The decoupling appeared as neutron halos and neutron skins on the surface of neutron-rich unstable nuclei. In astrophysics, reaction cross sections have been determined for many key reactions of nucleosynthesis involving short-lived nuclei in the initial and final states. One such important reaction, 13N+p → 14O +γ, has been studied using beams of unstable 13N nuclei. Such studies became possible after the invention of beams of radioactive nuclei in the mid-80's. Before that, the available ion beams were restricted to ions of stable nuclei for obvious reasons. In the next section the production method of radioactive beams is presented, then a few selected studies using radioactive beams are discussed in the following sections. In the last section, some useful properties of radioactive nuclei for other applications is shown.

INDUSTRIAL AND SCIENTIFIC APPLICATIONS OF NUCLEAR EXPLOSIONS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Johnson, Gerald W.

1960-01-19

ABS>Information is given for a series of underground and surface nuclear explosions ranging from 0.055 to 19 kilotons in size. A model of four stages is developed and applied to the case of the Rainier explosion: (1) Nuclear Reaction, microsecond range. (2) Hydrodynamic Phase, millisecond range. (3) Quasi-Static Phase, secondminute range. (4) Longer-Term Phase, minute-year range. Data are given for the growth rate of the Rainier cavity up to 75 msec, partition of energy in the second stage, and distribution of temperature 5 months after the Rainier explosion. The following generalizations were made for tuff soil: Radioactivity can be containedmore » completely underground at depths of D = 400 W/sup 1/3/ or greater, where W is the energy release in kilotons; the cavity initially formed has a radius of R = 50 W/sup 1/3/; and 65 to 80% of the fission-product activity is in dilute (0.1 ppm) glass solution. The purpose and scheme of the three current AEC projects, Gnome, Project Oil Sand, and Project Chariot, are given. Also, some experiments to be done with nuclear explosions are suggested for space research, production of transplutonic isotopes, neutron resonance, other cross sections, earth's structure, and seismology. (D.L.C.)« less

Los Alamos RAGE Simulations of the HAIV Mission Concept

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Weaver, Robert P.; Barbee, Brent W.; Wie, Bong; Zimmerman, Ben

2015-01-01

The mitigation of potentially hazardous objects (PHOs) can be accomplished by a variety of methods including kinetic impactors, gravity tractors and several nuclear explosion options. Depending on the available lead time prior to Earth impact, non- nuclear options can be very effective at altering a PHOs orbit. However if the warning time is short nuclear options are generally deemed most effective at mitigating the hazard. The NIAC mission concept for a nuclear mission has been presented at several meetings, including the last PDC (2013).We use the adaptive mesh hydrocode RAGE to perform detailed simulations of this Hypervelocity Asteroid Intercept Vehicle (HAIV) mission concept. We use the RAGE code to simulate the crater formation by the kinetic impactor as well as the explosion and energy coupling from the follower nuclear explosive device (NED) timed to detonate below the original surface to enhance the energy coupling. The RAGE code has been well validated for a wide variety of applications. A parametric study will be shown of the energy and momentum transfer to the target 100 m diameter object: 1) the HAIV mission as planned; 2) a surface explosion and 3) a subsurface (contained) explosion; both 2) and 3) use the same source energy as 1).Preliminary RAGE simulations show that the kinetic impactor will carve out a surface crater on the object and the subsequent NED explosion at the bottom of the crater transfers energy and momentum to the target effectively moving it off its Earth crossing orbit. Figure 1 shows the initial (simplified) RAGE 2D setup geometry for this study. Figure 2 shows the crater created by the kinetic impactor and Figure 3 shows the time sequence of the energy transfer to the target by the NED.

A kilohertz approach to Strombolian-style eruptions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taddeucci, Jacopo; Scarlato, Piergiorgio; Del Bello, Elisabetta; Gaudin, Damien

2015-04-01

Accessible volcanoes characterized by persistent, relatively mild Strombolian-style explosive activity have historically hosted multidisciplinary studies of eruptions. These studies, focused on geophysical signals preceding, accompanying, and following the eruptions, have provided key insights on the physical processes driving the eruptions. However, the dynamic development of the single explosions that characterize this style of activity remained somewhat elusive, due to the timescales involved (order of 0.001 seconds). Recent technological advances now allow recording and synchronizing different data sources on time scales relevant to the short timescales involved in the explosions. In the last several years we developed and implemented a field setup that integrates visual and thermal imaging with acoustic and seismic recordings, all synchronized and acquired at timescales of 100-10000 Hz. This setup has been developed at several active volcanoes. On the one hand, the combination of these different techniques provides unique information on the dynamics and energetics of the explosions, including the parameterization of individual ejection pulses within the explosions, the ejection and emplacement of pyroclasts and their coupling-decoupling with the gas phases, the different stages of development of the eruption jets, and their reflection in the associated acoustic and seismic signals. On the other hand, the gained information provides foundation for better understanding and interpreting the signals acquired, at lower sampling rates but routinely, from volcano monitoring networks. Perhaps even more important, our approach allows parameterizing differences and commonalities in the explosions from different volcanoes and settings.

HUFF, a One-Dimensional Hydrodynamics Code for Strong Shocks

DTIC Science & Technology

1978-12-01

results for two sample problems. The first problem discussed is a one-kiloton nuclear burst in infinite sea level air. The second problem is the one...of HUFF as an effective first order hydro- dynamic computer code. 1 KT Explosion The one-kiloton nuclear explosion in infinite sea level air was

Trends in Nuclear Explosion Monitoring Research & Development - A Physics Perspective

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Maceira, Monica; Blom, Philip Stephen; MacCarthy, Jonathan K.

This document entitled “Trends in Nuclear Explosion Monitoring Research and Development – A Physics Perspective” reviews the accessible literature, as it relates to nuclear explosion monitoring and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT, 1996), for four research areas: source physics (understanding signal generation), signal propagation (accounting for changes through physical media), sensors (recording the signals), and signal analysis (processing the signal). Over 40 trends are addressed, such as moving from 1D to 3D earth models, from pick-based seismic event processing to full waveform processing, and from separate treatment of mechanical waves in different media to combined analyses. Highlighted in the documentmore » for each trend are the value and benefit to the monitoring mission, key papers that advanced the science, and promising research and development for the future.« less

Proton-decoupled, Overhauser-enhanced, spatially localized carbon-13 spectroscopy in humans.

PubMed

Bottomley, P A; Hardy, C J; Roemer, P B; Mueller, O M

1989-12-01

Spatially localized, natural abundance, carbon (13C) NMR spectroscopy has been combined with proton (1H) decoupling and nuclear Overhauser enhancement to improve 13C sensitivity up to five-fold in the human leg, liver, and heart. Broadhand-decoupled 13C spectra were acquired in 1 s to 17 min with a conventional 1.5-T imaging/spectroscopy system, an auxiliary 1H decoupler, an air-cooled dual-coil coplanar surface probe, and both depth-resolved surface coil spectroscopy (DRESS) and one-dimensional phase-encoding gradient NMR pulse sequences. The surface coil probe comprised circular and figure-eight-shaped coils to eliminate problems with mutual coupling of coils at high decoupling power levels applied during 13C reception. Peak decoupler RF power deposition in tissue was computed numerically from electromagnetic theory assuming a semi-infinite plane of uniform biological conductor. Peak values at the surface were calculated at 4 to 6 W/kg in any gram of tissue for each watt of decoupler power input excluding all coil and cable losses, warning of potential local RF heating problems in these and related experiments. The average power deposition was about 9 mW/kg per watt input, which should present no systemic hazard. At 3 W input, human 13C spectra were decoupled to a depth of about 5 cm while some Overhauser enhancement was sustained up to about 3 cm depth, without ill effect. The observation of glycogen in localized natural abundance 13C spectra of heart and muscle suggests that metabolites in the citric acid cycle should be observable noninvasively using 13C-labeled substrates.

The Off-Site Plowshare and Vela Uniform Programs: Assessing Potential Environmental Liabilities through an Examination of Proposed Nuclear Projects,High Explosive Experiments, and High Explosive Construction Activities Volume 1 of 3

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Beck Colleen M,Edwards Susan R.,King Maureen L.

2011-09-01

This document presents the results of nearly six years (2002-2008) of historical research and field studies concerned with evaluating potential environmental liabilities associated with U.S. Atomic Energy Commission projects from the Plowshare and Vela Uniform Programs. The Plowshare Program's primary purpose was to develop peaceful uses for nuclear explosives. The Vela Uniform Program focused on improving the capability of detecting, monitoring and identifying underground nuclear detonations. As a result of the Project Chariot site restoration efforts in the early 1990s, there were concerns that there might be other project locations with potential environmental liabilities. The Desert Research Institute conducted archivalmore » research to identify projects, an analysis of project field activities, and completed field studies at locations where substantial fieldwork had been undertaken for the projects. Although the Plowshare and Vela Uniform nuclear projects are well known, the projects that are included in this research are relatively unknown. They are proposed nuclear projects that were not executed, proposed and executed high explosive experiments, and proposed and executed high explosive construction activities off the Nevada Test Site. The research identified 170 Plowshare and Vela Uniform off-site projects and many of these had little or no field activity associated with them. However, there were 27 projects that merited further investigation and field studies were conducted at 15 locations.« less

The Off-Site Plowshare and Vela Uniform Programs: Assessing Potential Environmental Liabilities through an Examination of Proposed Nuclear Projects,High Explosive Experiments, and High Explosive Construction Activities Volume 3 of 3

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Beck Colleen M.,Edwards Susan R.,King Maureen L.

2011-09-01

This document presents the results of nearly six years (2002-2008) of historical research and field studies concerned with evaluating potential environmental liabilities associated with U.S. Atomic Energy Commission projects from the Plowshare and Vela Uniform Programs. The Plowshare Program's primary purpose was to develop peaceful uses for nuclear explosives. The Vela Uniform Program focused on improving the capability of detecting, monitoring and identifying underground nuclear detonations. As a result of the Project Chariot site restoration efforts in the early 1990s, there were concerns that there might be other project locations with potential environmental liabilities. The Desert Research Institute conducted archivalmore » research to identify projects, an analysis of project field activities, and completed field studies at locations where substantial fieldwork had been undertaken for the projects. Although the Plowshare and Vela Uniform nuclear projects are well known, the projects that are included in this research are relatively unknown. They are proposed nuclear projects that were not executed, proposed and executed high explosive experiments, and proposed and executed high explosive construction activities off the Nevada Test Site. The research identified 170 Plowshare and Vela Uniform off-site projects and many of these had little or no field activity associated with them. However, there were 27 projects that merited further investigation and field studies were conducted at 15 locations.« less

The Off-Site Plowshare and Vela Uniform Programs: Assessing Potential Environmental Liabilities through an Examination of Proposed Nuclear Projects,High Explosive Experiments, and High Explosive Construction Activities Volume 2 of 3

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Beck Colleen M.,Edwards Susan R.,King Maureen L.

2011-09-01

This document presents the results of nearly six years (2002-2008) of historical research and field studies concerned with evaluating potential environmental liabilities associated with U.S. Atomic Energy Commission projects from the Plowshare and Vela Uniform Programs. The Plowshare Program's primary purpose was to develop peaceful uses for nuclear explosives. The Vela Uniform Program focused on improving the capability of detecting, monitoring and identifying underground nuclear detonations. As a result of the Project Chariot site restoration efforts in the early 1990s, there were concerns that there might be other project locations with potential environmental liabilities. The Desert Research Institute conducted archivalmore » research to identify projects, an analysis of project field activities, and completed field studies at locations where substantial fieldwork had been undertaken for the projects. Although the Plowshare and Vela Uniform nuclear projects are well known, the projects that are included in this research are relatively unknown. They are proposed nuclear projects that were not executed, proposed and executed high explosive experiments, and proposed and executed high explosive construction activities off the Nevada Test Site. The research identified 170 Plowshare and Vela Uniform off-site projects and many of these had little or no field activity associated with them. However, there were 27 projects that merited further investigation and field studies were conducted at 15 locations.« less

Seismic Methods of Identifying Explosions and Estimating Their Yield

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Walter, W. R.; Ford, S. R.; Pasyanos, M.; Pyle, M. L.; Myers, S. C.; Mellors, R. J.; Pitarka, A.; Rodgers, A. J.; Hauk, T. F.

2014-12-01

Seismology plays a key national security role in detecting, locating, identifying and determining the yield of explosions from a variety of causes, including accidents, terrorist attacks and nuclear testing treaty violations (e.g. Koper et al., 2003, 1999; Walter et al. 1995). A collection of mainly empirical forensic techniques has been successfully developed over many years to obtain source information on explosions from their seismic signatures (e.g. Bowers and Selby, 2009). However a lesson from the three DPRK declared nuclear explosions since 2006, is that our historic collection of data may not be representative of future nuclear test signatures (e.g. Selby et al., 2012). To have confidence in identifying future explosions amongst the background of other seismic signals, and accurately estimate their yield, we need to put our empirical methods on a firmer physical footing. Goals of current research are to improve our physical understanding of the mechanisms of explosion generation of S- and surface-waves, and to advance our ability to numerically model and predict them. As part of that process we are re-examining regional seismic data from a variety of nuclear test sites including the DPRK and the former Nevada Test Site (now the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS)). Newer relative location and amplitude techniques can be employed to better quantify differences between explosions and used to understand those differences in term of depth, media and other properties. We are also making use of the Source Physics Experiments (SPE) at NNSS. The SPE chemical explosions are explicitly designed to improve our understanding of emplacement and source material effects on the generation of shear and surface waves (e.g. Snelson et al., 2013). Finally we are also exploring the value of combining seismic information with other technologies including acoustic and InSAR techniques to better understand the source characteristics. Our goal is to improve our explosion models and our ability to understand and predict where methods of identifying explosions and estimating their yield work well, and any circumstances where they may not.

Extension of the Caucasus Seismic Information Network Study into Central Asia

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-09-01

nuclear tests at the Semipalatinsk test site in Kazakhstan, Lop Nor in China, Pokharan in India, and Chagai in Pakistan, as well as for several peaceful... Semipalatinsk test site in Kazakhstan, Lop Nor in China, Pokharan in India, and Chagai in Pakistan, and several peaceful nuclear explosion (PNE) events...truth in tomography studies. Figures 5 and 6 show waveforms for a nuclear explosion at the Semipalatinsk Test Site in northeast Kazakhstan and for a

Toward an Empirically-Based Parametric Explosion Spectral Model

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-09-01

estimated (Richards and Kim, 2009). This archive could potentially provide 200 recordings of explosions at Semipalatinsk Test Site of the former Soviet...estimates of explosion yield, and prior work at the Nevada Test Site (NTS) (e.g., Walter et al., 1995) has found that explosions in weak materials have...2007). Corner frequency scaling of regional seismic phases for underground nuclear explosions at the Nevada Test Site , Bull. Seismol. Soc. Am. 97

Infrasound signals from the underground nuclear explosions of North Korea

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Che, Il-Young; Park, Junghyun; Kim, Inho; Kim, Tae Sung; Lee, Hee-Il

2014-07-01

We investigated the infrasound signals from seismic ground motions induced by North Korea's underground nuclear explosions, including the recent third explosion on 2013 February 12. For the third explosion, the epicentral infrasound signals were detected not only by three infrasound network stations (KSGAR, ULDAR and YAGAR) in South Korea but also by two nearby International Monitoring System infrasound stations, IS45 and IS30. The detectability of the signals was limited at stations located on the relatively east side of the epicentre, with large azimuth deviations due to very favourable atmospheric conditions for eastward propagation at stratospheric height in 2013. The stratospheric wind direction was the reverse of that when the second explosion was conducted in 2009 May. The source location of the epicentral infrasound with wave parameters determined at the multiple stations has an offset by about 16.6 km from the reference seismic location. It was possible to determine the infrasonic location with moderate accuracy by the correction of the azimuth deviation due to the eastward winds in the stratosphere. In addition to the epicentral infrasonic signals, diffracted infrasound signals were observed from the second underground nuclear explosion in 2009. The exceptional detectability of the diffracted infrasound was a consequence of the temporal formation of a thin atmospheric inversion layer over the ocean surface when the event occurred.

Soviet test yields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vergino, Eileen S.

Soviet seismologists have published descriptions of 96 nuclear explosions conducted from 1961 through 1972 at the Semipalatinsk test site, in Kazakhstan, central Asia [Bocharov et al., 1989]. With the exception of releasing news about some of their peaceful nuclear explosions (PNEs) the Soviets have never before published such a body of information.To estimate the seismic yield of a nuclear explosion it is necessary to obtain a calibrated magnitude-yield relationship based on events with known yields and with a consistent set of seismic magnitudes. U.S. estimation of Soviet test yields has been done through application of relationships to the Soviet sites based on the U.S. experience at the Nevada Test Site (NTS), making some correction for differences due to attenuation and near-source coupling of seismic waves.

From Supernovae to Neutron Stars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suwa, Yudai

A core-collapse supernova is a generation site of a neutron star as well as one of the largest explosions in the universe. This article gives a brief overview of the studies on supernova explosion mechanism. Basic picture of the explosion mechanism, the method to solve neutrino transfer equation, the impact of the nuclear equation of state on the explosion, and long-term simulation of neutron star evolution from the onset of the explosion are presented.

The United States Army Medical Department Journal. October-December 2007

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-12-01

weapons assembly/disassembly and functions check; individual chemical, biological , radiological, nuclear and high-explosive defense; and the operation of...the 40 Army Warrior Tasks and 11 Battle Drills, to include advanced land navigation training; weapons familiarization and qualification; convoy...operations; chemical, biological , radiological, nuclear and high- explosive defense; and squad and platoon-patrol exercises in both woodland and urban

Dose prediction in Japan for nuclear test explosions in North Korea.

PubMed

Takada, Jun

2008-11-01

The impact on Japan of the underground test conducted in North Korea on October 9, 2006 is examined. By the use of the results of modelling assessment and environmental monitoring, it is concluded that there was no radiation impact on Japan. This suggests a safely conducted underground nuclear test or an explosion with a very low output.

Explosive Joining for Nuclear-Reactor Repair

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bement, L. J.; Bailey, J. W.

1983-01-01

In explosive joining technique, adapter flange from fuel channel machined to incorporate a V-notch interface. Ribbon explosive, 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) in width, drives V-notched wall of adapter into bellows assembly, producing atomic-level metallurgical bond. Ribbon charge yields joint with double parent metal strength.

Nuclear Fusion induced by Coulomb Explosion of Heteronuclear Clusters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Last, Isidore; Jortner, Joshua

2001-07-01

We propose a new mechanism for the production of high-energy ( E>3 keV) deuterons, suitable to induce dd nuclear fusion, based on multielectron ionization and Coulomb explosion of heteronuclear deuterium containing molecular clusters, e.g., (D2O)n, in intense ( 1016-2×1018 W/cm2) laser fields. Cluster size equations for E, in conjunction with molecular dynamics simulations, reveal important advantages of Coulomb explosion of (D2O)n heteronuclear clusters, as compared with (D)n clusters. These involve the considerably increased D+ kinetic energy and a narrow, high-energy distribution of deuterons.

The LANL/LLNL/AFTAC Black Thunder Coal Mine regional mine monitoring experiment

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pearson, D.C.; Stump, B.W.; Baker, D.F.

Cast blasting operations associated with near surface coal recovery provide relatively large explosive sources that generate regional seismograms of interest in monitoring a Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT). This paper describes preliminary results of a series of experiments currently being conducted at the Black Thunder Coal Mine in northeast Wyoming as part of the DOE CTBT Research and Development Program. These experiments are intended to provide an integrated set of near-source and regional seismic data for the purposes of quantifying the coupling and source characterization of the explosions. The focus of this paper is on the types of data beingmore » recovered with some preliminary implications. The Black Thunder experiments are designed to assess three major questions: (1) how many mining explosions produce seismograms at regional distances that will have to be detected, located and ultimately identified by the National Data Center and what are the waveform characteristics of these particular mining explosions; (2) can discrimination techniques based on empirical studies be placed on a firm physical basis so that they can be applied to other regions where there is little monitoring experience; (3) can large scale chemical explosions (possibly mining explosions) be used to calibrate source and propagation path effects to regional stations, can source depth of burial and decoupling effects be studied in such a controlled environment? With these key questions in mind and given the cooperation of the Black Thunder Mine, a suite of experiments have been and are currently being conducted. This paper will describe the experiments and their relevance to CTBT issues.« less

Prediction of sub-surface 37Ar concentrations at locations in the Northwestern United States.

PubMed

Fritz, Bradley G; Aalseth, Craig E; Back, Henning O; Hayes, James C; Humble, Paul H; Ivanusa, Pavlo; Mace, Emily K

2018-01-01

The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, which is intended to prevent nuclear weapon test explosions and any other nuclear explosions, includes a verification regime, which provides monitoring to identify potential nuclear explosions. The presence of elevated 37 Ar is one way to identify subsurface nuclear explosive testing. However, the naturally occurring formation of 37 Ar in the subsurface adds a complicating factor. Prediction of the naturally occurring concentration of 37 Ar can help to determine if a measured 37 Ar concentration is elevated relative to background. The naturally occurring 37 Ar background concentration has been shown to vary between less than 1 mBq/m 3 to greater than 100 mBq/m 3 (Riedmann and Purtschert, 2011). The purpose of this work was to enhance the understanding of the naturally occurring background concentrations of 37 Ar, allowing for better interpretation of results. To that end, we present and evaluate a computationally efficient model for predicting the average concentration of 37 Ar at any depth under transient barometric pressures. Further, measurements of 37 Ar concentrations in samples collected at multiple locations are provided as validation of the concentration prediction model. The model is shown to compare favorably with concentrations of 37 Ar measured at multiple locations in the Northwestern United States. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Measurements of Argon-39 at the U20az underground nuclear explosion site.

PubMed

McIntyre, J I; Aalseth, C E; Alexander, T R; Back, H O; Bellgraph, B J; Bowyer, T W; Chipman, V; Cooper, M W; Day, A R; Drellack, S; Foxe, M P; Fritz, B G; Hayes, J C; Humble, P; Keillor, M E; Kirkham, R R; Krogstad, E J; Lowrey, J D; Mace, E K; Mayer, M F; Milbrath, B D; Misner, A; Morley, S M; Panisko, M E; Olsen, K B; Ripplinger, M D; Seifert, A; Suarez, R

2017-11-01

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory reports on the detection of 39 Ar at the location of an underground nuclear explosion on the Nevada Nuclear Security Site. The presence of 39 Ar was not anticipated at the outset of the experimental campaign but results from this work demonstrated that it is present, along with 37 Ar and 85 Kr in the subsurface at the site of an underground nuclear explosion. Our analysis showed that by using state-of-the-art technology optimized for radioargon measurements, it was difficult to distinguish 39 Ar from the fission product 85 Kr. Proportional counters are currently used for high-sensitivity measurement of 37 Ar and 39 Ar. Physical and chemical separation processes are used to separate argon from air or soil gas, yielding pure argon with contaminant gases reduced to the parts-per-million level or below. However, even with purification at these levels, the beta decay signature of 85 Kr can be mistaken for that of 39 Ar, and the presence of either isotope increases the measurement background level for the measurement of 37 Ar. Measured values for the 39 Ar measured at the site ranged from 36,000 milli- Becquerel/standard-cubic-meter-of-air (mBq/SCM) for shallow bore holes to 997,000 mBq/SCM from the rubble chimney from the underground nuclear explosion. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Electromagnetic Pulse - The Fifth Factor in the Impact of a Nuclear Explosion,

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-01-16

ELECTROMAGNETIC PULSE -THE...8217. -..-:. ’ - ’: .’ . .. ., .. ,.- ,:- .:. :. ... . -’ -:. -, .: ., ,: -:,’ ... ’. .: ,- :... ..: ,’. .,, ,-, : ., ’,, ’.. ..,.. i ii FTD- ID(RS )T-1176-85 :i EDITED TRANSLATION FTD-ID(RS)T-1176-85 16 January 1986 MICROFICHE NR: FTD-86-C-001361 ELECTROMAGNETIC PULSE - THE...34 L ELECTROMAGNETIC PULSE -THE FIFTH FACTOR IN THE IMPACT OF A NUCLEAR EXPLOSION Colonel Zbigniew Jastrak Words

Kink-bands: Shock deformation of biotite resulting from a nuclear explosion

USGS Publications Warehouse

Cummings, D.

1965-01-01

Microscopic examination of granodiorite samples from the shock region around a nuclear explosion reveals sharply folded lens-shaped zones (kink-bands) in the mineral biotite. Fifty percent of these zones are oriented approximately 90?? to the direction of shock-wave propagation, but other zones are symmetrically concentrated at shear angles of 50?? and 70?? to the direction of shock-wave propagation.

Report of the Defense Science Board Task Force on Critical Homeland Infrastructure Protection

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-01-01

nuclear, radiation and explosive hazards; • Monitoring “people of interest” while protecting civil liberties; • Detection of hostile intent; • Detect...Guardian DARPA Overview Mr. Roger Gibbs DARPA LLNL Technologies in Support of Infrastructure Protection Mr. Don Prosnitz LLNL Sandia National...Mechanical Engineers AT/FP Antiterrorism/Force Protection CBRNE Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Explosive CERT Commuter Emergency Response Team

Nuclear Explosion Monitoring Research and Development Roadmaps

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-09-01

environment, a radionuclide event is the release of radioactive atoms. Radionuclide sources include nuclear explosions, normal or anomalous reactor ...isotopes (e.g., potassium, uranium, and thorium and their decay products) and isotopes produced from the interactions of cosmic rays with the...and reactor emissions. For example, the IMS detected a pair of xenon isotopes at a Japanese station shortly after the 2009 DPRK event. The ratio of

Nuclear Resonance Fluorescence Measurements of High Explosives

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Caggiano, Joseph A.; Warren, Glen A.; Korbly, Steve

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and Passport Systems have collaborated to perform Nuclear Resonance Fluorescence experiments using several high quality high-explosive simulant samples. These measurements were conducted to determine the feasibility of finding and characterizing high explosive material by NRF interrogation. Electron beams of 5.1, 5.3, 8, and 10 MeV were used to produce bremsstrahlung photon beams, which irradiated the samples. The gamma-ray spectra were collected using high-purity germanium detectors. Nitrogen-to-carbon ratios of the high-explosive simulants were extracted from the 5.1 and 5.3 MeV data and compare favorably with accepted values. Analysis of the 8 and 10 MeV data is inmore » progress; preliminary isotopic comparisons within the samples are consistent with the expected results.« less

Thermally generated magnetic fields in laser-driven compressions and explosions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tidman, D. A.

1975-01-01

The evolution of thermally generated magnetic fields in a plasma undergoing a nearly spherically symmetric adiabatic compression or expansion is calculated. The analysis is applied to obtain approximate results for the development of magnetic fields in laser-driven compression and explosion of a pellet of nuclear fuel. Localized sources, such as those occurring at composition boundaries in structured pellets or at shock fronts, give stronger fields than those deriving from smoothly distributed asymmetries. Although these fields may approach 10 million G in the late stages of compression, this is not expected to present difficulties for the compression process. Assuming ignition of a nuclear explosion occurs, the sources become much stronger, and values of approximately 10 billion G are obtained at tamper boundaries assuming a 20% departure from spherical symmetry during the explosion.

A digital seismogram archive of nuclear explosion signals, recorded at the Borovoye Geophysical Observatory, Kazakhstan, from 1966 to 1996

DOE PAGES

An, Vadim A.; Ovtchinnikov, Vladimir M.; Kaazik, Pyotr B.; ...

2015-03-27

Seismologists from Kazakhstan, Russia, and the United States have rescued the Soviet-era archive of nuclear explosion seismograms recorded at Borovoye in northern Kazakhstan during the period 1966–1996. The signals had been stored on about 8000 magnetic tapes, which were held at the recording observatory. After hundreds of man-years of work, these digital waveforms together with significant metadata are now available via the project URL, namely http://www.ldeo.columbia.edu/res/pi/Monitoring/Data/ as a modern open database, of use to diverse communities. Three different sets of recording systems were operated at Borovoye, each using several different seismometers and different gain levels. For some explosions, more thanmore » twenty different channels of data are available. A first data release, in 2001, contained numerous glitches and lacked many instrument responses, but could still be used for measuring accurate arrival times and for comparison of the strengths of different types of seismic waves. The project URL also links to our second major data release, for nuclear explosions in Eurasia recorded in Borovoye, in which the data have been deglitched, all instrument responses have been included, and recording systems are described in detail. This second dataset consists of more than 3700 waveforms (digital seismograms) from almost 500 nuclear explosions in Eurasia, many of them recorded at regional distances. It is important as a training set for the development and evaluation of seismological methods of discriminating between earthquakes and underground explosions, and can be used for assessment of three-dimensional models of the Earth’s interior structure.« less

Stockpile stewardship past, present, and future

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Adams, Marvin L., E-mail: mladams@tamu.edu

2014-05-09

The U.S. National Academies released a report in 2012 on technical issues related to the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. One important question addressed therein is whether the U.S. could maintain a safe, secure, and reliable nuclear-weapons stockpile in the absence of nuclear-explosion testing. Here we discuss two main conclusions from the 2012 Academies report, which we paraphrase as follows: 1) Provided that sufficient resources and a national commitment to stockpile stewardship are in place, the U.S. has the technical capabilities to maintain a safe, secure, and reliable stockpile of nuclear weapons into the foreseeable future without nuclear-explosion testing. 2) Doingmore » this would require: a) a strong weapons science and engineering program that addresses gaps in understanding; b) an outstanding workforce that applies deep and broad weapons expertise to deliver solutions to stockpile problems; c) a vigorous, stable surveillance program that delivers the requisite data; d) production facilities that meet stewardship needs. We emphasize that these conclusions are independent of CTBT ratification-they apply provided only that the U.S. continues its nuclear-explosion moratorium.« less

Real-time detection and characterization of nuclear explosion using broadband analyses of regional seismic stations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prastowo, T.; Madlazim

2018-01-01

This preliminary study aims to propose a new method of real-time detection and characterization of nuclear explosions by analyzing broadband seismic waveforms acquired from a network of regional seismic stations. Signal identification generated by a nuclear test was differentiated from natural sources of either earthquakes or other natural seismo-tectonic events by verifying crucial parameters, namely source depth, type of first motion, and P-wave domination of the broadband seismic wavesunder consideration. We examined and analyzed a recently hypothetical nuclear test performed by the North Koreangovernment that occurred on September 3, 2017 as a vital point to study. From spectral analyses, we found that the source of corresponding signals associated with detonations of the latest underground nuclear test was at a much shallower depth below the surface relatively compared with that of natural earthquakes, the suspected nuclear explosions produced compressional waves with radially directed outward from the source for their first motions, and the waves were only dominated by P-components. The results are then discussed in the context of potential uses of the proposed methodology for human-induced disaster early warning system and/or the need of rapid response purposes for minimizing the disaster risks.

Don't Mess with the NEST

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Larson, M

NEST stands for Nuclear Emergency Support Team. The NEST Mission Statement as first established: (1) Conduct, direct, coordinate search and recovery operations for nuclear material, weapons or devices; and (2) Assist in identification and deactivation of Improvised Nuclear Devices (INDs) and Radiological Dispersal Devices (RDDs). Then in 1980 a very sophisticated improvised explosive device was found at Harvey's Casino at Lake Tahoe, Nevada. The FBI and Bomb Squads were unprepared and it detonated. As a result the additional phrase 'and Sophisticated Improvised Explosive Devices (SIEDs)' was added to the Mission Statement.

Yucca blowup theory bombs, says study

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Taubes, G.

The theory was explosive, but in its biggest test yet, it has fizzled. Last year, an unpublished paper circulated at the Los Alamos National Laboratory raised the possibility that the planned nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada, might erupt in massive nuclear explosions. The scenario, which held that leaking waste could concentrate in the surrounding rock to form a {open_quotes}supercritical mass,{close_quotes} received heavy publicity. But a review released last week by the nuclear engineering department at the University of California, Berkeley, says it is not credible.

Atmospheric Transport Modelling assessing radionuclide detection chances after the nuclear test announced by the DPRK in January 2016

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ross, J. Ole; Ceranna, Lars

2016-04-01

The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) prohibits all kinds of nuclear explosions. The International Monitoring System (IMS) is in place and at about 90% complete to verify compliance with the CTBT. The stations of the waveform technologies are capable to detect seismic, hydro-acoustic and infrasonic signals for detection, localization, and characterization of explosions. The seismic signals of the DPRK event on 6 January 2016 were detected by many seismic stations around the globe and allow for localization of the event and identification as explosion (see poster by G. Hartmann et al.). However, the direct evidence for a nuclear explosion is only possible through the detection of nuclear fission products which may be released. For that 80 Radionuclide (RN) Stations are part of the designed IMS, about 60 are already operational. All RN stations are highly sensitive for tiny traces of particulate radionuclides in large volume air samplers. There are 40 of the RN stations designated to be equipped with noble gas systems detecting traces of radioactive xenon isotopes which are more likely to escape from an underground test cavity than particulates. Already 30 of the noble gas systems are operational. Atmospheric Transport Modelling supports the interpretation of radionuclide detections (and as appropriate non-detections) by connecting the activity concentration measurements with potential source locations and release times. In our study forecasts with the Lagrangian Particle Dispersion Model HYSPLIT (NOAA) and GFS (NCEP) meteorological data are considered to assess the plume propagation patterns for hypothetical releases at the known DPRK nuclear test site. The results show a considerable sensitivity of the IMS station RN 38 Takasaki (Japan) to a potential radionuclide release at the test site in the days and weeks following the explosion in January 2016. In addition, backtracking simulations with ECMWF analysis data in 0.2° horizontal resolution are performed for selected samples to get a complementary estimation of the sensitivities and the connected thresholds for detectable releases.The meteorological situation is compared to the aftermath of the nuclear explosion on 12 February 2013 after which a specific occurrence of an unusual 131mXe signature at RN 38 eight weeks after the test could be very likely attributed to a late release from the DPRK event.

OPERATION WIGWAM. Scientific Director’s Summary Report

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-02-01

Base, Albuquerque, N. Mex. 1. Objectives Measure air pressures from the deep underwater nuclear explosion at the surface and at altitudes approaching...arrangpd as to take advan- tap of opportunities to obtain the effects of atomic explosives against ground and air tairgett and to acquire sclentific...atomic explosives in air and water; target response to underwater explosives ; and model scaling techniques. 3. Dr. W. 0. Penney of the Armament Research

Recent advances in nuclear magnetic resonance quantum information processing.

PubMed

Criger, Ben; Passante, Gina; Park, Daniel; Laflamme, Raymond

2012-10-13

Quantum information processors have the potential to drastically change the way we communicate and process information. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) has been one of the first experimental implementations of quantum information processing (QIP) and continues to be an excellent testbed to develop new QIP techniques. We review the recent progress made in NMR QIP, focusing on decoupling, pulse engineering and indirect nuclear control. These advances have enhanced the capabilities of NMR QIP, and have useful applications in both traditional NMR and other QIP architectures.

Isotopic signature of atmospheric xenon released from light water reactors.

PubMed

Kalinowski, Martin B; Pistner, Christoph

2006-01-01

A global monitoring system for atmospheric xenon radioactivity is being established as part of the International Monitoring System to verify compliance with the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). The isotopic activity ratios of (135)Xe, (133m)Xe, (133)Xe and (131m)Xe are of interest for distinguishing nuclear explosion sources from civilian releases. Simulations of light water reactor (LWR) fuel burn-up through three operational reactor power cycles are conducted to explore the possible xenon isotopic signature of nuclear reactor releases under different operational conditions. It is studied how ratio changes are related to various parameters including the neutron flux, uranium enrichment and fuel burn-up. Further, the impact of diffusion and mixing on the isotopic activity ratio variability are explored. The simulations are validated with reported reactor emissions. In addition, activity ratios are calculated for xenon isotopes released from nuclear explosions and these are compared to the reactor ratios in order to determine whether the discrimination of explosion releases from reactor effluents is possible based on isotopic activity ratios.

Multi-Phenomenology Explosion Monitoring (Multi-PEM). Signal Detection. Research to target smaller sources for tomorrow’s missions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Carmichael, Joshua Daniel

2015-12-12

This a guide on how to detect and identify explosions from various sources. For example, nuclear explosions produce acoustic, optical, and EMP outputs. Each signal can be buried in noise, but fusing detection statistics from seismic, acoustic, and electromagnetic signals results in clear detection otherwise unobtainable.

Frequency swept microwaves for hyperfine decoupling and time domain dynamic nuclear polarization

PubMed Central

Hoff, Daniel E.M.; Albert, Brice J.; Saliba, Edward P.; Scott, Faith J.; Choi, Eric J.; Mardini, Michael; Barnes, Alexander B.

2015-01-01

Hyperfine decoupling and pulsed dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) are promising techniques to improve high field DNP NMR. We explore experimental and theoretical considerations to implement them with magic angle spinning (MAS). Microwave field simulations using the high frequency structural simulator (HFSS) software suite are performed to characterize the inhomogeneous phase independent microwave field throughout a 198 GHz MAS DNP probe. Our calculations show that a microwave power input of 17 W is required to generate an average EPR nutation frequency of 0.84 MHz. We also present a detailed calculation of microwave heating from the HFSS parameters and find that 7.1% of the incident microwave power contributes to dielectric sample heating. Voltage tunable gyrotron oscillators are proposed as a class of frequency agile microwave sources to generate microwave frequency sweeps required for the frequency modulated cross effect, electron spin inversions, and hyperfine decoupling. Electron spin inversions of stable organic radicals are simulated with SPINEVOLUTION using the inhomogeneous microwave fields calculated by HFSS. We calculate an electron spin inversion efficiency of 56% at a spinning frequency of 5 kHz. Finally, we demonstrate gyrotron acceleration potentials required to generate swept microwave frequency profiles for the frequency modulated cross effect and electron spin inversions. PMID:26482131

Frequency swept microwaves for hyperfine decoupling and time domain dynamic nuclear polarization.

PubMed

Hoff, Daniel E M; Albert, Brice J; Saliba, Edward P; Scott, Faith J; Choi, Eric J; Mardini, Michael; Barnes, Alexander B

2015-11-01

Hyperfine decoupling and pulsed dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) are promising techniques to improve high field DNP NMR. We explore experimental and theoretical considerations to implement them with magic angle spinning (MAS). Microwave field simulations using the high frequency structural simulator (HFSS) software suite are performed to characterize the inhomogeneous phase independent microwave field throughout a 198GHz MAS DNP probe. Our calculations show that a microwave power input of 17W is required to generate an average EPR nutation frequency of 0.84MHz. We also present a detailed calculation of microwave heating from the HFSS parameters and find that 7.1% of the incident microwave power contributes to dielectric sample heating. Voltage tunable gyrotron oscillators are proposed as a class of frequency agile microwave sources to generate microwave frequency sweeps required for the frequency modulated cross effect, electron spin inversions, and hyperfine decoupling. Electron spin inversions of stable organic radicals are simulated with SPINEVOLUTION using the inhomogeneous microwave fields calculated by HFSS. We calculate an electron spin inversion efficiency of 56% at a spinning frequency of 5kHz. Finally, we demonstrate gyrotron acceleration potentials required to generate swept microwave frequency profiles for the frequency modulated cross effect and electron spin inversions. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Improved Event Location Uncertainty Estimates

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-06-30

throughout this study . The data set consists of GT0-2 nuclear explosions from the SAIC Nuclear Explosion Database (www.rdss.info, Bahavar et al...errors: Bias and variance In this study SNR dependence of both delay and variance of reading errors of first arriving P waves are analyzed and...ground truth and range of event size. For other datasets we turn to estimates based on double- differences between arrival times of station pairs

Epidemiological studies on radiation carcinogenesis in human populations following acute exposure: nuclear explosions and medical radiation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fabrikant, J.I.

1981-05-01

The current knowledge of the carcinogenic effect of radiation in man is considered. The discussion is restricted to dose-incidence data in humans, particularly to certain of those epidemiological studies of human populations that are used most frequently for risk estimation for low-dose radiation carcinogenesis in man. Emphasis is placed solely on those surveys concerned with nuclear explosions and medical exposures. (ACR)

Nuclear Explosion and Infrasound Event Resources of the SMDC Monitoring Research Program

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-09-01

2008 Monitoring Research Review: Ground-Based Nuclear Explosion Monitoring Technologies 928 Figure 7. Dozens of detected infrasound signals from...investigate alternative detection schemes at the two infrasound arrays based on frequency-wavenumber (fk) processing and the F-statistic. The results of... infrasound signal - detection processing schemes. REFERENCES Bahavar, M., B. Barker, J. Bennett, R. Bowman, H. Israelsson, B. Kohl, Y-L. Kung, J. Murphy

A preliminary study on the use of (10)Be in forensic radioecology of nuclear explosion sites.

PubMed

Whitehead, N E; Endo, S; Tanaka, K; Takatsuji, T; Hoshi, M; Fukutani, S; Ditchburn, R G; Zondervan, A

2008-02-01

Cosmogenic (10)Be, known for use in dating studies, unexpectedly is also produced in nuclear explosions with an atom yield almost comparable to (e.g.) (137)Cs. There are major production routes via (13)C(n, alpha)(10)Be, from carbon dioxide in the air and the organic explosives, possibly from other bomb components and to a minor extent from the direct fission reaction. Although the detailed bomb components are speculative, carbon was certainly present in the explosives and an order of magnitude calculation is possible. The (n, alpha) cross-section was determined by irradiating graphite in a nuclear reactor, and the resulting (10)Be estimated by Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) giving a cross-section of 34.5+/-0.7mb (6-9.3MeV), within error of previous work. (10)Be should have applications in forensic radioecology. Historical environmental samples from Hiroshima, and Semipalatinsk (Kazakhstan) showed two to threefold (10)Be excesses compared with the background cosmogenic levels. A sample from Lake Chagan (a Soviet nuclear cratering experiment) contained more (10)Be than previously reported soils. (10)Be may be useful for measuring the fast neutron dose near the Hiroshima bomb hypocenter at neutron energies double those previously available.

Quick reproduction of blast-wave flow-field properties of nuclear, TNT, and ANFO explosions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Groth, C. P. T.

1986-04-01

In many instances, extensive blast-wave flow-field properties are required in gasdynamics research studies of blast-wave loading and structure response, and in evaluating the effects of explosions on their environment. This report provides a very useful computer code, which can be used in conjunction with the DNA Nuclear Blast Standard subroutines and code, to quickly reconstruct complete and fairly accurate blast-wave data for almost any free-air (spherical) and surface-burst (hemispherical) nuclear, trinitrotoluene (TNT), or ammonium nitrate-fuel oil (ANFO) explosion. This code is capable of computing all of the main flow properties as functions of radius and time, as well as providing additional information regarding air viscosity, reflected shock-wave properties, and the initial decay of the flow properties just behind the shock front. Both spatial and temporal distributions of the major blast-wave flow properties are also made readily available. Finally, provisions are also included in the code to provide additional information regarding the peak or shock-front flow properties over a range of radii, for a specific explosion of interest.

ISC origin times for announced and presumed underground nuclear explosions at several test sites

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rodean, H.C.

1979-12-03

Announced data for US and French underground nuclear explosions indicate that nearly all detonations have occurred within one or two tenths of a second after the minute. This report contains ISC origin-time data for announced explosions at two US test sites and one French test site, and includes similar data for presumed underground nuclear explosions at five Soviet sites. Origin-time distributions for these sites are analyzed for those events that appeared to be detonated very close to the minute. Particular attention is given to the origin times for the principal US and Soviet test sites in Nevada and Eastern Kazakhstan.more » The mean origin times for events at the several test sites range from 0.4 s to 2.8 s before the minute, with the earlier mean times associated with the Soviet sites and the later times with the US and French sites. These times indicate lower seismic velocities beneath the US and French sites, and higher velocities beneath the sites in the USSR 9 figures, 8 tables.« less

10 CFR 810.3 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... of neutrons used to effect SNM production in the “subcritical assembly.” Agreement for cooperation... International Atomic Energy Agency. Non-nuclear-weapon state is a country not recognized as a nuclear-weapon...-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. Nuclear reactor means an apparatus, other than a nuclear explosive device...

10 CFR 810.3 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... of neutrons used to effect SNM production in the “subcritical assembly.” Agreement for cooperation... International Atomic Energy Agency. Non-nuclear-weapon state is a country not recognized as a nuclear-weapon...-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. Nuclear reactor means an apparatus, other than a nuclear explosive device...

Body and Surface Wave Modeling of Observed Seismic Events

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-04-30

are commonly used and the third is a modification of a test of the representation theorem. All three give similar results for explosions in an NTS...order to better understand the Ms-Yield relationship for underground nuclear explosions , we need to be able to predict quantitatively the effects of...half-space Green’s functions, previously obtained, to calculate far-field Rayleigh waves from explosions . Consider a point explosion at h. (Figure 1

2010 Joint Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear (CBRN) Conference and Exhibition (BRIEFING CHARTS)

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-06-24

control Defensive Test Chamber • Certified for Chem-Bio simulants • Man-in-simulant (MIST) testing Bang Box • Explosive material synthesis and testing...Explosive material synthesis and testing Bang Box –Peroxide Explosives Properties – HMTD, TATP, DADP –Peroxide Explosives as Initiators –TATP... Synthesis –HMTD Synthesis –RDX Synthesis –ANFO Mixture Mustang VILLAGE Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited. • Hotel, Post Office

Yields of Soviet underground nuclear explosions from seismic surface waves: Compliance with the Threshold Test Ban Treaty

PubMed Central

Sykes, Lynn R.; Cifuentes, Inés L.

1984-01-01

Magnitudes of the larger Soviet underground nuclear weapons tests from the start of the Threshold Test Ban Treaty in 1976 through 1982 are determined for short- and long-period seismic waves. Yields are calculated from the surface wave magnitude for those explosions at the eastern Kazakh test site that triggered a small-to-negligible component of tectonic stress and are used to calibrate body wave magnitude-yield relationship that can be used to determine the sizes of other explosions at that test site. The results confirm that a large bias, related to differential attenuation of P waves, exists between Nevada and Central Asia. The yields of the seven largest Soviet explosions are nearly identical and are close to 150 kilotons, the limit set by the Threshold Treaty. PMID:16593440

North Korea nuclear test analysis results using KMA seismic and infrasound networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jeon, Y. S.; Park, E.; Lee, D.; Min, K.; CHO, S.

2017-12-01

Democratic People's Republic of Korea(DPRK) carried out 6th nuclear test on 3 Sep. 2017 at 03:30 UTC. Seismic and infrasound network operated by Korea Meteorological Administration(KMA) successfully detected signals took place in the DPRK's test site, Punggye-ri. First, we checked that Pg/Lg spectral amplitude ratio greater than 1 in the frequency range from 1.0 to 10.0 Hz is useful to discriminate between DPRK test signals and natural earthquakes. KMA's infrasound stations of Cheorwon(CW) and Yanggu(YG) successfully monitored the azimuth direction of the arrival of the infrasound signals generated from DPRK underground nuclear explosions, including the recent test on September 03, 2017. The azimuthal direction of 210(CW) and 130 (YG) point out Punggye-ri test site. Complete waveforms at stations MDJ, CHC2, YNCB in long period(0.05 to 0.1 HZ) are jointly inverted with local P-wave polarities to generate moment tensor inversion result of the explosive moment 1.20e+24 dyne cm(Mw 5.31) and 65% of ISO. The moment magnitude of 5th, 4th and 3rd are 4.61, 4.69 and 4.46 respectively. Source type moment tensor inversion result of DPRK nuclear tests show that the event is significantly away from the deviatoric line of the Hudson et at. (1989) source-type diagram and identifies as having a significant explosive component. Analysis results using seismic and infrasound network verify that the DPRK's explosion tests classified as nuclear test.

Planning for the worst in Washington State: initial response planning for improvised nuclear device explosions.

PubMed

Poeton, Richard W; Glines, Wayne M; McBaugh, Debra

2009-01-01

Since 11 September 2001, improvised nuclear devices have become recognized as an important radiological threat requiring emergency response planning. Although Protective Action Guidance is well established for fixed nuclear facilities, correspondingly well-developed guidance does not exist for nuclear explosions. The Washington State Department of Health has developed preplanned Protective Action Recommendations for improvised nuclear device explosions. These recommendations recognize the need for advice to the public soon after such an event, before significant data are available. They can be used before significant outside support is available locally, and reference observable effects so people can use them if communications were disabled. The recommendations focus on early actions (24-48 h) and place priority on actions to avoid deterministic health effects due to residual fallout. Specific emphasis is placed on determining recommendations for evacuation, as well as the extent of the area for sheltering. The key recommendations developed for an initial public response are: (1) if there is ready access to robust shelter such as an underground basement or interior spaces in a multi-story structure, immediate sheltering in these areas is the best action, regardless of location; (2) if robust shelter is not available, and if fallout is observed in the area, then evacuation is the best general recommendation for locations within 16 km (10 miles) of the explosion; and (3) beyond 16 km (10 miles), the generally recommended protective action is to shelter in the best-protected location which is readily available.

Assessment of the announced North Korean nuclear test using long-range atmospheric transport and dispersion modelling.

PubMed

De Meutter, Pieter; Camps, Johan; Delcloo, Andy; Termonia, Piet

2017-08-18

On 6 January 2016, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea announced to have conducted its fourth nuclear test. Analysis of the corresponding seismic waves from the Punggye-ri nuclear test site showed indeed that an underground man-made explosion took place, although the nuclear origin of the explosion needs confirmation. Seven weeks after the announced nuclear test, radioactive xenon was observed in Japan by a noble gas measurement station of the International Monitoring System. In this paper, atmospheric transport modelling is used to show that the measured radioactive xenon is compatible with a delayed release from the Punggye-ri nuclear test site. An uncertainty quantification on the modelling results is given by using the ensemble method. The latter is important for policy makers and helps advance data fusion, where different nuclear Test-Ban-Treaty monitoring techniques are combined.

Detection of Nuclear Explosions Using Infrasound Techniques

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-12-01

signal correlation between array elements in these arrays can seriously limit the reliable detection of infrasound generated ...goals of this investigation are to identify problems with the detection of explosion- generated infrasonic signals at stations in the global infrasound ...restricted to a thermospheric waveguide. The second part is focused on the limitations imposed on array detection of explosion- generated infrasound

Radionuclide Basics: Plutonium

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Plutonium (chemical symbol Pu) is a radioactive metal. Plutonium is considered a man-made element. Plutonium-239 is used to make nuclear weapons. Pu-239 and Pu-240 are byproducts of nuclear reactor operations and nuclear bomb explosions.

[Radioecological situation in the impact zone of the accidental underground nuclear explosion "Kraton-3" in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia)].

PubMed

Sobakin, P I; Gerasimov, Ya R; Chevychelov, A P; Perk, A A; Goryachenkova, T A; Novikov, A P

2014-01-01

The paper reports on the results of a ground walking gamma- and gamma-spectrometric survey made in the impact zone of the accidental underground nuclear explosion "Kraton-3". Patterns of migration, 137Cs, 90Sr and Pu distribution in the soil-vegetable cover of the northern taiga on permafrost are considered. Radioeco- logical situation within the territory surveyed is noted as unfavorable.

Characterization and Performance Evaluation of an HPXe Detector for Nuclear Explosion Monitoring Applications

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-09-01

performance of the detector, and to compare the performance with sodium iodide and germanium detectors. Monte Carlo ( MCNP ) simulation was used to...aluminum ~50% more efficient), and to estimate optimum shield dimensions for an HPXe based nuclear explosion monitor. MCNP modeling was also used to...detector were calculated with MCNP by using input activity levels as measured in routine NEM runs at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL

Crustal structure in Nevada and southern Idaho from nuclear explosions

USGS Publications Warehouse

Pakiser, L.C.; Hill, D.P.

1962-01-01

The time of first arrival of seismic waves generated by 4 underground nuclear explosions at the Nevada Test Site (NTS) and recorded along a line extending north into southern Idaho is expressed as T0 = 0. 00 + Δ/3.0 (assumed), T1 = 0 .40 + Δ/6.03, and T2 = 6.15 + Δ/7.84, where time is in seconds and the shot-detector distance (Δ) is in km. Assuming constant velocities and horizontal layers, crustal thickness in the vicinity of NTS was determined to be 28 km. Delays in the traveltime segment T2, which represents Pn, indicate that the crust may thicken to 32 km in northern Nevada. A third phase, expressed as T3 = 14.48 + Δ/7.84, was also recognized and has arrival times appropriate for SPS. Amplitudes of Pn were determined at 7 places from recordings of seismic waves from one underground nuclear explosion (ANTLER).

Listening to sounds from an exploding meteor and oceanic waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Evers, L. G.; Haak, H. W.

Low frequency sound (infrasound) measurements have been selected within the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) as a technique to detect and identify possible nuclear explosions. The Seismology Division of the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) operates since 1999 an experimental infrasound array of 16 micro-barometers. Here we show the rare detection and identification of an exploding meteor above Northern Germany on November 8th, 1999 with data from the Deelen Infrasound Array (DIA). At the same time, sound was radiated from the Atlantic Ocean, South of Iceland, due to the atmospheric coupling of standing ocean waves, called microbaroms. Occurring with only 0.04 Hz difference in dominant frequency, DIA proved to be able to discriminate between the physically different sources of infrasound through its unique lay-out and instruments. The explosive power of the meteor being 1.5 kT TNT is in the range of nuclear explosions and therefore relevant to the CTBT.

The detection of bulk explosives using nuclear-based techniques

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Morgado, R.E.; Gozani, T.; Seher, C.C.

1988-01-01

In 1986 we presented a rationale for the detection of bulk explosives based on nuclear techniques that addressed the requirements of civil aviation security in the airport environment. Since then, efforts have intensified to implement a system based on thermal neutron activation (TNA), with new work developing in fast neutron and energetic photon reactions. In this paper we will describe these techniques and present new results from laboratory and airport testing. Based on preliminary results, we contended in our earlier paper that nuclear-based techniques did provide sufficiently penetrating probes and distinguishable detectable reaction products to achieve the FAA operational goals;more » new data have supported this contention. The status of nuclear-based techniques for the detection of bulk explosives presently under investigation by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is reviewed. These include thermal neutron activation (TNA), fast neutron activation (FNA), the associated particle technique, nuclear resonance absorption, and photoneutron activation. The results of comprehensive airport testing of the TNA system performed during 1987-88 are summarized. From a technical point of view, nuclear-based techniques now represent the most comprehensive and feasible approach for meeting the operational criteria of detection, false alarms, and throughput. 9 refs., 5 figs., 2 tabs.« less

A Path Where No Man Thought; Nuclear Winter and the End of the Arms Race

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brasseur, Guy

In 1982, Paul Crutzen, Max Planck Institute for Chemistry, Mainz, Germany, and John Birks, University of Colorado, Boulder, published a provocative paper suggesting that the smoke from the fires triggered by potential massive nuclear explosions would generate profound changes in the chemical composition and physical state of the Earth's atmosphere. A year later, a group of five scientists, Richard Turco, Brian Toon, Tom Ackerman, Jim Pollack, and Carl Sagan, showed, on the basis of model calculations, that the Earth would cool significantly following nuclear explosions and that the climatic impacts of a nuclear war would affect not only the country attacked but also the aggressor. This group, which received the acronym of TTAPS, showed that the number of fatalities resulting from the indirect climatic perturbations could be at least as large as the number of humans directly killed by the explosions. Two of the authors of the TTAPS theory, Carl Sagan and Richard Turco, have summarized 10 years of extensive research and public controversy following the publication of the nuclear winter hypothesis. In their fascinating book they try to analyze how the concept of nuclear winter has changed the attitude of the political world, has contributed to the improvement of political relations between the two superpowers, and has initiated a revision of geopolitical and military theories.

Remembering Fukushima: PNNL Monitors Radiation from Nuclear Disaster

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Miley, Harry

Senior Scientist Harry Miley describes how his work in ultra-trace, nuclear detection technology picked up the first reading of radiological materials over the U.S. following the nuclear power plant explosion in Japan.

Remembering Fukushima: PNNL Monitors Radiation from Nuclear Disaster

ScienceCinema

Miley, Harry

2018-02-07

Senior Scientist Harry Miley describes how his work in ultra-trace, nuclear detection technology picked up the first reading of radiological materials over the U.S. following the nuclear power plant explosion in Japan.

78 FR 24438 - Evaluations of Explosions Postulated To Occur at Nearby Facilities and on Transportation Routes...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-04-25

... Nearby Facilities and on Transportation Routes Near Nuclear Power Plants AGENCY: Nuclear Regulatory... Nearby Facilities and on Transportation Routes Near Nuclear Power Plants.'' This regulatory guide describes for applicants seeking nuclear power reactor licenses and licensees of nuclear power reactors...

Rare Isotopes in Cosmic Explosions and Accelerators on Earth

ScienceCinema

Schatz, Hendrick

2017-12-28

Rare isotopes are nature’s stepping stones to produce the heavy elements, and they are produced in large quantities in stellar explosions. Despite their fleeting existence, they shape the composition of the universe and the observable features of stellar explosions. The challenge for nuclear science is to produce and study the very same rare isotopes so as to understand the origin of the elements and a range of astronomical observations. I will review the progress that has been made to date in astronomy and nuclear physics, and the prospects of finally addressing many of the outstanding issues with the future Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB), which DOE will build at Michigan State University.

Chemical Explosion Experiments to Improve Nuclear Test Monitoring [Developing a New Paradigm for Nuclear Test Monitoring with the Source Physics Experiments (SPE)

DOE PAGES

Snelson, Catherine M.; Abbott, Robert E.; Broome, Scott T.; ...

2013-07-02

A series of chemical explosions, called the Source Physics Experiments (SPE), is being conducted under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) to develop a new more physics-based paradigm for nuclear test monitoring. Currently, monitoring relies on semi-empirical models to discriminate explosions from earthquakes and to estimate key parameters such as yield. While these models have been highly successful monitoring established test sites, there is concern that future tests could occur in media and at scale depths of burial outside of our empirical experience. This is highlighted by North Korean tests, which exhibit poormore » performance of a reliable discriminant, mb:Ms (Selby et al., 2012), possibly due to source emplacement and differences in seismic responses for nascent and established test sites. The goal of SPE is to replace these semi-empirical relationships with numerical techniques grounded in a physical basis and thus applicable to any geologic setting or depth.« less

Device for Detection of Explosives, Nuclear and Other Hazardous Materials in Luggage and Cargo Containers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuznetsov, Andrey; Evsenin, Alexey; Gorshkov, Igor; Osetrov, Oleg; Vakhtin, Dmitry

2009-12-01

Device for detection of explosives, radioactive and heavily shielded nuclear materials in luggage and cargo containers based on Nanosecond Neutron Analysis/Associated Particles Technique (NNA/APT) is under construction. Detection module consists of a small neutron generator with built-in position-sensitive detector of associated alpha-particles, and several scintillator-based gamma-ray detectors. Explosives and other hazardous chemicals are detected by analyzing secondary high-energy gamma-rays from reactions of fast neutrons with materials inside a container. The same gamma-ray detectors are used to detect unshielded radioactive and nuclear materials. An array of several neutron detectors is used to detect fast neutrons from induced fission of nuclear materials. Coincidence and timing analysis allows one to discriminate between fission neutrons and scattered probing neutrons. Mathematical modeling by MCNP5 and MCNP-PoliMi codes was used to estimate the sensitivity of the device and its optimal configuration. Comparison of the features of three gamma detector types—based on BGO, NaI and LaBr3 crystals is presented.

Technical status of the International Monitoring System for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grenard, P.

2009-04-01

The International Monitoring System (IMS) for the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-ban-Treaty Organization is a global Network of stations for detecting and providing evidence of possible nuclear explosions. Upon completion, the IMS will consist of 321 monitoring facilities and 16 radionuclide laboratories distributed worldwide in locations designated by the Treaty. Many of these sites are located in areas that are remote and difficult to access, posing major engineering and logistical challenges. The IMS uses seismic, hydroacoustic and infrasound monitoring waveform technologies to detect signals released from an explosion or a naturally occurring event (e.g. earthquakes) in the underground, underwater and atmospheric environments. The radionuclide technology as an integral part of the IMS uses air samples to collect particular matter from the atmosphere. Samples are then analyzed for evidence of physical products created by a nuclear explosion and carried through the atmosphere. The certification process of the IMS stations assures their compliance with the IMS technical requirements. In 2008 significant progress was made towards the completion of the IMS Network. So far 75% of the IMS stations have been built and certified.

Radionuclide observables for the Platte underground nuclear explosive test on 14 April 1962.

PubMed

Burnett, Jonathan L; Milbrath, Brian D

2016-11-01

Past nuclear weapon explosive tests provide invaluable information for understanding the radionuclide observables expected during an On-site Inspection (OSI) for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). These radioactive signatures are complex and subject to spatial and temporal variability. The Platte underground nuclear explosive test on 14 April 1962 provides extensive environmental monitoring data that can be modelled and used to calculate the maximum time available for detection of the OSI-relevant radionuclides. The 1.6 kT test is especially useful as it released the highest amounts of recorded activity during Operation Nougat at the Nevada Test Site - now known as the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS). It has been estimated that 0.36% of the activity was released, and dispersed in a northerly direction. The deposition ranged from 1 × 10 -11 to 1 × 10 -9 of the atmospheric release (per m 2 ), and has been used in this paper to evaluate an OSI and the OSI-relevant radionuclides at 1 week to 2 years post-detonation. Radioactive decay reduces the activity of the OSI-relevant radionuclides by 99.7% within 2 years of detonation, such that detection throughout the hypothesized inspection is only achievable close to the explosion where deposition was highest. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Homogenized moment tensor and the effect of near-field heterogeneities on nonisotropic radiation in nuclear explosion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Burgos, Gaël.; Capdeville, Yann; Guillot, Laurent

2016-06-01

We investigate the effect of small-scale heterogeneities close to a seismic explosive source, at intermediate periods (20-50 s), with an emphasis on the resulting nonisotropic far-field radiation. First, using a direct numerical approach, we show that small-scale elastic heterogeneities located in the near-field of an explosive source, generate unexpected phases (i.e., long period S waves). We then demonstrate that the nonperiodic homogenization theory applied to 2-D and 3-D elastic models, with various pattern of small-scale heterogeneities near the source, leads to accurate waveforms at a reduced computational cost compared to direct modeling. Further, it gives an interpretation of how nearby small-scale features interact with the source at low frequencies, through an explicit correction to the seismic moment tensor. In 2-D simulations, we find a deviatoric contribution to the moment tensor, as high as 21% for near-source heterogeneities showing a 25% contrast of elastic values (relative to a homogeneous background medium). In 3-D this nonisotropic contribution reaches 27%. Second, we analyze intermediate-periods regional seismic waveforms associated with some underground nuclear explosions conducted at the Nevada National Security Site and invert for the full moment tensor, in order to quantify the relative contribution of the isotropic and deviatoric components of the tensor. The average value of the deviatoric part is about 35%. We conclude that the interactions between an explosive source and small-scale local heterogeneities of moderate amplitude may lead to a deviatoric contribution to the seismic moment, close to what is observed using regional data from nuclear test explosions.

Insights from the Source Physics Experiments on P/S Amplitude Ratio Methods of Identifying Explosions in a Background of Earthquakes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Walter, W. R.; Ford, S. R.; Xu, H.; Pasyanos, M. E.; Pyle, M. L.; Matzel, E.; Mellors, R. J.; Hauk, T. F.

2012-12-01

It is well established empirically that regional distance (200-1600 km) amplitude ratios of seismic P-to-S waves at sufficiently high frequencies (~>2 Hz) can identify explosions among a background of natural earthquakes. However the physical basis for the generation of explosion S-waves, and therefore the predictability of this P/S technique as a function of event properties such as size, depth, geology and path, remains incompletely understood. A goal of the Source Physics Experiments (SPE) at the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS, formerly the Nevada Test Site (NTS)) is to improve our physical understanding of the mechanisms of explosion S-wave generation and advance our ability to numerically model and predict them. Current models of explosion P/S values suggest they are frequency dependent with poor performance below the source corner frequencies and good performance above. This leads to expectations that small magnitude explosions might require much higher frequencies (>10 Hz) to identify them. Interestingly the 1-ton chemical source physics explosions SPE2 and SPE3 appear to discriminate well from background earthquakes in the frequency band 6-8 Hz, where P and S signals are visible at the NVAR array located near Mina, NV about 200 km away. NVAR is a primary seismic station in the International Monitoring System (IMS), part of the Comprehensive nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). The NVAR broadband element NV31 is co-located with the LLNL station MNV that recorded many NTS nuclear tests, allowing the comparison. We find the small SPE explosions in granite have similar Pn/Lg values at 6-8 Hz as the past nuclear tests mainly in softer rocks. We are currently examining a number of other stations in addition to NVAR, including the dedicated SPE stations that recorded the SPE explosions at much closer distances with very high sample rates, in order to better understand the observed frequency dependence as compared with the model predictions. We plan to use these observations to improve our explosion models and our ability to understand and predict where P/S methods of identifying explosions work and any circumstances where they may not. This work performed under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under Contract DE-AC52-07NA27344.

Locating Materials with Nuclear Quadrupole Moments within Surface Coil Array Area

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-08-11

location and dimension of the material can determined based on the nuclear quadrupole resonance ( NQR ) signal strength from the surface coil in the array...28.1MHz NQR frequency from potassium chlorate (PC) sample at room temperature. The PC sample will be in different locations parallel to the surface...using the experimental results from the dual surface coil array. 15. SUBJECT TERMS NQR , potassium chlorate, surface coil, surface probe, decoupling

Rectangle Surface Coil Array in a Grid Arrangement for Resonance Imaging

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-02-13

switchable array, RF magnetic field, NQR , MRI, NMR, tuning, decoupling I. INTRODUCTION ESONANCE imaging can be accomplished using Nuclear Magnetic...Resonance (NMR) or Nuclear Quadrupole Resonance ( NQR ) techniques. REF [1] and [6] explain the differences between NMR and NQR . What NMR and NQR ...of resonance NQR frequency of 28.1MHz. The matching and tuning is explain in detail in the next section of this paper. Rectangle Surface Coil

Nuclear Explosion Monitoring History and Research and Development

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hawkins, W. L.; Zucca, J. J.

2008-12-01

Within a year after the nuclear detonations over Hiroshima and Nagasaki the Baruch Plan was presented to the newly formed United Nations Atomic Energy Commission (June 14, 1946) to establish nuclear disarmament and international control over all nuclear activities. These controls would allow only the peaceful use of atomic energy. The plan was rejected through a Security Council veto primarily because of the resistance to unlimited inspections. Since that time there have been many multilateral, and bilateral agreements, and unilateral declarations to limit or eliminate nuclear detonations. Almost all of theses agreements (i.e. treaties) call for some type of monitoring. We will review a timeline showing the history of nuclear testing and the more important treaties. We will also describe testing operations, containment, phenomenology, and observations. The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) which has been signed by 179 countries (ratified by 144) established the International Monitoring System global verification regime which employs seismic, infrasound, hydroacoustic and radionuclide monitoring techniques. The CTBT also includes on-site inspection to clarify whether a nuclear explosion has been carried out in violation of the Treaty. The US Department of Energy (DOE) through its National Nuclear Security Agency's Ground-Based Nuclear Explosion Monitoring R&D Program supports research by US National Laboratories, and universities and industry internationally to detect, locate, and identify nuclear detonations. This research program builds on the broad base of monitoring expertise developed over several decades. Annually the DOE and the US Department of Defense jointly solicit monitoring research proposals. Areas of research include: seismic regional characterization and wave propagation, seismic event detection and location, seismic identification and source characterization, hydroacoustic monitoring, radionuclide monitoring, infrasound monitoring, and data processing and analysis. Reports from the selected research projects are published in the proceedings of the annual Monitoring Research Review conference.

Comparison of Radionuclide Ratios in Atmospheric Nuclear Explosions and Nuclear Releases from Chernobyl and Fukushima seen in Gamma Ray Spectormetry

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Friese, Judah I.; Kephart, Rosara F.; Lucas, Dawn D.

2013-05-01

The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) has remote radionuclide monitoring followed by an On Site Inspection (OSI) to clarify the nature of a suspect event. An important aspect of radionuclide measurements on site is the discrimination of other potential sources of similar radionuclides such as reactor accidents or medical isotope production. The Chernobyl and Fukushima nuclear reactor disasters offer two different reactor source term environmental inputs that can be compared against historical measurements of nuclear explosions. The comparison of whole-sample gamma spectrometry measurements from these three events and the analysis of similarities and differences are presented. This analysis ismore » a step toward confirming what is needed for measurements during an OSI under the auspices of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty.« less

Development of a technique using MCNPX code for determination of nitrogen content of explosive materials using prompt gamma neutron activation analysis method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nasrabadi, M. N.; Bakhshi, F.; Jalali, M.; Mohammadi, A.

2011-12-01

Nuclear-based explosive detection methods can detect explosives by identifying their elemental components, especially nitrogen. Thermal neutron capture reactions have been used for detecting prompt gamma 10.8 MeV following radioactive neutron capture by 14N nuclei. We aimed to study the feasibility of using field-portable prompt gamma neutron activation analysis (PGNAA) along with improved nuclear equipment to detect and identify explosives, illicit substances or landmines. A 252Cf radio-isotopic source was embedded in a cylinder made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and the cylinder was then placed in another cylindrical container filled with water. Measurements were performed on high nitrogen content compounds such as melamine (C3H6N6). Melamine powder in a HDPE bottle was placed underneath the vessel containing water and the neutron source. Gamma rays were detected using two NaI(Tl) crystals. The results were simulated with MCNP4c code calculations. The theoretical calculations and experimental measurements were in good agreement indicating that this method can be used for detection of explosives and illicit drugs.

Yields of Soviet underground nuclear explosions at Novaya Zemlya, 1964-1976, from seismic body and surface waves

PubMed Central

Sykes, Lynn R.; Wiggins, Graham C.

1986-01-01

Surface and body wave magnitudes are determined for 15 U.S.S.R. underground nuclear weapons tests conducted at Novaya Zemlya between 1964 and 1976 and are used to estimate yields. These events include the largest underground explosions detonated by the Soviet Union. A histogram of body wave magnitude (mb) values indicates a clustering of explosions at a few specific yields. The most pronounced cluster consists of six explosions of yield near 500 kilotons. Several of these seem to be tests of warheads for major strategic systems that became operational in the late 1970s. The largest Soviet underground explosion is estimated to have a yield of 3500 ± 600 kilotons, somewhat smaller than the yield of the largest U.S. underground test. A preliminary estimation of the significance of tectonic release is made by measuring the amplitude of Love waves. The bias in mb for Novaya Zemlya relative to the Nevada test site is about 0.35, nearly identical to that of the eastern Kazakhstan test site relative to Nevada. PMID:16593645

Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessment for the Operation of the Explosives Waste Treatment Facility at Site 300 of the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Volume 1: Report of Results

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gallegos, G; Daniels, J; Wegrecki, A

2006-04-24

This document contains the human health and ecological risk assessment for the Resource Recovery and Conservation Act (RCRA) permit renewal for the Explosives Waste Treatment Facility (EWTF). Volume 1 is the text of the risk assessment, and Volume 2 (provided on a compact disc) is the supporting modeling data. The EWTF is operated by the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) at Site 300, which is located in the foothills between the cities of Livermore and Tracy, approximately 17 miles east of Livermore and 8 miles southwest of Tracy. Figure 1 is a map of the San Francisco Bay Area, showingmore » the location of Site 300 and other points of reference. One of the principal activities of Site 300 is to test what are known as ''high explosives'' for nuclear weapons. These are the highly energetic materials that provide the force to drive fissionable material to criticality. LLNL scientists develop and test the explosives and the integrated non-nuclear components in support of the United States nuclear stockpile stewardship program as well as in support of conventional weapons and the aircraft, mining, oil exploration, and construction industries. Many Site 300 facilities are used in support of high explosives research. Some facilities are used in the chemical formulation of explosives; others are locations where explosive charges are mechanically pressed; others are locations where the materials are inspected radiographically for such defects as cracks and voids. Finally, some facilities are locations where the machined charges are assembled before they are sent to the on-site test firing facilities, and additional facilities are locations where materials are stored. Wastes generated from high-explosives research are treated by open burning (OB) and open detonation (OD). OB and OD treatments are necessary because they are the safest methods for treating explosives wastes generated at these facilities, and they eliminate the requirement for further handling and transportation that would be required if the wastes were treated off site.« less

Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessment for the Operation of the Explosives Waste Treatment Facility at Site 300 of the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gallegos, G; Daniels, J; Wegrecki, A

2007-10-01

This document contains the human health and ecological risk assessment for the Resource Recovery and Conservation Act (RCRA) permit renewal for the Explosives Waste Treatment Facility (EWTF). Volume 1 is the text of the risk assessment, and Volume 2 (provided on a compact disc) is the supporting modeling data. The EWTF is operated by the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) at Site 300, which is located in the foothills between the cities of Livermore and Tracy, approximately 17 miles east of Livermore and 8 miles southwest of Tracy. Figure 1 is a map of the San Francisco Bay Area, showingmore » the location of Site 300 and other points of reference. One of the principal activities of Site 300 is to test what are known as 'high explosives' for nuclear weapons. These are the highly energetic materials that provide the force to drive fissionable material to criticality. LLNL scientists develop and test the explosives and the integrated non-nuclear components in support of the United States nuclear stockpile stewardship program as well as in support of conventional weapons and the aircraft, mining, oil exploration, and construction industries. Many Site 300 facilities are used in support of high explosives research. Some facilities are used in the chemical formulation of explosives; others are locations where explosive charges are mechanically pressed; others are locations where the materials are inspected radiographically for such defects as cracks and voids. Finally, some facilities are locations where the machined charges are assembled before they are sent to the onsite test firing facilities, and additional facilities are locations where materials are stored. Wastes generated from high-explosives research are treated by open burning (OB) and open detonation (OD). OB and OD treatments are necessary because they are the safest methods for treating explosives wastes generated at these facilities, and they eliminate the requirement for further handling and transportation that would be required if the wastes were treated off site.« less

Improvements to a Major Digital Archive of Seismic Waveforms from Nuclear Explosions

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-03-23

Semipalatinsk Test site ; Novaya Zemlya (461 traces) in Russia; and Lop Nor (120 traces) in China; and also from many Peaceful Nuclear Explosions (552... Semipalatinsk Test Site (circles) recorded at Borovoye (BRV) during 1966- 1989.The Balapan, Degelen, and Murzhik regions are indicated. 5 3. Locations of... Semipalatinsk Test Site , Kazakhstan; test of 1968 June 19 70 35. Last of seven sets of BRV seismograms on the KOD system for a UNE at the Balapan area

Fractal Approach to the Regional Seismic Event Discrimination Problem

DTIC Science & Technology

2000-01-01

some H > 0 and this formula might be modified as X(t) = r-HX(rt),t E R (2) where H is the Hurst exponent . Traditionally it is estimated by the...2 3 IogT Figure 2. Hurst exponent H curves for different seismic events: Pakl - nuclear explosion 30.05.98 (Pakistan), ind - nuclear explosion...seismic discrimination. Our findings are summarized in the conclusion section. 261 2 Hurst’s exponents of seismograms We started from the study of self

Nondestructive inspection of explosive materials using linearly polarized two-colored photon beam

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Toyokawa, H.; Hayakawa, T.; Shizuma, T.; Hajima, R.; Masuda, K.; Ohgaki, H.

2011-10-01

A nondestructive inspection method for screening explosive materials that are hidden in passenger vehicles, trucks, and cargo containers with radiation shielding was presented. The method was examined experimentally using linearly polarized two-colored photon beam. A sample object was irradiated with the photon beam, followed by an emission of gamma-rays in nuclear resonance fluorescence. The gamma-rays from oxygen and nitrogen emitted through nuclear resonance fluorescence were measured using high-purity germanium detectors. We were able to evaluate the element concentration ratio.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dreger, Douglas S.; Ford, Sean R.; Walter, William R.

Research was carried out investigating the feasibility of using a regional distance seismic waveform moment tensor inverse procedure to estimate source parameters of nuclear explosions and to use the source inversion results to develop a source-type discrimination capability. The results of the research indicate that it is possible to robustly determine the seismic moment tensor of nuclear explosions, and when compared to natural seismicity in the context of the a Hudson et al. (1989) source-type diagram they are found to separate from populations of earthquakes and underground cavity collapse seismic sources.

High-fidelity spin entanglement using optimal control.

PubMed

Dolde, Florian; Bergholm, Ville; Wang, Ya; Jakobi, Ingmar; Naydenov, Boris; Pezzagna, Sébastien; Meijer, Jan; Jelezko, Fedor; Neumann, Philipp; Schulte-Herbrüggen, Thomas; Biamonte, Jacob; Wrachtrup, Jörg

2014-02-28

Precise control of quantum systems is of fundamental importance in quantum information processing, quantum metrology and high-resolution spectroscopy. When scaling up quantum registers, several challenges arise: individual addressing of qubits while suppressing cross-talk, entangling distant nodes and decoupling unwanted interactions. Here we experimentally demonstrate optimal control of a prototype spin qubit system consisting of two proximal nitrogen-vacancy centres in diamond. Using engineered microwave pulses, we demonstrate single electron spin operations with a fidelity F≈0.99. With additional dynamical decoupling techniques, we further realize high-quality, on-demand entangled states between two electron spins with F>0.82, mostly limited by the coherence time and imperfect initialization. Crosstalk in a crowded spectrum and unwanted dipolar couplings are simultaneously eliminated to a high extent. Finally, by high-fidelity entanglement swapping to nuclear spin quantum memory, we demonstrate nuclear spin entanglement over a length scale of 25 nm. This experiment underlines the importance of optimal control for scalable room temperature spin-based quantum information devices.

Characteristics of seismic waves from Soviet peaceful nuclear explosions in salt

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Adushkin, V.V.; Kaazik, P.B.; Kostyuchenko, V.N.

1995-04-01

The report is carried out by the Institute for Dynamics of the Geospheres, Russian Academy of Sciences under contract NB280344 with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, University of California. The work includes investigation of seismic waves generation and propagation from Soviet peaceful underground nuclear explosions in salt based on the data from temporary and permanent seismic stations. The explosions were conducted at the sites Azgir and Vega within the territory of the Caspian depression of the Russian platform. The data used were obtained in the following conditions of conduction: epicentral distance range from 0 to 60 degrees, yields from 1 tomore » 65 kt and depths of burial from 160 to 1500 m.« less

Explosion Amplitude Reduction due to Fractures in Water-Saturated and Dry Granite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stroujkova, A. F.; Leidig, M.; Bonner, J. L.

2013-12-01

Empirical observations made at the Semipalatinsk Test Site suggest that nuclear tests in the fracture zones left by previous explosions ('repeat shots') show reduced seismic amplitudes compared to the nuclear tests in virgin rocks. Likely mechanisms for the amplitude reduction in the repeat shots include increased porosity and reduced strength and elastic moduli, leading to pore closing and frictional sliding. Presence of pore water significantly decreases rock compressibility and strength, thus affecting seismic amplitudes. A series of explosion experiments were conducted in order to define the physical mechanism responsible for the amplitude reduction and to quantify the degree of the amplitude reduction in fracture zones of previously detonated explosions. Explosions in water-saturated granite were conducted in central New Hampshire in 2011 and 2012. Additional explosions in dry granite were detonated in Barre, VT in 2013. The amplitude reduction is different between dry and water-saturated crystalline rocks. Significant reduction in seismic amplitudes (by a factor of 2-3) in water-saturated rocks was achieved only when the repeat shot was detonated in the extensive damage zone created by a significantly larger (by a factor of 5) explosion. In case where the first and the second explosions were similar in yield, the amplitude reduction was relatively modest (5-20%). In dry rocks the amplitude reduction reached a factor of 2 even in less extensive damage zones. In addition there are differences in frequency dependence of the spectral amplitude ratios between explosions in dry and water-saturated rocks. Thus the amplitude reduction is sensitive to the extent of the damage zone as well as the pore water content.

Analysis of the Seismic Events Apparently Associated with the 3 September 2017 DPRK Declared Nuclear Explosion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Walter, W. R.; Dodge, D. A.; Ichinose, G.; Myers, S. C.; Ford, S. R.; Pitarka, A.; Pyle, M. L.; Pasyanos, M.; Matzel, E.; Rodgers, A. J.; Mellors, R. J.; Hauk, T. F.; Kroll, K.

2017-12-01

On September 3, 2017, an mb 6.3 seismic event was reported by the USGS in the vicinity of the DPRK nuclear test site at Punggye-ri. Shortly afterwards DPRK declared it had conducted a nuclear explosion. The seismic signals indicate this event is roughly an order of magnitude larger than the largest of the previous five DPRK declared nuclear tests. In addition to its size, this explosion was different from previous DPRK tests in being associated with a number of additional seismic events. Approximately eight and a half minutes after the explosion a seismic event reported as ML 4.0 by the USGS occurred. Regional waveform modeling indicated this event had a collapse mechanism (e.g. Ichinose et al., 2017, written communication). On September 23 and again on October 12, 2017, seismic events were reported near the DPRK test site by the USGS and the CTBTO (on 9/23/17 two events: USGS ML 3.6 and USGS ML 2.6; and on 10/12/17 one event: USGS mb(Lg) 2.9). Aftershocks following underground nuclear testing are expected, though at much lower magnitudes and rates than for comparably sized earthquakes. This difference in aftershock production has been proposed by Ford and Walter (2010), and others as a potential source-type discriminant. Seismic signals from the collapse of cavities formed by underground nuclear testing have also been previously observed. For example, the mb 5.7 nuclear test ATRISCO in Nevada in 1982 was followed twenty minutes later by a collapse with an mb of 4.0. Here we examine the seismic characteristics of nuclear tests, post-test collapses and post-test aftershocks from both the former Nevada test site and the DPRK test site to better understand the differences between these different source-type signals. In particular we look at discriminants such as P/S ratios, to see if there are unique characteristics to post-test collapses and aftershocks. Finally, we apply correlation methods to continuous data at regional stations to look for additional seismic signals that might have an apparent association with the DPRK nuclear testing, post-testing collapses and post-test induced seismicity.

Nuclear Energy for Water Desalting, A Bibliography.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Kuhns, Helen F., Comp.; And Others

This bibliography includes 215 abstracts of publications on the use of nuclear energy in the production of potable water from saline or brackish waters. The uses of nuclear reactors, radioisotopic heat sources, and nuclear explosives are covered in relation to the various desalination methods available. Literature through April 1967 has been…

Recovering from Disaster

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Miley, Harry

From swords to plowshares—a PNNL-developed technology used to monitor compliance with the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty was applied by Senior Nuclear Scientist Harry Miley for humanitarian purposes. In 2011, a powerful earthquake violently shook northeast Japan, triggering a massive tsunami with 133-foot-high waves that ravaged the land. These catastrophes set in motion a series of equipment failures, explosions, nuclear meltdowns and releases of radiation materials at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant in Japan. More than 80,000 residents vacated the surrounding area. It was the largest nuclear disaster since the 1986 explosion at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine. Soonmore » after the accident at Fukushima, Harry and his colleagues were there to help public officials by determining the impact on North America, the radiation dose to people, and the safety of milk and harvested foods. He used ultra-trace nuclear detection technology to provide crucial information about the nature of the radiological release, its magnitude and its impact on human health in North America.« less

Explosion-induced stress changes estimated from vibrating-wire stressmeter measurements near the Mighty Epic event, Nevada Test Site

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ellis, William L.; Kibler, J.D.

1983-01-01

Explosion-induced compressive stress increases near an underground nuclear explosion are believed to contribute significantly to the containment of high-pressure gases within the explosion-produced cavity. These induced compressive stresses are predicted by computer calculations, but have never been adequately confirmed by field measurements, owing primarily to the unique difficulties of obtaining such field data. Vibrating-wire stressmeter measurements made near the Mighty Epic nuclear detonation, however, qualitatively indicate that within 150 meters of the working point, permanent compressive stress increases of several megapascals were present 15 weeks after the event. Additionally, stress-change magnitudes interpreted from the stressmeter data between the 75- and 260-meter range from the working point compare favorably with calculational predictions of the stress changes believed to be present shortly after detonation of the event. The measurements and calculations differ, however, with regard to the pattern of stress change radial and transverse to the explosion source. For the range of the field measurements from the working point, computer models predict the largest compressive-stress increase to be radial to the explosion source, while the field data indicate the transverse component of. stress change to be the most compressive. The significance of time-dependent modification of the initial explosion-induced stress distribution is, however, uncertain with regard to the comparison of the field measurements and theoretical predictions.

A surge of light at the birth of a supernova.

PubMed

Bersten, M C; Folatelli, G; García, F; Van Dyk, S D; Benvenuto, O G; Orellana, M; Buso, V; Sánchez, J L; Tanaka, M; Maeda, K; Filippenko, A V; Zheng, W; Brink, T G; Cenko, S B; de Jaeger, T; Kumar, S; Moriya, T J; Nomoto, K; Perley, D A; Shivvers, I; Smith, N

2018-02-21

It is difficult to establish the properties of massive stars that explode as supernovae. The electromagnetic emission during the first minutes to hours after the emergence of the shock from the stellar surface conveys important information about the final evolution and structure of the exploding star. However, the unpredictable nature of supernova events hinders the detection of this brief initial phase. Here we report the serendipitous discovery of a newly born, normal type IIb supernova (SN 2016gkg), which reveals a rapid brightening at optical wavelengths of about 40 magnitudes per day. The very frequent sampling of the observations allowed us to study in detail the outermost structure of the progenitor of the supernova and the physics of the emergence of the shock. We develop hydrodynamical models of the explosion that naturally account for the complete evolution of the supernova over distinct phases regulated by different physical processes. This result suggests that it is appropriate to decouple the treatment of the shock propagation from the unknown mechanism that triggers the explosion.

A surge of light at the birth of a supernova

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bersten, M. C.; Folatelli, G.; García, F.; van Dyk, S. D.; Benvenuto, O. G.; Orellana, M.; Buso, V.; Sánchez, J. L.; Tanaka, M.; Maeda, K.; Filippenko, A. V.; Zheng, W.; Brink, T. G.; Cenko, S. B.; de Jaeger, T.; Kumar, S.; Moriya, T. J.; Nomoto, K.; Perley, D. A.; Shivvers, I.; Smith, N.

2018-02-01

It is difficult to establish the properties of massive stars that explode as supernovae. The electromagnetic emission during the first minutes to hours after the emergence of the shock from the stellar surface conveys important information about the final evolution and structure of the exploding star. However, the unpredictable nature of supernova events hinders the detection of this brief initial phase. Here we report the serendipitous discovery of a newly born, normal type IIb supernova (SN 2016gkg), which reveals a rapid brightening at optical wavelengths of about 40 magnitudes per day. The very frequent sampling of the observations allowed us to study in detail the outermost structure of the progenitor of the supernova and the physics of the emergence of the shock. We develop hydrodynamical models of the explosion that naturally account for the complete evolution of the supernova over distinct phases regulated by different physical processes. This result suggests that it is appropriate to decouple the treatment of the shock propagation from the unknown mechanism that triggers the explosion.

Mesh-Based Entry Vehicle and Explosive Debris Re-Contact Probability Modeling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McPherson, Mark A.; Mendeck, Gavin F.

2011-01-01

The risk to a crewed vehicle arising from potential re-contact with fragments from an explosive breakup of any jettisoned spacecraft segments during entry has long sought to be quantified. However, great difficulty lies in efficiently capturing the potential locations of each fragment and their collective threat to the vehicle. The method presented in this paper addresses this problem by using a stochastic approach that discretizes simulated debris pieces into volumetric cells, and then assesses strike probabilities accordingly. Combining spatial debris density and relative velocity between the debris and the entry vehicle, the strike probability can be calculated from the integral of the debris flux inside each cell over time. Using this technique it is possible to assess the risk to an entry vehicle along an entire trajectory as it separates from the jettisoned segment. By decoupling the fragment trajectories from that of the entry vehicle, multiple potential separation maneuvers can then be evaluated rapidly to provide an assessment of the best strategy to mitigate the re-contact risk.

Operation CASTLE. Operation Plan Number 3-53. March - May 1954,

DTIC Science & Technology

Nuclear radiation, *Nuclear explosions, *Radiation dosage, *Test methods, *Military operations, *Military planning, Radiobiology, Missions, Marshall Islands , Eniwetok Atoll, Bikini Atoll, Atmospheric physics, Low level, Radiation

Nuclear event time histories and computed site transfer functions for locations in the Los Angeles region

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rogers, A.M.; Covington, P.A.; Park, R.B.; Borcherdt, R.D.; Perkins, D.M.

1980-01-01

This report presents a collection of Nevada Test Site (NTS) nuclear explosion recordings obtained at sites in the greater Los Angeles, Calif., region. The report includes ground velocity time histories, as well as, derived site transfer functions. These data have been collected as part of a study to evaluate the validity of using low-level ground motions to predict the frequency-dependent response of a site during an earthquake. For this study 19 nuclear events were recorded at 98 separate locations. Some of these sites have recorded more than one of the nuclear explosions, and, consequently, there are a total of 159, three-component station records. The location of all the recording sites are shown in figures 1–5, the station coordinates and abbreviations are given in table 1. The station addresses are listed in table 2, and the nuclear explosions that were recorded are listed in table 3. The recording sites were chosen on the basis of three criteria: (1) that the underlying geological conditions were representative of conditions over significant areas of the region, (2) that the site was the location of a strong-motion recording of the 1971 San Fernando earthquake, or (3) that more complete geographical coverage was required in that location.

The Air Blast Wave from a Nuclear Explosion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reines, Frederick

The sudden, large scale release of energy in the explosion of a nuclear bomb in air gives rise, in addition to nuclear emanations such as neutrons and gamma rays, to an extremely hot, rapidly expanding mass of air.** The rapidly expanding air mass has an initial temperature in the vicinity of a few hundred thousand degrees and for this reason it glows in its early stages with an intensity of many suns. It is important that the energy density in this initial "ball of fire" is of the order of 3 × 103 times that found in a detonating piece of TNT and hence that the initial stages of the large scale air motion produced by a nuclear explosion has no counterpart in an ordinary. H. E. explosion. Further, the relatively low temperatures ˜2,000°C associated with the initial stages of an H. E. detonation implies that the thermal radiation which it emits is a relatively insignificant fraction of the total energy involves. This point is made more striking when it is remembered that the thermal energy emitted by a hot object varies directly with the temperature in the Rayleigh Jeans region appropriate to the present discussion. The expansion of the air mass heated by the nuclear reaction produces, in qualitatively the same manner as in an H.E. explosion or the bursting of a high pressure balloon, an intense sharp pressure pulse, a shock wave, in the atmosphere. As the pressure pulse spreads outward it weakens due to the combined effects of divergence and the thermodynamically irreversible nature of the shock wave. The air comprising such a pressure pulse or blast wave moves first radially outward and then back towards the center as the blast wave passes. Since a permanent outward displacement of an infinite mass of air would require unlimited energy, the net outward displacement of the air distant from an explosion must approach zero with increasing distance. As the distance from the explosion is diminished the net outward displacement due to irreversible shock heating of the air increases and in the limit of small distances and increasingly strong shocks the net outward displacement of the shocked air is equal to the maximum outward displacement. These statements are applicable for short times of the order of seconds following the explosion since the heated air l behind by the shock wave will rise. The pressures and air mass motions associated with the rise of the atomic cloud are relatively unimportant in the free air pressure ranges from 2-15 psi for bomb yields under 100 kilotons (KT)…

Radioactivity in trinitite six decades later.

PubMed

Parekh, Pravin P; Semkow, Thomas M; Torres, Miguel A; Haines, Douglas K; Cooper, Joseph M; Rosenberg, Peter M; Kitto, Michael E

2006-01-01

The first nuclear explosion test, named the Trinity test, was conducted on July 16, 1945 near Alamogordo, New Mexico. In the tremendous heat of the explosion, the radioactive debris fused with the local soil into a glassy material named Trinitite. Selected Trinitite samples from ground zero (GZ) of the test site were investigated in detail for radioactivity. The techniques used included alpha spectrometry, high-efficiency gamma-ray spectrometry, and low-background beta counting, following the radiochemistry for selected radionuclides. Specific activities were determined for fission products (90Sr, 137Cs), activation products (60Co, 133Ba, 152Eu, 154Eu, 238Pu, 241Pu), and the remnants of the nuclear fuel (239Pu, 240Pu). Additionally, specific activities of three natural radionuclides (40K, 232Th, 238U) and their progeny were measured. The determined specific activities of radionuclides and their relationships are interpreted in the context of the fission process, chemical behavior of the elements, as well as the nuclear explosion phenomenology.

Abatement of Xenon and Iodine Emissions from Medical Isotope Production Facilities

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Doll, Charles G.; Sorensen, Christina M.; Bowyer, Ted W.

2014-04-01

The capability of the International Monitoring System (IMS) to detect xenon from underground nuclear explosions is dependent on the radioactive xenon background. Adding to the background, medical isotope production (MIP) by fission releases several important xenon isotopes including xenon-133 and iodine-133 that decays to xenon-133. The amount of xenon released from these facilities may be equivalent to or exceed that released from an underground nuclear explosion. Thus the release of gaseous fission products within days of irradiation makes it difficult to distinguish MIP emissions from a nuclear explosion. In addition, recent shortages in molybdenum-99 have created interest and investment opportunitiesmore » to design and build new MIP facilities in the United States and throughout the world. Due to the potential increase in the number of MIP facilities, a discussion of abatement technologies provides insight into how the problem of emission control from MIP facilities can be tackled. A review of practices is provided to delineate methods useful for abatement of medical isotopes.« less

Moment-Tensor Spectra of Source Physics Experiments (SPE) Explosions in Granite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, X.; Cleveland, M.

2016-12-01

We perform frequency-domain moment tensor inversions of Source Physics Experiments (SPE) explosions conducted in granite during Phase I of the experiment. We test the sensitivity of source moment-tensor spectra to factors such as the velocity model, selected dataset and smoothing and damping parameters used in the inversion to constrain the error bound of inverted source spectra. Using source moments and corner frequencies measured from inverted source spectra of these explosions, we develop a new explosion P-wave source model that better describes observed source spectra of these small and over-buried chemical explosions detonated in granite than classical explosion source models derived mainly from nuclear-explosion data. In addition to source moment and corner frequency, we analyze other features in the source spectra to investigate their physical causes.

Applications of nuclear physics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hayes, A. C.

2017-02-01

Today the applications of nuclear physics span a very broad range of topics and fields. This review discusses a number of aspects of these applications, including selected topics and concepts in nuclear reactor physics, nuclear fusion, nuclear non-proliferation, nuclear-geophysics, and nuclear medicine. The review begins with a historic summary of the early years in applied nuclear physics, with an emphasis on the huge developments that took place around the time of World War II, and that underlie the physics involved in designs of nuclear explosions, controlled nuclear energy, and nuclear fusion. The review then moves to focus on modern applications of these concepts, including the basic concepts and diagnostics developed for the forensics of nuclear explosions, the nuclear diagnostics at the National Ignition Facility, nuclear reactor safeguards, and the detection of nuclear material production and trafficking. The review also summarizes recent developments in nuclear geophysics and nuclear medicine. The nuclear geophysics areas discussed include geo-chronology, nuclear logging for industry, the Oklo reactor, and geo-neutrinos. The section on nuclear medicine summarizes the critical advances in nuclear imaging, including PET and SPECT imaging, targeted radionuclide therapy, and the nuclear physics of medical isotope production. Each subfield discussed requires a review article unto itself, which is not the intention of the current review; rather, the current review is intended for readers who wish to get a broad understanding of applied nuclear physics.

Applications of nuclear physics

DOE PAGES

Hayes-Sterbenz, Anna Catherine

2017-01-10

Today the applications of nuclear physics span a very broad range of topics and fields. This review discusses a number of aspects of these applications, including selected topics and concepts in nuclear reactor physics, nuclear fusion, nuclear non-proliferation, nuclear-geophysics, and nuclear medicine. The review begins with a historic summary of the early years in applied nuclear physics, with an emphasis on the huge developments that took place around the time of World War II, and that underlie the physics involved in designs of nuclear explosions, controlled nuclear energy, and nuclear fusion. The review then moves to focus on modern applicationsmore » of these concepts, including the basic concepts and diagnostics developed for the forensics of nuclear explosions, the nuclear diagnostics at the National Ignition Facility, nuclear reactor safeguards, and the detection of nuclear material production and trafficking. The review also summarizes recent developments in nuclear geophysics and nuclear medicine. The nuclear geophysics areas discussed include geo-chronology, nuclear logging for industry, the Oklo reactor, and geo-neutrinos. The section on nuclear medicine summarizes the critical advances in nuclear imaging, including PET and SPECT imaging, targeted radionuclide therapy, and the nuclear physics of medical isotope production. Lastly, each subfield discussed requires a review article unto itself, which is not the intention of the current review; rather, the current review is intended for readers who wish to get a broad understanding of applied nuclear physics.« less

Applications of nuclear physics.

PubMed

Hayes, A C

2017-02-01

Today the applications of nuclear physics span a very broad range of topics and fields. This review discusses a number of aspects of these applications, including selected topics and concepts in nuclear reactor physics, nuclear fusion, nuclear non-proliferation, nuclear-geophysics, and nuclear medicine. The review begins with a historic summary of the early years in applied nuclear physics, with an emphasis on the huge developments that took place around the time of World War II, and that underlie the physics involved in designs of nuclear explosions, controlled nuclear energy, and nuclear fusion. The review then moves to focus on modern applications of these concepts, including the basic concepts and diagnostics developed for the forensics of nuclear explosions, the nuclear diagnostics at the National Ignition Facility, nuclear reactor safeguards, and the detection of nuclear material production and trafficking. The review also summarizes recent developments in nuclear geophysics and nuclear medicine. The nuclear geophysics areas discussed include geo-chronology, nuclear logging for industry, the Oklo reactor, and geo-neutrinos. The section on nuclear medicine summarizes the critical advances in nuclear imaging, including PET and SPECT imaging, targeted radionuclide therapy, and the nuclear physics of medical isotope production. Each subfield discussed requires a review article unto itself, which is not the intention of the current review; rather, the current review is intended for readers who wish to get a broad understanding of applied nuclear physics.

Applications of nuclear physics

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hayes-Sterbenz, Anna Catherine

Today the applications of nuclear physics span a very broad range of topics and fields. This review discusses a number of aspects of these applications, including selected topics and concepts in nuclear reactor physics, nuclear fusion, nuclear non-proliferation, nuclear-geophysics, and nuclear medicine. The review begins with a historic summary of the early years in applied nuclear physics, with an emphasis on the huge developments that took place around the time of World War II, and that underlie the physics involved in designs of nuclear explosions, controlled nuclear energy, and nuclear fusion. The review then moves to focus on modern applicationsmore » of these concepts, including the basic concepts and diagnostics developed for the forensics of nuclear explosions, the nuclear diagnostics at the National Ignition Facility, nuclear reactor safeguards, and the detection of nuclear material production and trafficking. The review also summarizes recent developments in nuclear geophysics and nuclear medicine. The nuclear geophysics areas discussed include geo-chronology, nuclear logging for industry, the Oklo reactor, and geo-neutrinos. The section on nuclear medicine summarizes the critical advances in nuclear imaging, including PET and SPECT imaging, targeted radionuclide therapy, and the nuclear physics of medical isotope production. Lastly, each subfield discussed requires a review article unto itself, which is not the intention of the current review; rather, the current review is intended for readers who wish to get a broad understanding of applied nuclear physics.« less

Managing traumatic brain injury secondary to explosions.

PubMed

Burgess, Paula; E Sullivent, Ernest; M Sasser, Scott; M Wald, Marlena; Ossmann, Eric; Kapil, Vikas

2010-04-01

Explosions and bombings are the most common deliberate cause of disasters with large numbers of casualties. Despite this fact, disaster medical response training has traditionally focused on the management of injuries following natural disasters and terrorist attacks with biological, chemical, and nuclear agents. The following article is a clinical primer for physicians regarding traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by explosions and bombings. The history, physics, and treatment of TBI are outlined.

Numerical Experiments Investigating the Source of Explosion S-Waves

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-09-01

simulations in this study are based on the well-recorded 1993 Nonproliferation experiment (NPE) ( chemical kiloton). A regional 3-dimensional model...1-kiloton chemical explosion at the NTS. NPE details and research reports can be found in Denny and Stull (1994). Figure 3 shows the extensive...T., D. Helmberger, and G. Engen (1985). Evidence for tectonic release from underground nuclear explosions in long period S waves, Bull. Seismol. Soc

High Power Microwaves for Defense and Accelerator Applications

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-06-11

pulsed power machines are typically made for laboratory simulation of charged particle and radiation spectra of nuclear explosions . Early on, it was...cathode and then explosive 10 ionization. After the first few nanoseconds, the electron emission is from a plasma produced at the cathode. Typically the...Virtually nothing is needed except an electron beam source. This power and simplicity makes vircators particularly interesting for single shot or explosively

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Carmichael, Joshua D.; Hartse, Hans

Colocated explosive sources often produce correlated seismic waveforms. Multichannel correlation detectors identify these signals by scanning template waveforms recorded from known reference events against "target" data to find similar waveforms. This screening problem is challenged at thresholds required to monitor smaller explosions, often because non-target signals falsely trigger such detectors. Therefore, it is generally unclear what thresholds will reliably identify a target explosion while screening non-target background seismicity. Here, we estimate threshold magnitudes for hypothetical explosions located at the North Korean nuclear test site over six months of 2010, by processing International Monitoring System (IMS) array data with a multichannelmore » waveform correlation detector. Our method (1) accounts for low amplitude background seismicity that falsely triggers correlation detectors but is unidentifiable with conventional power beams, (2) adapts to diurnally variable noise levels and (3) uses source-receiver reciprocity concepts to estimate thresholds for explosions spatially separated from the template source. Furthermore, we find that underground explosions with body wave magnitudes m b = 1.66 are detectable at the IMS array USRK with probability 0.99, when using template waveforms consisting only of P -waves, without false alarms. We conservatively find that these thresholds also increase by up to a magnitude unit for sources located 4 km or more from the Feb.12, 2013 announced nuclear test.« less

Sources of Error and the Statistical Formulation of M S: m b Seismic Event Screening Analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anderson, D. N.; Patton, H. J.; Taylor, S. R.; Bonner, J. L.; Selby, N. D.

2014-03-01

The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), a global ban on nuclear explosions, is currently in a ratification phase. Under the CTBT, an International Monitoring System (IMS) of seismic, hydroacoustic, infrasonic and radionuclide sensors is operational, and the data from the IMS is analysed by the International Data Centre (IDC). The IDC provides CTBT signatories basic seismic event parameters and a screening analysis indicating whether an event exhibits explosion characteristics (for example, shallow depth). An important component of the screening analysis is a statistical test of the null hypothesis H 0: explosion characteristics using empirical measurements of seismic energy (magnitudes). The established magnitude used for event size is the body-wave magnitude (denoted m b) computed from the initial segment of a seismic waveform. IDC screening analysis is applied to events with m b greater than 3.5. The Rayleigh wave magnitude (denoted M S) is a measure of later arriving surface wave energy. Magnitudes are measurements of seismic energy that include adjustments (physical correction model) for path and distance effects between event and station. Relative to m b, earthquakes generally have a larger M S magnitude than explosions. This article proposes a hypothesis test (screening analysis) using M S and m b that expressly accounts for physical correction model inadequacy in the standard error of the test statistic. With this hypothesis test formulation, the 2009 Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea announced nuclear weapon test fails to reject the null hypothesis H 0: explosion characteristics.

Application of high explosion cratering data to planetary problems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Oberbeck, V. R.

1977-01-01

The present paper deals with the conditions of explosion or nuclear cratering required to simulate impact crater formation. Some planetary problems associated with three different aspects of crater formation are discussed, and solutions based on high-explosion data are proposed. Structures of impact craters and some selected explosion craters formed in layered media are examined and are related to the structure of lunar basins. The mode of ejection of material from impact craters is identified using explosion analogs. The ejection mode is shown to have important implications for the origin of material in crater and basin deposits. Equally important are the populations of secondary craters on lunar and planetary surfaces.

Residual radioactivity in the soil of the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site in the former USSR.

PubMed

Yamamoto, M; Tsukatani, T; Katayama, Y

1996-08-01

This paper deals with our efforts to survey residual radioactivity in the soil sampled at the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site and at off-site areas in Kazakhstan. The soil was sampled at the hypocenter where the first Soviet nuclear explosion was carried out on 29 August 1949, and at the bank of the crater called "Bolapan," which was formed by an underground nuclear detonation on 15 January 1965 along the Shagan River. As a comparison, other soil was also sampled in the cities of Kurchatov and Almaty. These data have allowed a preliminary evaluation of the contemporary radioactive contamination of the land in and around the test site. At the first nuclear explosion site and at Bolapan, higher than background levels of 239,240Pu with weapons-grade plutonium were detected together with fission and activation products such as 137Cs, 60Co, 152Eu, and 154Eu.

The rise, collapse, and compaction of Mt. Mantap from the 3 September 2017 North Korean nuclear test.

PubMed

Wang, Teng; Shi, Qibin; Nikkhoo, Mehdi; Wei, Shengji; Barbot, Sylvain; Dreger, Douglas; Bürgmann, Roland; Motagh, Mahdi; Chen, Qi-Fu

2018-05-10

Surveillance of clandestine nuclear tests relies on a global seismic network, but the potential of spaceborne monitoring has been underexploited. Here, we determined the complete surface displacement field of up to 3.5 m of divergent horizontal motion with 0.5 m of subsidence associated with North Korea's largest underground nuclear test using satellite radar imagery. Combining insight from geodetic and seismological remote sensing, we found that the aftermath of the initial explosive deformation involved subsidence associated with sub-surface collapse and aseismic compaction of the damaged rocks of the test site. The explosive yield from the nuclear detonation with seismic modeling for 450m depth was between 120-304 kt of TNT equivalent. Our results demonstrate the capability of spaceborne remote sensing to help characterize large underground nuclear tests. Copyright © 2018, American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Accuracy of dynamical-decoupling-based spectroscopy of Gaussian noise

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Szańkowski, Piotr; Cywiński, Łukasz

2018-03-01

The fundamental assumption of dynamical-decoupling-based noise spectroscopy is that the coherence decay rate of qubit (or qubits) driven with a sequence of many pulses, is well approximated by the environmental noise spectrum spanned on frequency comb defined by the sequence. Here we investigate the precise conditions under which this commonly used spectroscopic approach is quantitatively correct. To this end we focus on two representative examples of spectral densities: the long-tailed Lorentzian, and finite-ranged Gaussian—both expected to be encountered when using the qubit for nanoscale nuclear resonance imaging. We have found that, in contrast to Lorentz spectrum, for which the corrections to the standard spectroscopic formulas can easily be made negligible, the spectra with finite range are more challenging to reconstruct accurately. For Gaussian line shape of environmental spectral density, direct application of the standard dynamical-decoupling-based spectroscopy leads to erroneous attribution of long-tail behavior to the reconstructed spectrum. Fortunately, artifacts such as this, can be completely avoided with the simple extension to standard reconstruction method.

Seismicity associated with quiescent-explosive transitions at dome forming eruptions: The July 2008 Vulcanian Explosion of Soufrière Hills Volcano, Montserrat

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodgers, Mel; Smith, Patrick; Mather, Tamsin A.; Pyle, David M.

2017-04-01

During long-lived dome-forming eruptions volcanoes often transition between quiescent, effusive, and explosive behaviour. Soufrière Hills Volcano (SHV), Montserrat, has been erupting since 1995 and has repeatedly transitioned between these different phases of activity. At SHV many of the largest explosions have occurred either during periods of dome growth, or as major dome collapse events at the end of extrusion phases. However, on the 29th July 2008 a vulcanian explosion marked the transition from a quiescent phase (Pause 3) to explosion and then extrusion. This was one of the largest explosions by volume and the largest to occur outside a period of lava extrusion. The eruption was preceded by one of the most intense seismic swarms ever recorded at SHV. In this study we analysed precursory seismic data to investigate the subsurface volcanic processes that culminated in this eruption. We used spectral and multiplet analysis techniques, and applied a simple parameterization approach to relate monitoring observations (seismic, SO2, visual) to subsurface interpretations. These techniques would be available to most volcano observatories. Our study suggests that an initial VT swarm, coincident with ash-venting events, can be triggered by ascent of decoupled gas ahead of rising magma. A subsequent large LF swarm shows a coincident decrease in spectral content that we interpret as magma ascent through the upper conduit system. An ash-venting event on 27 July (a few hours before peak event rate) may have triggered rapid microlite growth. We observe an increase in the spectral content of the LF swarm that is concurrent with a decrease in event rates, suggesting pressurization of the magmatic system due to inhibited magmatic outgassing. Our results suggest that pressurization of the magmatic system may have occurred in the final 24 h before the vulcanian explosion. We also observe LP and Hybrid events within the same multiplet, suggesting that these events have very similar source processes and should be considered part of the same classification at SHV. Our study demonstrates the potential for using spectral and multiplet analysis to understand subsurface magmatic processes and for investigating the transition between quiescence and eruption.

41Ca, 14C and 10Be concentrations in coral sand from the Bikini atoll.

PubMed

Lachner, Johannes; Christl, Marcus; Alfimov, Vasily; Hajdas, Irka; Kubik, Peter W; Schulze-König, Tim; Wacker, Lukas; Synal, Hans-Arno

2014-03-01

Activation measurements of materials exposed to nuclear bomb explosions are widely used to reconstruct the neutron flux for retrospective dosimetry. In this study the applicability of coral CaCO3 as a biogenic neutron fluence dosimeter is tested. The long-lived radioisotopes (41)Ca, (14)C and (10)Be, which had been produced in nuclear bomb explosions, are measured in several coral sand samples from the Bikini atoll at the 600 kV and 200 kV AMS facilities of ETH Zurich. Elevated concentrations of all studied isotopes are found in a sample from the crater that was initially formed by the high-yield nuclear explosion Castle Bravo in 1954 and that had been used as site for several tests afterward. The observed (14)C concentration is considered too large to originate from neutron irradiation of CaCO3 alone. The relatively low concentration of (10)Be found in the crater sample indicates that production of (10)Be during nuclear bomb testing is generally minor. A simple neutron fluence reconstruction is performed on basis of the (41)Ca/(40)Ca ratio. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Delayed signatures of underground nuclear explosions

PubMed Central

Carrigan, Charles R.; Sun, Yunwei; Hunter, Steven L.; Ruddle, David G.; Wagoner, Jeffrey L.; Myers, Katherine B. L.; Emer, Dudley F.; Drellack, Sigmund L.; Chipman, Veraun D.

2016-01-01

Radionuclide signals from underground nuclear explosions (UNEs) are strongly influenced by the surrounding hydrogeologic regime. One effect of containment is delay of detonation-produced radioxenon reaching the surface as well as lengthening of its period of detectability compared to uncontained explosions. Using a field-scale tracer experiment, we evaluate important transport properties of a former UNE site. We observe the character of signals at the surface due to the migration of gases from the post-detonation chimney under realistic transport conditions. Background radon signals are found to be highly responsive to cavity pressurization suggesting that large local radon anomalies may be an indicator of a clandestine UNE. Computer simulations, using transport properties obtained from the experiment, track radioxenon isotopes in the chimney and their migration to the surface. They show that the chimney surrounded by a fractured containment regime behaves as a leaky chemical reactor regarding its effect on isotopic evolution introducing a dependence on nuclear yield not previously considered. This evolutionary model for radioxenon isotopes is validated by atmospheric observations of radioxenon from a 2013 UNE in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). Our model produces results similar to isotopic observations with nuclear yields being comparable to seismic estimates. PMID:26979288

Delayed signatures of underground nuclear explosions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carrigan, Charles R.; Sun, Yunwei; Hunter, Steven L.; Ruddle, David G.; Wagoner, Jeffrey L.; Myers, Katherine B. L.; Emer, Dudley F.; Drellack, Sigmund L.; Chipman, Veraun D.

2016-03-01

Radionuclide signals from underground nuclear explosions (UNEs) are strongly influenced by the surrounding hydrogeologic regime. One effect of containment is delay of detonation-produced radioxenon reaching the surface as well as lengthening of its period of detectability compared to uncontained explosions. Using a field-scale tracer experiment, we evaluate important transport properties of a former UNE site. We observe the character of signals at the surface due to the migration of gases from the post-detonation chimney under realistic transport conditions. Background radon signals are found to be highly responsive to cavity pressurization suggesting that large local radon anomalies may be an indicator of a clandestine UNE. Computer simulations, using transport properties obtained from the experiment, track radioxenon isotopes in the chimney and their migration to the surface. They show that the chimney surrounded by a fractured containment regime behaves as a leaky chemical reactor regarding its effect on isotopic evolution introducing a dependence on nuclear yield not previously considered. This evolutionary model for radioxenon isotopes is validated by atmospheric observations of radioxenon from a 2013 UNE in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). Our model produces results similar to isotopic observations with nuclear yields being comparable to seismic estimates.

Delayed signatures of underground nuclear explosions.

PubMed

Carrigan, Charles R; Sun, Yunwei; Hunter, Steven L; Ruddle, David G; Wagoner, Jeffrey L; Myers, Katherine B L; Emer, Dudley F; Drellack, Sigmund L; Chipman, Veraun D

2016-03-16

Radionuclide signals from underground nuclear explosions (UNEs) are strongly influenced by the surrounding hydrogeologic regime. One effect of containment is delay of detonation-produced radioxenon reaching the surface as well as lengthening of its period of detectability compared to uncontained explosions. Using a field-scale tracer experiment, we evaluate important transport properties of a former UNE site. We observe the character of signals at the surface due to the migration of gases from the post-detonation chimney under realistic transport conditions. Background radon signals are found to be highly responsive to cavity pressurization suggesting that large local radon anomalies may be an indicator of a clandestine UNE. Computer simulations, using transport properties obtained from the experiment, track radioxenon isotopes in the chimney and their migration to the surface. They show that the chimney surrounded by a fractured containment regime behaves as a leaky chemical reactor regarding its effect on isotopic evolution introducing a dependence on nuclear yield not previously considered. This evolutionary model for radioxenon isotopes is validated by atmospheric observations of radioxenon from a 2013 UNE in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). Our model produces results similar to isotopic observations with nuclear yields being comparable to seismic estimates.

Investigating Gravity Anomalies Associated with Underground Nuclear Explosions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rowe, C. A.; Miller, E.; Musa, D.; Schultz-Fellenz, E. S.; Sussman, A. J.; Swanson, E.

2016-12-01

Detection of subsurface effects from underground nuclear explosions (UNEs) is an important aspect of the overall characterization of a site and UNE signatures, which is central to the mission of the National Nuclear Security Admistration's Office of Proliferation Detection, Defense Nuclear Non-Prolifeation Research and Development, Underground Nuclear Explosion Signatures Experiment (UNESE). We are conducting an experiment at the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS) that includes the acquisition of ground-based gravity data to contribute to a multi-disciplinary characterization of two UNEs located on Pahute Mesa. For one of the UNEs, the working point for the detonation was in zeolitic ash-flow tuff 600 m below the surface. For the other UNE, the detonation working point was also at a depth 600m below the surface and was located in flow breccias and lavas. No evidence of chimney collapse has been manifested for either of these UNEs, hence a cavity may still in place and may produce a detectable gravity anomaly. Each of the gravity surveys consist of 150 sites which were precisely located using a Trimble 5700 GPS receiver for lateral precision of 2 cm and vertical control of 3 cm. The readings were arranged in radial lines from Surface Ground Zero (SGZ), with spacing 10-20 m near the center, and increasing intervals for the distal portions of the lines, which extended to as much as 200 m from SGZ. Gravity were collected using a LaCoste-Romberg model G gravity meter at one location and a Scintrex G-5 at the other. We present a preliminary look at the gravity data in conjunction with forward modeling of the anticipated anomaly given a suite of possible post-explosion cavity and chimney features.

ATOMIC PHYSICS, AN AUTOINSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM, VOLUME 4, SUPPLEMENT.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

DETERLINE, WILLIAM A.; KLAUS, DAVID J.

THE AUTOINSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS IN THIS TEXT WERE PREPARED FOR USE IN AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY, OFFERING SELF-TUTORING MATERIAL FOR LEARNING ATOMIC PHYSICS. THE TOPICS COVERED ARE (1) RADIATION USES AND NUCLEAR FISSION, (2) NUCLEAR REACTORS, (3) ENERGY FROM NUCLEAR REACTORS, (4) NUCLEAR EXPLOSIONS AND FUSION, (5) A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW, AND (6) A…

Electron and nuclear dynamics of molecular clusters in ultraintense laser fields. IV. Coulomb explosion of molecular heteroclusters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Last, Isidore; Jortner, Joshua

2004-11-01

In this paper we present a theoretical and computational study of the temporal dynamics and energetics of Coulomb explosion of (CD4)n and (CH4)n (n=55-4213) molecular heteroclusters in ultraintense (I=1016-1019W cm-2) laser fields, addressing the manifestation of electron dynamics, together with nuclear energetic and kinematic effects on the heterocluster Coulomb instability. The manifestations of the coupling between electron and nuclear dynamics were explored by molecular dynamics simulations for these heteroclusters coupled to Gaussian laser fields (pulse width τ=25 fs), elucidating outer ionization dynamics, nanoplasma screening effects (being significant for I⩽1017 W cm-2), and the attainment of cluster vertical ionization (CVI) (at I=1017 W cm-2 for cluster radius R0⩽31 Å). Nuclear kinematic effects on heterocluster Coulomb explosion are governed by the kinematic parameter η=qCmA/qAmC for (CA4)n clusters (A=H,D), where qj and mj (j=A,C) are the ionic charges and masses. Nonuniform heterocluster Coulomb explosion (η>1) manifests an overrun effect of the light ions relative to the heavy ions, exhibiting the expansion of two spatially separated subclusters, with the light ions forming the outer subcluster at the outer edge of the spatial distribution. Important features of the energetics of heterocluster Coulomb explosion originate from energetic triggering effects of the driving of the light ions by the heavy ions (C4+ for I=1017-1018W cm-2 and C6+ for I=1019 W cm-2), as well as for kinematic effects. Based on the CVI assumption, scaling laws for the cluster size (radius R0) dependence of the energetics of uniform Coulomb explosion of heteroclusters (η=1) were derived, with the size dependence of the average (Ej,av) and maximal (Ej,M) ion energies being Ej,av=aR02 and Ej,M=(5a/3)R02, as well as for the ion energy distributions P(Ej)∝Ej1/2; Ej⩽Ej,M. These results for uniform Coulomb explosion serve as benchmark reference data for the assessment of the effects of nonuniform explosion, where the CVI scaling law for the energetics still holds, with deviations of the a coefficient, which increase with increasing η. Kinematic effects (for η>1) result in an isotope effect, predicting the enhancement (by 9%-11%) of EH,av for Coulomb explosion of (C4+H4+)η (η=3) relative to ED,av for Coulomb explosion of (C4+D4+)η (η=1.5), with the isotope effect being determined by the ratio of the kinematic parameters for the pair of Coulomb exploding clusters. Kinematic effects for nonuniform explosion also result in a narrow isotope dependent energy distribution (of width ΔE) of the light ions (with ΔE/EH,av≃0.3 and ΔE/ED,av≃0.4), with the distribution peaking at the high energy edge, in marked contrast with the uniform explosion case. Features of laser-heterocluster interactions were inferred from the analyses of the intensity dependent boundary radii (R0)I and the corresponding average D+ ion energies (ED,av)I, which provide a measure for optimization of the cluster size at intensity I for the neutron yield from dd nuclear fusion driven by Coulomb explosion (NFDCE) of these heteroclusters. We infer on the advantage of deuterium containing heteronuclear clusters, e.g., (CD4)n in comparison to homonuclear clusters, e.g., (D2)n/2, for dd NFDCE, where the highly charged heavy ions (e.g., C4+ or C6+) serve as energetic and kinematic triggers driving the D+ ions to a high (10-200 keV) energy domain.

Spattering activity at Halemáumáu in 2015 and the transition between Hawaiian and Strombolian eruptions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mintz, B. G.; Houghton, B. F.; Orr, T. R.; Taddeucci, J.; Gaudin, D.; Kueppers, U.; Carey, R.; Scarlato, P.; Del Bello, E.

2016-12-01

Explosive activity in 2015 at the free surface of the Halemáumáu lava lake at Kīlauea showed features of both Hawaiian fountaining and Strombolian explosivity. Like low Hawaiian fountains, spattering events often persisted for tens of minutes or hours. However, like Strombolian explosions, the activity consisted of a series of bursting of discrete, meter-sized gas bubbles. Each bubble burst threw fluidal bombs, with meter to decimeter diameters, to elevations of meters to a few tens of meters above the collapsing bubble remnant. Initial velocities of the pyroclasts were lower than either Strombolian explosions or high Hawaiian fountains, typically only 7 to 14 meters/second on average.Although some events were triggered by short-lived rock falls that penetrated the crust of the lava lake, the resulting outgassing activity would become self-sustaining and persistent. Activity was at times, confined to a single point source, to several point sources, or along arcs extending tens of meters parallel to the lake margin.This activity represents another type of behavior exhibited by basaltic volcanoes and provides greater insight into the spectrum between Hawaiian fountaining and Strombolian explosivity. Consequently, this activity is highly instructive in terms of: (a) the diversity of degassing/outgassing possible at basaltic volcanoes and (b) the controls on mechanically coupled versus decoupled behavior of the exsolved bubbles. The 2015 Halemáumáu activity was often continuous over similar timescales to Hawaiian fountaining but was markedly less steady than high fountains. A significant portion of the gas phase was released as discrete bubble bursts, but with frequencies two or three orders of magnitude higher than at Stromboli, which permitted sustained but not steady events.

Proceedings of the Numerical Modeling for Underground Nuclear Test Monitoring Symposium

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Taylor, S.R.; Kamm, J.R.

1993-11-01

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the state-of-the-art in numerical simulations of nuclear explosion phenomenology with applications to test ban monitoring. We focused on the uniqueness of model fits to data, the measurement and characterization of material response models, advanced modeling techniques, and applications of modeling to monitoring problems. The second goal of the symposium was to establish a dialogue between seismologists and explosion-source code calculators. The meeting was divided into five main sessions: explosion source phenomenology, material response modeling, numerical simulations, the seismic source, and phenomenology from near source to far field. We feel the symposium reachedmore » many of its goals. Individual papers submitted at the conference are indexed separately on the data base.« less

A Physical Basis for M s-Yield Scaling in Hard Rock and Implications for Late-Time Damage of the Source Medium

DOE PAGES

Patton, Howard John

2016-04-11

Surface wave magnitude M s for a compilation of 72 nuclear tests detonated in hard rock media for which yields and burial depths have been reported in the literature is shown to scale with yield W as a + b × log[W], where a = 2.50 ± 0.08 and b = 0.80 ± 0.05. While the exponent b is consistent with an M s scaling model for fully coupled, normal containment-depth explosions, the intercept a is offset 0.45 magnitude units lower than the model. The cause of offset is important to understand in terms of the explosion source. Hard rockmore » explosions conducted in extensional and compressional stress regimes show similar offsets, an indication that the tectonic setting in which an explosion occurs plays no role causing the offset. The scaling model accounts for the effects of source medium material properties on the generation of 20-s period Rayleigh wave amplitudes. Aided by thorough characterizations of the explosion and tectonic release sources, an extensive analysis of the 1963 October 26 Shoal nuclear test detonated in granite 27 miles southeast of Fallon NV shows that the offset is consistent with the predictions of a material damage source model related to non-linear stress wave interactions with the free surface. This source emits Rayleigh waves with polarity opposite to waves emitted by the explosion. The Shoal results were extended to analyse surface waves from the 1962 February 15 Hardhat nuclear test, the 1988 September 14 Soviet Joint Verification Experiment, and the anomalous 1979 August 18 northeast Balapan explosion which exhibits opposite polarity, azimuth-independent source component U1 compared to an explosion. Modelling these tests shows that Rayleigh wave amplitudes generated by the damage source are nearly as large as or larger than amplitudes from the explosion. As such, destructive interference can be drastic, introducing metastable conditions due to the sensitivity of reduced amplitudes to Rayleigh wave initial phase angles of the explosion and damage sources. This meta-stability is a likely source of scatter in M s-yield scaling observations. The agreement of observed scaling exponent b with the model suggests that the damage source strength does not vary much with yield, in contrast to explosions conducted in weak media where Ms scaling rates are greater than the model predicts, and the yield dependence of the damage source strength is significant. This difference in scaling behaviour is a consequence of source medium material properties.« less

A Physical Basis for M s-Yield Scaling in Hard Rock and Implications for Late-Time Damage of the Source Medium

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Patton, Howard John

Surface wave magnitude M s for a compilation of 72 nuclear tests detonated in hard rock media for which yields and burial depths have been reported in the literature is shown to scale with yield W as a + b × log[W], where a = 2.50 ± 0.08 and b = 0.80 ± 0.05. While the exponent b is consistent with an M s scaling model for fully coupled, normal containment-depth explosions, the intercept a is offset 0.45 magnitude units lower than the model. The cause of offset is important to understand in terms of the explosion source. Hard rockmore » explosions conducted in extensional and compressional stress regimes show similar offsets, an indication that the tectonic setting in which an explosion occurs plays no role causing the offset. The scaling model accounts for the effects of source medium material properties on the generation of 20-s period Rayleigh wave amplitudes. Aided by thorough characterizations of the explosion and tectonic release sources, an extensive analysis of the 1963 October 26 Shoal nuclear test detonated in granite 27 miles southeast of Fallon NV shows that the offset is consistent with the predictions of a material damage source model related to non-linear stress wave interactions with the free surface. This source emits Rayleigh waves with polarity opposite to waves emitted by the explosion. The Shoal results were extended to analyse surface waves from the 1962 February 15 Hardhat nuclear test, the 1988 September 14 Soviet Joint Verification Experiment, and the anomalous 1979 August 18 northeast Balapan explosion which exhibits opposite polarity, azimuth-independent source component U1 compared to an explosion. Modelling these tests shows that Rayleigh wave amplitudes generated by the damage source are nearly as large as or larger than amplitudes from the explosion. As such, destructive interference can be drastic, introducing metastable conditions due to the sensitivity of reduced amplitudes to Rayleigh wave initial phase angles of the explosion and damage sources. This meta-stability is a likely source of scatter in M s-yield scaling observations. The agreement of observed scaling exponent b with the model suggests that the damage source strength does not vary much with yield, in contrast to explosions conducted in weak media where Ms scaling rates are greater than the model predicts, and the yield dependence of the damage source strength is significant. This difference in scaling behaviour is a consequence of source medium material properties.« less

Managing traumatic brain injury secondary to explosions

PubMed Central

Burgess, Paula; E Sullivent, Ernest; M Sasser, Scott; M Wald, Marlena; Ossmann, Eric; Kapil, Vikas

2010-01-01

Explosions and bombings are the most common deliberate cause of disasters with large numbers of casualties. Despite this fact, disaster medical response training has traditionally focused on the management of injuries following natural disasters and terrorist attacks with biological, chemical, and nuclear agents. The following article is a clinical primer for physicians regarding traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by explosions and bombings. The history, physics, and treatment of TBI are outlined. PMID:20606794

Synthesis and characterization of surrogate nuclear explosion debris: urban glass matrix

DOE PAGES

Campbell, Keri; Judge, Elizabeth J.; Dirmyer, Matthew R.; ...

2017-07-26

Surrogate nuclear explosive debris was synthesized and characterized for major, minor, and trace elemental composition as well as uranium isotopics. The samples consisted of an urban glass matrix, equal masses soda lime and cement, doped with 500 ppm uranium with varying enrichments. The surface and cross section morphology were measured with SEM, and the major elemental composition was determined by XPS. LA-ICP-MS was used to measure the uranium isotopic abundance comparing different sampling techniques. Furthermore, the results provide an example of the utility of LA-ICP-MS for forensics applications.

Field trip to Nevada test site

USGS Publications Warehouse

,

1976-01-01

Two road logs guide the reader through the geologic scene from Las Vegas to Mercury and from Mercury through eight stops on the Nevada Test Site. Maps and cross sections depict the geology and hydrology of the area. Included among the tables is one showing the stratigraphic units in the southwestern Nevada volcanic field and another that lists the geologic maps covering the Nevada Test Site and vicinity. The relation of the geologic environment to nuclear-explosion effects is alluded to in brief discussions of collapse, surface subsidence, and cratering resulting from underground nuclear explosions.

A Study on distinguishing seismic waves caused by natural earthquakes and underground nuclear explosion within North Korean Context

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Premlet, B.; Sabu, S.; Kamarudheen, R.; Subair, S.

2017-12-01

Since the first nuclear test on 15 July 1945 , there have been over 2,051 other weapon tests around the world . The waveforms of a natural earthquake which generates strong S waves and an underground explosion which is dominated by P waves were distinguished from the analysis of data corresponding to a 2005 M5.0 Earthquake and a 2016 North Korean nuclear test , both at similar distances from seismometer . Further differences between the seismograms were evaluated and successfully distinguished between the origins of the elastic waves through the data using Moment Tensor Solution using stations BJT , HIA and INCN . North Korea has developed a nuclear fuel cycle capability and has both plutonium and enriched uranium programs at Pyongyang . Seismic recordings of vertical ground motion at Global Seismographic Network station IC.MDJ of the 4 seismic events at Punggye-ri , North Korea , which occurred on the 9th of October 2006 , 25th of May 2009, 12th of February 2013 and on the 6th of January and 9th of September , 2016 were examined and the P waves of these seismic waves , which show very similar wave form , were inspected and compared to the seismic data of the latest underground nuclear test on the 3rd of September 2017 at 03:30 UTC at the same site which is many times more powerful than the previous tests . The country , which is the only nation to have tested nuclear weapons in this millennium , has successfully prevented the release of radioactive isotopes and hampered data collection but further studies were done using acoustic data which was analysed from sonograms of the 4 North Korean tests at station MDJ. The latest explosion data from 3rd September was also compared to 42 presumed underground explosions which occurred in China , India , the U.S.S.R , Iran , Turkey and recorded at Arkansas Seismic Network.

Radionuclide observables during the Integrated Field Exercise of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty.

PubMed

Burnett, Jonathan L; Miley, Harry S; Milbrath, Brian D

2016-03-01

In 2014 the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) undertook an Integrated Field Exercise (IFE14) in Jordan. The exercise consisted of a simulated 0.5-2 kT underground nuclear explosion triggering an On-site Inspection (OSI) to search for evidence of a Treaty violation. This research paper evaluates two of the OSI techniques used during the IFE14, laboratory-based gamma-spectrometry of soil samples and in-situ gamma-spectrometry, both of which were implemented to search for 17 OSI relevant particulate radionuclides indicative of nuclear explosions. The detection sensitivity is evaluated using real IFE and model data. It indicates that higher sensitivity laboratory measurements are the optimum technique during the IFE and within the Treaty/Protocol-specified OSI timeframes. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Non-focusing active warhead

DOEpatents

Hornig, H.C.

1998-12-22

A non-nuclear, non-focusing, active warhead that comprises a high explosive charge contained within a casing of reactive metal is disclosed. When the high explosive is detonated, the reactive metal is dispersed and reacts with the air, which significantly increases the explosive yield of the warhead. The active warhead produces therefore much higher blast effects with significantly reduced weight compared to conventional munitions. The warhead is highly effective against such targets as aircraft which typically have thin fuselages, for example. The explosiveness of this warhead can be enhanced further by elevating the temperature and therefore the reactivity of the reactive metal before or during the explosion. New methods of enhancing the reactivity of the metal are also taught. 4 figs.

Non-focusing active warhead

DOEpatents

Hornig, Howard C.

1998-01-01

A non-nuclear, non-focusing, active warhead that comprises a high explosive charge contained within a casing of reactive metal. When the high explosive is detonated, the reactive metal is dispersed and reacts with the air, which significantly increases the explosive yield of the warhead. The active warhead produces therefore much higher blast effects with significantly reduced weight compared to conventional munitions. The warhead is highly effective against such targets as aircraft which typically have thin fuselages, for example. The explosiveness of this warhead can be enhanced further by elevating the temperature and therefore the reactivity of the reactive metal before or during the explosion. New methods of enhancing the reactivity of the metal are also taught.

Worldwide measurements of radioxenon background near isotope production facilities, a nuclear power plant and at remote sites: the ‘‘EU/JA-II’’ Project

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Saey, P. R.J.; Ringbom, Anders; Bowyer, Ted W.

The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) specifies that radioxenon measurements should be performed at 40 or more stations worldwide within the International Monitoring System (IMS). Measuring radioxenon is one of the principle techniques to detect underground nuclear explosions. Specifically, presence and ratios of different radioxenon isotopes allows determining whether a detection event under consideration originated from a nuclear explosion or a civilian source. However, radioxenon monitoring on a global scale is a novel technology and the global civil background must be characterized sufficiently. This paper lays out a study, based on several unique measurement campaigns, of the worldwide concentrations and sourcesmore » of verification relevant xenon isotopes. It complements the experience already gathered with radioxenon measurements within the CTBT IMS programme and focuses on locations in Belgium, Germany, Kuwait, Thailand and South Africa where very little information was available on ambient xenon levels or interesting sites offered opportunities to learn more about emissions from known sources. The findings corroborate the hypothesis that a few major radioxenon sources contribute in great part to the global radioxenon background. Additionally, the existence of independent sources of 131mXe (the daughter of 131I) has been demonstrated, which has some potential to bias the isotopic signature of signals from nuclear explosions.« less

Mechanical stability of the cell nucleus: roles played by the cytoskeleton in nuclear deformation and strain recovery.

PubMed

Wang, Xian; Liu, Haijiao; Zhu, Min; Cao, Changhong; Xu, Zhensong; Tsatskis, Yonit; Lau, Kimberly; Kuok, Chikin; Filleter, Tobin; McNeill, Helen; Simmons, Craig A; Hopyan, Sevan; Sun, Yu

2018-05-18

Extracellular forces transmitted through the cytoskeleton can deform the cell nucleus. Large nuclear deformation increases the risk of disrupting the nuclear envelope's integrity and causing DNA damage. Mechanical stability of the nucleus defines its capability of maintaining nuclear shape by minimizing nuclear deformation and recovering strain when deformed. Understanding the deformation and recovery behavior of the nucleus requires characterization of nuclear viscoelastic properties. Here, we quantified the decoupled viscoelastic parameters of the cell membrane, cytoskeleton, and the nucleus. The results indicate that the cytoskeleton enhances nuclear mechanical stability by lowering the effective deformability of the nucleus while maintaining nuclear sensitivity to mechanical stimuli. Additionally, the cytoskeleton decreases the strain energy release rate of the nucleus and might thus prevent shape change-induced structural damage to chromatin. © 2018. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

Role of nuclear reactions on stellar evolution of intermediate-mass stars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Möller, H.; Jones, S.; Fischer, T.; Martínez-Pinedo, G.

2018-01-01

The evolution of intermediate-mass stars (8 - 12 solar masses) represents one of the most challenging subjects in nuclear astrophysics. Their final fate is highly uncertain and strongly model dependent. They can become white dwarfs, they can undergo electron-capture or core-collapse supernovae or they might even proceed towards explosive oxygen burning and a subsequent thermonuclear explosion. We believe that an accurate description of nuclear reactions is crucial for the determination of the pre-supernova structure of these stars. We argue that due to the possible development of an oxygen-deflagration, a hydrodynamic description has to be used. We implement a nuclear reaction network with ∼200 nuclear species into the implicit hydrodynamic code AGILE. The reaction network considers all relevant nuclear electron captures and beta-decays. For selected relevant nuclear species, we include a set of updated reaction rates, for which we discuss the role for the evolution of the stellar core, at the example of selected stellar models. We find that the final fate of these intermediate-mass stars depends sensitively on the density threshold for weak processes that deleptonize the core.

Infrasound Observation of the Apparent North Korean Nuclear Test of 25 May 2009

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jeon, J.; Che, I.; Kim, T.; Lee, H.

2009-12-01

On 25 May 2009, a seismic event (mb 4.6) was recorded from a source in northeastern North Korea, close to the location of a previous seismic event on 9 October 2006. Both events have been declared to be nuclear tests. Five seismo-acoustic arrays in South Korea recorded epicentral infrasonic signals for the more recent test following the strong seismic waves from the explosion. This study describes the characteristics of the nuclear test-generated infrasound signals observed at infrasound arrays located from 304 to 528 km from the source. The signals were characterized by stratospheric returns with amplitudes from 0.16 to 0.35 microbar and dominant frequencies between 1.0 and 4.3 Hz. Celerities determined for the arrivals suggest that most of the infrasonic energy travelled as a stratospheric phase. The inferred infrasonic location was offset about 15.7 km from the reference seismic location. On the basis of observed amplitudes of the stratospheric phases and corrections based on prevailing winds, the epicentral infrasonic energy was estimated to be equivalent to that expected from about 2.2 ton surface detonation of conventional explosives. We conclude that this small energy estimate is related to the partitioning of the contained explosive energy resulting from the interaction of strong ground motion at the surface with the atmosphere rather than the direct transfer of explosion energy to the air. This relatively small energy ratio between the infrasonic energy and the seismic energy could be used to distinguish the event from a common surface explosion.

Summary of geologic effects of the Boxcar event, Nevada Test Site

USGS Publications Warehouse

Dickey, Dayton Delbert; McKeown, F.A.; Ellis, William L.

1969-01-01

A high-yield underground nuclear explosion at the U20i site, formed a sink 1,000 feet in diameter above the explosion point. Fractures opened as far as 20,000 feet from the explosion and rock-falls occurred as far as 15 miles. Most fractures were coincidental with north-trending naturally occurring faults. Maximum displacement along a fault was 3 feet vertically with the downthrown side the same as that on the original fault.

Investigation of an Unusually Shallow Earthquake Sequence in Mogul, NV from a Discrimination Perspective (Postprint): Annual Report 1

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-05-09

the ML>1.0 Mogul, Nevada earthquakes located by the Nevada Seismological Laboratory; mining explosions (ML>2.0) and crustal earthquakes (ML>2.5) in...1.0 Mogul, Nevada earthquakes located by the Nevada Seismological Laboratory; mining explosions (ML>2.0) and crustal earthquakes (ML>2.5) in the in...distinguish between very shallow crustal earthquakes and underground nuclear explosions are not well developed, significantly because such well-instrumented

Threshold magnitudes for a multichannel correlation detector in background seismicity

DOE PAGES

Carmichael, Joshua D.; Hartse, Hans

2016-04-01

Colocated explosive sources often produce correlated seismic waveforms. Multichannel correlation detectors identify these signals by scanning template waveforms recorded from known reference events against "target" data to find similar waveforms. This screening problem is challenged at thresholds required to monitor smaller explosions, often because non-target signals falsely trigger such detectors. Therefore, it is generally unclear what thresholds will reliably identify a target explosion while screening non-target background seismicity. Here, we estimate threshold magnitudes for hypothetical explosions located at the North Korean nuclear test site over six months of 2010, by processing International Monitoring System (IMS) array data with a multichannelmore » waveform correlation detector. Our method (1) accounts for low amplitude background seismicity that falsely triggers correlation detectors but is unidentifiable with conventional power beams, (2) adapts to diurnally variable noise levels and (3) uses source-receiver reciprocity concepts to estimate thresholds for explosions spatially separated from the template source. Furthermore, we find that underground explosions with body wave magnitudes m b = 1.66 are detectable at the IMS array USRK with probability 0.99, when using template waveforms consisting only of P -waves, without false alarms. We conservatively find that these thresholds also increase by up to a magnitude unit for sources located 4 km or more from the Feb.12, 2013 announced nuclear test.« less

Biological Implications of the Nuclear Age.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Atomic Energy Commission, Oak Ridge, TN. Div. of Technical Information.

Reported are the proceedings of an interdisciplinary symposium on the effects on the biosphere of the release of radiation from the use of nuclear energy. Papers given include discussions of the use of radioisotopes in medicine, the benefits and possible consequences of peaceful applications of nuclear explosives, methods of estimating maximum…

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ringbom, Anders; Elmgren, K.; Lindh, Karin

Abstract Following the claimed nuclear test in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) on October 9, 2006, and a reported seismic event, a mobile system for sampling of atmospheric xenon was transported to the Republic of South Korea (ROK) in an attempt to detect possible emissions of radioxenon in the region from a presumed test. Five samples were collected in the ROK during October 11–14, 2006 near the ROK–DPRK border, and thereafter transported to the Swedish Defense Research Agency (FOI) in Stockholm, Sweden, for analysis. Following the initial measurements, an automatic radioxenon sampling and analysis system was installed atmore » the same location in the ROK, and measurements on the ambient atmospheric radioxenon background in the region were performed during November 2006 to February 2007. The measured radioxenon concentrations strongly indicate that the explosion in October 9, 2006 was a nuclear test. The conclusion is further strengthened by atmospheric transport models. Radioactive xenon measurement was the only independent confirmation that the supposed test was in fact a nuclear explosion and not a conventional (chemical) explosive.« less

Parameterization of strombolian explosions: constraint from simultaneous physical and geophysical measurements (Invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

gurioli, L.; Harris, A. J.

2013-12-01

Strombolian activity is the most common type of explosive eruption (by frequency) experienced by Earth's volcanoes. It is commonly viewed as consisting of a succession of short discrete explosions where fragments of incandescent magma are ejected a few tens to hundreds meters into the air. This kind of activity is generally restricted to basaltic or basaltic-andesitic magmas because these systems have the sufficiently low viscosities so as to allow gas coalescence and decoupled slug ascent. Mercalli (1907) proposed one of the first formal classifications of explosive activity based on the character of the erupted products and descriptions of case-type eruptions. Later, Walker (1973) devised a classification based on grain size and dispersion, within which strombolian explosions formed the low-to-middle end of the classification. Other classifications have categorized strombolian activity on the basis of erupted magnitude and/or intensity, such as Newhall and Self's (1982) Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI). Classification can also be made on the basis of explosion mechanism, where strombolian eruptions have become associated with bursting of large gas bubbles, as opposed to release of locked in bubble populations in rapidly ascending magma that feed sustained fountains. Finally, strombolian eruptions can be defined on the basis of geophysical metrics for the explosion source and plume ascent dynamics. Recently, the volcanology community has begun to discuss the difficulty of actually placing strombolian explosions within the compartments defined by each scheme. New sampling strategies in active strombolian volcanic fields have allowed us to parameterize these mildly explosive events both physically and geophysically. Our data show that individual 'normal' and "major" explosions at Stromboli are extremely small, meaning that the classical deposit-based classification thresholds need to be reduced, or a new category defined, if the 'strombolian' eruption style at Stromboli, and other volcanoes like it, are to plot in the strombolian fields of deposit-based classifications. We also quenched a number of bombs soon explosion at Stromboli. This enabled us to quantify the degassing history and rheology of the magma(s) resident in the shallow, near-surface, system. The different textural facies observed in these bombs showed that fresh magma, mingled with partially or completely degassed, oxidized, re-crystallized, evolved and high viscosity magma, was ejected. The degassed magma appears to sit at the top of the conduit, playing only a passive role in the explosive process. Our best model, is that the degassed, oxidized magma forms a plug, or rheologically defined layer, at the top of the conduit, through which the fresh magma bursts. Integration of geophysical measurements with sample analyses, indicates that popular (bubble-bursting) models may not fit this case, thus also changeling the model-based definition of this eruption type.

Principles and status of neutron-based inspection technologies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gozani, Tsahi

2011-06-01

Nuclear based explosive inspection techniques can detect a wide range of substances of importance for a wide range of objectives. For national and international security it is mainly the detection of nuclear materials, explosives and narcotic threats. For Customs Services it is also cargo characterization for shipment control and customs duties. For the military and other law enforcement agencies it could be the detection and/or validation of the presence of explosive mines, improvised explosive devices (IED) and unexploded ordnances (UXO). The inspection is generally based on the nuclear interactions of the neutrons (or high energy photons) with the various nuclides present and the detection of resultant characteristic emissions. These can be discrete gamma lines resulting from the thermal neutron capture process (n,γ) or inelastic neutron scattering (n,n'γ) occurring with fast neutrons. The two types of reactions are generally complementary. The capture process provides energetic and highly penetrating gamma rays in most inorganic substances and in hydrogen, while fast neutron inelastic scattering provides relatively strong gamma-ray signatures in light elements such as carbon and oxygen. In some specific important cases unique signatures are provided by the neutron capture process in light elements such as nitrogen, where unusually high-energy gamma ray is produced. This forms the basis for key explosive detection techniques. In some cases the elastically scattered source (of mono-energetic) neutrons may provide information on the atomic weight of the scattering elements. The detection of nuclear materials, both fissionable (e.g., 238U) and fissile (e.g., 235U), are generally based on the fissions induced by the probing neutrons (or photons) and detecting one or more of the unique signatures of the fission process. These include prompt and delayed neutrons and gamma rays. These signatures are not discrete in energy (typically they are continua) but temporally and energetically significantly different from the background, thus making them readily distinguishable. The penetrability of neutrons as probes and signatures as well as the gamma ray signatures make neutron interrogation applicable to the inspection of large conveyances such as cars, trucks, marine containers and also smaller objects like explosive mines concealed in the ground. The application of nuclear interrogation techniques greatly depends on operational requirements. For example explosive mines and IED detection clearly require one-sided inspection, which excludes transmission based inspection (e.g., transmission radiography) and greatly limits others. The technologies developed over the last decades are now being implemented with good results. Further advances have been made over the last several years that increase the sensitivity, applicability and robustness of these systems. The principle, applications and status of neutron-based inspection techniques will be reviewed.

Bibliography of reports on studies of the geology, hydrogeology and hydrology at the Nevada Test Site, Nye County, Nevada, from 1951--1996

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Seaber, P.R.; Stowers, E.D.; Pearl, R.H.

1997-04-01

The Nevada Test Site (NTS) was established in 1951 as a proving ground for nuclear weapons. The site had formerly been part of an Air Force bombing and gunnery range during World War II. Sponsor-directed studies of the geology, hydrogeology, and hydrology of the NTS began about 1956 and were broad based in nature, but were related mainly to the effects of the detonation of nuclear weapons. These effects included recommending acceptable media and areas for underground tests, the possibility of off-site contamination of groundwater, air blast and surface contamination in the event of venting, ground-shock damage that could resultmore » from underground blasts, and studies in support of drilling and emplacement. The studies were both of a pure scientific nature and of a practical applied nature. The NTS was the site of 828 underground nuclear tests and 100 above-ground tests conducted between 1951 and 1992 (U.S. Department of Energy, 1994a). After July 1962, all nuclear tests conducted in the United States were underground, most of them at the NTS. The first contained underground nuclear explosion was detonated on September 19, 1957, following extensive study of the underground effect of chemical explosives. The tests were performed by U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and its predecessors, the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission and the Energy Research and Development Administration. As part of a nationwide complex for nuclear weapons design, testing and manufacturing, the NTS was the location for continental testing of new and stockpiled nuclear devices. Other tests, including Project {open_quotes}Plowshare{close_quotes} experiments to test the peaceful application of nuclear explosives, were conducted on several parts of the site. In addition, the Defense Nuclear Agency tested the effect of nuclear detonations on military hardware.« less

The May 18, 1998 Indian Nuclear Test Seismograms at station NIL

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Walter, W R; Rodgers, A J; Bowers, D

2005-04-11

The last underground nuclear tests were conducted by India and Pakistan in May 1998. Although the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty has not entered force, an International Monitoring System (IMS), established by the treaty is nearing completion. This system includes 170 seismic stations, a number of them originally established by IRIS. The station IRIS station NIL (Nilore, Pakistan) is close to a planned IMS primary station and recorded some very interesting seismograms from the May 18, 1998 Indian test. We carefully calibrated the path to NIL using a prior Mw 4.4 that occurred on April 4, 1995 about 110 km northmore » of the Indian test site. We used joint epicentral location techniques along with teleseismic P waves and regional surface waves to fix the epicenter, depth, mechanism and moment of this event. From these we obtained a velocity model for the path to NIL and created explosion synthetic seismograms to compare with the data. Interestingly the observed Rayleigh waves are reversed, consistent with an implosion rather than an explosion source. The preferred explanation is that the explosion released tectonic stress near the source region, which can be modeled as a thrust earthquake of approximate Mw 4.0 plus a pure explosion. This tectonic release is sufficient to completely dominate the Rayleigh waves and produce the observed signal (Walter et al. 2005). We also examined the explosion at high frequencies of 6 6-8 Hz where many studies have shown that relative P/S amplitudes can discriminate explosions from a background of earthquakes (Rodgers and Walter, 2002). Comparing with the April 4 1995 earthquake we see the classic difference of relatively large P/S values for the explosion compared to the earthquakes despite the complication of the large tectonic release during the explosion.« less

Delayed signatures of underground nuclear explosions

DOE PAGES

Carrigan, Charles R.; Sun, Yunwei; Hunter, Steven L.; ...

2016-03-16

Radionuclide signals from underground nuclear explosions (UNEs) are strongly influenced by the surrounding hydrogeologic regime. One effect of containment is delay of detonation-produced radioxenon reaching the surface as well as lengthening of its period of detectability compared to uncontained explosions. Using a field-scale tracer experiment, we evaluate important transport properties of a former UNE site. Here, we observe the character of signals at the surface due to the migration of gases from the post-detonation chimney under realistic transport conditions. Background radon signals are found to be highly responsive to cavity pressurization suggesting that large local radon anomalies may be anmore » indicator of a clandestine UNE. Computer simulations, using transport properties obtained from the experiment, track radioxenon isotopes in the chimney and their migration to the surface. They show that the chimney surrounded by a fractured containment regime behaves as a leaky chemical reactor regarding its effect on isotopic evolution introducing a dependence on nuclear yield not previously considered. This evolutionary model for radioxenon isotopes is validated by atmospheric observations of radioxenon from a 2013 UNE in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). In conclusion, our model produces results similar to isotopic observations with nuclear yields being comparable to seismic estimates.« less

Approximating the r-Process on Earth with Thermonuclear Explosions. Lessons Learned and Unanswered Questions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Becker, Stephen Allan

2016-01-28

During the astrophysical r-process, multiple neutron captures occur so rapidly on target nuclei that their daughter nuclei generally do not have time to undergo radioactive decay before another neutron is captured. The r-process can be approximately simulated on Earth in certain types of thermonuclear explosions through an analogous process of rapid neutron captures known as the "prompt capture" process. Between 1952 and 1969, 23 nuclear tests were fielded by the US which were involved (at least partially) with the "prompt capture" process. Of these tests, 15 were at least partially successful. Some of these tests were conducted under the Plowsharemore » Peaceful Nuclear Explosion Program as scientific research experiments. It is now known that the USSR conducted similar nuclear tests during 1966 to 1979. The elements einsteinium and fermium were first discovered by this process. The most successful tests achieved 19 successive neutron captures on the initial target nuclei. A review of the US program, target nuclei used, heavy element yields, scientific achievements of the program, and how some of the results have been used by the astrophysical community is given. Finally, some unanswered questions concerning very neutron-rich nuclei that could potentially have been answered with additional nuclear experiments is presented.« less

APSTNG: neutron interrogation for detection of explosives, drugs, and nuclear and chemical warfare materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rhodes, Edgar A.; Peters, Charles W.

1993-02-01

A recently developed neutron diagnostic probe system has the potential to satisfy a significant number of van-mobile and fixed-portal requirements for nondestructive detection, including monitoring of contraband explosives, drugs, and weapon materials, and treaty verification of sealed munitions. The probe is based on a unique associated-particle sealed-tube neutron generator (APSTNG) that interrogates the object of interest with a low-intensity beam of 14- MeV neutrons generated from the deuterium-tritium reaction and that detects the alpha-particle associated with each neutron. Gamma-ray spectra of resulting neutron reactions identify nuclides associated with all major chemicals in explosives, drugs, and chemical warfare agents, as well as many pollutants and fissile and fertile special nuclear material. Flight times determined from detection times of the gamma-rays and alpha-particles yield a separate coarse tomographic image of each identified nuclide. The APSTNG also forms the basis for a compact fast-neutron transmission imaging system that can be used along with or instead of the emission imaging system. Proof-of-concept experiments have been performed under laboratory conditions for simulated nuclear and chemical warfare munitions and for explosives and drugs. The small and relatively inexpensive APSTNG exhibits high reliability and can be quickly replaced. Surveillance systems based on APSTNG technology can avoid the large physical size, high capital and operating expenses, and reliability problems associated with complex accelerators.

Three-dimensional Nonlinear Calculation of the 2017 North Korean Nuclear Test

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stevens, J. L.; O'Brien, M.

2017-12-01

We perform a three-dimensional nonlinear calculation of the 2017 North Korean Nuclear Test including the topography of the test site. Surface waves from all six DPRK nuclear tests are remarkably similar. Linear scaling of surface wave amplitudes from an estimated yield of 4.6 kt for the 2009 event (Murphy et al, 2013) gives an estimated yield of 180 kt for the 2017 event, which is the yield used in the calculation. The depth of the calculated explosion is 730 meters below the surface and close to the peak of Mt. Mantap. Calculated surface displacements are as large as 4 meters vertical and 2 meters horizontal, but there is a node in both with minimal vertical and horizontal displacements close to the mountain peak. Earlier calculations of a 12.5 kiloton explosion at depths of 100-800 meters show a peak in surface wave amplitudes for explosions at the base of the mountain relative to both deeper and shallower sources, so the North Korean explosions have been at optimal depth for surface wave generation. This combined with tectonic stress state and a low surface wave amplitude bias at other test sites may explain the large surface wave anomaly at this test site. Cracking and nonlinear deformation are much more extensive for the 180 kt calculation than in the earlier 12.5 kiloton calculations.

Iran: The Next Nuclear Threshold State?

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-09-01

than 1,000 nuclear explosives.96 Furthermore, after the Fukushima disaster , Japan shut down its reactors, but continues work on the Rakkasho...Basement,’ and China Isn’t Happy,” NBC News, March 11, 2014, http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/ fukushima -anniversary/japan-has- nuclear - bomb-basement...line civilian nuclear program that includes enrichment and reprocessing capabilities. Japan possesses few energy resources. Before the Fukushima

Nuclear exports: the perilous enterprise

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Thomas, G.

1977-03-01

A representative of the Sierra Club proposes that the United States can at least provide an opportunity for a break in the trend toward nuclear proliferation and may be able to offer the moral and economic persuasion for a worldwide moratorium. The combination of plutonium toxicity and its use in making nuclear explosives, together with the number of countries who have recently entered the nuclear community, indicate an increasing problem in limiting nuclear power to peaceful purposes. The ease with which plutonium can be diverted from power-generating plants into the hands of terrorists and unstable rulers limits the security options.more » The non-proliferation agreements are felt to have created additional problems by making it possible for non-signers of the treaty to have less-stringent safeguards than the signers. The International Atomic Energy Agency is considered to be effective only in a bookkeeping and monitoring capacity, while competition between nuclear suppliers may lead them to relax standards. The author feels that efforts to negotiate voluntary restraints on exporters could offer guarantees of fuel services and other nuclear assistance to those countries agreeing to forego nuclear explosives and reprocessing facilities and accepting safeguards restraints and export restrictions. (DCK)« less

When the dust settles: stable xenon isotope constraints on the formation of nuclear fallout.

PubMed

Cassata, W S; Prussin, S G; Knight, K B; Hutcheon, I D; Isselhardt, B H; Renne, P R

2014-11-01

Nuclear weapons represent one of the most immediate threats of mass destruction. In the event that a procured or developed nuclear weapon is detonated in a populated metropolitan area, timely and accurate nuclear forensic analysis and fallout modeling would be needed to support attribution efforts and hazard assessments. Here we demonstrate that fissiogenic xenon isotopes retained in radioactive fallout generated by a nuclear explosion provide unique constraints on (1) the timescale of fallout formation, (2) chemical fractionation that occurs when fission products and nuclear fuel are incorporated into fallout, and (3) the speciation of fission products in the fireball. Our data suggest that, in near surface nuclear tests, the presence of a significant quantity of metal in a device assembly, combined with a short time allowed for mixing with the ambient atmosphere (seconds), may prevent complete oxidation of fission products prior to their incorporation into fallout. Xenon isotopes thus provide a window into the chemical composition of the fireball in the seconds that follow a nuclear explosion, thereby improving our understanding of the physical and thermo-chemical conditions under which fallout forms. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Laboratory Astrophysics Prize: Laboratory Astrophysics with Nuclei

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wiescher, Michael

2018-06-01

Nuclear astrophysics is concerned with nuclear reaction and decay processes from the Big Bang to the present star generation controlling the chemical evolution of our universe. Such nuclear reactions maintain stellar life, determine stellar evolution, and finally drive stellar explosion in the circle of stellar life. Laboratory nuclear astrophysics seeks to simulate and understand the underlying processes using a broad portfolio of nuclear instrumentation, from reactor to accelerator from stable to radioactive beams to map the broad spectrum of nucleosynthesis processes. This talk focuses on only two aspects of the broad field, the need of deep underground accelerator facilities in cosmic ray free environments in order to understand the nucleosynthesis in stars, and the need for high intensity radioactive beam facilities to recreate the conditions found in stellar explosions. Both concepts represent the two main frontiers of the field, which are being pursued in the US with the CASPAR accelerator at the Sanford Underground Research Facility in South Dakota and the FRIB facility at Michigan State University.

Decoupling of body-plan diversification and ecological structuring during the Ediacaran–Cambrian transition: evolutionary and geobiological feedbacks

PubMed Central

Mángano, M. Gabriela; Buatois, Luis A.

2014-01-01

The rapid appearance of bilaterian clades at the beginning of the Phanerozoic is one of the most intriguing topics in macroevolution. However, the complex feedbacks between diversification and ecological interactions are still poorly understood. Here, we show that a systematic and comprehensive analysis of the trace-fossil record of the Ediacaran–Cambrian transition indicates that body-plan diversification and ecological structuring were decoupled. The appearance of a wide repertoire of behavioural strategies and body plans occurred by the Fortunian. However, a major shift in benthic ecological structure, recording the establishment of a suspension-feeder infauna, increased complexity of the trophic web, and coupling of benthos and plankton took place during Cambrian Stage 2. Both phases were accompanied by different styles of ecosystem engineering, but only the second one resulted in the establishment of the Phanerozoic-style ecology. In turn, the suspension-feeding infauna may have been the ecological drivers of a further diversification of deposit-feeding strategies by Cambrian Stage 3, favouring an ecological spillover scenario. Trace-fossil information strongly supports the Cambrian explosion, but allows for a short time of phylogenetic fuse during the terminal Ediacaran–Fortunian. PMID:24523279

Decoupling of body-plan diversification and ecological structuring during the Ediacaran-Cambrian transition: evolutionary and geobiological feedbacks.

PubMed

Mángano, M Gabriela; Buatois, Luis A

2014-04-07

The rapid appearance of bilaterian clades at the beginning of the Phanerozoic is one of the most intriguing topics in macroevolution. However, the complex feedbacks between diversification and ecological interactions are still poorly understood. Here, we show that a systematic and comprehensive analysis of the trace-fossil record of the Ediacaran-Cambrian transition indicates that body-plan diversification and ecological structuring were decoupled. The appearance of a wide repertoire of behavioural strategies and body plans occurred by the Fortunian. However, a major shift in benthic ecological structure, recording the establishment of a suspension-feeder infauna, increased complexity of the trophic web, and coupling of benthos and plankton took place during Cambrian Stage 2. Both phases were accompanied by different styles of ecosystem engineering, but only the second one resulted in the establishment of the Phanerozoic-style ecology. In turn, the suspension-feeding infauna may have been the ecological drivers of a further diversification of deposit-feeding strategies by Cambrian Stage 3, favouring an ecological spillover scenario. Trace-fossil information strongly supports the Cambrian explosion, but allows for a short time of phylogenetic fuse during the terminal Ediacaran-Fortunian.

Seismic and source characteristics of large chemical explosions. Final report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Adushkin, V.V.; Kostuchenko, V.N.; Pernik, L.M.

From the very beginning of its arrangement in 1947, the Institute for Dynamics of the Geospheres RAS (former Special Sector of the Institute for physics of the Earth, RAS) was providing scientific observations of effects of nuclear explosions, as well as large-scale detonations of HE, on environment. This report presents principal results of instrumental observations obtained from various large-scale chemical explosions conducted in the Former-Soviet Union in the period of time from 1957 to 1989. Considering principal aim of the work, tamped and equivalent chemical explosions have been selected with total weights from several hundreds to several thousands ton. Inmore » particular, the selected explosions were aimed to study scaling law from excavation explosions, seismic effect of tamped explosions, and for dam construction for hydropower stations and soil melioration. Instrumental data on surface explosions of total weight in the same range aimed to test military technics and special objects are not included.« less

Possible ozone depletions following nuclear explosions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Whitten, R. C.; Borucki, W. J.; Turco, R. P.

1975-01-01

The degree of depletion of the ozone layer ensuing after delivery of strategic nuclear warheads (5000 and 10,000 Mton) due to production of nitrogen oxides is theoretically assessed. Strong depletions are calculated for 16-km and 26-km altitudes, peaking 1-2 months after detonation and lasting for three years, while a significant depletion at 36 km would peak after one year. Assuming the explosions occur between 30 and 70 deg N, these effects should be much more pronounced in this region than over the Northern Hemisphere as a whole. It is concluded that Hampson's concern on this matter (1974) is well-founded.-

[Migration in soil and accumulation in plants of peaceful nuclear explosion products in Perm region].

PubMed

Raskosha, N G; Shuktova, I I

2015-01-01

The data on the migration capacity in soil and accumulation of 238Pu, 239, 240Pu, 137Cs and 90Sr by plants in the area of a peaceful nuclear explosion located in the taiga zone are presented. The influence of the soil parameters on the distribution and transformation forms of the radionuclides in the podzolic soil profile was studied. The major amounts of man-made radionuclides were found in the matter of the ground lip. The accumulation parameters of pollutants by plants were the highest for the leaves, young branches and conifer of trees.

Fused rock from Köfels, Tyrol

USGS Publications Warehouse

Milton, Daniel J.

1964-01-01

The vesicular glass from Köfels, Tyrol, contains grains of quartz that have been partially melted but not dissolved in the matrix glass. This phenomenon has been observed in similar glasses formed by friction along a thrust fault and by meteorite impact, but not in volcanic glasses. The explosion of a small nuclear device buried behind a steep slope produced a geologic structure that is a good small-scale model of that at Köfels. Impact of a large meteorite would have an effect analogous to that of a subsurface nuclear explosion and is the probable cause of the Köfels feature.

Tritium distribution in ground water around large underground fusion explosions

USGS Publications Warehouse

Stead, F.W.

1963-01-01

Tritium will be released in significant amounts from large underground nuclear fusion explosions in the Plowshare Program. The tritium could become highly concentrated in nearby ground waters, and could be of equal or more importance as a possible contaminant than other long-lived fission-product and induced radionuclides. Behavior of tritiated water in particular hydrologic and geologic environments, as illustrated by hypothetical explosions in dolomite and tuff, must be carefully evaluated to predict under what conditions high groundwater concentrations of tritium might occur.

Discrimination Capability for Mining Events in the Altai-Sayan Region of Russia and the Western United States

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-09-01

discriminant We have assessed the use of infrasound as a discriminant for mining explosions by studying the ability to detect infrasound signals from large...03NA995101 and DE-FC52-03NA995112 ABSTRACT As more seismic and infrasound stations and arrays are deployed for nuclear explosion monitoring...cast blasts). We also identified infrasound signals from large mining explosions in this region, suggesting good potential for the use of infrasound

Exploitation of the IMS and Other Data for a Comprehensive, Advanced Analysis of the North Korean Nuclear Tests

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-09-01

locations for the two events, we made very precise arrival time measurements at 35 stations that recorded both explosions with good signal to noise... what we believe to be very reasonable and accurate locations for these two explosions. The corresponding source depths can not be reliably...of the 2009 and 2006 events as explosions based on high-frequency Pn/Lg ratios measured at regional stations are unambiguous; however, results for

W17_geonuc “Application of the Spectral Element Method to improvement of Ground-based Nuclear Explosion Monitoring”

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Larmat, Carene; Rougier, Esteban; Lei, Zhou

This project is in support of the Source Physics Experiment SPE (Snelson et al. 2013), which aims to develop new seismic source models of explosions. One priority of this program is first principle numerical modeling to validate and extend current empirical models.

The evolution of massive stars including mass loss - Presupernova models and explosion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Woosley, S. E.; Langer, Norbert; Weaver, Thomas A.

1993-01-01

The evolution of massive stars of 35, 40, 60, and 85 solar masses is followed through all stages of nuclear burning to the point of Fe core collapse. Critical nuclear reaction and mass-loss rates are varied. Efficient mass loss during the Wolf-Rayet (WR) stage is likely to lead to final masses as small as 4 solar masses. For a reasonable parameterization of the mass loss, there may be convergence of all WR stars, both single and in binaries, to a narrow band of small final masses. Our representative model, a 4.25 solar-mass WR presupernova derived from a 60 solar mass star, is followed through a simulated explosion, and its explosive nucleosynthesis and light curve are determined. Its properties are similar to those observed in Type Ib supernovae. The effects of the initial mass and mass loss on the presupernova structure of small mass WR models is also explored. Important properties of the presupernova star and its explosion can only be obtained by following the complete evolution starting on the main sequence.

Pakistans Nuclear Weapons

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-02-12

not be subject to International Atomic Energy Agency ( IAEA ) safeguards have the potential to produce 280...PNRA states that Pakistan follows IAEA physical protection standards. Proliferation A fundamental aspect of nuclear security is ensuring that...related to the design and fabrication of a nuclear explosive device,” according to the IAEA (Implementation of the NPT Safeguards Agreement in the

Surface seismic measurements of the Project GASBUGGY explosion at intermediate distance ranges

USGS Publications Warehouse

Warren, David H.; Jackson, W.H.

1968-01-01

Project GASBUGGY was an experiment performed by the Atomic Energy Commission, the El Paso Natural Gas Company, and the Bureau of Mines, U.S. Department of the Interior, to determine the effectiveness of a method for increasing the recovery of natural gas by large-scale fracturing of a gas-bearing formation with an underground nuclear explosion. The Project GASBUGGY nuclear explosive of 26 kilotons design yield was detonated on Sunday, December 10, 1967, at 1230:00 Mountain Standard Time. Lawrence Radiation Laboratory reported that the explosive was emplaced at 4240 ft below the ground surface, 1770 ft from the west line and 1218 ft from the south line in Section 36 of Township 29 North, Range 4 West, in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico, about 55 air miles east of the city of Farmington, New Mexico. The geodetic coordinates are: Latitude 36?40'40.4" North, and Longitude 107?12'30.3" West. The elevation of surface ground zero was 7204 ft above Mean Sea Level. The detonation occurred in the Lewis shale about 40 ft below its contact with the gas-bearing Pictured Cliffs sandstone. Early indications are that the explosive performed satisfactorily. This document is submitted as a preliminary data report. Additional analyses of the data will be prepared at a later time.

Evaluation of active and passive near-millimeter-wave radiometric imaging techniques for detection of concealed objects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reber, E. E.; Foote, F. B.; Schellenbaum, R. L.; Bradley, R. G.

1981-07-01

The potential of radiometric imaging technique to detect shielded nuclear materials and explosives carried covertly by personnel was investigated. This method of detecting contraband depends upon the differences in emissivity and reflectivity of the contraband relative to human tissue. Explosives, unlike metals and metal composites, generally have high emissivities and low reflectivities that closely approximate those of human tissue making explosives difficult to detect. Samples of several common types of explosives (TNT, Detasheet, C4, and several types of water gels) were examined at the 1.4- and 3-mm wavelengths using active and passive radiometeric techniques.

Potential impact of releases from a new Molybdenum-99 production facility on regional measurements of airborne xenon isotopes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bowyer, Ted W.; Eslinger, Paul W.; Cameron, Ian M.

2014-03-01

The monitoring of the radioactive xenon isotopes 131mXe, 133Xe, 133mXe, and 135Xe is important for the detection of nuclear explosions. While backgrounds of the xenon isotopes are short-lived, they are constantly replenished from activities dominated by the fission-based production of 99Mo used for medical procedures. One of the most critical locations on earth for the monitoring of nuclear explosions is the Korean peninsula, where the Democratic Republic of North Korea (DPRK) has announced that it had conducted three nuclear tests between 2009 and 2013. This paper explores the backgrounds that would be caused by the medium to large scale productionmore » of 99Mo in the region of the Korean peninsula.« less

[Assessment of modern radioecological situation at nuclear explosion "Chagan" (Balapan Site, Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site, Kazakhstan)].

PubMed

Evseeva, T I; Maĭstrenko, T A; Geras'kin, S A; Belykh, E S; Umarov, M A; Sergeeva, I Iu; Sergeev, V Iu

2008-01-01

Results on estimation of modern radioecological situation at nuclear explosion "Chagan" based on large-scale cartographic studies (1:25000) of a test area (4 km2) are presented. Maximum gamma-irradiation doses were observed at bulk of ground surrounded a crater and at radioactive fall-outs extended to the North-East and to the SouthWest from the crater. Based on data on artificial radionuclide specific activity most part of soil samples were attributed to radioactive wastes according to IAEA (1996) and OSPORB (1999). Natural decrease of soil radioactivity up to safety level due to 60Co, 137Cs, 90Sr, 152Eu, 154Eu radioactive decay and 241Am accumulation-decay will not take place within the next 60 years at the studied area.

Thermally driven advection for radioxenon transport from an underground nuclear explosion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Yunwei; Carrigan, Charles R.

2016-05-01

Barometric pumping is a ubiquitous process resulting in migration of gases in the subsurface that has been studied as the primary mechanism for noble gas transport from an underground nuclear explosion (UNE). However, at early times following a UNE, advection driven by explosion residual heat is relevant to noble gas transport. A rigorous measure is needed for demonstrating how, when, and where advection is important. In this paper three physical processes of uncertain magnitude (oscillatory advection, matrix diffusion, and thermally driven advection) are parameterized by using boundary conditions, system properties, and source term strength. Sobol' sensitivity analysis is conducted to evaluate the importance of all physical processes influencing the xenon signals. This study indicates that thermally driven advection plays a more important role in producing xenon signals than oscillatory advection and matrix diffusion at early times following a UNE, and xenon isotopic ratios are observed to have both time and spatial dependence.

Psychological aspects of nuclear war

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Thompson, J.

1985-01-01

Exploring the nature of nuclear war, this treatise examines human reaction to nuclear disaster and accidental explosions. The discussion is based on evidence of human fallibility that has emerged from the psychology of accidents and from research into decision-making in military and political contexts. The book draws on the psychology of negotiation and conflict resolution to suggest ways in which the threat of nuclear war might be reduced.

Analysis, comparison, and modeling of radar interferometry, date of surface deformation signals associated with underground explosions, mine collapses and earthquakes. Phase I: underground explosions, Nevada Test Site

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Foxall, W; Vincent, P; Walter, W

1999-07-23

We have previously presented simple elastic deformation modeling results for three classes of seismic events of concern in monitoring the CTBT--underground explosions, mine collapses and earthquakes. Those results explored the theoretical detectability of each event type using synthetic aperture radar interferometry (InSAR) based on commercially available satellite data. In those studies we identified and compared the characteristics of synthetic interferograms that distinguish each event type, as well the ability of the interferograms to constrain source parameters. These idealized modeling results, together with preliminary analysis of InSAR data for the 1995 mb 5.2 Solvay mine collapse in southwestern Wyoming, suggested thatmore » InSAR data used in conjunction with regional seismic monitoring holds great potential for CTBT discrimination and seismic source analysis, as well as providing accurate ground truth parameters for regional calibration events. In this paper we further examine the detectability and ''discriminating'' power of InSAR by presenting results from InSAR data processing, analysis and modeling of the surface deformation signals associated with underground explosions. Specifically, we present results of a detailed study of coseismic and postseismic surface deformation signals associated with underground nuclear and chemical explosion tests at the Nevada Test Site (NTS). Several interferograms were formed from raw ERS-1/2 radar data covering different time spans and epochs beginning just prior to the last U.S. nuclear tests in 1992 and ending in 1996. These interferograms have yielded information about the nature and duration of the source processes that produced the surface deformations associated with these events. A critical result of this study is that significant post-event surface deformation associated with underground nuclear explosions detonated at depths in excess of 600 meters can be detected using differential radar interferometry. An immediate implication of this finding is that underground nuclear explosions may not need to be captured coseismically by radar images acquired before and after an event in order to be detectable. This has obvious advantages in CTBT monitoring since suspect seismic events--which usually can be located within a 100 km by 100 km area of an ERS-1/2 satellite frame by established seismic methods-can be imaged after the event has been identified and located by existing regional seismic networks. Key Words: InSAR, SLC images, interferogram, synthetic interferogram, ERS-1/2 frame, phase unwrapping, DEM, coseismic, postseismic, source parameters.« less

Production and Distribution of {sup 44}Ti and {sup 56}Ni in a Three-dimensional Supernova Model Resembling Cassiopeia A

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wongwathanarat, Annop; Janka, Hans-Thomas; Müller, Ewald

The spatial and velocity distributions of nuclear species synthesized in the innermost regions of core-collapse supernovae can yield important clues about explosion asymmetries and the operation of the still disputed explosion mechanism. Recent observations of radioactive {sup 44}Ti with high-energy satellite telescopes ( Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array [ NuSTAR ], INTEGRAL ) have measured gamma-ray line details, which provide direct evidence of large-scale explosion asymmetries in SN 1987A and in Cassiopeia A (Cas A) even by mapping of the spatial brightness distribution ( NuSTAR ). Here we discuss a 3D simulation of a neutrino-driven explosion, using a parameterized neutrino engine,more » whose {sup 44}Ti distribution is mostly concentrated in one hemisphere pointing opposite to the neutron star (NS) kick velocity. Both exhibit intriguing resemblance to the observed morphology of the Cas A remnant, although neither the progenitor nor the explosion was fine-tuned for a perfect match. Our results demonstrate that the asymmetries observed in this remnant can, in principle, be accounted for by a neutrino-driven explosion, and that the high {sup 44}Ti abundance in Cas A may be explained without invoking rapid rotation or a jet-driven explosion, because neutrino-driven explosions generically eject large amounts of high-entropy matter. The recoil acceleration of the NS is connected to mass ejection asymmetries and is opposite to the direction of the stronger explosion, fully compatible with the gravitational tugboat mechanism. Our results also imply that Cas A and SN 1987A could possess similarly “one-sided” Ti and Fe asymmetries, with the difference that Cas A is viewed from a direction with large inclination angle to the NS motion, whereas the NS in SN 1987A should have a dominant velocity component pointing toward us.« less

Electron and nuclear dynamics of molecular clusters in ultraintense laser fields. IV. Coulomb explosion of molecular heteroclusters.

PubMed

Last, Isidore; Jortner, Joshua

2004-11-01

In this paper we present a theoretical and computational study of the temporal dynamics and energetics of Coulomb explosion of (CD4)(n) and (CH4)(n) (n=55-4213) molecular heteroclusters in ultraintense (I=10(16)-10(19) W cm(-2)) laser fields, addressing the manifestation of electron dynamics, together with nuclear energetic and kinematic effects on the heterocluster Coulomb instability. The manifestations of the coupling between electron and nuclear dynamics were explored by molecular dynamics simulations for these heteroclusters coupled to Gaussian laser fields (pulse width tau=25 fs), elucidating outer ionization dynamics, nanoplasma screening effects (being significant for I< or =10(17) W cm(-2)), and the attainment of cluster vertical ionization (CVI) (at I=10(17) W cm(-2) for cluster radius R(0)< or =31 A). Nuclear kinematic effects on heterocluster Coulomb explosion are governed by the kinematic parameter eta=q(C)m(A)/q(A)m(C) for (CA(4))(n) clusters (A=H,D), where q(j) and m(j) (j=A,C) are the ionic charges and masses. Nonuniform heterocluster Coulomb explosion (eta >1) manifests an overrun effect of the light ions relative to the heavy ions, exhibiting the expansion of two spatially separated subclusters, with the light ions forming the outer subcluster at the outer edge of the spatial distribution. Important features of the energetics of heterocluster Coulomb explosion originate from energetic triggering effects of the driving of the light ions by the heavy ions (C(4+) for I=10(17)-10(18) W cm(-2) and C(6+) for I=10(19) W cm(-2)), as well as for kinematic effects. Based on the CVI assumption, scaling laws for the cluster size (radius R(0)) dependence of the energetics of uniform Coulomb explosion of heteroclusters (eta=1) were derived, with the size dependence of the average (E(j,av)) and maximal (E(j,M)) ion energies being E(j,av)=aR(0) (2) and E(j,M)=(5a/3)R(0) (2), as well as for the ion energy distributions P(E(j)) proportional to E(j) (1/2); E(j)< or =E(j,M). These results for uniform Coulomb explosion serve as benchmark reference data for the assessment of the effects of nonuniform explosion, where the CVI scaling law for the energetics still holds, with deviations of the a coefficient, which increase with increasing eta. Kinematic effects (for eta>1) result in an isotope effect, predicting the enhancement (by 9%-11%) of E(H,av) for Coulomb explosion of (C(4+)H(4) (+))(eta) (eta=3) relative to E(D,av) for Coulomb explosion of (C(4+)D(4) (+))(eta) (eta=1.5), with the isotope effect being determined by the ratio of the kinematic parameters for the pair of Coulomb exploding clusters. Kinematic effects for nonuniform explosion also result in a narrow isotope dependent energy distribution (of width DeltaE) of the light ions (with DeltaE/E(H,av) approximately 0.3 and DeltaE/E(D,av) approximately 0.4), with the distribution peaking at the high energy edge, in marked contrast with the uniform explosion case. Features of laser-heterocluster interactions were inferred from the analyses of the intensity dependent boundary radii (R(0))(I) and the corresponding average D+ ion energies (E(D,av))(I), which provide a measure for optimization of the cluster size at intensity I for the neutron yield from dd nuclear fusion driven by Coulomb explosion (NFDCE) of these heteroclusters. We infer on the advantage of deuterium containing heteronuclear clusters, e.g., (CD4)(n) in comparison to homonuclear clusters, e.g., (D2)(n/2), for dd NFDCE, where the highly charged heavy ions (e.g., C4+ or C6+) serve as energetic and kinematic triggers driving the D+ ions to a high (10-200 keV) energy domain. (c) 2004 American Institute of Physics.

OPERATION CROSSROADS. A COMPARISON OF THE EFFECTS OF TEST ABLE ATOMIC BOMB IONIZING RADIATION AND X-RAYS ON SEEDS OF BARLEY, WHEAT AND OATS.

DTIC Science & Technology

SEEDS ), (*RADIATION EFFECTS, (*NUCLEAR EXPLOSIONS, RADIATION HAZARDS), X RAYS, WHEAT, RADIATION DOSAGE, MUTATIONS, RADIOBIOLOGY, GROWTH(PHYSIOLOGY), CEREALS, SENSITIVITY, AGING(PHYSIOLOGY), EXPERIMENTAL DATA, NUCLEAR BOMBS.

Proliferation risks from nuclear power infrastructure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Squassoni, Sharon

2017-11-01

Certain elements of nuclear energy infrastructure are inherently dual-use, which makes the promotion of nuclear energy fraught with uncertainty. Are current restraints on the materials, equipment, and technology that can be used either to produce fuel for nuclear electricity generation or material for nuclear explosive devices adequate? Technology controls, supply side restrictions, and fuel market assurances have been used to dissuade countries from developing sensitive technologies but the lack of legal restrictions is a continued barrier to permanent reduction of nuclear proliferation risks.

10 CFR 110.42 - Export licensing criteria.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... research on or development of any nuclear explosive device. (3) Adequate physical security measures will be... to exports of high-enriched uranium to be used as a fuel or target in a nuclear research or test... can be used in the reactor. (iii) A fuel or target “can be used” in a nuclear research or test reactor...

Chernobyl Nuclear Catastrophe and the High Risk Potential for Mental Retardation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Holowinsky, Ivan Z.

1993-01-01

This report considers potential effects of the 1986 nuclear explosion at the Chernobyl (Ukraine) nuclear reactor. Approximately 17 million people, of whom 2.5 million were below the age of 5, are thought to have suffered some radioactive contamination. Many of these children are at high risk for mental retardation and learning disorders.…

Reassessing Nuclear Power: The Fallout from Chernobyl. Worldwatch Paper 75.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Flavin, Christopher

The Chernobyl nuclear plant explosion on April 26, 1986, was the world's most serious nuclear power accident to date. This document examines the accident's impact on the world from a variety of perspectives. The first major section of the book provides a step-by-step account of the accident itself, beginning with the special testing that…

Frequency-agile gyrotron for electron decoupling and pulsed dynamic nuclear polarization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scott, Faith J.; Saliba, Edward P.; Albert, Brice J.; Alaniva, Nicholas; Sesti, Erika L.; Gao, Chukun; Golota, Natalie C.; Choi, Eric J.; Jagtap, Anil P.; Wittmann, Johannes J.; Eckardt, Michael; Harneit, Wolfgang; Corzilius, Björn; Th. Sigurdsson, Snorri; Barnes, Alexander B.

2018-04-01

We describe a frequency-agile gyrotron which can generate frequency-chirped microwave pulses. An arbitrary waveform generator (AWG) within the NMR spectrometer controls the microwave frequency, enabling synchronized pulsed control of both electron and nuclear spins. We demonstrate that the acceleration of emitted electrons, and thus the microwave frequency, can be quickly changed by varying the anode voltage. This strategy results in much faster frequency response than can be achieved by changing the potential of the electron emitter, and does not require a custom triode electron gun. The gyrotron frequency can be swept with a rate of 20 MHz/μs over a 670 MHz bandwidth in a static magnetic field. We have already implemented time-domain electron decoupling with dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) magic angle spinning (MAS) with this device. In this contribution, we show frequency-swept DNP enhancement profiles recorded without changing the NMR magnet or probe. The profile of endofullerenes exhibits a DNP profile with a <10 MHz linewidth, indicating that the device also has sufficient frequency stability, and therefore phase stability, to implement pulsed DNP mechanisms such as the frequency-swept solid effect. We describe schematics of the mechanical and vacuum construction of the device which includes a novel flanged sapphire window assembly. Finally, we discuss how commercially available continuous-wave gyrotrons can potentially be converted into similar frequency-agile high-power microwave sources.

Reaction monitoring using hyperpolarized NMR with scaling of heteronuclear couplings by optimal tracking

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Guannan; Schilling, Franz; Glaser, Steffen J.; Hilty, Christian

2016-11-01

Off-resonance decoupling using the method of Scaling of Heteronuclear Couplings by Optimal Tracking (SHOT) enables determination of heteronuclear correlations of chemical shifts in single scan NMR spectra. Through modulation of J-coupling evolution by shaped radio frequency pulses, off resonance decoupling using SHOT pulses causes a user-defined dependence of the observed J-splitting, such as the splitting of 13C peaks, on the chemical shift offset of coupled nuclei, such as 1H. Because a decoupling experiment requires only a single scan, this method is suitable for characterizing on-going chemical reactions using hyperpolarization by dissolution dynamic nuclear polarization (D-DNP). We demonstrate the calculation of [13C, 1H] chemical shift correlations of the carbanionic active sites from hyperpolarized styrene polymerized using sodium naphthalene as an initiator. While off resonance decoupling by SHOT pulses does not enhance the resolution in the same way as a 2D NMR spectrum would, the ability to obtain the correlations in single scans makes this method ideal for determination of chemical shifts in on-going reactions on the second time scale. In addition, we present a novel SHOT pulse that allows to scale J-splittings 50% larger than the respective J-coupling constant. This feature can be used to enhance the resolution of the indirectly detected chemical shift and reduce peak overlap, as demonstrated in a model reaction between p-anisaldehyde and isobutylamine. For both pulses, the accuracy is evaluated under changing signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) of the peaks from reactants and reaction products, with an overall standard deviation of chemical shift differences compared to reference spectra of 0.02 ppm when measured on a 400 MHz NMR spectrometer. Notably, the appearance of decoupling side-bands, which scale with peak intensity, appears to be of secondary importance.

Gas-Recovery System

DOEpatents

Heckman, R. A.

1971-12-14

Nuclear explosions have been proposed as a means for recovering gas from underground gas-bearing rock formations. In present practice, the nuclear device is positioned at the end of a long pipe which is subsequently filled with grout or concrete. After the device is exploded, the grout is drilled through to provide a flow path for the released gas to the ground surface. As settled grout is brittle, often the compressive shock of the explosion fractures the grout and deforms the pipe so that it may not be removed nor reused. In addition, the pipe is sometimes pinched off completely and the gas flow is totally obstructed. (2 claims)

Gas-recovery system

DOEpatents

Heckman, R.A.

1971-12-14

Nuclear explosions have been proposed as a means for recovering gas from underground gas-bearing rock formations. In present practice, the nuclear device is positioned at the end of a long pipe which is subsequently filled with grout or concrete. After the device is exploded, the grout is drilled through to provide a flow path for the released gas to the ground surface. As settled grout is brittle, often the compressive shock of the explosion fractures the grout and deforms the pipe so that it may not be removed nor reused. In addition, the pipe is sometimes pinched off completely and the gas flow is totally obstructed. (2 claims)

Shock and thermal metamorphism of basalt by nuclear explosion, Nevada test site

USGS Publications Warehouse

James, O.B.

1969-01-01

Olivine trachybasalt metamorphosed by nuclear explosion is classified into categories of progressive metamorphism: (i) Weak. Plagioclase is microfractured, and augite cotainis fine twin lamellae. (ii) Moderate. Plagioclase is converted to glass, and mafic minerals show intragranular deformation (undulatory extinction, twin lamellae, and, possibly, deformation lamellae), but rock texture is preserved. (iii) Moderately strong. Plagioclase glass shows small-scale flow, mafic minerals are fractured and show intragranular deformation, and rocks contain tension fractures. (iv) Strong. Plagioclase glass is vesicular, augite is minutely fractured, and olivine is coarsely fragmented, shows mosaic extinction, distinctive lamellar structures, and is locally recrystallized. (v) Intense. Rocks are converted to inhomogeneous basaltic glass.

Stellar Explosions: Hydrodynamics and Nucleosynthesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jose, Jordi

2016-01-01

Stars are the main factories of element production in the universe through a suite of complex and intertwined physical processes. Such stellar alchemy is driven by multiple nuclear interactions that through eons have transformed the pristine, metal-poor ashes leftover by the Big Bang into a cosmos with 100 distinct chemical species. The products of stellar nucleosynthesis frequently get mixed inside stars by convective transport or through hydrodynamic instabilities, and a fraction of them is eventually ejected into the interstellar medium, thus polluting the cosmos with gas and dust. The study of the physics of the stars and their role as nucleosynthesis factories owes much to cross-fertilization of different, somehow disconnected fields, ranging from observational astronomy, computational astrophysics, and cosmochemistry to experimental and theoretical nuclear physics. Few books have simultaneously addressed the multidisciplinary nature of this field in an engaging way suitable for students and young scientists. Providing the required multidisciplinary background in a coherent way has been the driving force for Stellar Explosions: Hydrodynamics and Nucleosynthesis. Written by a specialist in stellar astrophysics, this book presents a rigorous but accessible treatment of the physics of stellar explosions from a multidisciplinary perspective at the crossroads of computational astrophysics, observational astronomy, cosmochemistry, and nuclear physics. Basic concepts from all these different fields are applied to the study of classical and recurrent novae, type I and II supernovae, X-ray bursts and superbursts, and stellar mergers. The book shows how a multidisciplinary approach has been instrumental in our understanding of nucleosynthesis in stars, particularly during explosive events.

Stellar Explosions: Hydrodynamics and Nucleosynthesis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

José, Jordi

2015-12-01

Stars are the main factories of element production in the universe through a suite of complex and intertwined physical processes. Such stellar alchemy is driven by multiple nuclear interactions that through eons have transformed the pristine, metal-poor ashes leftover by the Big Bang into a cosmos with 100 distinct chemical species. The products of stellar nucleosynthesis frequently get mixed inside stars by convective transport or through hydrodynamic instabilities, and a fraction of them is eventually ejected into the interstellar medium, thus polluting the cosmos with gas and dust. The study of the physics of the stars and their role as nucleosynthesis factories owes much to cross-fertilization of different, somehow disconnected fields, ranging from observational astronomy, computational astrophysics, and cosmochemistry to experimental and theoretical nuclear physics. Few books have simultaneously addressed the multidisciplinary nature of this field in an engaging way suitable for students and young scientists. Providing the required multidisciplinary background in a coherent way has been the driving force for Stellar Explosions: Hydrodynamics and Nucleosynthesis. Written by a specialist in stellar astrophysics, this book presents a rigorous but accessible treatment of the physics of stellar explosions from a multidisciplinary perspective at the crossroads of computational astrophysics, observational astronomy, cosmochemistry, and nuclear physics. Basic concepts from all these different fields are applied to the study of classical and recurrent novae, type I and II supernovae, X-ray bursts and superbursts, and stellar mergers. The book shows how a multidisciplinary approach has been instrumental in our understanding of nucleosynthesis in stars, particularly during explosive events.

Proceedings: 17th Asilomar conference on fire and blast effects of nuclear weapons

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hickman, R.G.; Meier, C.A.

1983-01-01

The objective of the 1983 conference was to provide for the technical exchange of ideas relating to the science and technology of the immediate effects of nuclear weapon explosions. Separate abstracts were prepared for 39 of the papers.

Ongoing research experiments at the former Soviet nuclear test site in eastern Kazakhstan

USGS Publications Warehouse

Leith, William S.; Kluchko, Luke J.; Konovalov, Vladimir; Vouille, Gerard

2002-01-01

Degelen mountain, located in EasternKazakhstan near the city of Semipalatinsk, was once the Soviets most active underground nuclear test site. Two hundred fifteen nuclear tests were conducted in 181 tunnels driven horizontally into its many ridges--almost twice the number of tests as at any other Soviet underground nuclear test site. It was also the site of the first Soviet underground nuclear test--a 1-kiloton device detonated on October 11, 1961. Until recently, the details of testing at Degelen were kept secret and have been the subject of considerable speculation. However, in 1991, the Semipalatinsk test site became part of the newly independent Republic of Kazakhstan; and in 1995, the Kazakhstani government concluded an agreement with the U.S. Department of Defense to eliminate the nuclear testing infrastructure in Kazakhstan. This agreement, which calls for the "demilitarization of the infrastructure directly associated with the nuclear weapons test tunnels," has been implemented as the "Degelen Mountain Tunnel Closure Program." The U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency, in partnership with the Department of Energy, has permitted the use of the tunnel closure project at the former nuclear test site as a foundation on which to support cost-effective, research-and-development-funded experiments. These experiments are principally designed to improve U.S. capabilities to monitor and verify the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), but have provided a new source of information on the effects of nuclear and chemical explosions on hard, fractured rock environments. These new data extends and confirms the results of recent Russian publications on the rock environment at the site and the mechanical effects of large-scale chemical and nuclear testing. In 1998, a large-scale tunnel closure experiment, Omega-1, was conducted in Tunnel 214 at Degelen mountain. In this experiment, a 100-ton chemical explosive blast was used to test technologies for monitoring the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, and to calibrate a portion of the CTBT's International Monitoring System. This experiment has also provided important benchmark data on the mechanical behavior of hard, dense, fractured rock, and has demonstrated the feasibility of fielding large-scale calibration explosions, which are specified as a "confidence-building measure" in the CTBT Protocol. Two other large-scale explosion experiments, Omega-2 and Omega-3, are planned for the summer of 1999 and 2000. Like the Tunnel 214 test, the 1999 experiment will include close-in monitoring of near-source effects, as well as contributing to the calibration of key seismic stations for the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. The Omega-3 test will examine the effect of multiple blasts on the fractured rock environment.

Probing the DPRK nuclear test-site to low magnitude using seismic pattern detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kvaerna, T.; Gibbons, S. J.; Mykkeltveit, S.

2017-12-01

Six declared nuclear explosions at North Korea's Punggye-ri test-site between October 2006 and September 2017 were detected seismically both at regional and teleseismic distances. The similarity of body-wave signals from explosion to explosion allows us to locate these events relative to each other with high accuracy. Greater uncertainty in the relative time measurements for the most recent test on 3 September 2017 results in a greater uncertainty in the relative location estimate for this event, although it appears to have taken place below optimal overburden close to the peak of Mount Mantap. A number of smaller events, detected mainly at regional distances, have been identified as being at, or very close to, the test site. Due to waveform differences and available station coverage, a simple double-difference relative location is often not possible. In addition to the apparent collapse event some 8 minutes after the declared nuclear test, small seismic events have been detected on 25 May 2014, 11 September 2016, 23 September 2017, and 12 October 2017. The signals from these events differ significantly from those from the declared nuclear tests with far weaker Pn and far stronger Lg phases. Multi-channel correlation analysis and empirical matched field processing allow us to categorize these weaker seismic events with far greater confidence than classical waveform analysis allows.

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency Technology Transition

DTIC Science & Technology

1997-01-01

detection of nuclear testing in space , navigation, meteo- rological monitoring, and communication. These early activities were transferred to the Military...used to detect nuclear tests in space and in the atmosphere as part of the overall basis for verification of a future nuclear test ban treaty. The first...background data to detect nuclear explosions taking place in space , and eventually also in the earth’s atmosphere. The program developed x-ray, neutron

Practical small-scale explosive seam welding

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bement, L. J.

1983-01-01

Joining principles and variables, types of joints, capabilities, and current and potential applications are described for an explosive seam welding process developed at NASA Langley Research Center. Variable small quantities of RDX explosive in a ribbon configuration are used to create narrow (less than 0.5 inch), long length, uniform, hermetrically sealed joints that exhibit parent metal properties in a wide variety of metals, alloys, and combinations. The first major all application of the process is the repair of four nuclear reactors in Canada. Potential applications include pipelines, sealing of vessels, and assembly of large space structures.

Supernova explosions.

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cameron, A. G. W.

1971-01-01

The recent history of theoretical investigations of the supernova mechanism is considered, giving attention also to a number of nuclear physical problems which have yet to be solved in connection with the thermonuclear detonation. A variety of different processes of nucleo-synthesis are expected to occur in association with the supernova explosions. Aspects of the chemical evolution of the galaxy are discussed including the cosmic ray production of lithium, beryllium, and boron in the interstellar medium. Various hypotheses to account for the very large amount of light that comes from a supernova explosion are also examined.

Explosion Source Model Development in Support of Seismic Monitoring Technologies: New Models Accounting for Shock-Induced Tensile Failure

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-09-01

values for nuclear explosions at the Semipalatinsk Test Site (STS) will be inferred in the same way they were for NTS. Comparisons between K values...K > ~3 in Poisson media. Most Nevada Test Site (NTS) observations support ~1 < K < 3, and as such the new model predicts lower Ms compared to the...explosions at the two test sites and for two different containment rules are summarized in Table 1 below. F1 is found to be positive for NTS, as we

Chemical processing in geothermal nuclear chimney

DOEpatents

Krikorian, O.H.

1973-10-01

A closed rubble filled nuclear chimney is provided in a subterranean geothermal formation by detonation of a nuclear explosive device therein, with reagent input and product output conduits connecting the chimney cavity with appropriate surface facilities. Such facilities will usually comprise reagent preparation, product recovery and recycle facilities. Proccsses are then conducted in the nuclear chimney which processes are facilitated by temperature, pressure, catalytic and other conditions existent or which are otherwise provided in the nuclear chimney. (auth)

Gas Transport and Detection Following Underground Nuclear Explosions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carrigan, C. R.; Sun, Y.; Wagoner, J. L.; Zucca, J. J.

2011-12-01

Some extremely rare radioactive noble gases are by-products of underground nuclear explosions, and the detection of significant levels of these gases (e.g., Xe-133 and Ar-37) at the surface is a very strong indicator of the occurrence of an underground nuclear event. Because of their uniqueness, such noble gas signatures can be confirmatory of the nuclear nature of an event while signatures from other important detection methods, such as anomalous seismicity, are generally not. As a result, noble gas detection at a suspected underground nuclear test site is considered to be the most important technique available to inspectors operating under the On-Site-Inspection protocol of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. A one-kiloton chemical underground explosion, the Non-Proliferation Experiment (NPE), was carried out at the Nevada Test Site in 1993 and represented the first On-Site-Inspection oriented test of subsurface gas transport with subsequent detection at the surface using soil gas sampling methods. A major conclusion of the experiment was that noble gases from underground nuclear tests have a good possibility of being detected even if the test is well contained. From this experiment and from computer simulations, we have also learned significant lessons about the modes of gas transport to the surface and the importance of careful subsurface sampling to optimize the detected noble gas signature. Understanding transport and sampling processes for a very wide range of geologic and testing scenarios presents significant challenges that we are currently addressing using sensitivity studies, which we attempt to verify using experiments such as the NPE and a new subsurface gas migration experiment that is now being undertaken at the National Center for Nuclear Security. This work performed under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under Contract DE-AC52-07NA27344.

An experimental study of steam explosions involving chemically reactive metal

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cho, D.H.; Armstrong, D.R.; Gunther, W.H.

1997-07-01

An experimental study of molten zirconium-water explosions was conducted. A 1-kg mass of zirconium melt was dropped into a column of water. Explosions took place only when an external trigger was used. In the triggered tests, the extent of oxidation of the zirconium melt was very extensive. However, the explosion energetics estimated were found to be very small compared to the potential chemical energy available from the oxidation reaction. Zirconium is of particular interest, since it is a component of the core materials of the current nuclear power reactors. This paper describes the test apparatus and summarizes the results ofmore » four tests conducted using pure zirconium melt.« less

NQR: From imaging to explosives and drugs detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Osán, Tristán M.; Cerioni, Lucas M. C.; Forguez, José; Ollé, Juan M.; Pusiol, Daniel J.

2007-02-01

The main aim of this work is to present an overview of the nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR) spectroscopy capabilities for solid state imaging and detection of illegal substances, such as explosives and drugs. We briefly discuss the evolution of different NQR imaging techniques, in particular those involving spatial encoding which permit conservation of spectroscopic information. It has been shown that plastic explosives and other forbidden substances cannot be easily detected by means of conventional inspection techniques, such as those based on conventional X-ray technology. For this kind of applications, the experimental results show that the information inferred from NQR spectroscopy provides excellent means to perform volumetric and surface detection of dangerous explosive and drug compounds.

Source spectral variation and yield estimation for small, near-source explosions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoo, S.; Mayeda, K. M.

2012-12-01

Significant S-wave generation is always observed from explosion sources which can lead to difficulty in discriminating explosions from natural earthquakes. While there are numerous S-wave generation mechanisms that are currently the topic of significant research, the mechanisms all remain controversial and appear to be dependent upon the near-source emplacement conditions of that particular explosion. To better understand the generation and partitioning of the P and S waves from explosion sources and to enhance the identification and discrimination capability of explosions, we investigate near-source explosion data sets from the 2008 New England Damage Experiment (NEDE), the Humble-Redwood (HR) series of explosions, and a Massachusetts quarry explosion experiment. We estimate source spectra and characteristic source parameters using moment tensor inversions, direct P and S waves multi-taper analysis, and improved coda spectral analysis using high quality waveform records from explosions from a variety of emplacement conditions (e.g., slow/fast burning explosive, fully tamped, partially tamped, single/ripple-fired, and below/above ground explosions). The results from direct and coda waves are compared to theoretical explosion source model predictions. These well-instrumented experiments provide us with excellent data from which to document the characteristic spectral shape, relative partitioning between P and S-waves, and amplitude/yield dependence as a function of HOB/DOB. The final goal of this study is to populate a comprehensive seismic source reference database for small yield explosions based on the results and to improve nuclear explosion monitoring capability.

Nuclear Rocket Test Facility Decommissioning Including Controlled Explosive Demolition of a Neutron-Activated Shield Wall

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Michael Kruzic

2007-09-01

Located in Area 25 of the Nevada Test Site, the Test Cell A Facility was used in the 1960s for the testing of nuclear rocket engines, as part of the Nuclear Rocket Development Program. The facility was decontaminated and decommissioned (D&D) in 2005 using the Streamlined Approach For Environmental Restoration (SAFER) process, under the Federal Facilities Agreement and Consent Order (FFACO). Utilities and process piping were verified void of contents, hazardous materials were removed, concrete with removable contamination decontaminated, large sections mechanically demolished, and the remaining five-foot, five-inch thick radiologically-activated reinforced concrete shield wall demolished using open-air controlled explosive demolitionmore » (CED). CED of the shield wall was closely monitored and resulted in no radiological exposure or atmospheric release.« less

Tracking Radionuclide Fractionation in the First Atomic Explosion Using Stable Elements

DOE PAGES

Bonamici, Chloë E.; Hervig, Richard L.; Kinman, William S.

2017-08-25

Compositional analysis of postdetonation fallout is a tool for forensic identification of nuclear devices. However, the relationship between device composition and fallout composition is difficult to interpret because of the complex combination of physical mixing, nuclear reactions, and chemical fractionations that occur in the chaotic nuclear fireball. By using a combination of in situ microanalytical techniques (electron microprobe analysis and secondary ion mass spectrometry), we show that some heavy stable elements (Rb, Sr, Zr, Ba, Cs, Ba, La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Dy, Lu, U, Th) in glassy fallout from the first nuclear test, Trinity, are reliable chemical proxies for radionuclidesmore » generated during the explosion. Stable-element proxies show that radionuclides from the Trinity device were chemically, but not isotopically, fractionated by condensation. Moreover, stable-element proxies delineate chemical fractionation trends that can be used to connect present-day fallout composition to past fireball composition. Stable-element proxies therefore offer a novel approach for elucidating the phenomenology of the nuclear fireball as it relates to the formation of debris and the fixation of device materials within debris.« less

Tracking Radionuclide Fractionation in the First Atomic Explosion Using Stable Elements

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bonamici, Chloë E.; Hervig, Richard L.; Kinman, William S.

Compositional analysis of postdetonation fallout is a tool for forensic identification of nuclear devices. However, the relationship between device composition and fallout composition is difficult to interpret because of the complex combination of physical mixing, nuclear reactions, and chemical fractionations that occur in the chaotic nuclear fireball. By using a combination of in situ microanalytical techniques (electron microprobe analysis and secondary ion mass spectrometry), we show that some heavy stable elements (Rb, Sr, Zr, Ba, Cs, Ba, La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Dy, Lu, U, Th) in glassy fallout from the first nuclear test, Trinity, are reliable chemical proxies for radionuclidesmore » generated during the explosion. Stable-element proxies show that radionuclides from the Trinity device were chemically, but not isotopically, fractionated by condensation. Moreover, stable-element proxies delineate chemical fractionation trends that can be used to connect present-day fallout composition to past fireball composition. Stable-element proxies therefore offer a novel approach for elucidating the phenomenology of the nuclear fireball as it relates to the formation of debris and the fixation of device materials within debris.« less

Tracking Radionuclide Fractionation in the First Atomic Explosion Using Stable Elements.

PubMed

Bonamici, Chloë E; Hervig, Richard L; Kinman, William S

2017-09-19

Compositional analysis of postdetonation fallout is a tool for forensic identification of nuclear devices. However, the relationship between device composition and fallout composition is difficult to interpret because of the complex combination of physical mixing, nuclear reactions, and chemical fractionations that occur in the chaotic nuclear fireball. Using a combination of in situ microanalytical techniques (electron microprobe analysis and secondary ion mass spectrometry), we show that some heavy stable elements (Rb, Sr, Zr, Ba, Cs, Ba, La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Dy, Lu, U, Th) in glassy fallout from the first nuclear test, Trinity, are reliable chemical proxies for radionuclides generated during the explosion. Stable-element proxies show that radionuclides from the Trinity device were chemically, but not isotopically, fractionated by condensation. Furthermore, stable-element proxies delineate chemical fractionation trends that can be used to connect present-day fallout composition to past fireball composition. Stable-element proxies therefore offer a novel approach for elucidating the phenomenology of the nuclear fireball as it relates to the formation of debris and the fixation of device materials within debris.

Surface Disturbances at the Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Site: Another Indicator of Nuclear Testing?

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pabian, Frank V.; Coblentz, David

A review of available very high-resolution commercial satellite imagery (bracketing the time of North Korea’s most recent underground nuclear test on 9 September 2016 at the Punggye-ri Underground Nuclear Test Site) has led to the detection and identification of several minor surface disturbances on the southern flank of Mt. Mantap. These surface disturbances occur in the form of small landslides, either alone or together with small zones of disturbed bare rock that appear to have been vertically lofted (“spalled”) as a result of the most recent underground explosion. Typically, spall can be uniquely attributed to underground nuclear testing and ismore » not a result of natural processes. However, given the time gap of up to three months between images (pre- and post-event), which was coincident with a period of heavy typhoon flooding in the area1, it is not possible to determine whether the small landslides were exclusively explosion induced, the consequence of heavy rainfall erosion, or some combination of the two.« less

Estimating unbiased magnitudes for the announced DPRK nuclear tests, 2006-2016

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peacock, Sheila; Bowers, David

2017-04-01

The seismic disturbances generated from the five (2006-2016) announced nuclear test explosions by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) are of moderate magnitude (body-wave magnitude mb 4-5) by global earthquake standards. An upward bias of network mean mb of low- to moderate-magnitude events is long established, and is caused by the censoring of readings from stations where the signal was below noise level at the time of the predicted arrival. This sampling bias can be overcome by maximum-likelihood methods using station thresholds at detecting (and non-detecting) stations. Bias in the mean mb can also be introduced by differences in the network of stations recording each explosion - this bias can reduced by using station corrections. We apply a maximum-likelihood (JML) inversion that jointly estimates station corrections and unbiased network mb for the five DPRK explosions recorded by the CTBTO International Monitoring Network (IMS) of seismic stations. The thresholds can either be directly measured from the noise preceding the observed signal, or determined by statistical analysis of bulletin amplitudes. The network mb of the first and smallest explosion is reduced significantly relative to the mean mb (to < 4.0 mb) by removal of the censoring bias.

Homeland Security and Contraband Detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lanza, R. C.

Detection of contraband and illicit materials has become increasingly important, especially since the terrorist attacks in the United States on September 11, 2001. The nature of the detection problem embodies both physics issues and a set of operational constraints that limit the practical application of neutrons. The issue under consideration is detection of materials that are considered serious threats; these may include explosives; radioactive materials, fissile materials, and other materials associated with nuclear weapons, often referred to as special nuclear material (SNM). The overriding constraint is in the physics: systems must be based on clean physics; but unlike physics experiments, detection systems work under the limitation that materials must be identified nonintrusively, without interrupting the normal flow of commerce and with a high probability of detection and a low probability of false alarms. A great deal of work has been reported in the literature on neutron-based techniques for detecting explosives and drugs. The largest impetus by far for detecting explosives comes from aviation industry requirements for inspecting luggage and, to a lesser extent, cargo. The major alternative techniques are either X-ray-based or chemical trace detection methods that look for small traces of explosive residues. The limitations of the X-ray and trace methods in detecting explosives are well known, but currently (2008) it is safe to say that no neutron- or nuclear-based technique is being used routinely for security inspection, despite extensive development of these methods. Smuggling of nuclear materials has become a concern, and neutron techniques are particularly attractive for detecting them. Given the limitations of X-ray techniques and the need for SNM detection, it is now useful to reexamine neutron methodologies, particularly imaging. A significant number of neutron-based techniques have been proposed and are under development for security applications, especially SNM detection, but describing how they work is beyond the scope of the chapter. Instead, one particular approach to neutron imaging, neutron resonance radiography (NRR), is discussed in detail as it illustrates many of the issues connected with imaging and detection.

Detection in subsurface air of radioxenon released from medical isotope production

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Johnson, Christine; Biegalski, Steven; Haas, Derek

Abstract Under the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, an On-Site Inspection (OSI) may be conducted to clarify whether a nuclear explosion has been carried out in violation of Article I of the Treaty. A major component of an OSI is the measurement of subsurface gases in order to detect radioactive noble gases that are produced in a nuclear explosion, particularly radioxenon and radioargon. In order to better understand potential backgrounds of these gases, a sampling campaign was performed near Canadian Nuclear Laboratories in the Ottawa River Valley, a major source of environmental radioxenon. First of their kind measurements of atmospheric radioxenon imprintedmore » into the shallow subsurface from an atmospheric pressure driven force were made using current OSI techniques to measure both atmospheric and subsurface gas samples which were analyzed for radioxenon. These measurements indicate that under specific sampling conditions, on the order of one percent of the atmospheric radioxenon concentration may be measured via subsurface sampling.« less

Surface waves generated by shallow underwater explosions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Falade, A.; Holt, M.

1978-01-01

Surface water waves generated by surface and near surface point explosions are calculated. Taking the impulse distribution imparted at the water surface by the explosion as the overriding mechanism for transferring energy of the explosive to surface wave motion, the linearized theory of Kranzer and Keller is used to obtain the wave displacement in the far field. The impulse distribution is obtained by integrating the pressure wave over an appropriate time interval on a horizontal surface just beneath the undisturbed water surface. For surface explosions, a modified form of the similarity method first used by Collins and Holt is used to obtain the flow field. In the case of submerged explosions, the flow field is estimated by making necessary modifications to Sedov's similarity solution to account for the venting that accompanies the interaction of the leading (blast) wave with the ocean surface. Surface waves generated by a charge at six depths of placement (0.15 m, 0.30 m, 0.61 m, 0.91 m, 1.37 m, 3.05 m) are considered in addition to surface explosions. The results seem to support the existence of an upper critical depth phenomenon (of the type already established for chemical explosions) for point (nuclear) explosions.

Analysis of Spattering Activity at Halema'uma'u in 2015

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mintz, Bianca G.

The classical explosive basaltic eruption spectrum is traditionally defined by the following end member eruption styles: Hawaiian and Strombolian. The field use of high-speed cameras has enabled volcanologists to make improved quantifications and more accurate descriptions of these classical eruptions styles and to quantify previously undecipherable activity (including activity on the basaltic eruption spectrum between the two defined end members). Explosive activity in 2015 at the free surface of the Halema'uma'u lava lake at Kilauea exhibited features of both sustained (Hawaiian) fountaining and transient (Strombolian) explosivity. Most of this activity is internally triggered by the internal rise of decoupled gas bubbles from below the lake's surface, but external triggering via rock falls, was also observed. Here I identify three styles of bubble bursting and spattering eruptive activity (isolated events, clusters of events, and prolonged episodes) at the lava lake, and distinguished them based on their temporal and spatial distributions. Isolated events are discrete single bubble bursts that persist for a few tenths of seconds to seconds and are separated by repose periods of similar or longer time scales. Cluster of events are closely spaced, repeated events grouped around a narrow point source, which persist for seconds to minutes. Prolonged episodes are groupings of numerous events closely linked in space and time that persist for tens of minutes to hours. Analysis of individual events from high-speed camera images indicates that they are made up of up to three phases: the bubble ascent phase, the bursting and pyroclast ejection phase, and the drain back (and rebound) phase. Based on the numerical parameters established in this study, the 2015 activity was relatively weak (i.e., of low intensity) but still falls in a region between those of continuous Hawaiian fountains and impulsive, short-lived Strombolian explosions, in terms of duration.

Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty: Background and Current Developments

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-06-10

subcritical; that is, no critical mass is formed and no self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction can occur; thus, there is no nuclear explosion.”211 SCEs...45 The National Academy of Sciences Study and Its Critics ...the future, but there are no plans to do so.”8 Critics expressed concern about the implications of these policies for testing and new weapons

From Ground Truth to Space: Surface, Subsurface and Remote Observations Associated with Nuclear Test Detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sussman, A. J.; Anderson, D.; Burt, C.; Craven, J.; Kimblin, C.; McKenna, I.; Schultz-Fellenz, E. S.; Miller, E.; Yocky, D. A.; Haas, D.

2016-12-01

Underground nuclear explosions (UNEs) result in numerous signatures that manifest on a wide range of temporal and spatial scales. Currently, prompt signals, such as the detection of seismic waves provide only generalized locations and the timing and amplitude of non-prompt signals are difficult to predict. As such, research into improving the detection, location, and identification of suspect events has been conducted, resulting in advancement of nuclear test detection science. In this presentation, we demonstrate the scalar variably of surface and subsurface observables, briefly discuss current capabilities to locate, detect and characterize potential nuclear explosion locations, and explain how emergent technologies and amalgamation of disparate data sets will facilitate improved monitoring and verification. At the smaller scales, material and fracture characterization efforts on rock collected from legacy UNE sites and from underground experiments using chemical explosions can be incorporated into predictive modeling efforts. Spatial analyses of digital elevation models and orthoimagery of both modern conventional and legacy nuclear sites show subtle surface topographic changes and damage at nearby outcrops. Additionally, at sites where such technology cannot penetrate vegetative cover, it is possible to use the vegetation itself as both a companion signature reflecting geologic conditions and showing subsurface impacts to water, nutrients, and chemicals. Aerial systems based on RGB imagery, light detection and ranging, and hyperspectral imaging can allow for combined remote sensing modalities to perform pattern recognition and classification tasks. Finally, more remote systems such as satellite based synthetic aperture radar and satellite imagery are other techniques in development for UNE site detection, location and characterization.

Intercorrelation of P and Pn Recordings for the North Korean Nuclear Tests

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lay, T.; Voytan, D.; Ohman, J.

2017-12-01

The relative waveform analysis procedure called Intercorrelation is applied to Pn and P waveforms at regional and teleseismic distances, respectively, for the 5 underground nuclear tests at the North Korean nuclear test site. Intercorrelation is a waveform equalization procedure that parameterizes the effective source function for a given explosion, including the reduced velocity potential convolved with a simplified Green's function that accounts for the free surface reflections (pPn and pP), and possibly additional arrivals such as spall. The source function for one event is convolved with the signal at a given station for a second event, and the recording at the same station for the first event is convolved with the source function for the second event. This procedure eliminates the need to predict the complex receiver function effects at the station, which are typically not well-known for short-period response. The parameters of the source function representation are yield and burial depth, and an explosion source model is required. Here we use the Mueller-Murphy representation of the explosion reduced velocity potential, which explicitly depends on yield and burial depth. We then search over yield and burial depth ranges for both events, constrained by a priori information about reasonable ranges of parameters, to optimize the simultaneous match of multiple station signals for the two events. This procedure, applied to the apparently overburied North Korean nuclear tests (no indications of spall complexity), assuming simple free surface interactions (elastic reflection from a flat surface), provides excellent waveform equalization for all combinations of 5 nuclear tests.

Radioxenon Production from an Underground Nuclear Detonation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Y.

2016-12-01

The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty of 1996 has sparked the attention of many nations around the world for detecting Underground Nuclear Explosions (UNEs). The radioisotopes, specifically isotopes of xenon, Xe-131m, Xe-133m, Xe-133, and Xe-135, are being studied using their half-lives and decay networks for distinguishing civilian nuclear applications from UNEs. This study aims to simulate radioxenon concentrations and their uncertainties using analytical solutions of radioactive decay networks.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Flavin, C.; Lenssen, N.

When the sad history of nuclear power is written, April 26, 1986, will be recorded as the day the dream died. The explosion at the Chernobyl plant was a terrible human tragedy- and it delivered a stark verdict on the hope that nuclear power will one day replace fossil fuel-based energy systems. Nuclear advocates may soldier on, but a decade after Chernobyl it is clear that nuclear power is no longer a viable energy option for the twenty-first century.

DOE/NV/25946--1586 Geologic Assessment of the Damage Zone from the Second Test at Source Physics Experiment-Nevada (SPE-N)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Townsend, M.; Huckins-Gang, H.; Prothro, L.; Reed, D.

2012-12-01

The National Center for Nuclear Security, established by the U.S. Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration, is conducting a series of explosive tests at the Nevada National Security Site that are designed to increase the understanding of certain basic physical phenomena associated with underground explosions. These tests will aid in developing technologies that might be used to detect underground nuclear explosions in support of verification activities for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. The initial project is a series of explosive tests, known collectively as the Source Physics Experiment-Nevada (SPE-N), being conducted in granitic rocks. The SPE N test series is designed to study the generation and propagation of seismic waves. The results will help advance the seismic monitoring capability of the United States by improving the predictive capability of physics-based modeling of explosive phenomena. The first SPE N (SPE N1) test was conducted in May 2011, using 0.1 ton of explosives at the depth of 54.9 m in the U 15n source hole. SPE N2 was conducted in October 2011, using 1.0 ton of explosives at the depth of 45.7 m in the same source hole. The SPE N3 test was conducted in the same source hole in July 2012, using the same amount and type of explosive as for SPE N2, and at the same depth as SPE N2, within the damage zone created by the SPE N2 explosion to investigate damage effects on seismic wave propagation. Following the SPE N2 shot and prior to the SPE N3 shot, the core hole U-15n#10 was drilled at an angle from the surface to intercept the SPE N2 shot point location to obtain information necessary to characterize the damage zone. The desire was to determine the position of the damage zone near the shot point, at least on the northeast, where the core hole penetrated it, and obtain information on the properties of the damaged medium. Geologic characterization of the post-SPE N2 core hole included geophysical logging, a directional survey, and geologic description of the core to document visual evidence of damage. Selected core samples were provided to Sandia National Laboratories for measurement of physical and mechanical properties. A video was also run in the source hole after it was cleaned out. A significant natural fault zone was encountered in the angle core hole between 5.7 and 7.5 m from the shot point. However, several of the fractures observed in the core hole are interpreted as having been caused by the explosion. The fractures are characterized by a "fresh," mechanically broken look, with uncoated and very irregular surfaces. They tend to terminate against natural fractures and have orientations that differ from the previously defined natural fracture sets; they are common starting at about 5.4 m from the shot point. Within about 3.3 m of the shot point to the end of the recovered core at 1.6 m from the shot point, some of the core samples are softer and lighter in color, but do not appear to be weathered. It is thought this could be indicative of the presence of distributed microfracturing. This work was done by National Security Technologies, LLC, under Contract No. DE-AC52-06NA25946 with the U.S. Department of Energy.

Uncovering many-body correlations in nanoscale nuclear spin baths by central spin decoherence

PubMed Central

Ma, Wen-Long; Wolfowicz, Gary; Zhao, Nan; Li, Shu-Shen; Morton, John J.L.; Liu, Ren-Bao

2014-01-01

Central spin decoherence caused by nuclear spin baths is often a critical issue in various quantum computing schemes, and it has also been used for sensing single-nuclear spins. Recent theoretical studies suggest that central spin decoherence can act as a probe of many-body physics in spin baths; however, identification and detection of many-body correlations of nuclear spins in nanoscale systems are highly challenging. Here, taking a phosphorus donor electron spin in a 29Si nuclear spin bath as our model system, we discover both theoretically and experimentally that many-body correlations in nanoscale nuclear spin baths produce identifiable signatures in decoherence of the central spin under multiple-pulse dynamical decoupling control. We demonstrate that under control by an odd or even number of pulses, the central spin decoherence is principally caused by second- or fourth-order nuclear spin correlations, respectively. This study marks an important step toward studying many-body physics using spin qubits. PMID:25205440

Simulations in a Science and Society Course.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Maier, Mark H.; Venanzi, Thomas

1984-01-01

Provides a course outline which includes simulation exercises designed as in-class activities related to science and society interactions. Simulations focus on the IQ debate, sociobiology, nuclear weapons and nulcear strategy, nuclear power and radiation, computer explosion, and cosmology. Indicates that learning improves when students take active…

10 CFR 712.10 - Designation of HRP positions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... duties or has responsibility for working with, protecting, or transporting nuclear explosives, nuclear... 10 Energy 4 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Designation of HRP positions. 712.10 Section 712.10 Energy DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY HUMAN RELIABILITY PROGRAM Establishment of and Procedures for the Human Reliability...

10 CFR 712.10 - Designation of HRP positions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... duties or has responsibility for working with, protecting, or transporting nuclear explosives, nuclear... 10 Energy 4 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Designation of HRP positions. 712.10 Section 712.10 Energy DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY HUMAN RELIABILITY PROGRAM Establishment of and Procedures for the Human Reliability...

10 CFR 712.10 - Designation of HRP positions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... duties or has responsibility for working with, protecting, or transporting nuclear explosives, nuclear... 10 Energy 4 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Designation of HRP positions. 712.10 Section 712.10 Energy DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY HUMAN RELIABILITY PROGRAM Establishment of and Procedures for the Human Reliability...

10 CFR 712.10 - Designation of HRP positions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... duties or has responsibility for working with, protecting, or transporting nuclear explosives, nuclear... 10 Energy 4 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Designation of HRP positions. 712.10 Section 712.10 Energy DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY HUMAN RELIABILITY PROGRAM Establishment of and Procedures for the Human Reliability...

10 CFR 712.10 - Designation of HRP positions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... duties or has responsibility for working with, protecting, or transporting nuclear explosives, nuclear... 10 Energy 4 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Designation of HRP positions. 712.10 Section 712.10 Energy DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY HUMAN RELIABILITY PROGRAM Establishment of and Procedures for the Human Reliability...

An underground nuclear power station using self-regulating heat-pipe controlled reactors

DOEpatents

Hampel, V.E.

1988-05-17

A nuclear reactor for generating electricity is disposed underground at the bottom of a vertical hole that can be drilled using conventional drilling technology. The primary coolant of the reactor core is the working fluid in a plurality of thermodynamically coupled heat pipes emplaced in the hole between the heat source at the bottom of the hole and heat exchange means near the surface of the earth. Additionally, the primary coolant (consisting of the working fluid in the heat pipes in the reactor core) moderates neutrons and regulates their reactivity, thus keeping the power of the reactor substantially constant. At the end of its useful life, the reactor core may be abandoned in place. Isolation from the atmosphere in case of accident or for abandonment is provided by the operation of explosive closures and mechanical valves emplaced along the hole. This invention combines technology developed and tested for small, highly efficient, space-based nuclear electric power plants with the technology of fast- acting closure mechanisms developed and used for underground testing of nuclear weapons. This invention provides a nuclear power installation which is safe from the worst conceivable reactor accident, namely, the explosion of a nuclear weapon near the ground surface of a nuclear power reactor. 5 figs.

Underground nuclear power station using self-regulating heat-pipe controlled reactors

DOEpatents

Hampel, Viktor E.

1989-01-01

A nuclear reactor for generating electricity is disposed underground at the bottom of a vertical hole that can be drilled using conventional drilling technology. The primary coolant of the reactor core is the working fluid in a plurality of thermodynamically coupled heat pipes emplaced in the hole between the heat source at the bottom of the hole and heat exchange means near the surface of the earth. Additionally, the primary coolant (consisting of the working flud in the heat pipes in the reactor core) moderates neutrons and regulates their reactivity, thus keeping the power of the reactor substantially constant. At the end of its useful life, the reactor core may be abandoned in place. Isolation from the atmosphere in case of accident or for abandonment is provided by the operation of explosive closures and mechanical valves emplaced along the hole. This invention combines technology developed and tested for small, highly efficient, space-based nuclear electric power plants with the technology of fast-acting closure mechanisms developed and used for underground testing of nuclear weapons. This invention provides a nuclear power installation which is safe from the worst conceivable reactor accident, namely, the explosion of a nuclear weapon near the ground surface of a nuclear power reactor.

OSI Passive Seismic Experiment at the Former Nevada Test Site

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sweeney, J J; Harben, P

On-site inspection (OSI) is one of the four verification provisions of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT). Under the provisions of the CTBT, once the Treaty has entered into force, any signatory party can request an on-site inspection, which can then be carried out after approval (by majority voting) of the Executive Council. Once an OSI is approved, a team of 40 inspectors will be assembled to carry out an inspection to ''clarify whether a nuclear weapon test explosion or any other nuclear explosion has been carried out in violation of Article I''. One challenging aspect of carrying outmore » an on-site inspection (OSI) in the case of a purported underground nuclear explosion is to detect and locate the underground effects of an explosion, which may include an explosion cavity, a zone of damaged rock, and/or a rubble zone associated with an underground collapsed cavity. The CTBT (Protocol, Section II part D, paragraph 69) prescribes several types of geophysical investigations that can be carried out for this purpose. One of the methods allowed by the CTBT for geophysical investigation is referred to in the Treaty Protocol as ''resonance seismometry''. This method, which was proposed and strongly promoted by Russia during the Treaty negotiations, is not described in the Treaty. Some clarification about the nature of the resonance method can be gained from OSI workshop presentations by Russian experts in the late 1990s. Our understanding is that resonance seismometry is a passive method that relies on seismic reverberations set up in an underground cavity by the passage of waves from regional and teleseismic sources. Only a few examples of the use of this method for detection of underground cavities have been presented, and those were done in cases where the existence and precise location of an underground cavity was known. As is the case with many of the geophysical methods allowed during an OSI under the Treaty, how resonance seismology really works and its effectiveness for OSI purposes has yet to be determined. For this experiment, we took a broad approach to the definition of ''resonance seismometry''; stretching it to include any means that employs passive seismic methods to infer the character of underground materials. In recent years there have been a number of advances in the use of correlation and noise analysis methods in seismology to obtain information about the subsurface. Our objective in this experiment was to use noise analysis and correlation analysis to evaluate these techniques for detecting and characterizing the underground damage zone from a nuclear explosion. The site that was chosen for the experiment was the Mackerel test in Area 4 of the former Nevada Test Site (now named the Nevada National Security Site, or NNSS). Mackerel was an underground nuclear test of less than 20 kT conducted in February of 1964 (DOENV-209-REV 15). The reason we chose this site is because there was a known apical cavity occurring at about 50 m depth above a rubble zone, and that the site had been investigated by the US Geological Survey with active seismic methods in 1965 (Watkins et al., 1967). Note that the time delay between detonation of the explosion (1964) and the time of the present survey (2010) is nearly 46 years - this would not be typical of an expected OSI under the CTBT.« less

Shock-turbulence interaction in core-collapse supernovae

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdikamalov, Ernazar; Zhaksylykov, Azamat; Radice, David; Berdibek, Shapagat

2016-10-01

Nuclear shell burning in the final stages of the lives of massive stars is accompanied by strong turbulent convection. The resulting fluctuations aid supernova explosion by amplifying the non-radial flow in the post-shock region. In this work, we investigate the physical mechanism behind this amplification using a linear perturbation theory. We model the shock wave as a one-dimensional planar discontinuity and consider its interaction with vorticity and entropy perturbations in the upstream flow. We find that, as the perturbations cross the shock, their total turbulent kinetic energy is amplified by a factor of ˜2, while the average linear size of turbulent eddies decreases by about the same factor. These values are not sensitive to the parameters of the upstream turbulence and the nuclear dissociation efficiency at the shock. Finally, we discuss the implication of our results for the supernova explosion mechanism. We show that the upstream perturbations can decrease the critical neutrino luminosity for producing explosion by several per cent.

Nuclear fusion driven by Coulomb explosion of homonuclear and heteronuclear deuterium- and tritium-containing clusters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Last, Isidore; Jortner, Joshua

2001-12-01

The ionization and Coulomb explosion of homonuclear Dn and Tn (n=959-8007) and heteronuclear (D2O)n and (T2O)n (n=459-2171) clusters in very intense (I=5×1014-5×1018 W cm-2) laser fields is studied using classical dynamics simulations. The efficiency of the d+d and d+t nuclear fusion driven by the Coulomb explosion (NFDCE) is explored. The d+d NFDCE of (D2O)n heteronuclear clusters is enhanced by energetic and kinematic effects for D+, while for (T2O)n heteronuclear clusters the kinetic energy of T+ is dominated by energetic effects. The cluster size dependence of the fusion reaction yield has been established. The heteronuclear clusters provide considerably higher d+d and d+t fusion reaction yields than the homonuclear clusters of the same size. The clusters consisting of both D and T atoms can provide highly efficient d+t fusion reactions.

Data report of a pretest analysis of soil-structure interaction and structural response in low-amplitude explosive testing (50 KG) of the heissdampfreaktor (HDR)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Vaughan, D.K.; Sandler, I.; Rubin, D.

This report describes a three-dimensional nonlinear TRANAL finite element analysis of a nuclear reactor subjected to ground shaking from a buried 50 kg explosive source. The analysis is a pretest simulation of a test event which was scheduled to be conducted in West Germany on 3 November 1979.

78 FR 35072 - Proposed Revision to Strategies and Guidance to Address Loss of Large Areas of the Plant Due to...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-06-11

... Address Loss of Large Areas of the Plant Due to Explosions and Fires AGENCY: Nuclear Regulatory Commission... Standard Review Plan (SRP), Section 19.4 ``Strategies and Guidance to Address Loss of Large Areas of the... review of the subject of loss-of-large areas of the plant due to explosions and fires. DATES: Submit...

HIGH EXPLOSIVE CRATER STUDIES: TUFF

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Murphey, B.F.

1961-04-01

Spherical charges of TNT, each weighing 256 pounds, were exploded at various depths in tuff to determine apparent crater dimensions in a soft rock. No craters were obtained for depths of burst equal to or greater than 13.3 feet. It was deduced that rock fragments were sufficiently large that charges of greater magnitude should be employed for crater experiments intended as models of nuclear explosions. (auth)

The effectiveness of power-generating complexes constructed on the basis of nuclear power plants combined with additional sources of energy determined taking risk factors into account

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aminov, R. Z.; Khrustalev, V. A.; Portyankin, A. V.

2015-02-01

The effectiveness of combining nuclear power plants equipped with water-cooled water-moderated power-generating reactors (VVER) with other sources of energy within unified power-generating complexes is analyzed. The use of such power-generating complexes makes it possible to achieve the necessary load pickup capability and flexibility in performing the mandatory selective primary and emergency control of load, as well as participation in passing the night minimums of electric load curves while retaining high values of the capacity utilization factor of the entire power-generating complex at higher levels of the steam-turbine part efficiency. Versions involving combined use of nuclear power plants with hydrogen toppings and gas turbine units for generating electricity are considered. In view of the fact that hydrogen is an unsafe energy carrier, the use of which introduces additional elements of risk, a procedure for evaluating these risks under different conditions of implementing the fuel-and-hydrogen cycle at nuclear power plants is proposed. Risk accounting technique with the use of statistical data is considered, including the characteristics of hydrogen and gas pipelines, and the process pipelines equipment tightness loss occurrence rate. The expected intensities of fires and explosions at nuclear power plants fitted with hydrogen toppings and gas turbine units are calculated. In estimating the damage inflicted by events (fires and explosions) occurred in nuclear power plant turbine buildings, the US statistical data were used. Conservative scenarios of fires and explosions of hydrogen-air mixtures in nuclear power plant turbine buildings are presented. Results from calculations of the introduced annual risk to the attained net annual profit ratio in commensurable versions are given. This ratio can be used in selecting projects characterized by the most technically attainable and socially acceptable safety.

Atmospheric effects and societal consequences of regional scale nuclear conflicts and acts of individual nuclear terrorism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Toon, O. B.; Turco, R. P.; Robock, A.; Bardeen, C.; Oman, L.; Stenchikov, G. L.

2006-11-01

We assess the potential damage and smoke production associated with the detonation of small nuclear weapons in modern megacities. While the number of nuclear warheads in the world has fallen by about a factor of three since its peak in 1986, the number of nuclear weapons states is increasing and the potential exists for numerous regional nuclear arms races. Eight countries are known to have nuclear weapons, 2 are constructing them, and an additional 32 nations already have the fissile material needed to build substantial arsenals of low-yield (Hiroshima-sized) explosives. Population and economic activity worldwide are congregated to an increasing extent in megacities, which might be targeted in a nuclear conflict. Our analysis shows that, per kiloton of yield, low yield weapons can produce 100 times as many fatalities and 100 times as much smoke from fires as high-yield weapons, if they are targeted at city centers. A single "small'' nuclear detonation in an urban center could lead to more fatalities, in some cases by orders of magnitude, than have occurred in the major historical conflicts of many countries. We analyze the likely outcome of a regional nuclear exchange involving 100 15-kt explosions (less than 0.1% of the explosive yield of the current global nuclear arsenal). We find that such an exchange could produce direct fatalities comparable to all of those worldwide in World War II, or to those once estimated for a "counterforce'' nuclear war between the superpowers. Megacities exposed to atmospheric fallout of long-lived radionuclides would likely be abandoned indefinitely, with severe national and international implications. Our analysis shows that smoke from urban firestorms in a regional war would rise into the upper troposphere due to pyro-convection. Robock et al. (2006) show that the smoke would subsequently rise deep into the stratosphere due to atmospheric heating, and then might induce significant climatic anomalies on global scales.We also anticipate substantial perturbations of global ozone. While there are many uncertainties in the predictions we make here, the principal unknowns are the type and scale of conflict that might occur. The scope and severity of the hazards identified pose a significant threat to the global community. They deserve careful analysis by governments worldwide advised by a broad section of the world scientific community, as well as widespread public debate.

SURF Model Calibration Strategy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Menikoff, Ralph

2017-03-10

SURF and SURFplus are high explosive reactive burn models for shock initiation and propagation of detonation waves. They are engineering models motivated by the ignition & growth concept of high spots and for SURFplus a second slow reaction for the energy release from carbon clustering. A key feature of the SURF model is that there is a partial decoupling between model parameters and detonation properties. This enables reduced sets of independent parameters to be calibrated sequentially for the initiation and propagation regimes. Here we focus on a methodology for tting the initiation parameters to Pop plot data based on 1-Dmore » simulations to compute a numerical Pop plot. In addition, the strategy for tting the remaining parameters for the propagation regime and failure diameter is discussed.« less

'Tertiary' nuclear burning - Neutron star deflagration?

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Michel, F. Curtis

1988-01-01

A motivation is presented for the idea that dense nuclear matter can burn to a new class of stable particles. One of several possibilities is an 'octet' particle which is the 16 baryon extension of alpha particle, but now composed of a pair of each of the two nucleons, (3Sigma, Delta, and 2Xi). Such 'tertiary' nuclear burning (here 'primary' is H-He and 'secondary' is He-Fe) may lead to neutron star explosions rather than collapse to a black hole, analogous to some Type I supernovae models wherein accreting white dwarfs are pushed over the Chandrasekhar mass limit but explode rather than collapse to form neutron stars. Such explosions could possibly give gamma-ray bursts and power quasars, with efficient particle acceleration in the resultant relativistic shocks. The new stable particles themselves could possibly be the sought-after weakly interacting, massive particles (WIMPs) or 'dark' matter.

Science and technology in the stockpile stewardship program, S & TR reprints

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Storm, E

This document reports on these topics: Computer Simulations in Support of National Security; Enhanced Surveillance of Aging Weapons; A New Precision Cutting Tool: The Femtosecond Laser; Superlasers as a Tool of Stockpile Stewardship; Nova Laser Experiments and Stockpile Stewardship; Transforming Explosive Art into Science; Better Flash Radiography Using the FXR; Preserving Nuclear Weapons Information; Site 300Õs New Contained Firing Facility; The Linear Electric Motor: Instability at 1,000 gÕs; A Powerful New Tool to Detect Clandestine Nuclear Tests; High Explosives in Stockpile Surveillance Indicate Constancy; Addressing a Cold War Legacy with a New Way to Produce TATB; JumpinÕ Jupiter! Metallic Hydrogen;more » Keeping the Nuclear Stockpile Safe, Secure, and Reliable; The Multibeam FabryÐPerot Velocimeter: Efficient Measurements of High Velocities; Theory and Modeling in Material Science; The Diamond Anvil Cell; Gamma-Ray Imaging Spectrometry; X-Ray Lasers and High-Density Plasma« less

10 CFR 52.80 - Contents of applications; additional technical information.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

.... 52.80 Section 52.80 Energy NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION (CONTINUED) LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, AND APPROVALS FOR NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS Combined Licenses § 52.80 Contents of applications; additional technical... the circumstances associated with the loss of large areas of the plant due to explosions or fire as...

10 CFR 50.55 - Conditions of construction permits, early site permits, combined licenses, and manufacturing...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

..., combined licenses, and manufacturing licenses. 50.55 Section 50.55 Energy NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION... experimental nature of the facility or fire, flood, explosion, strike, sabotage, domestic violence, enemy... submitted to the Document Control Desk, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, by an appropriate method listed...

10 CFR 52.80 - Contents of applications; additional technical information.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

.... 52.80 Section 52.80 Energy NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION (CONTINUED) LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, AND APPROVALS FOR NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS Combined Licenses § 52.80 Contents of applications; additional technical... the circumstances associated with the loss of large areas of the plant due to explosions or fire as...

10 CFR 50.55 - Conditions of construction permits, early site permits, combined licenses, and manufacturing...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

..., combined licenses, and manufacturing licenses. 50.55 Section 50.55 Energy NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION... experimental nature of the facility or fire, flood, explosion, strike, sabotage, domestic violence, enemy... submitted to the Document Control Desk, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, by an appropriate method listed...

10 CFR 52.80 - Contents of applications; additional technical information.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

.... 52.80 Section 52.80 Energy NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION (CONTINUED) LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, AND APPROVALS FOR NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS Combined Licenses § 52.80 Contents of applications; additional technical... the circumstances associated with the loss of large areas of the plant due to explosions or fire as...

10 CFR 50.55 - Conditions of construction permits, early site permits, combined licenses, and manufacturing...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

..., combined licenses, and manufacturing licenses. 50.55 Section 50.55 Energy NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION... experimental nature of the facility or fire, flood, explosion, strike, sabotage, domestic violence, enemy... submitted to the Document Control Desk, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, by an appropriate method listed...

10 CFR 52.80 - Contents of applications; additional technical information.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

.... 52.80 Section 52.80 Energy NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION (CONTINUED) LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, AND APPROVALS FOR NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS Combined Licenses § 52.80 Contents of applications; additional technical... the circumstances associated with the loss of large areas of the plant due to explosions or fire as...

77 FR 41670 - Definition of Terms

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-07-16

... cryptography'', 2. On page 642, add the term ``Explosives'', 3. On page 650, add the term ``Nuclear reactor... ``Commerce Control List''. * * * * * Nuclear reactor. (Cat 0 and 2) includes the items within or attached directly to the reactor vessel, the equipment which controls the level of power in the core, and the...

Design and test of a double-nuclear RF coil for 1H MRI and 13C MRSI at 7 T

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rutledge, Omar; Kwak, Tiffany; Cao, Peng; Zhang, Xiaoliang

2016-06-01

RF coil operation at the ultrahigh field of 7 T is fraught with technical challenges that limit the advancement of novel human in vivo applications at 7 T. In this work, a hybrid technique combining a microstrip transmission line and a lumped-element L-C loop coil to form a double-nuclear RF coil for proton magnetic resonance imaging and carbon magnetic resonance spectroscopy at 7 T was proposed and investigated. Network analysis revealed a high Q-factor and excellent decoupling between the coils. Proton images and localized carbon spectra were acquired with high sensitivity. The successful testing of this novel double-nuclear coil demonstrates the feasibility of this hybrid design for double-nuclear MR imaging and spectroscopy studies at the ultrahigh field of 7 T.

Monte Carlo simulation of explosive detection system based on a Deuterium-Deuterium (D-D) neutron generator.

PubMed

Bergaoui, K; Reguigui, N; Gary, C K; Brown, C; Cremer, J T; Vainionpaa, J H; Piestrup, M A

2014-12-01

An explosive detection system based on a Deuterium-Deuterium (D-D) neutron generator has been simulated using the Monte Carlo N-Particle Transport Code (MCNP5). Nuclear-based explosive detection methods can detect explosives by identifying their elemental components, especially nitrogen. Thermal neutron capture reactions have been used for detecting prompt gamma emission (10.82MeV) following radiative neutron capture by (14)N nuclei. The explosive detection system was built based on a fully high-voltage-shielded, axial D-D neutron generator with a radio frequency (RF) driven ion source and nominal yield of about 10(10) fast neutrons per second (E=2.5MeV). Polyethylene and paraffin were used as moderators with borated polyethylene and lead as neutron and gamma ray shielding, respectively. The shape and the thickness of the moderators and shields are optimized to produce the highest thermal neutron flux at the position of the explosive and the minimum total dose at the outer surfaces of the explosive detection system walls. In addition, simulation of the response functions of NaI, BGO, and LaBr3-based γ-ray detectors to different explosives is described. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Explosions of Thorne-Żytkow objects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moriya, Takashi J.

2018-03-01

We propose that massive Thorne-Żytkow objects can explode. A Thorne-Żytkow object is a theoretically predicted star that has a neutron core. When nuclear reactions supporting a massive Thorne-Żytkow object terminate, a strong accretion occurs towards the central neutron core. The accretion rate is large enough to sustain a super-Eddington accretion towards the neutron core. The neutron core may collapse to a black hole after a while. A strong large-scale outflow or a jet can be launched from the super-Eddington accretion disc and the collapsing Thorne-Żytkow object can be turned into an explosion. The ejecta have about 10 M⊙ but the explosion energy depends on when the accretion is suppressed. We presume that the explosion energy could be as low as ˜1047 erg and such a low-energy explosion could be observed like a failed supernova. The maximum possible explosion energy is ˜1052 erg and such a high-energy explosion could be observed as an energetic Type II supernova or a superluminous supernova. Explosions of Thorne-Żytkow objects may provide a new path to spread lithium and other heavy elements produced through the irp process such as molybdenum in the Universe.

THE EFFECT OF NUCLEAR EXPLOSIONS ON COMMERCIALLY PACKAGED BEVERAGES

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

McConnell, E.R.; Sampson, G.O.; Sharf, J.M.

Representative commerciaily packaged beverages, such as soft drinks and beer, in glass bottles and metal cans were exposed to the radiation from nuclear explosions. Preliminary experimental resulthe were obtained from test layouts exposed to a detonation of approximately nominal yield. Extensive test layouts were subsequently exposed during Operation Cue, of 50% greater than nominal yield, at varying distances from Ground Zero. These commerically packaged soft drinks and beer in giass botties or metal cans survived the blast overpressures even as close as 1270 ft from Ground Zero, and at more remote distances, with most failures being caused by flying missiles,more » crushing by surrounding structures, or dislodgment from shelves. Induced radioactivity, subsequently measured on representative samples, was not great in either soft drinks or beer, even at the forward positions, and these beverages could be used as potable water sources for immediate emergency purposes as soon as the storage area ms safe to enter after a nuclear explosion. Although containers showed some induced radioactivity, none of this activity was transferred to the contents. Some flavor change was found in the beverages by taste panels, more in beer than in soft drinks, but was insufficient to detract from their potential usage as emergency supplies of potable water. (auth)« less

Frequency-agile gyrotron for electron decoupling and pulsed dynamic nuclear polarization.

PubMed

Scott, Faith J; Saliba, Edward P; Albert, Brice J; Alaniva, Nicholas; Sesti, Erika L; Gao, Chukun; Golota, Natalie C; Choi, Eric J; Jagtap, Anil P; Wittmann, Johannes J; Eckardt, Michael; Harneit, Wolfgang; Corzilius, Björn; Th Sigurdsson, Snorri; Barnes, Alexander B

2018-04-01

We describe a frequency-agile gyrotron which can generate frequency-chirped microwave pulses. An arbitrary waveform generator (AWG) within the NMR spectrometer controls the microwave frequency, enabling synchronized pulsed control of both electron and nuclear spins. We demonstrate that the acceleration of emitted electrons, and thus the microwave frequency, can be quickly changed by varying the anode voltage. This strategy results in much faster frequency response than can be achieved by changing the potential of the electron emitter, and does not require a custom triode electron gun. The gyrotron frequency can be swept with a rate of 20 MHz/μs over a 670 MHz bandwidth in a static magnetic field. We have already implemented time-domain electron decoupling with dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) magic angle spinning (MAS) with this device. In this contribution, we show frequency-swept DNP enhancement profiles recorded without changing the NMR magnet or probe. The profile of endofullerenes exhibits a DNP profile with a <10 MHz linewidth, indicating that the device also has sufficient frequency stability, and therefore phase stability, to implement pulsed DNP mechanisms such as the frequency-swept solid effect. We describe schematics of the mechanical and vacuum construction of the device which includes a novel flanged sapphire window assembly. Finally, we discuss how commercially available continuous-wave gyrotrons can potentially be converted into similar frequency-agile high-power microwave sources. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Analysis of recordings from underwater controlled sources in the Pacific Ocean received by the International Monitoring System (IMS) of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamada, Tomoaki; Zampolli, Mario; Haralabus, Georgios; Heaney, Kevin; Prior, Mark; Isse, Takeshi

2016-04-01

Controlled impulsive scientific underwater sound sources in the Northwestern Pacific were observed at two IMS hydroacoustic stations in the Pacific Ocean. Although these experiments were conducted with the aim of studying the physical properties of the plate boundaries inside the Earth, they are also suitable for the investigation of long range underwater acoustic detections. In spite of the fact that the energy of these controlled impulsive scientific sources is significantly smaller than that of nuclear explosions, the signals were obtained by IMS hydrophone stations thousands of kilometres away and also by distant ocean bottom instruments operated by various Institutes, such as the Earthquake Research Institute, University of Tokyo. These experiments provide calibrated (yield, time, location) long-range acoustic transmissions, which enable one to examine the physics of long-range acoustic propagation and to verify the capabilities of the CTBTO IMS network to detect even small explosions.The two IMS stations used are H03 (Juan Fernandez Island, Chile) off the coast of Chile in the Southeastern Pacific and H11 (Wake Island, USA) in the Western Pacific. Both stations consist of two triplets of hydrophones in the SOFAR channel, which monitor the oceans for signs of nuclear explosions. H03 detected low-yield explosions above flat terrain at distances of 15,000 km across the Pacific as well as explosions above the landward slope off the coast of Japan at distances above 16,000 km across the Pacific. These records showed that source signatures, such as short duration and bubble pulses, were preserved over the long propagation distances. It was found that the observed maximum amplitudes from each source exhibit order of magnitude variations even when the yield and detonation depth are the same. The experimental data and transmission loss simulations suggest that bathymetric features around the sources and between the sources and the receivers are the main causes for these variations.

Broadband seismology and the detection and verification of underground nuclear explosions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tinker, Mark Andrew

1997-10-01

On September 24, 1996, President Clinton signed the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), which bans the testing of all nuclear weapons thereby limiting their future development. Seismology is the primary tool used for the detection and identification of underground explosions and thus, will play a key role in monitoring a CTBT. The detection and identification of low yield explosions requires seismic stations at regional distances (<1500 km). However, because the regional wavefield propagates within the extremely heterogeneous crustal waveguide, the seismic waveforms are also very complicated. Therefore, it is necessary to have a solid understanding of how the phases used in regional discriminants develop within different tectonic regimes. Thus, the development of the seismic phases Pn and Lg, which compose the seismic discriminant Pn/Lg, within the western U.S. from the Non-Proliferation Experiment are evaluated. The most fundamental discriminant is event location as 90% of all seismic sources occur too deep within the earth to be unnatural. France resumed its nuclear testing program after a four year moratorium and conducted six tests during a five month period starting in September of 1995. Using teleseismic data, a joint hypocenter determination algorithm was used to determine the hypocenters of these six explosions. One of the most important problems in monitoring a CTBT is the detection and location of small seismic events. Although seismic arrays have become the central tool for event detection, in the context of a global monitoring treaty, there will be some dependence on sparse regional networks of three-component broadband seismic stations to detect low yield explosions. However, the full power of the data has not been utilized, namely using phases other than P and S. Therefore, the information in the surface wavetrain is used to improve the locations of small seismic events recorded on a sparse network in Bolivia. Finally, as a discrimination example in a complex region, P to S ratios are used to determine source parameters of the Msb{w} 8.3 deep Bolivia earthquake.

Source Characterization of Underground Explosions from Combined Regional Moment Tensor and First-Motion Analysis

DOE PAGES

Chiang, Andrea; Dreger, Douglas S.; Ford, Sean R.; ...

2014-07-08

Here in this study, we investigate the 14 September 1988 U.S.–Soviet Joint Verification Experiment nuclear test at the Semipalatinsk test site in eastern Kazakhstan and two nuclear explosions conducted less than 10 years later at the Chinese Lop Nor test site. These events were very sparsely recorded by stations located within 1600 km, and in each case only three or four stations were available in the regional distance range. We have utilized a regional distance seismic waveform method fitting long-period, complete, three-component waveforms jointly with first-motion observations from regional stations and teleseismic arrays. The combination of long-period waveforms and first-motionmore » observations provides a unique discrimination of these sparsely recorded events in the context of the Hudson et al. (1989) source-type diagram. We demonstrate through a series of jackknife tests and sensitivity analyses that the source type of the explosions is well constrained. One event, a 1996 Lop Nor shaft explosion, displays large Love waves and possibly reversed Rayleigh waves at one station, indicative of a large F-factor. We show the combination of long-period waveforms and P-wave first motions are able to discriminate this event as explosion-like and distinct from earthquakes and collapses. We further demonstrate the behavior of network sensitivity solutions for models of tectonic release and spall-based tensile damage over a range of F-factors and K-factors.« less

Source Characterization of Underground Explosions from Combined Regional Moment Tensor and First-Motion Analysis

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chiang, Andrea; Dreger, Douglas S.; Ford, Sean R.

Here in this study, we investigate the 14 September 1988 U.S.–Soviet Joint Verification Experiment nuclear test at the Semipalatinsk test site in eastern Kazakhstan and two nuclear explosions conducted less than 10 years later at the Chinese Lop Nor test site. These events were very sparsely recorded by stations located within 1600 km, and in each case only three or four stations were available in the regional distance range. We have utilized a regional distance seismic waveform method fitting long-period, complete, three-component waveforms jointly with first-motion observations from regional stations and teleseismic arrays. The combination of long-period waveforms and first-motionmore » observations provides a unique discrimination of these sparsely recorded events in the context of the Hudson et al. (1989) source-type diagram. We demonstrate through a series of jackknife tests and sensitivity analyses that the source type of the explosions is well constrained. One event, a 1996 Lop Nor shaft explosion, displays large Love waves and possibly reversed Rayleigh waves at one station, indicative of a large F-factor. We show the combination of long-period waveforms and P-wave first motions are able to discriminate this event as explosion-like and distinct from earthquakes and collapses. We further demonstrate the behavior of network sensitivity solutions for models of tectonic release and spall-based tensile damage over a range of F-factors and K-factors.« less

[Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident and Tokaimura criticality accident].

PubMed

Takada, Jun

2012-03-01

It is clear from inspection of historical incidents that the scale of disasters in a nuclear power plant accident is quite low level overwhelmingly compared with a nuclear explosion in nuclear war. Two cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki were destroyed by nuclear blast with about 20 kt TNT equivalent and then approximately 100,000 people have died respectively. On the other hand, the number of acute death is 30 in the Chernobyl nuclear reactor accident. In this chapter, we review health hazards and doses in two historical nuclear incidents of Chernobyl and Tokaimura criticality accident and then understand the feature of the radiation accident in peaceful utilization of nuclear power.

Source Region Modeling of Explosions 2 and 3 from the Source Physics Experiment Using the Rayleigh Integral Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jones, K. R.; Arrowsmith, S.; Whitaker, R. W.

2012-12-01

The overall mission of the National Center for Nuclear Security (NCNS) Source Physics Experiment at the National Nuclear Security Site (SPE-N) near Las Vegas, Nevada is to improve upon and develop new physics based models for underground nuclear explosions using scaled, underground chemical explosions as proxies. To this end, we use the Rayleigh integral as an approximation to the Helmholz-Kirchoff integral, [Whitaker, 2007 and Arrowsmith et al., 2011], to model infrasound generation in the far-field. Infrasound generated by single-point explosive sources above ground can typically be treated as monopole point-sources. While the source is relatively simple, the research needed to model above ground point-sources is complicated by path effects related to the propagation of the acoustic signal and out of the scope of this study. In contrast, for explosions that occur below ground, including the SPE explosions, the source region is more complicated but the observation distances are much closer (< 5 km), thus greatly reducing the complication of path effects. In this case, elastic energy from the explosions radiates upward and spreads out, depending on depth, to a more distributed region at the surface. Due to this broad surface perturbation of the atmosphere we cannot model the source as a simple monopole point-source. Instead, we use the analogy of a piston mounted in a rigid, infinite baffle, where the surface area that moves as a result of the explosion is the piston and the surrounding region is the baffle. The area of the "piston" is determined by the depth and explosive yield of the event. In this study we look at data from SPE-N-2 and SPE-N-3. Both shots had an explosive yield of 1 ton at a depth of 45 m. We collected infrasound data with up to eight stations and 32 sensors within a 5 km radius of ground zero. To determine the area of the surface acceleration, we used data from twelve surface accelerometers installed within 100 m radially about ground zero. With the accelerometer data defining the vertical motion of the surface, we use the Rayleigh Integral Method, [Whitaker, 2007 and Arrowsmith et al., 2011], to generate a synthetic infrasound pulse to compare to the observed data. Because the phase across the "piston" is not necessarily uniform, constructive and destructive interference will change the shape of the acoustic pulse if observed directly above the source (on-axis) or perpendicular to the source (off-axis). Comparing the observed data to the synthetic data we note that the overall structure of the pulse agrees well and that the differences can be attributed to a number of possibilities, including the sensors used, topography, meteorological conditions, etc. One other potential source of error between the observed and calculated data is that we use a flat, symmetric source region for the "piston" where in reality the source region is not flat and not perfectly symmetric. A primary goal of this work is to better understand and model the relationships between surface area, depth, and yield of underground explosions.

Analysis and Simulation of Near-Field Ground Motions from the Source Physics Experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Antoun, T. H.; Vorobiev, O.; Xu, H.; Herbold, E. B.; Glenn, L.; Lomov, I.

2011-12-01

The Source Physics Experiment (SPE) at the Nevada National Security Site is planned as a series of chemical explosions under a variety of emplacement conditions. The goal of the SPE is to improve our physical understanding and ability to model explosively generated seismic waves, particularly S-waves. The first SPE explosion (SPE1) consisted of a 100 kg shot at a depth of 60 meters in granite (Climax Stock). The shot was well-recorded by an array of over 150 instruments, including both near-field wave motion measurements as well as far-field seismic measurements. This paper focuses on measurements and modeling of the near-field data, which included triaxial acceleration measurements at eighteen different locations azimuthally distributed around the explosive charge. Three triaxial accelerometers were embedded in each of six vertical boreholes, distributed in two concentric rings around the charge. The inner ring consisted of three equidistant boreholes at a radius of 10 m from the charge, and the outer ring consisted of another three equidistant boreholes at a radius of 20 m. In each borehole, the accelerometers were vertically distributed at depths of 60 m (shot horizon), 50 m and 15 m. Surface accelerations were also recorded along a radial line centered at surface ground zero. A review of the SPE1 data shows that the peak radial velocity as a function of scaled range is consistent with previous nuclear explosion data but exhibits greater variability. The scaled peak radial displacement also exhibits greater variability but the mean values are significantly higher than exhibited in previous nuclear explosion data. These higher displacements were also observed in calculations performed with a constitutive model based on nuclear explosion data in hard rock, but employed a JWL equation of state for the ANFO explosive used in SPE1. The reason for this behavior is believed to be the higher effective ratio of specific heats in the explosion products of the chemical explosive, leading to higher residual cavity pressure. Azimuthal scatter in the velocity data correspond to joint orientation, and as anticipated, the joints appear to be the principal source of observed shear wave generation in the near field. Preliminary modeling of the SPE1 data shows that continuum simulations that do not explicitly account for the effect of joints will not successfully reproduce the observed directional variations in the recorded data. However, 2D and 3D simulations that explicitly account for joints and pre-existing fractures show that a low friction angle, derived with water-filled joints, may account for the observed variation in peak velocity and displacement. Waves appear to propagate more readily in the direction of persistent joints, as opposed to staggered joints. Furthermore, the anisotropy associated with wave propagation seems to be more pronounced when the friction angle was lowered to account for the effect of saturation. Further modeling is being conducted with continued focus on the effect of the presence of joints and their properties on shear wave generation. Simulation results will be compared to experimental measurements of both radial and non-radial motions from the SPE1 event, as well as from planned future SPE explosions.

Application of Radioxenon Stack Emission Data in High-Resolution Atmospheric Transport Modelling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kusmierczyk-Michulec, J.; Schoeppner, M.; Kalinowski, M.; Bourgouin, P.; Kushida, N.; Barè, J.

2017-12-01

The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO) has developed the capability to run high-resolution atmospheric transport modelling by employing WRF and Flexpart-WRF. This new capability is applied to simulate the impact of stack emission data on simulated concentrations and how the availability of such data improves the overall accuracy of atmospheric transport modelling. The presented case study focuses on xenon-133 emissions from IRE, a medical isotope production facility in Belgium, and air concentrations detected at DEX33, a monitoring station close to Freiburg, Germany. The CTBTO is currently monitoring the atmospheric concentration of xenon-133 at 25 stations and will further expand the monitoring efforts to 40 stations worldwide. The incentive is the ability to detect xenon-133 that has been produced and released from a nuclear explosion. A successful detection can be used to prove the nuclear nature of an explosion and even support localization efforts. However, xenon-133 is also released from nuclear power plants and to a larger degree from medical isotope production facilities. The availability of stack emission data in combination with atmospheric transport modelling can greatly facilitate the understanding of xenon-133 concentrations detected at monitoring stations to distinguish between xenon-133 that has been emitted from a nuclear explosion and from civilian sources. Newly available stack emission data is used with a high-resolution version of the Flexpart atmospheric transport model, namely Flexpart-WRF, to assess the impact of the emissions on the detected concentrations and the advantage gained from the availability of such stack emission data. The results are analyzed with regard to spatial and time resolution of the high-resolution model and in comparison to conventional atmospheric transport models with and without stack emission data.

Nuclear Structure Aspects in Nuclear Astrophysics

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Smith, Michael Scott

2006-12-01

Nuclear Astrophysics as a broad and diverse field of study can be viewed as a magnifier of the impact of microscopic processes on the evolution of macroscopic events. One of the primary goals in Nuclear Astrophysics is the understanding of the nucleosynthesis processes that take place in the cosmos and the simulation of the correlated stellar and explosive burning scenarios. These simulations are strongly dependent on the input from Nuclear Physics which sets the time scale for all stellar dynamic processes--from giga-years of stellar evolution to milliseconds of stellar explosions--and provides the basis for most of the signatures that wemore » have for the interpretation of these events--from stellar luminosities, elemental and isotopic abundances to neutrino flux from distant supernovae. The Nuclear Physics input comes through nuclear structure, low energy reaction rates, nuclear masses, and decay rates. There is a common perception that low energy reaction rates are the most important component of the required nuclear physics input; however, in this article we take a broader approach and present an overview of the close correlation between various nuclear structure aspects and their impact on nuclear astrophysics. We discuss the interplay between the weak and the strong forces on stellar time scales due to the limitations they provide for the evolution of slow and rapid burning processes. The effects of shell structure in nuclei on stellar burning processes as well as the impact of clustering in nuclei is outlined. Furthermore we illustrate the effects of the various nuclear structure aspects on the major nucleosynthesis processes that have been identified in the last few decades. We summarize and provide a coherent overview of the impact of all aspects of nuclear structure on nuclear astrophysics.« less

Control of electron spin decoherence in nuclear spin baths

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Ren-Bao

2011-03-01

Nuclear spin baths are a main mechanism of decoherence of spin qubits in solid-state systems, such as quantum dots and nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers of diamond. The decoherence results from entanglement between the electron and nuclear spins, established by quantum evolution of the bath conditioned on the electron spin state. When the electron spin is flipped, the conditional bath evolution is manipulated. Such manipulation of bath through control of the electron spin not only leads to preservation of the center spin coherence but also demonstrates quantum nature of the bath. In an NV center system, the electron spin effectively interacts with hundreds of 13 C nuclear spins. Under repeated flip control (dynamical decoupling), the electron spin coherence can be preserved for a long time (> 1 ms) . Thereforesomecharacteristicoscillations , duetocouplingtoabonded 13 C nuclear spin pair (a dimer), are imprinted on the electron spin coherence profile, which are very sensitive to the position and orientation of the dimer. With such finger-print oscillations, a dimer can be uniquely identified. Thus, we propose magnetometry with single-nucleus sensitivity and atomic resolution, using NV center spin coherence to identify single molecules. Through the center spin coherence, we could also explore the many-body physics in an interacting spin bath. The information of elementary excitations and many-body correlations can be extracted from the center spin coherence under many-pulse dynamical decoupling control. Another application of the preserved spin coherence is identifying quantumness of a spin bath through the back-action of the electron spin to the bath. We show that the multiple transition of an NV center in a nuclear spin bath can have longer coherence time than the single transition does, when the classical noises due to inhomogeneous broadening is removed by spin echo. This counter-intuitive result unambiguously demonstrates the quantumness of the nuclear spin bath. This work was supported by Hong Kong RGC/GRF CUHK402207, CUHK402209, and CUHK402410. The author acknowledges collaboration with Nan Zhao, Jian-Liang Hu, Sai Wah Ho, Jones T. K. Wan, and Jiangfeng Du.

Nuclear Weapons: Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-07-10

continued...) The complex could contain explosions up to 500 pounds of explosive and associated plutonium. Another SCE, “ Unicorn ,” is to be conducted...scheduled for FY2006, as noted below. SCEs try to determine if radioactive decay of aged plutonium would degrade weapon performance. Several SCEs...Richardson called SCEs “a key part of our scientific program to provide new tools and data that assess age -related complications and maintain the reliability

Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and High-Yield Explosives Consequences Management

DTIC Science & Technology

2006-10-02

cause three types of injuries: blast, thermal and radiation, as well as electromagnetic pulse (EMP) effects described further in a later section. (1...occur with conventional explosives and are further described in the next section. (2) Thermal injuries present as flash burns (burns from direct...exposure to the thermal radiation pulse, typically ultraviolet, visible, and infrared waves) or flame burns (burns from materials set afire by the infrared

Structures to Resist the Effects of Accidental Explosions

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-11-01

Mott, R.I., A Theory of Fragmentation, Army Operational Research Group Memorandun, 113-AC-6427, Great Britain, 1943. 77. Non -Nuclear Weapons Effects...58.1. General Elements which protect non -sensitive explosives may be designed for controlled post-failure fragments with a substantial cost savings...6-49.3.2. Platform Characteristics A platform for group mounted systems offers great flexibility in controlling the center of gravity of the

Predicting Explosion-Generated SN and LG Coda Using Syntheic Seismograms

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-09-01

velocities in the upper crust are based on borehole data, geologic and gravity data, refraction studies and seismic experiments (McLaughlin et al. 1983...realizations of random media. We have estimated the heterogeneity parameters for the NTS using available seismic and geologic data. Lateral correlation...variance and coherence measures between seismic traces are estimated from clusters of nuclear explosions and well- log data. The horizontal von Karman

Experimental and Theoretical Understanding of Neutron Capture on Uranium Isotopes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ullmann, John Leonard

2017-09-21

Neutron capture cross sections on uranium isotopes are important quantities needed to model nuclear explosion performance, nuclear reactor design, nuclear test diagnostics, and nuclear forensics. It has been difficult to calculate capture accurately, and factors of 2 or more be- tween calculation and measurements are not uncommon, although normalization to measurements of the average capture width and nuclear level density can improve the result. The calculations of capture for 233,235,237,239U are further complicated by the need to accurately include the fission channel.

How Big Was It? Getting at Yield

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pasyanos, M.; Walter, W. R.; Ford, S. R.

2013-12-01

One of the most coveted pieces of information in the wake of a nuclear test is the explosive yield. Determining the yield from remote observations, however, is not necessarily a trivial thing. For instance, recorded observations of seismic amplitudes, used to estimate the yield, are significantly modified by the intervening media, which varies widely, and needs to be properly accounted for. Even after correcting for propagation effects such as geometrical spreading, attenuation, and station site terms, getting from the resulting source term to a yield depends on the specifics of the explosion source model, including material properties, and depth. Some formulas are based on assumptions of the explosion having a standard depth-of-burial and observed amplitudes can vary if the actual test is either significantly overburied or underburied. We will consider the complications and challenges of making these determinations using a number of standard, more traditional methods and a more recent method that we have developed using regional waveform envelopes. We will do this comparison for recent declared nuclear tests from the DPRK. We will also compare the methods using older explosions at the Nevada Test Site with announced yields, material and depths, so that actual performance can be measured. In all cases, we also strive to quantify realistic uncertainties on the yield estimation.

Stand-off explosive detection utilizing low power stimulated emission nuclear quadrupole resonance detection and subwavelength focusing wideband super lens

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Apostolos, John; Mouyos, William; Feng, Judy; Chase, Walter

2015-05-01

The need for advanced techniques to detect improvised explosive devices (IED) at stand-off distances greater than ten (10) meters has driven AMI Research and Development (AMI) to develop a solution to detect and identify the threat utilizing a forward looking Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) combined with our CW radar technology Nuclear Quadrupole Resonance (NQR) detection system. The novel features include a near-field sub-wavelength focusing antenna, a wide band 300 KHz to 300 MHz rapidly scanning CW radar facilitated by a high Q antenna/tuner, and an advanced processor utilizing Rabi transitions where the nucleus oscillates between states under the time dependent incident electromagnetic field and alternately absorbs energy from the incident field while emitting coherent energy via stimulated emission. AMI's Sub-wavelength Focusing Wide Band Super Lens uses a Near-Field SAR, making detection possible at distances greater than ten (10) meters. This super lens is capable of operating on the near-field and focusing electromagnetic waves to resolutions beyond the diffraction limit. When applied to the case of a vehicle approaching an explosive hazard the methodologies of synthetic aperture radar is fused with the array based super resolution and the NQR data processing detecting the explosive hazard.

Atmospheric effects and societal consequences of regional scale nuclear conflicts and acts of individual nuclear terrorism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Toon, O. B.; Turco, R. P.; Robock, A.; Bardeen, C.; Oman, L.; Stenchikov, G. L.

2007-04-01

We assess the potential damage and smoke production associated with the detonation of small nuclear weapons in modern megacities. While the number of nuclear warheads in the world has fallen by about a factor of three since its peak in 1986, the number of nuclear weapons states is increasing and the potential exists for numerous regional nuclear arms races. Eight countries are known to have nuclear weapons, 2 are constructing them, and an additional 32 nations already have the fissile material needed to build substantial arsenals of low-yield (Hiroshima-sized) explosives. Population and economic activity worldwide are congregated to an increasing extent in megacities, which might be targeted in a nuclear conflict. We find that low yield weapons, which new nuclear powers are likely to construct, can produce 100 times as many fatalities and 100 times as much smoke from fires per kt yield as previously estimated in analyses for full scale nuclear wars using high-yield weapons, if the small weapons are targeted at city centers. A single "small" nuclear detonation in an urban center could lead to more fatalities, in some cases by orders of magnitude, than have occurred in the major historical conflicts of many countries. We analyze the likely outcome of a regional nuclear exchange involving 100 15-kt explosions (less than 0.1% of the explosive yield of the current global nuclear arsenal). We find that such an exchange could produce direct fatalities comparable to all of those worldwide in World War II, or to those once estimated for a "counterforce" nuclear war between the superpowers. Megacities exposed to atmospheric fallout of long-lived radionuclides would likely be abandoned indefinitely, with severe national and international implications. Our analysis shows that smoke from urban firestorms in a regional war would rise into the upper troposphere due to pyro-convection. Robock et al. (2007) show that the smoke would subsequently rise deep into the stratosphere due to atmospheric heating, and then might induce significant climatic anomalies on global scales. We also anticipate substantial perturbations of global ozone. While there are many uncertainties in the predictions we make here, the principal unknowns are the type and scale of conflict that might occur. The scope and severity of the hazards identified pose a significant threat to the global community. They deserve careful analysis by governments worldwide advised by a broad section of the world scientific community, as well as widespread public debate.

Essential Ingredients in Core-collapse Supernovae

DOE PAGES

Hix, William Raphael; Lentz, E. J.; Endeve, Eirik; ...

2014-03-27

Marking the inevitable death of a massive star, and the birth of a neutron star or black hole, core-collapse supernovae bring together physics at a wide range in spatial scales, from kilometer-sized hydrodynamic motions (eventually growing to gigameter scale) down to femtometer scale nuclear reactions. Carrying 10more » $$^{44}$$ joules of kinetic energy and a rich-mix of newly synthesized atomic nuclei, core-collapse supernovae are the preeminent foundries of the nuclear species which make up ourselves and our solar system. We will discuss our emerging understanding of the convectively unstable, neutrino-driven explosion mechanism, based on increasingly realistic neutrino-radiation hydrodynamic simulations that include progressively better nuclear and particle physics. Recent multi-dimensional models with spectral neutrino transport from several research groups, which slowly develop successful explosions for a range of progenitors, have motivated changes in our understanding of the neutrino reheating mechanism. In a similar fashion, improvements in nuclear physics, most notably explorations of weak interactions on nuclei and the nuclear equation of state, continue to refine our understanding of how supernovae explode. Recent progress on both the macroscopic and microscopic effects that affect core-collapse supernovae are discussed.« less

A systematic study of the explosion energy issue in core collapse supernova theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamamoto, Yu

2016-06-01

Massive stars with main sequence masses greater than 8 solar mass (Msun) the main target of CCSNe researches. According to initial mass function (IMF) they occupy about 15As a matter of fact, supernova theorists have failed to reproduce this energetic stellar explosion for about a half century because micro and macro physics are highly complex and are mutual influenced. The theoretical investigation of the explosion mechanism is based on numerical simulations, which will ultimately require computational sources of exsa scales. With recent remarkable developments both in hardware and software, however, more realistic physics are incorporated and research group are beginning to overcome the difficulties, reporting successful explosions in their numerical models. The successful is still partial, unfortunately, since in the most of the cases the explosion energy hardly reaches the typical value (10^51erg). What is worse other groups found no explosion for almost same setups. The robust explosion mechanism has not yet been ascertained and is still a remaining issue. The purpose of this paper is to study how far our understanding of "neutrino heating mechanism", the current paradigm, has reached, or put another way, to expose what kind of physics are still missing to explain observations , such as explosion energy and nickel mass. As already remarked the physics in CCSNe are quite complicated with extremely high Reynolds number, highly uncertain equation of state (EOS) at supra-nuclear densities, copious neutrinos not in thermal nor chemical equilibrium with matter normally. I believe that it is justified to devote a somewhat large number of pages to the introduction. It will be also helpful for understanding the motivation of this paper. Starting with evidence from supernova light curves I will then move to the basics idea of neutrino heating mechanism and summarize some recent developments in various micro and macro physics. Key factors in the theory of massive-star evolutions are also illuminated in the introduction. Other important ingredients that are not directly related with the thesis, such as numerical treatments of neutrino transport, are given in appendices. To find the missing pieces of the current CCSNe theory, I employed an experimental way instead of running "realistic" simulations. In fact, I conducted experimental computations systematically so as to reveal (1) what is the necessary condition of the canonical explosion energy (2) what is the dominant contribution to the explosion energy (3) when the explosion energy is settled to the final value, and, finally, (4) features in pre-explosion structure of the progenitor are critical for the explosion energy. In this paper I paid particular attention to nuclear energies released in association with the production of various elements up to A 56, which are likely to contribute to the energetics of CCSNe. I performed multi-dimension hydrodynamic simulations that can also handle the evolution of elements in both nuclear statistical equilibrium (NSE) and non-equilibrium, taking particular care of transition from one to the other. We take a multi-step strategy: collapse, shock revival and the subsequent evolution until the settlement of explosion energy are treated separately and consecutively; the collapse phase is calculated under spherical symmetry to obtain mass accretion histories for different progenitors; in so doing, the inner part of the core is removed and replaced with the artificial inner boundary; the second phase treats shock revival; we construct steady accretion flows through the stalled shock wave on to the proto neutron star; using these configurations as initial conditions for 1D and 2D simulations, we determine the critical neutrino luminosities for shock revival; the evolutions that follow the shock revival are computed in the last phase, with the mass accretion histories obtained in the first phase being taken into account. In the first of two studies done for the thesis we used a single progenitor of 15Msun provided by a realistic stellar evolution calculation and studied the post-shock revival evolutions, changing the time of shock revival. We run seven 1D and five 2D models. In the second exploration, on the other hand, we pay attention to the progenitor dependence of the dynamics. Instead of using progenitor models from realistic stellar evolution calculations, I construct six pre-collapse models with different masses of Fe core and Si+S layer assuming entropy and electron fraction distributions and varying rather arbitrarily the parameters included. Unlike in the first study, we did not specify the shock revival time explicitly but gave the neutrino luminosity in this study. The explosion energy and nickel mass are calculated for eighteen 1D and eight 2D models, respectively. The two studies demonstrate that early explosions are necessary for strong explosions. It is also found that nuclear recombination energy is a major contributor to the explosion energy which is settled to the final value in 500ms whereas the nickel mass needs much longer times to reach the final value, particularly in 2D. Since the nickel tends to be overproduced in early explosions, enhanced fallbacks in multi-dimensional hydrodynamics seem to be crucial to reproduce the observed values of nickel mass and explosion energy simultaneously. As for the progenitor dependence, we found that light cores with relatively high entropies seem to be favorable for reproducing the canonical explosion by the neutrino heating mechanism. It is interesting that the explosion energy is strongly correlated with the mass accretion rate at shock revival regardless of the spatial dimensions.

Nuclear Forensics and Radiochemistry: Fission

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rundberg, Robert S.

Radiochemistry has been used to study fission since it’ discovery. Radiochemical methods are used to determine cumulative mass yields. These measurements have led to the two-mode fission hypothesis to model the neutron energy dependence of fission product yields. Fission product yields can be used for the nuclear forensics of nuclear explosions. The mass yield curve depends on both the fuel and the neutron spectrum of a device. Recent studies have shown that the nuclear structure of the compound nucleus can affect the mass yield distribution.

Practical small-scale explosive seam welding

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bement, L. J.

1983-01-01

A small-scale explosive seam welding process has been developed that can significantly contribute to remote metal joining operations under hazardous or inaccessible conditions, such as nuclear reactor repair and assembly of structure in space. This paper describes this explosive seam welding process in terms of joining principles, variables, types of joints created, capabilities, and applications. Very small quantities of explosive in a ribbon configuration are used to create narrow (less than 0.5 inch), long-length, uniform, hermetically sealed joints that exhibit parent metal properties in a wide variety of metals, alloys, and combinations. The practicality of this process has been demonstrated by its current acceptance, as well as its capabilities that are superior in many applications to the universally accepted joining processes, such as mechanical fasteners, fusion and resistance welding, and adhesives.

Fates of the most massive primordial stars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Ke-Jung; Heger, Alexander; Almgren, Ann; Woosley, Stan

2012-09-01

We present our results of numerical simulations of the most massive primordial stars. For the extremely massive non-rotating Pop III stars over 300Msolar, they would simply die as black holes. But the Pop III stars with initial masses 140 - 260Msolar may have died as gigantic explosions called pair-instability supernovae (PSNe). We use a new radiation-hydrodynamics code CASTRO to study evolution of PSNe. Our models follow the entire explosive burning and the explosion until the shock breaks out from the stellar surface. In our simulations, we find that fluid instabilities occurred during the explosion. These instabilities are driven by both nuclear burning and hydrodynamical instability. In the red supergiant models, fluid instabilities can lead to significant mixing of supernova ejecta and alter the observational signature.

Seismic activity and faulting associated with a large underground nuclear explosion

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hamilton, R.M.; McKeown, F.A.; Healy, J.H.

1969-01-01

The 1.1-megaton nuclear test Benham caused movement on previously mapped faults and was followed by a sequence of small earthquakes. These effects were confined to a zone extending not more than 13 kilometers from ground zero; they are apparently related to the release of natural tectonic strain.

Maximum reasonable radioxenon releases from medical isotope production facilities and their effect on monitoring nuclear explosions.

PubMed

Bowyer, Theodore W; Kephart, Rosara; Eslinger, Paul W; Friese, Judah I; Miley, Harry S; Saey, Paul R J

2013-01-01

Fission gases such as (133)Xe are used extensively for monitoring the world for signs of nuclear testing in systems such as the International Monitoring System (IMS). These gases are also produced by nuclear reactors and by fission production of (99)Mo for medical use. Recently, medical isotope production facilities have been identified as the major contributor to the background of radioactive xenon isotopes (radioxenon) in the atmosphere (Stocki et al., 2005; Saey, 2009). These releases pose a potential future problem for monitoring nuclear explosions if not addressed. As a starting point, a maximum acceptable daily xenon emission rate was calculated, that is both scientifically defendable as not adversely affecting the IMS, but also consistent with what is possible to achieve in an operational environment. This study concludes that an emission of 5 × 10(9) Bq/day from a medical isotope production facility would be both an acceptable upper limit from the perspective of minimal impact to monitoring stations, but also appears to be an achievable limit for large isotope producers. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Characteristics of radionuclide contamination of different zones of Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site ``Opytnoe pole''

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kadyrzhanov, K. K.; Khazhekber, S.; Lukashenko, S. N.; Solodukhin, V. P.; Kazachevskiy, I. V.; Poznyak, V. L.; Knyazev, B. B.; Rofer, Ch.

2003-01-01

Data on the spatial distribution of radionuclides (241Am, 239Pu, 137Cs and 152Eu) formed during nuclear explosions of different types near P2 SNTS test site are presented. Radionuclide contamination induced by the explosions varies in the concentrations of individual radionuclides, their proportions and species. Examination of the variations is a crucial task to plan remediation activities as well as those aimed at decrease of radiation risk for population and prevention of repeated contamination. Concentrations of 241Am and 239+240Pu that are the most toxic radionuclides in the area lie in hundred thousands of Bqkg-1. The most contaminated areas are classified by the radionuclide concentration, ratio and form present in soil.

Anthropogenic Space Weather

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gombosi, T. I.; Baker, D. N.; Balogh, A.; Erickson, P. J.; Huba, J. D.; Lanzerotti, L. J.

2017-11-01

Anthropogenic effects on the space environment started in the late 19th century and reached their peak in the 1960s when high-altitude nuclear explosions were carried out by the USA and the Soviet Union. These explosions created artificial radiation belts near Earth that resulted in major damages to several satellites. Another, unexpected impact of the high-altitude nuclear tests was the electromagnetic pulse (EMP) that can have devastating effects over a large geographic area (as large as the continental United States). Other anthropogenic impacts on the space environment include chemical release experiments, high-frequency wave heating of the ionosphere and the interaction of VLF waves with the radiation belts. This paper reviews the fundamental physical process behind these phenomena and discusses the observations of their impacts.

Air pressure waves from Mount St. Helens eruptions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reed, Jack W.

1987-10-01

Infrasonic recordings of the pressure wave from the Mount St. Helens (MSH) eruption on May 18, 1980, together with the weather station barograph records were used to estimate an equivalent explosion airblast yield for this eruption. Pressure wave amplitudes versus distance patterns were found to be comparable with patterns found for a small-scale nuclear explosion, the Krakatoa eruption, and the Tunguska comet impact, indicating that the MSH wave came from an explosion equivalent of about 5 megatons of TNT. The peculiar audibility pattern reported, with the blast being heard only at ranges beyond about 100 km, is explained by consideration of finite-amplitude shock propagation developments.

LLNL Contribution to Sandia Used Fuel Disposition - Security March 2011 Deliverable

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Blink, J A

2011-03-23

Cleary [2007] divides the proliferation pathway into stages: diversion, facility misuse, transportation, transformation, and weapons fabrication. King [2010], using Cleary's methodology, compares a deepburn fusion-driven blanket containing weapons-grade plutonium with a PWR burning MOX fuel enrichments of 5-9%. King considers the stages of theft, transportation, transformation, and nuclear explosive fabrication. In the current study of used fuel storage security, a similar approach is appropriate. First, one must consider the adversary's objective, which can be categorized as on-site radionuclide dispersion, theft of material for later radionuclide dispersion, and theft of material for later processing and fabrication into a nuclear explosive. Formore » on-site radionuclide dispersion, only a single proliferation pathway stage is appropriate: dispersion. That situation will be addressed in future reports. For later radionuclide dispersion, the stages are theft, transportation, and transformation (from oxide spent fuel containing both fission products and actinides to a material size and shape suitable for dispersion). For later processing and fabrication into a nuclear explosive, the stages are theft (by an outsider or by facility misuse by an insider), transportation, transformation (from oxide spent fuel containing both fission products and actinides to a metal alloy), and fabrication (of the alloy into a weapon). It should be noted that the theft and transportation stages are similar, and possibly identical, for later radionuclide dispersion and later processing and fabrication into a nuclear explosive. Each stage can be evaluated separately, and the methodology can vary for each stage. For example, King starts with the methodology of Cleary for the theft, transportation, transformation, and fabrication stages. Then, for each stage, King assembles and modifies the attributes and inputs suggested by Cleary. In the theft (also known as diversion) stage, Cleary has five high-level categories (material handling during diversion, difficulty of evading detection by the accounting system, difficulty of evading detection by the material control system, difficulty of conducting undeclared facility modifications for the purpose of diverting nuclear material, and difficulty of evading detection of the facility modifications for the purposes of diverting nuclear material). Each category has one or more subcategories. For example, the first category includes mass per significant quantity (SQ) of nuclear material, volume/SQ of nuclear material, number of items/SQ, material form (solid, liquid, powder, gas), radiation level in terms of dose, chemical reactivity, heat load, and process temperature. King adds the following two subcategories to that list: SQs available for theft, and interruptions/changes (normal and unexpected) in material stocks and flows. For the situation of an orphaned surface storage facility, this approach is applicable, with some of the categories and subcategories being modified to reflect the static situation (no additions or removals of fuel or containers). In addition, theft would require opening a large overpack and either removing a full container or opening that sealed container and then removing one or more spent nuclear fuel assemblies. These activities would require time without observation (detection), heavy-duty equipment, and some degree of protection of the thieves from radiological dose. In the transportation stage, Cleary has two high-level categories (difficulty of handling material during transportation, and difficulty of evading detection during transport). Each category has a number of subcategories. For the situation of an orphaned surface storage facility, these categories are applicable. The transformation stage of Cleary has three high-level categories (facilities and equipment needed to process diverted materials; knowledge, skills, and workforce needed to process diverted materials; and difficulty of evading detection of transformation activities). Again, there are subcategories. King [2007] adds a fourth high-level category: time required to transform the materials. For the situation of an orphaned surface storage facility, the categories are applicable, but the evaluations of each category and subcategory will be significantly different for later radionuclide dispersion than for later processing and fabrication into a nuclear explosive. The fabrication stage of Cleary has three high-level categories (difficulty associated with design, handling difficulties, and knowledge and skills needed to design and fabricate). King replaces the first two high-level categories with the Figure of Merit for Nuclear Explosives Utility (FOM), with subcategories of bare critical mass, heat content of transformed material, dose rate of transformed material, and SQs available for theft. The next section of this report describes the FOM in more detail.« less

Reaction monitoring using hyperpolarized NMR with scaling of heteronuclear couplings by optimal tracking.

PubMed

Zhang, Guannan; Schilling, Franz; Glaser, Steffen J; Hilty, Christian

2016-11-01

Off-resonance decoupling using the method of Scaling of Heteronuclear Couplings by Optimal Tracking (SHOT) enables determination of heteronuclear correlations of chemical shifts in single scan NMR spectra. Through modulation of J-coupling evolution by shaped radio frequency pulses, off resonance decoupling using SHOT pulses causes a user-defined dependence of the observed J-splitting, such as the splitting of 13 C peaks, on the chemical shift offset of coupled nuclei, such as 1 H. Because a decoupling experiment requires only a single scan, this method is suitable for characterizing on-going chemical reactions using hyperpolarization by dissolution dynamic nuclear polarization (D-DNP). We demonstrate the calculation of [ 13 C, 1 H] chemical shift correlations of the carbanionic active sites from hyperpolarized styrene polymerized using sodium naphthalene as an initiator. While off resonance decoupling by SHOT pulses does not enhance the resolution in the same way as a 2D NMR spectrum would, the ability to obtain the correlations in single scans makes this method ideal for determination of chemical shifts in on-going reactions on the second time scale. In addition, we present a novel SHOT pulse that allows to scale J-splittings 50% larger than the respective J-coupling constant. This feature can be used to enhance the resolution of the indirectly detected chemical shift and reduce peak overlap, as demonstrated in a model reaction between p-anisaldehyde and isobutylamine. For both pulses, the accuracy is evaluated under changing signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) of the peaks from reactants and reaction products, with an overall standard deviation of chemical shift differences compared to reference spectra of 0.02ppm when measured on a 400MHz NMR spectrometer. Notably, the appearance of decoupling side-bands, which scale with peak intensity, appears to be of secondary importance. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Seismic Event in North Korea on 12 May 2010: an assessment from available seismological data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koch, Karl; Kim, Won-Young; Richards, Paul G.; Schaff, David P.

2016-04-01

North Korea conducted underground nuclear explosions in October 2006, May 2009, February 2013, and January 2016 that were subsequently officially announced. Based on a number of detections of radionuclides and noble gas elements in May 2010, claims were raised that North Korea conducted a small clandestine nuclear test on its test site on 11 or 12 May 2010, which, however, lacked any signs of an associated seismic event in IMS and non-IMS seismic data. First evidence was presented in fall 2014 and published in February 2015 that data from a Chinese seismic network showed signals that could be related to the claimed underground nuclear explosion in May 2010. Unfortunately, these data have not become openly available for further and wider seismological assessments. First openly available data were found for this seismic event from stations of the North-East China Extended SeiSmic (NECESS) Array consistent with an event on or near the North Korean test site. Later, additional data were obtained from stations of the nearby Dongbei Broadband Seismographic Network (DBSN), for the event of 12 May 2010 and for the underground nuclear tests conducted in 2006 and 2009. Together with data from the open GSN station Mudanjiang (MDJ) in northeastern China we developed a framework for relative location of the event, event characterization by measuring P/S amplitude ratios at different frequencies and by independently assessing the magnitude of the event. While the location of the event can be shown to be within several kilometers of previous nuclear tests, event characterization for frequencies between 5 and 10 Hz indicates that the known nuclear tests are explosion-like; the 12 May 2010 event is in contrast characterized as earthquake-like. Our assessment also indicates that seismic events about three-thousand times smaller than the UNEs in 2013 or 2016 may be monitored on or near the North Korean test site.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Divani, Nazila, E-mail: n-divani@birjand.ac.ir; Firoozabadi, Mohammad M.; Bayat, Esmail

Scintillators are almost used in any nuclear laboratory. These detectors combine of scintillation materials, PMT and a voltage divider. Voltage dividers are different in resistive ladder design. But the effect of decoupling capacitors and damping resistors haven’t discussed yet. In this paper at first a good equilibrium circuit designed for PMT, and it was used for investigating about capacitors and resistors in much manner. Results show that decoupling capacitors have great effect on PMT output pulses. In this research, it was tried to investigate the effect of Capacitor’s value and places on PMT voltage divider in Neutron-Gamma discrimination capability. Therefore,more » the voltage divider circuit for R329-02 Hamamatsu PMT was made and Zero Cross method used for neutron-gamma discrimination. The neutron source was a 20Ci Am-Be. Anode and Dynode pulses and discrimination spectrum were saved. The results showed that the pulse height and discrimination quality change with the value and setting of capacitors.« less

Nuclear and particle physics in the early universe

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schramm, D. N.

1981-01-01

Basic principles and implications of Big Bang cosmology are reviewed, noting the physical evidence of a previous universe temperature of 10,000 K and theoretical arguments such as grand unification decoupling indicating a primal temperature of 10 to the 15th eV. The Planck time of 10 to the -43rd sec after the Big Bang is set as the limit before which gravity was quantized and nothing is known. Gauge theories of elementary particle physics are reviewed for successful predictions of similarity in weak and electromagnetic interactions and quantum chromodynamic predictions for strong interactions. The large number of photons in the universe relative to the baryons is considered and the grand unified theories are cited as showing the existence of baryon nonconservation as an explanation. Further attention is given to quark-hadron phase transition, the decoupling for the weak interaction and relic neutrinos, and Big Bang nucleosynthesis.

Interaction of Strain and Nuclear Spins in Silicon: Quadrupolar Effects on Ionized Donors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Franke, David P.; Hrubesch, Florian M.; Künzl, Markus; Becker, Hans-Werner; Itoh, Kohei M.; Stutzmann, Martin; Hoehne, Felix; Dreher, Lukas; Brandt, Martin S.

2015-07-01

The nuclear spins of ionized donors in silicon have become an interesting quantum resource due to their very long coherence times. Their perfect isolation, however, comes at a price, since the absence of the donor electron makes the nuclear spin difficult to control. We demonstrate that the quadrupolar interaction allows us to effectively tune the nuclear magnetic resonance of ionized arsenic donors in silicon via strain and determine the two nonzero elements of the S tensor linking strain and electric field gradients in this material to S11=1.5 ×1022 V /m2 and S44=6 ×1022 V /m2 . We find a stronger benefit of dynamical decoupling on the coherence properties of transitions subject to first-order quadrupole shifts than on those subject to only second-order shifts and discuss applications of quadrupole physics including mechanical driving of magnetic resonance, cooling of mechanical resonators, and strain-mediated spin coupling.

Discrimination of nuclear explosions and earthquakes from teleseismic distances with a local network of short period seismic stations using artificial neural networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tiira, Timo

1996-10-01

Seismic discrimination capability of artificial neural networks (ANNs) was studied using earthquakes and nuclear explosions from teleseismic distances. The events were selected from two areas, which were analyzed separately. First, 23 nuclear explosions from Semipalatinsk and Lop Nor test sites were compared with 46 earthquakes from adjacent areas. Second, 39 explosions from Nevada test site were compared with 27 earthquakes from close-by areas. The basic discriminants were complexity, spectral ratio and third moment of frequency. The spectral discriminants were computed in five different ways to obtain all the information embedded in the signals, some of which were relatively weak. The discriminants were computed using data from six short period stations in Central and southern Finland. The spectral contents of the signals of both classes varied considerably between the stations. The 66 discriminants were formed into 65 optimum subsets of different sizes by using stepwise linear regression. A type of ANN called multilayer perceptron (MLP) was applied to each of the subsets. As a comparison the classification was repeated using linear discrimination analysis (LDA). Since the number of events was small the testing was made with the leave-one-out method. The ANN gave significantly better results than LDA. As a final tool for discrimination a combination of the ten neural nets with the best performance were used. All events from Central Asia were clearly discriminated and over 90% of the events from Nevada region were confidently discriminated. The better performance of ANNs was attributed to its ability to form complex decision regions between the groups and to its highly non-linear nature.

Modeling the Propagation of Atmospheric Gravity Waves Produced by an Underground Nuclear Explosion using the Transfer Function Model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bruntz, R. J.; Mayr, H. G.; Paxton, L. J.

2017-12-01

We will present results from the Transfer Function Model (TFM), which simulates the neutral atmosphere, from 0 to 700 km, across the entire globe (pole to pole). The TFM is able to rapidly calculate the density and temperature perturbations created by a localized impulse. We have used TFM to simulate a ground-level explosion (equivalent to an underground nuclear explosion (UNE)) and its effects on the neutral atmosphere, including the propagation of gravity waves up to ionospheric heights. At ionospheric altitudes ion-neutral interactions are expected to lead to perturbations in the electron density. These perturbations can be observed as changes in the total electron content (TEC), a feature readily observed by the globally distributed network of global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) sensors. We will discuss the time and location of the maximum atmospheric disturbances at a number of altitudes, including the peaks of several ionospheric layers, including the F2 layer, which is often treated as the major driver of changes in GNSS-TEC observations. We will also examine the drop-off of atmospheric disturbances at those altitudes, both with increasing time and distance. The 6 known underground nuclear explosions (UNEs) by North Korea in the 21st century have sparked increased interest in UNE detection through atmospheric and ionospheric observations. The latest test by North Korea (3 Sept. 2017) was the largest UNE in over 2 decades. We will compare TFM results to the analysis of previous UNEs, including some tests by North Korea, and discuss possible confounding factors in predicting the time, location, and amplitude of atmospheric and ionospheric disturbances produced by a UNE.

Bohr-Sommerfeld quantization condition for Dirac states derived from an Ermakov-type invariant

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Thylwe, Karl-Erik; McCabe, Patrick

2013-05-15

It is shown that solutions of the second-order decoupled radial Dirac equations satisfy Ermakov-type invariants. These invariants lead to amplitude-phase-type representations of the radial spinor solutions, with exact relations between their amplitudes and phases. Implications leading to a Bohr-Sommerfeld quantization condition for bound states, and a few particular atomic/ionic and nuclear/hadronic bound-state situations are discussed.

Energy Partitioning of Seismic Phases: Current Datasets and Techniques Aimed at Improving the Future of Event Identification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bonner, J.

2006-05-01

Differences in energy partitioning of seismic phases from earthquakes and explosions provide the opportunity for event identification. In this talk, I will briefly review teleseismic Ms:mb and P/S ratio techniques that help identify events based on differences in compressional, shear, and surface wave energy generation from explosions and earthquakes. With the push to identify smaller yield explosions, the identification process has become increasingly complex as varied types of explosions, including chemical, mining, and nuclear, must be identified at regional distances. Thus, I will highlight some of the current views and problems associated with the energy partitioning of seismic phases from single- and delay-fired chemical explosions. One problem yet to have a universally accepted answer is whether the explosion and earthquake populations, based on the Ms:mb discriminants, should be separated at smaller magnitudes. I will briefly describe the datasets and theory that support either converging or parallel behavior of these populations. Also, I will discuss improvement to the currently used methods that will better constrain this problem in the future. I will also discuss the role of regional P/S ratios in identifying explosions. In particular, recent datasets from South Africa, Scandinavia, and the Western United States collected from earthquakes, single-fired chemical explosions, and/or delay-fired mining explosions have provide new insight into regional P, S, Lg, and Rg energy partitioning. Data from co-located mining and chemical explosions suggest that some mining explosions may be used for limited calibration of regional discriminants in regions where no historic explosion data is available.

Seismic Masking of an Underground Nuclear Explosion

DTIC Science & Technology

1973-10-31

At this point in the analysis the existence of the Lgl phase (Ewing Jardetzky. and Press. 1957. p.219; Richter. 1958. p. 267; Bath . 1973. P- 76...These ve ocities are taken from the discussion by Bath who goes on to say that the ^ Phase in the records of continental earthquakes at short...the microzone of the masked explosion, but excluded from further study 1. 21 February 1963 CARMEL 2. 12 February 1965 ALPACA Reason for

An Analysis of the Seismic Source Characteristics of Explosions in Low-Coupling Dry Porous Media

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-09-29

Semipalatinsk Test Site (Shagan, Degelen and Konystan Testing Areas) and in Salt at the Former Soviet Azgir Test Site ...to be applicable to all underground nuclear explosions conducted in various hard rock media at the former Soviet Semipalatinsk test site , as well as...in Hard Rock at the Former Soviet Semipalatinsk Test Site (Shagan, Degelen and Konystan Testing Areas) and in Salt at the Former Soviet Azgir Test

Verification of Disarmament or Limitation of Armaments: Instruments, Negotiations, Proposals

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-05-01

explosions and may complicate the process of detection. An even greater difficulty faced by seismologists is the ambient background of seismic "noise...suspected event would be a complex operation. It would consist of surveys of the area of the presumed nuclear explosion in order to measure ambient ...Draft Resolution to the OAS General Assembly, June 1991 and OAS Resolution "Cooperacion para la seguridad en el hemisferio. Limitacion de la

Security training symposium: Meeting the challenge: Firearms and explosives recognition and detection

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

1990-09-01

These conference proceedings have been prepared in support of the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission's Security Training Symposium on Meeting the Challenge -- Firearms and Explosives Recognition and Detection,'' November 28 through 30, 1989, in Bethesda, Maryland. This document contains the edited transcripts of the guest speakers. It also contains some of the speakers' formal papers that were distributed and some of the slides that were shown at the symposium (Appendix A).

The hydrodynamics of off-center explosions. [of supernovae

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fryxell, B. A.

1979-01-01

The behavior of off-center supernova explosions is investigated using a two-dimensional hydrodynamic code. An important application of these calculations is the possible formation of high-velocity pulsars. The dependence of the final velocity of the collapsed remnant on the location and energy of the explosion is computed. The largest remnant velocities result from explosions located at a mass fraction of 0.5. An explosion energy 50% greater than the binding energy of the star ejects 0.51 solar masses, producing a 1.4 solar mass remnant with a velocity of 400 km/s. However, this energy must be generated in a very small region of the star in order to create the required asymmetry in the explosion. Because of this, a specific energy of about 10 to the 20th ergs/g is needed. Nuclear reactions can produce no more than about 5 x 10 to the 17th erg/g, and it is unclear how the energy produced in gravitational collapse models can be sufficiently localized. Unless a supernova mechanism can be found which can produce enough energy in a small region of the star, off-center explosions do not provide a satisfactory explanation for high-velocity pulsars.

Dynamic Fracture Behavior of Plastic-Bonded Explosives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fu, Hua; Li, Jun-Ling; Tan, Duo-Wang; Ifp, Caep Team

2011-06-01

Plastic-Bonded Explosives (PBX) are used as important energetic materials in nuclear or conventional weapons. Arms Warhead in the service process and the ballistic phase, may experience complex process such as long pulse and higher loading, compresson, tension and reciprocating compression - tension, friction with the projectile shell, which would lead to explosive deformation and fracture.And the dynamic deformation and fracture behavior of PBX subsequently affect reaction characteristics and initiation mechanism in explosives, then having influence on explosives safety. The dynamic fracure behavior of PBX are generally complex and not well studied or understood. In this paper, the dynamic fracture of explosives are conducted using a Kolsky bar. The Brazilian test, also known as a indirect tensile test or splitting test, is chosen as the test method. Tensile strength under different strain rates are obtained using quartz crystal embedded in rod end. The dynamic deformation and fracture process are captured in real-time by high-speed digital camera, and the displacement and strain fields distribution before specimen fracture are obtained by digital correlation method. Considering the non-uniform microstructure of explosives,the dynamic fracture behavior of explosive are simulated by discrete element method, the simulation results can reproduce the deformation and fracture process in Brazilian test using a maximum tensile strain criterion.

The Soviet program for peaceful uses of nuclear explosions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nordyke, M.D.

1996-07-24

The concept of utilizing the weapons of war to serve the peaceful pursuits of mankind is as old as civilization itself. Perhaps the most famous reference to this basic desire is recorded in the Book of Micah where the great prophet Isiah called upon his people `to turn your spears into pitchforks and your swords into plowshares.` As the scientists at Los Alamos worked on developing the world`s first atomic bomb, thoughts of how this tremendous new source of energy could be used for peaceful purposes generally focused on using the thermal energy generated by the slow fission of uraniummore » in a reactor, such as those being used to produce Plutonium to drive electric power stations. However, being scientists in a new, exciting field, it was impossible to avoid letting their minds wander from the task at hand to other scientific or non-military uses for the bombs themselves. During the Manhattan Project, Otto Frisch, one of the pioneers in the development of nuclear fission process in the 1930s, first suggested using an atomic explosion as a source for a large quantities of neutrons which could used in scientific experiments designed to expand their understanding of nuclear physics. After the war was over, many grandiose ideas appeared in the popular press on how this new source of energy should be to serve mankind. Not to be left out of the growing enthusiasm for peaceful uses of atomic energy, the Soviet Union added their visions to the public record. This document details the Soviet program for using nuclear explosions in peacetime pursuits.« less

VizieR Online Data Catalog: NuGrid stellar data set I. Yields from H to Bi (Pignatari+, 2016)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pignatari, M.; Herwig, F.; Hirschi, R.; Bennett, M.; Rockefeller, G.; Fryer, C.; Timmes, F. X.; Ritter, C.; Heger, A.; Jones, S.; Battino, U.; Dotter, A.; Trappitsch, R.; Diehl, S.; Frischknecht, U.; Hungerford, A.; Magkotsios, G.; Travaglio, C.; Young, P.

2016-10-01

We provide a set of stellar evolution and nucleosynthesis calculations that applies established physics assumptions simultaneously to low- and intermediate-mass and massive star models. Our goal is to provide an internally consistent and comprehensive nuclear production and yield database for applications in areas such as presolar grain studies. Our non-rotating models assume convective boundary mixing (CBM) where it has been adopted before. We include 8 (12) initial masses for Z=0.01 (0.02). Models are followed either until the end of the asymptotic giant branch phase or the end of Si burning, complemented by simple analytic core-collapse supernova (SN) models with two options for fallback and shock velocities. The explosions show which pre-SN yields will most strongly be effected by the explosive nucleosynthesis. We discuss how these two explosion parameters impact the light elements and the s and p process. For low- and intermediate-mass models, our stellar yields from H to Bi include the effect of CBM at the He-intershell boundaries and the stellar evolution feedback of the mixing process that produces the 13C pocket. All post-processing nucleosynthesis calculations use the same nuclear reaction rate network and nuclear physics input. We provide a discussion of the nuclear production across the entire mass range organized by element group. The entirety of our stellar nucleosynthesis profile and time evolution output are available electronically, and tools to explore the data on the NuGrid VOspace hosted by the Canadian Astronomical Data Centre are introduced. (12 data files).

NuGrid Stellar Data Set. I.Stellar Yields from H to Bi for Stars with Metallicities Z = 0.02 and Z = 0.01

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pignatari, M.; Herwig, F.; Hirschi, R.; Bennett, M.; Rockefeller, G.; Fryer, C.; Timmes, F. X.; Ritter, C.; Heger, A.; Jones, S.; Battino, U.; Dotter, A.; Trappitsch, R.; Diehl, S.; Frischknecht, U.; Hungerford, A.; Magkotsios, G.; Travaglio, C.; Young, P.

2016-08-01

We provide a set of stellar evolution and nucleosynthesis calculations that applies established physics assumptions simultaneously to low- and intermediate-mass and massive star models. Our goal is to provide an internally consistent and comprehensive nuclear production and yield database for applications in areas such as presolar grain studies. Our non-rotating models assume convective boundary mixing (CBM) where it has been adopted before. We include 8 (12) initial masses for Z = 0.01 (0.02). Models are followed either until the end of the asymptotic giant branch phase or the end of Si burning, complemented by simple analytic core-collapse supernova (SN) models with two options for fallback and shock velocities. The explosions show which pre-SN yields will most strongly be effected by the explosive nucleosynthesis. We discuss how these two explosion parameters impact the light elements and the s and p process. For low- and intermediate-mass models, our stellar yields from H to Bi include the effect of CBM at the He-intershell boundaries and the stellar evolution feedback of the mixing process that produces the {}13{{C}} pocket. All post-processing nucleosynthesis calculations use the same nuclear reaction rate network and nuclear physics input. We provide a discussion of the nuclear production across the entire mass range organized by element group. The entirety of our stellar nucleosynthesis profile and time evolution output are available electronically, and tools to explore the data on the NuGrid VOspace hosted by the Canadian Astronomical Data Centre are introduced.

Development of mine explosion ground truth smart sensors

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Taylor, Steven R.; Harben, Phillip E.; Jarpe, Steve

Accurate seismo-acoustic source location is one of the fundamental aspects of nuclear explosion monitoring. Critical to improved location is the compilation of ground truth data sets for which origin time and location are accurately known. Substantial effort by the National Laboratories and other seismic monitoring groups have been undertaken to acquire and develop ground truth catalogs that form the basis of location efforts (e.g. Sweeney, 1998; Bergmann et al., 2009; Waldhauser and Richards, 2004). In particular, more GT1 (Ground Truth 1 km) events are required to improve three-dimensional velocity models that are currently under development. Mine seismicity can form themore » basis of accurate ground truth datasets. Although the location of mining explosions can often be accurately determined using array methods (e.g. Harris, 1991) and from overhead observations (e.g. MacCarthy et al., 2008), accurate origin time estimation can be difficult. Occasionally, mine operators will share shot time, location, explosion size and even shot configuration, but this is rarely done, especially in foreign countries. Additionally, shot times provided by mine operators are often inaccurate. An inexpensive, ground truth event detector that could be mailed to a contact, placed in close proximity (< 5 km) to mining regions or earthquake aftershock regions that automatically transmits back ground-truth parameters, would greatly aid in development of ground truth datasets that could be used to improve nuclear explosion monitoring capabilities. We are developing an inexpensive, compact, lightweight smart sensor unit (or units) that could be used in the development of ground truth datasets for the purpose of improving nuclear explosion monitoring capabilities. The units must be easy to deploy, be able to operate autonomously for a significant period of time (> 6 months) and inexpensive enough to be discarded after useful operations have expired (although this may not be part of our business plan). Key parameters to be automatically determined are event origin time (within 0.1 sec), location (within 1 km) and size (within 0.3 magnitude units) without any human intervention. The key parameter ground truth information from explosions greater than magnitude 2.5 will be transmitted to a recording and transmitting site. Because we have identified a limited bandwidth, inexpensive two-way satellite communication (ORBCOMM), we have devised the concept of an accompanying Ground-Truth Processing Center that would enable calibration and ground-truth accuracy to improve over the duration of a deployment.« less

REGIONAL SEISMIC AMPLITUDE MODELING AND TOMOGRAPHY FOR EARTHQUAKE-EXPLOSION DISCRIMINATION

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Walter, W R; Pasyanos, M E; Matzel, E

2008-07-08

We continue exploring methodologies to improve earthquake-explosion discrimination using regional amplitude ratios such as P/S in a variety of frequency bands. Empirically we demonstrate that such ratios separate explosions from earthquakes using closely located pairs of earthquakes and explosions recorded on common, publicly available stations at test sites around the world (e.g. Nevada, Novaya Zemlya, Semipalatinsk, Lop Nor, India, Pakistan, and North Korea). We are also examining if there is any relationship between the observed P/S and the point source variability revealed by longer period full waveform modeling (e. g. Ford et al 2008). For example, regional waveform modeling showsmore » strong tectonic release from the May 1998 India test, in contrast with very little tectonic release in the October 2006 North Korea test, but the P/S discrimination behavior appears similar in both events using the limited regional data available. While regional amplitude ratios such as P/S can separate events in close proximity, it is also empirically well known that path effects can greatly distort observed amplitudes and make earthquakes appear very explosion-like. Previously we have shown that the MDAC (Magnitude Distance Amplitude Correction, Walter and Taylor, 2001) technique can account for simple 1-D attenuation and geometrical spreading corrections, as well as magnitude and site effects. However in some regions 1-D path corrections are a poor approximation and we need to develop 2-D path corrections. Here we demonstrate a new 2-D attenuation tomography technique using the MDAC earthquake source model applied to a set of events and stations in both the Middle East and the Yellow Sea Korean Peninsula regions. We believe this new 2-D MDAC tomography has the potential to greatly improve earthquake-explosion discrimination, particularly in tectonically complex regions such as the Middle East. Monitoring the world for potential nuclear explosions requires characterizing seismic events and discriminating between natural and man-made seismic events, such as earthquakes and mining activities, and nuclear weapons testing. We continue developing, testing, and refining size-, distance-, and location-based regional seismic amplitude corrections to facilitate the comparison of all events that are recorded at a particular seismic station. These corrections, calibrated for each station, reduce amplitude measurement scatter and improve discrimination performance. We test the methods on well-known (ground truth) datasets in the U.S. and then apply them to the uncalibrated stations in Eurasia, Africa, and other regions of interest to improve underground nuclear test monitoring capability.« less

The Inglorious Death of Jumbo

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Meade, Roger Allen

In the summer of 1944, J. Robert Oppenheimer and Los Alamos faced a crisis. An isotopic impurity in Plutonium rendered the metal unusable in a gun-assembled atomic bomb (i.e., Little Boy). Making this situation worse was a shortage of Uranium. The combination of these two problems threatened the entire wartime project. The answer to this dilemma, in part, was to develop a novel assembly method for Plutonium using the supersonic shock waves created by several tons of high explosives to compress a ball of Plutonium into a supercritical state. Since this method, implosion, was not much more than a theoreticalmore » construct, the Trinity test was devised to proof test the process. Given the speculative nature of implosion, Trinity was a gamble of sorts. If the test failed (i.e., little or no nuclear yield), the blast of the high explosives would scatter the scarce and expensive Plutonium over the surrounding desert. Since the probability of failure remained high into the early summer of 1945, some method of containing a failed nuclear explosion was needed. Jumbo was the answer.« less

Infrasound observation of the apparent North Korean nuclear test of 25 May 2009

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Che, Il-Young; Kim, Tae Sung; Jeon, Jeong-Soo; Lee, Hee-Il

2009-11-01

On 25 May 2009, a seismic event (mb 4.6) was recorded from a source in northeastern North Korea, close to the location of a previous seismic event on 9 October 2006. Both events have been declared to be nuclear tests by North Korea. For the more recent test, five seismo-acoustic arrays in South Korea recorded epicentral infrasonic signals. The signals are characterized by amplitudes from 0.16 to 0.35 microbar and dominant frequencies between 0.8 and 4.3 Hz. Celerities determined for the arrivals suggest that most of the infrasonic energy travelled as a stratospheric phase. Based on observed stratospheric amplitudes, the epicentral infrasonic energy was estimated to be equivalent to that expected from 3.0 tons of high explosives detonated on the surface. We conclude that this small energy estimate is due to the atmospheric coupling from the strong surface ground motion rather than the direct transfer of explosion energy to the air. This relatively small infrasonic to seismic energy ratio could be used to distinguish the event from a common surface explosion.

Effect of Velocity of Detonation of Explosives on Seismic Radiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stroujkova, A. F.; Leidig, M.; Bonner, J. L.

2014-12-01

We studied seismic body wave generation from four fully contained explosions of approximately the same yields (68 kg of TNT equivalent) conducted in anisotropic granite in Barre, VT. The explosions were detonated using three types of explosives with different velocities of detonation (VOD): Black Powder (BP), Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil/Emulsion (ANFO), and Composition B (COMP B). The main objective of the experiment was to study differences in seismic wave generation among different types of explosives, and to determine the mechanism responsible for these differences. The explosives with slow burn rate (BP) produced lower P-wave amplitude and lower corner frequency, which resulted in lower seismic efficiency (0.35%) in comparison with high burn rate explosives (2.2% for ANFO and 3% for COMP B). The seismic efficiency estimates for ANFO and COMP B agree with previous studies for nuclear explosions in granite. The body wave radiation pattern is consistent with an isotropic explosion with an added azimuthal component caused by vertical tensile fractures oriented along pre-existing micro-fracturing in the granite, although the complexities in the P- and S-wave radiation patterns suggest that more than one fracture orientation could be responsible for their generation. High S/P amplitude ratios and low P-wave amplitudes suggest that a significant fraction of the BP source mechanism can be explained by opening of the tensile fractures as a result of the slow energy release.

No Collective Neutrino Flavor Conversions during the Supernova Accretion Phase

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chakraborty, Sovan; Fischer, Tobias; Mirizzi, Alessandro; Saviano, Ninetta; Tomàs, Ricard

2011-10-01

We perform a dedicated study of the supernova (SN) neutrino flavor evolution during the accretion phase, using results from recent neutrino radiation hydrodynamics simulations. In contrast to what was expected in the presence of only neutrino-neutrino interactions, we find that the multiangle effects associated with the dense ordinary matter suppress collective oscillations. The matter suppression implies that neutrino oscillations will start outside the neutrino decoupling region and therefore will have a negligible impact on the neutrino heating and the explosion dynamics. Furthermore, the possible detection of the next galactic SN neutrino signal from the accretion phase, based on the usual Mikheyev-Smirnov-Wolfenstein effect in the SN mantle and Earth matter effects, can reveal the neutrino mass hierarchy in the case that the mixing angle θ13 is not very small.

No collective neutrino flavor conversions during the supernova accretion phase.

PubMed

Chakraborty, Sovan; Fischer, Tobias; Mirizzi, Alessandro; Saviano, Ninetta; Tomàs, Ricard

2011-10-07

We perform a dedicated study of the supernova (SN) neutrino flavor evolution during the accretion phase, using results from recent neutrino radiation hydrodynamics simulations. In contrast to what was expected in the presence of only neutrino-neutrino interactions, we find that the multiangle effects associated with the dense ordinary matter suppress collective oscillations. The matter suppression implies that neutrino oscillations will start outside the neutrino decoupling region and therefore will have a negligible impact on the neutrino heating and the explosion dynamics. Furthermore, the possible detection of the next galactic SN neutrino signal from the accretion phase, based on the usual Mikheyev-Smirnov-Wolfenstein effect in the SN mantle and Earth matter effects, can reveal the neutrino mass hierarchy in the case that the mixing angle θ(13) is not very small.

U.S. Army Medical Department Journal, October-December 2007

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-12-01

Warrior Task Training requirements (such as weapons assembly/disassembly and functions check; individual chemical, biological , radiological, nuclear...training program focused on hands-on training in the 40 Army Warrior Tasks and 11 Battle Drills, to include advanced land navigation training; weapons ...familiarization and qualification; convoy operations; chemical, biological , radiological, nuclear and high- explosive defense; and squad and platoon

Detection Optimization of the Progressive Multi-Channel Correlation Algorithm Used in Infrasound Nuclear Treaty Monitoring

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-03-01

82 4.3.2 Bayes Decision Criteria and Risk Minimization ............................................ 86...on the globe. In its mission to achieve information superiority, AFTAC has historically combined data garnered from seismic and infrasound networks...to improve location estimates for nuclear events. For instance, underground explosions produce seismic waves that can couple into the atmosphere

Operation CASTLE. Report of the Manager Santa Fe Operations. Extracted Version.

DTIC Science & Technology

Nuclear explosion testing, *Test facilities, *Management planning and control, Pacific Ocean, Eniwetok Atoll, Bikini Atoll, Marshall Islands , Organizations, Construction, Operation, Management, Logistics support, Costs

Nuclear Forensics using Gamma-ray Spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Norman, E. B.

2016-09-01

Much of George Dracoulis's research career was devoted to utilising gamma-ray spectroscopy in fundamental studies in nuclear physics. This same technology is useful in a wide range of applications in the area of nuclear forensics. Over the last several years, our research group has made use of both high- and low-resolution gamma-ray spectrometers to: identify the first sample of plutonium large enough to be weighed; determine the yield of the Trinity nuclear explosion; measure fission fragment yields as a function of target nucleus and neutron energy; and observe fallout in the U. S. from the Fukushima nuclear reactor accident.

On the infrasound detected from the 2013 and 2016 DPRK's underground nuclear tests

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Assink, J. D.; Averbuch, G.; Smets, P. S. M.; Evers, L. G.

2016-04-01

The underground nuclear tests by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) generated atmospheric infrasound both in 2013 and 2016. Clear detections were made in the Russian Federation (I45RU) and Japan (I30JP) in 2013 at stations from the International Monitoring System. Both tropospheric and stratospheric refractions arrived at the stations. In 2016, only a weak return was potentially observed at I45RU. Data analysis and propagation modeling show that the noise level at the stations and the stratospheric circumpolar vortex were different in 2016 compared to 2013. As the seismic magnitude of the 2013 and 2016 nuclear test explosions was comparable, we hypothesize that the 2016 test occurred at least 1.5 times deeper. In such a case, less seismic energy would couple through the lithosphere-atmosphere interface, leading to less observable infrasound. Since explosion depth is difficult to estimate from seismic data alone, this motivates a synergy between seismics and infrasonics.

Lead-210 from nuclear explosions in the environment

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jaworowski, Z.; Kownacka, L.; Grotowski, K.

1978-02-01

In widely separated locations in both hemispheres, we have found a significant correlation between the increased concentrations of /sup 210/Pb in glacier ice and periods of nuclear tests. The concentrations of /sup 210/Pb fluctuated concurrently with /sup 137/Cs concentrations in all glaciers studied, except for a temperate glacier in the Alps, exposed to the effects of summer heat. The most strict concurrence of fluctuation of these nuclides was observed in Spitsbergen, a location comparatively close to the arctic testing grounds. In 1973, a large excursion of /sup 210/Pb concentration was observed in all glaciers studied south of the arctic, presumablymore » after testing an advanced thermonuclear device at Lob Nor. The concurrence of concentrations of /sup 210/Pb, /sup 137/Cs, and /sup 90/Sr was observed in samples of stratospheric aerosols collected at an altitude of 12 km. This indicates that a part of the /sup 210/Pb present in the environment was produced, together with fission products, by nuclear explosions.« less

Climatic, biological, and strategic effects of nuclear war. Hearing before the Subcommittee on Natural Resources, Agriculture Research and Environment of the Committee on Science and Technology, House of Representatives, Ninety-Eighth Congress, Second Session, September 12, 1984

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

1985-01-01

A panel of experts, including Carl Sagan, Jay Gould, and Edward Teller, testified along with climate and atmospheric science experts from the Soviet Union on the long-term effects of a nuclear war. The scientists warned that such an event could repeat the biological and climatic disruption that ended the age of dinosaurs 65 million years ago. The purpose of the hearing was to inform committee members about the nature and outcome of a nuclear winter. The scientists also described international research programs designed to ascertain these long-term effects. They pointed out that, while the effects of a single explosion aremore » well known, little is known of overlapping effects from multiple explosions. Two appendices with additional material submitted for the record and additional questions and answers follows the testimony.« less

UK National Data Centre archive of seismic recordings of (presumed) underground nuclear tests 1964-1996

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Young, John; Peacock, Sheila

2016-04-01

The year 1996 has particular significance for forensic seismologists. This was the year when the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) was signed in September at the United Nations, setting an international norm against nuclear testing. Blacknest, as a long time seismic centre for research into detecting and identifying underground explosions using seismology, provided significant technical advice during the CTBT negotiations. Since 1962 seismic recordings of both presumed nuclear explosions and earthquakes from the four seismometer arrays Eskdalemuir, Scotland (EKA), Yellowknife, Canada (YKA), Gauribidanur, India (GBA), and Warramunga, Australia (WRA) have been copied, digitised, and saved. There was a possibility this archive would be lost. It was decided to process the records and catalogue them for distribution to other groups and institutions. This work continues at Blacknest but the archive is no longer under threat. In addition much of the archive of analogue tape recordings has been re-digitised with modern equipment, allowing sampling rates of 100 rather than 20 Hz.

Can Plume-Forming Asteroid Airbursts Generate Meteotsunami in Deep Water?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boslough, M.

2015-12-01

Hydrocode simulations suggest that the 1908 Tunguska explosion was a plume-forming airburst analogous to those caused by Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 (SL9) collisions with Jupiter in 1994. A noctilucent cloud that appeared over Europe following the Tunguska event is similar to post-impact features on Jupiter, consistent with a collapsed plume containing condensation from the vaporized asteroid. Previous workers treated Tunguska as a point explosion and used seismic records, barograms, and extent of fallen trees to determine explosive yield. Estimates were based on scaling laws derived from nuclear weapons data, neglecting directionality, mass, and momentum of the asteroid. This point-source assumption, with other simplifications, led to a significant overestimate. Tunguska seismic data were consistent with ground motion from a vertical point impulse of 7×1018dyn sec caused by the downward blast wave of a 12.5-megaton nuclear explosion at an altitude of 8.5 km for an effective momentum multiplication factor (β) of ~80. However, simulations of a 3-megaton collisional airburst reveal that the upward-directed momentum contained in a ballistic plume can reach this level within the first minute after the explosion (β≈300). The reaction impulse from such an airburst is therefore similar to a much larger non-plume-forming nuclear explosion. Momentum is coupled through the atmosphere to the surface, generating disproportionately large seismic signatures. This result suggests that coupling from an over-water plume-forming airburst could be a more efficient tsunami source mechanism than a collapsing impact cavity or direct air blast because the characteristic time of the plume is closer to that of a long-period wave in deep water. As the plume accelerates upward, it creates a slowly-rising and sustained overpressure with a ramp wave that propagates outward at the speed of sound, generating a tsunami in deep ocean by the same mechanism that yields slower meteotsunami in shallow basins. This hypothesis is consistent with the observation of prominent internal waves observed propagating radially outward from several SL9 impacts, even though the waves were not in Proudman resonance. Because of slow compression, the SL9 waves grew with a Froude number of ~1.6, the same as that of the sound speed in air over ~4.6-km-deep water.

Neutrino energy transport in weak decoupling and big bang nucleosynthesis

DOE PAGES

Grohs, Evan Bradley; Paris, Mark W.; Kishimoto, Chad T.; ...

2016-04-21

In this study, we calculate the evolution of the early universe through the epochs of weak decoupling, weak freeze-out and big bang nucleosynthesis (BBN) by simultaneously coupling a full strong, electromagnetic, and weak nuclear reaction network with a multienergy group Boltzmann neutrino energy transport scheme. The modular structure of our code provides the ability to dissect the relative contributions of each process responsible for evolving the dynamics of the early universe in the absence of neutrino flavor oscillations. Such an approach allows a detailed accounting of the evolution of the νe, ν¯e, νμ, ν¯μ, ντ, ν¯τ energy distribution functions alongsidemore » and self-consistently with the nuclear reactions and entropy/heat generation and flow between the neutrino and photon/electron/positron/baryon plasma components. This calculation reveals nonlinear feedback in the time evolution of neutrino distribution functions and plasma thermodynamic conditions (e.g., electron-positron pair densities), with implications for the phasing between scale factor and plasma temperature; the neutron-to-proton ratio; light-element abundance histories; and the cosmological parameter N eff. We find that our approach of following the time development of neutrino spectral distortions and concomitant entropy production and extraction from the plasma results in changes in the computed value of the BBN deuterium yield. For example, for particular implementations of quantum corrections in plasma thermodynamics, our calculations show a 0.4% increase in deuterium. These changes are potentially significant in the context of anticipated improvements in observational and nuclear physics uncertainties.« less

Neutrino energy transport in weak decoupling and big bang nucleosynthesis

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Grohs, Evan Bradley; Paris, Mark W.; Kishimoto, Chad T.

In this study, we calculate the evolution of the early universe through the epochs of weak decoupling, weak freeze-out and big bang nucleosynthesis (BBN) by simultaneously coupling a full strong, electromagnetic, and weak nuclear reaction network with a multienergy group Boltzmann neutrino energy transport scheme. The modular structure of our code provides the ability to dissect the relative contributions of each process responsible for evolving the dynamics of the early universe in the absence of neutrino flavor oscillations. Such an approach allows a detailed accounting of the evolution of the νe, ν¯e, νμ, ν¯μ, ντ, ν¯τ energy distribution functions alongsidemore » and self-consistently with the nuclear reactions and entropy/heat generation and flow between the neutrino and photon/electron/positron/baryon plasma components. This calculation reveals nonlinear feedback in the time evolution of neutrino distribution functions and plasma thermodynamic conditions (e.g., electron-positron pair densities), with implications for the phasing between scale factor and plasma temperature; the neutron-to-proton ratio; light-element abundance histories; and the cosmological parameter N eff. We find that our approach of following the time development of neutrino spectral distortions and concomitant entropy production and extraction from the plasma results in changes in the computed value of the BBN deuterium yield. For example, for particular implementations of quantum corrections in plasma thermodynamics, our calculations show a 0.4% increase in deuterium. These changes are potentially significant in the context of anticipated improvements in observational and nuclear physics uncertainties.« less

Ozone, dust, smoke and humidity in nuclear winter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Turco, R. P.; Toon, O. B.; Ackerman, T. P.; Pollack, J. B.; Sagan, C.

1985-01-01

Recent correspondence on nuclear winter is commented on. Reasons are given for why the Tunguska meteor explosion may not be useful in calibrating the effects of a major nuclear exchange. The relationship between the optical depth of an aerosol cloud, the composition of the cloud, and its effect on sunlight intensity and climate are clarified. The significance of the Tambora eruption of 1815 and of historical fires for the nuclear winter theory are briefly discussed. The dispersion of smoke plumes from large fires is addressed, and water condensation and smoke scavenging are considered.

Scaling of the Propulsive Capability of Aluminized Gelled Nitromethane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Loiseau, Jason; Higgins, Andrew; Frost, David; Zhang, Fan

2017-06-01

It is well accepted that small mass fractions (<20%) of micron-scale aluminum particles added to a high explosive can react quickly and with sufficient exothermicity to improve metal-acceleration ability (AA) relative to an equal volume of only the base explosive. In order for the aluminum to increase AA, exothermicity must more than offset losses in gas-production and from heating and accelerating the solid particle in the flow. Furthermore, particles must react promptly to deliver this energy prior to loss in driving pressure with product expansion or acoustic decoupling from the driven material. For these reasons many aluminized formulations exhibit slight or no increase in AA ability. Furthermore, AA ability is typically studied using the cylinder test, which specifies a fixed, heavy copper wall. In the present study the authors have used symmetric sandwiches of flyer plates of varying thicknesses to examine how charge scaling and plate acceleration timescales influence the enhancement in AA for different mass fractions and sizes of aluminum particles. Nitromethane gelled with 4% Poly(methyl methacrylate) by mass was used as the base explosive. 3M K1 microballoons were added at a mass fraction of 0.5% to sensitize the mixture. Mass fraction of aluminum was varied between 10% and 40% and particle size was varied from 2 μm to 100 μm. For small mass fractions of alumimum, an enhancement in AA was observed for all particle sizes and flyer configurations and indicated an onset of reaction very close to the sonic plane of the detonation wave.

History of the Nuclei Important for Cosmochemistry

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Meyer, Bradley S.

2004-01-01

An essential aspect of studying the nuclei important for cosmochemistry is their production in stars. Over the grant period, we have further developed the Clemson/American University of Beirut stellar evolution code. Through use of a biconjugate-gradient matrix solver, we now routinely solve l0(exp 6) x l0(exp 6) sparse matrices on our desktop computers. This has allowed us to couple nucleosynthesis and convection fully in the 1-D star, which, in turn, provides better estimates of nuclear yields when the mixing and nuclear burning timescales are comparable. We also have incorporated radiation transport into our 1-D supernova explosion code. We used the stellar evolution and explosion codes to compute iron abundances in a 25 Solar mass star and compared the results to data from RIMS.

Symposium on Engineering With Nuclear Explosives January 14-16, 1970 Las Vegas, Nevada. Volume 2

DTIC Science & Technology

1970-05-01

stainless steel funnel over an enamel tub. Every attempt was made to slowly wet all the surfaces with no jetting, hydraulic washing, or mechanical...If the signals of shovel tooth wear and bucket filling factors indicate this, then drilling for high-explosive blasting will commence. Benches are...furnace. The whole range of states between undamaged granite and glass is indeed found : 1 - granite may be only whitened . The iron oxydes naturally

Improvements to a Major Digital Archive of Seismic Waveforms from Nuclear Explosions: The Borovoye Seismogram Archive

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-09-30

excitation of surface waves in the Balapan sub-region of the Soviet Semipalatinsk test site in central Asia were noted for anomalous behavior...complete recording history of Semipalatinsk Test Site (STS) explosions, waveform data from the Borovoye archive offer the opportunity to re-evaluate...Figure 2. Map of the Balapan sub-region of the Semipalatinsk Test Site showing locations of 50 tests currently understudy and the boundaries of NE

Proceeding of the 1999 Particle Accelerator Conference. Volume 1

DTIC Science & Technology

1999-04-02

protons -e.6 within a 35-ns wide pulse . Dynamic shots of high - explosive (HE) during detonation usually had pulses spaced at 1-microsecond intervals... protons per pulse could be obtained by 800 Radiography on a Dynamic Object," 1 1th Biennial Nuclear Explosives MeV H’ injection from the existing 800 MeV...3713 Pondermotive Acceleration of Ions By Relativistically Self-Focused High- Intensity Short Pulse Laser -- A.Maksimchuky, S.Gu, K.Flippo,

Explosives (and other threats) detection using pulsed neutron interrogation and optimized detectors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Strellis, Dan A.; Elsalim, Mashal; Gozani, Tsahi

2011-06-01

We have previously reported results from a human-portable system using neutron interrogation to detect contraband and explosives. We summarized our methodology for distinguishing threat materials such as narcotics, C4, and mustard gas in the myriad of backgrounds present in the maritime environment. We are expanding our mission for the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO) to detect Special Nuclear Material (SNM) through the detection of multiple fission signatures without compromising the conventional threat detection performance. This paper covers our initial investigations into using neutrons from compact pulsed neutron generators via the d(D,n)3He or d(T,n)α reactions with energies of ~2.5 and 14 MeV, respectively, for explosives (and other threats) detection along with a variety of gamma-ray detectors. Fast neutrons and thermal neutrons (after successive collisions) can stimulate the emission of various threat detection signatures. For explosives detection, element-specific gamma-ray signatures via the (n,n'γ) inelastic scattering reaction and the (n,'γ) thermal capture reaction are detected. For SNM, delayed gamma-rays following fission can be measured with the same detector. Our initial trade-off investigations of several gamma-ray detectors types (NaI, CsI, LaBr3, HPGe) for measuring gamma-ray signatures in a pulsed neutron environment for potential application in a human-portable active interrogation system are covered in this paper.

Assessment of Non-traditional Isotopic Ratios by Mass Spectrometry for Analysis of Nuclear Activities. Annual Report 2011

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Biegalski, Steven R.; Buchholz, Bruce A.

2011-08-24

The objective of this work is to identify isotopic ratios suitable for analysis via mass spectrometry that distinguish between commercial nuclear reactor fuel cycles, fuel cycles for weapons grade plutonium, and products from nuclear weapons explosions. Methods will also be determined to distinguish the above from medical and industrial radionuclide sources. Mass spectrometry systems will be identified that are suitable for field measurement of such isotopes in an expedient manner.

Uncertainty quantification for discrimination of nuclear events as violations of the comprehensive nuclear-test-ban treaty.

PubMed

Sloan, Jamison; Sun, Yunwei; Carrigan, Charles

2016-05-01

Enforcement of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) will involve monitoring for radiologic indicators of underground nuclear explosions (UNEs). A UNE produces a variety of radioisotopes which then decay through connected radionuclide chains. A particular species of interest is xenon, namely the four isotopes (131m)Xe, (133m)Xe, (133)Xe, and (135)Xe. Due to their half lives, some of these isotopes can exist in the subsurface for more than 100 days. This convenient timescale, combined with modern detection capabilities, makes the xenon family a desirable candidate for UNE detection. Ratios of these isotopes as a function of time have been studied in the past for distinguishing nuclear explosions from civilian nuclear applications. However, the initial yields from UNEs have been treated as fixed values. In reality, these independent yields are uncertain to a large degree. This study quantifies the uncertainty in xenon ratios as a result of these uncertain initial conditions to better bound the values that xenon ratios can assume. We have successfully used a combination of analytical and sampling based statistical methods to reliably bound xenon isotopic ratios. We have also conducted a sensitivity analysis and found that xenon isotopic ratios are primarily sensitive to only a few of many uncertain initial conditions. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Spherical shock due to point explosion with varying energy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, J. B.; Srivastava, S. K.

1983-05-01

The motion of a perfect gas behind a weak or strong spherical point-explosion shock wave in a nonuniform rest atmosphere is investigated analytically for the case of variable flow energy. The self-similar solutions derived are also adaptable to a uniform expanding piston. The solution is applied to the isothermal case, and the results of numerical integration are presented in graphs showing the density, velocity, and pressure distributions for different values of delta. The findings are considered significant for investigations of sonic booms, laser production of plasmas, high-altitude nuclear detonations, supernova explosions, and the sudden expansion of the solar corona, and for the laboratory production of high temperatures using shock waves.

Evaluation and Improvement of the Defense Central Index of Investigations (DCII) - An Evaluation and Analysis Program for the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-11-22

occupations was that 20% of the explosive ordnance disposal specialists(55D) did not have a DIS dossier. Those in the other PSSP occupations showed...each have top secret eligibility ranging from: 61" (55D) to 24., (12 7). Finally, 29S of the explosive ordinance disposal specialists (55D) have no t...462XO Aircraft Armament Systems 1.5 71.8 .2 1.8 24.7 463XO Nuclear Weapons 1.9 75.8 .0 .9 21.4 464X0 Explosive Ordnance Disposal 2.7 63.0 .1 .9 33.3 545X1

Measurements of ion energies from the explosion of large hydrogen iodide clusters irradiated by intense femtosecond laser pulses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tisch, J. W. G.; Hay, N.; Springate, E.; Gumbrell, E. T.; Hutchinson, M. H. R.; Marangos, J. P.

1999-10-01

We present measurements of ion energies from the interaction of intense, femtosecond laser pulses with large mixed-species clusters. Multi-keV protons and ~100-keV iodine ions are observed from the explosion of HI clusters produced in a gas jet operated at room temperature. Clusters formed from molecular gases such as HI are thus seen to extend the advantages of the laser-cluster interaction to elements that do not readily form single-species clusters. In the light of recently reported nuclear fusion in laser-heated clusters, we also examine the possibility of boosting the explosion energies of low-Z ions through the use of mixed species clusters.

CP/MAS /sup 13/C NMR spectroscopic study of chlorophyll a in the solid state

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Brown, C.E.; Spencer, R.B.; Burger, V.T.

1983-09-01

Solid-state cross-polarization, magic-angle sample spinning carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance spectra have been recorded on chlorophyll a- water aggregates, methyl pyrochlorophyllide a and methyl pyropheophorbide a (derivatives that lack a phytyl chain). Spectra have also been collected under a decoupling regime in which resonances of certain hydrogen-bearing carbon atoms are suppressed. These observations are used to assign the solid state spectra.

Multi-scale fracture damage associated with underground chemical explosions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Swanson, E. M.; Sussman, A. J.; Wilson, J. E.; Townsend, M. J.; Prothro, L. B.; Gang, H. E.

2018-05-01

Understanding rock damage induced by explosions is critical for a number of applications including the monitoring and verification of underground nuclear explosions, mine safety issues, and modeling fluid flow through fractured rock. We use core observations, televiewer logs, and thin section observations to investigate fracture damage associated with two successive underground chemical explosions (SPE2 and SPE3) in granitic rock at both the mesoscale and microscale. We compare the frequency and orientations of core-scale fractures, and the frequency of microfractures, between a pre-experiment core and three post-experiment cores. Natural fault zones and explosion-induced fractures in the vicinity of the explosive source are readily apparent in recovered core and in thin sections. Damage from faults and explosions is not always apparent in fracture frequency plots from televiewer logs, although orientation data from these logs suggests explosion-induced fracturing may not align with the pre-existing fracture sets. Core-scale observations indicate the extent of explosion-induced damage is 10.0 m after SPE2 and 6.8 m after SPE3, despite both a similar size and location for both explosions. At the microscale, damage is observed to a range distance of 10.2 ± 0.9 m after SPE2, and 16.6 ± 0.9 and 11.2 ± 0.6 in two different cores collected after SPE3. Additional explosion-induced damage, interpreted to be the result of spalling, is readily apparent near the surface, but only in the microfracture data. This depth extent and intensity of damage in the near-surface region also increased after an additional explosion. This study highlights the importance of evaluating structural damage at multiple scales for a more complete characterization of the damage, and particularly shows the importance of microscale observations for identifying spallation-induced damage.

Calculation of Tectonic Strain Release from an Explosion in a Three-Dimensional Stress Field

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stevens, J. L.; O'Brien, M. S.

2012-12-01

We have developed a 3D nonlinear finite element code designed for calculation of explosions in 3D heterogeneous media and have incorporated the capability to perform explosion calculations in a prestressed medium. The effect of tectonic prestress on explosion-generated surface waves has been discussed since the 1960's. In most of these studies tectonic release was described as superposition of a tectonic source modeled as a double couple, multipole or moment tensor, plus a point explosion source. The size of the tectonic source was determined by comparison with the observed Love waves and the Rayleigh wave radiation pattern. Day et al. (1987) first attempted to perform numerical modeling of tectonic release through an axisymmetric calculation of the explosion Piledriver. To the best of our knowledge no one has previously performed numerical calculations for an explosion in a three-dimensional stress field. Calculation of tectonic release depends on a realistic representation of the stress state in the earth. In general the vertical stress is equal to the overburden weight of the material above at any given point. The horizontal stresses may be larger or smaller than this value up to the point where failure due to frictional sliding relieves the stress. In our calculations, we use the normal overburden calculation to determine the vertical stress, and then modify the horizontal stresses to some fraction of the frictional limit. This is the initial stable state of the calculation prior to introduction of the explosion. Note that although the vertical stress is still equivalent to the overburden weight, the pressure is not, and it may be either increased or reduced by the tectonic stresses. Since material strength increases with pressure, this also can substantially affect the seismic source. In general, normal faulting regimes will amplify seismic signals, while reverse faulting regimes will decrease seismic signals; strike-slip regimes may do either. We performed a 3D calculation of the Shoal underground nuclear explosion including tectonic prestress. Shoal was a 12.5 kiloton nuclear explosion detonated near Fallon, Nevada. This event had strong heterogeneity in near field waveforms and is in a region under primarily extensional tectonic stress. There were three near-field shot level recording stations located in three directions each at about 590 meters from the shot. Including prestress consistent with the regional stress field causes variations in the calculated near-field waveforms similar to those observed in the Shoal data.

THE NEAR SURFACE GEOLOGY AT ENIWETOK AND BIKINI ATOLLS.

DTIC Science & Technology

ROCK, *NUCLEAR EXPLOSIONS, BIKINI ATOLL, CRATERING, SURFACE PROPERTIES, PARTICLE SIZE, GEOPHYSICAL PROSPECTING, LIMESTONE, GEOLOGICAL SURVEYS, SAND, GRAVEL, CORAL REEFS, DRILLING, ROCK, MARSHALL ISLANDS , SANDSTONE, FRICTION, COMPRESSIVE PROPERTIES, SOILS.

Operation REDWING. Project 2.64. Fallout Location and Delineation by Aerial Surveys.

DTIC Science & Technology

Fallout, *Gamma rays, *Radioactive contamination, Ocean environments, Nuclear explosion testing, Surveys, Sampling, Airborne, Surface burst, Sea water, Dose rate, Ocean surface, Coral reefs, Marshall Islands

Science/Society Case Study - Ozone

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moore, John W., Ed.; Moore, Elizabeth A., Ed.

1975-01-01

Describes various threats to the stability of the ozone layer of the atmosphere, including freons emitted from aerosol cans, combustion products from jet aircraft engines, and nuclear explosions in the atmosphere. (MLH)

Investigating source processes of isotropic events

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chiang, Andrea

This dissertation demonstrates the utility of the complete waveform regional moment tensor inversion for nuclear event discrimination. I explore the source processes and associated uncertainties for explosions and earthquakes under the effects of limited station coverage, compound seismic sources, assumptions in velocity models and the corresponding Green's functions, and the effects of shallow source depth and free-surface conditions. The motivation to develop better techniques to obtain reliable source mechanism and assess uncertainties is not limited to nuclear monitoring, but they also provide quantitative information about the characteristics of seismic hazards, local and regional tectonics and in-situ stress fields of the region . This dissertation begins with the analysis of three sparsely recorded events: the 14 September 1988 US-Soviet Joint Verification Experiment (JVE) nuclear test at the Semipalatinsk test site in Eastern Kazakhstan, and two nuclear explosions at the Chinese Lop Nor test site. We utilize a regional distance seismic waveform method fitting long-period, complete, three-component waveforms jointly with first-motion observations from regional stations and teleseismic arrays. The combination of long period waveforms and first motion observations provides unique discrimination of these sparsely recorded events in the context of the Hudson et al. (1989) source-type diagram. We examine the effects of the free surface on the moment tensor via synthetic testing, and apply the moment tensor based discrimination method to well-recorded chemical explosions. These shallow chemical explosions represent rather severe source-station geometry in terms of the vanishing traction issues. We show that the combined waveform and first motion method enables the unique discrimination of these events, even though the data include unmodeled single force components resulting from the collapse and blowout of the quarry face immediately following the initial explosion. In contrast, recovering the announced explosive yield using seismic moment estimates from moment tensor inversion remains challenging but we can begin to put error bounds on our moment estimates using the NSS technique. The estimation of seismic source parameters is dependent upon having a well-calibrated velocity model to compute the Green's functions for the inverse problem. Ideally, seismic velocity models are calibrated through broadband waveform modeling, however in regions of low seismicity velocity models derived from body or surface wave tomography may be employed. Whether a velocity model is 1D or 3D, or based on broadband seismic waveform modeling or the various tomographic techniques, the uncertainty in the velocity model can be the greatest source of error in moment tensor inversion. These errors have not been fully investigated for the nuclear discrimination problem. To study the effects of unmodeled structures on the moment tensor inversion, we set up a synthetic experiment where we produce synthetic seismograms for a 3D model (Moschetti et al., 2010) and invert these data using Green's functions computed with a 1D velocity mode (Song et al., 1996) to evaluate the recoverability of input solutions, paying particular attention to biases in the isotropic component. The synthetic experiment results indicate that the 1D model assumption is valid for moment tensor inversions at periods as short as 10 seconds for the 1D western U.S. model (Song et al., 1996). The correct earthquake mechanisms and source depth are recovered with statistically insignificant isotropic components as determined by the F-test. Shallow explosions are biased by the theoretical ISO-CLVD tradeoff but the tectonic release component remains low, and the tradeoff can be eliminated with constraints from P wave first motion. Path-calibration to the 1D model can reduce non-double-couple components in earthquakes, non-isotropic components in explosions and composite sources and improve the fit to the data. When we apply the 3D model to real data, at long periods (20-50 seconds), we see good agreement in the solutions between the 1D and 3D models and slight improvement in waveform fits when using the 3D velocity model Green's functions. (Abstract shortened by ProQuest.).

Detailed analysis of particle launch velocities, size distributions and gas densities during normal explosions at Stromboli

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harris, Andrew J. L.; Ripepe, Maurizio; Hughes, Elizabeth A.

2012-06-01

Using high frame rate (33 Hz) thermal video data we describe and parameterize the emission and ascent dynamics of a mixed plume of gas and particles emitted during a normal explosion at Stromboli (Aeolian Islands, Italy). Analysis of 34 events showed that 31 of them were characterized by a first phase characterized by an initial diffuse spray of relatively small (lapilli-sized) particles moving at high velocities (up to 213 m s- 1; average 66-82 m s- 1). This was followed, typically within 0.1 s, by a burst comprising a mixture of ash and lapilli, but dominated by larger bomb-sized particles, moving at lower exit velocities of up to 129 m s- 1, but typically 46 m s- 1. We interpret these results as revealing initial emission of a previously unrecorded high velocity gas-jet phase, to which the lapilli are coupled. This is followed by emission of slower moving larger particles that are decoupled from the faster moving gas-phase. Diameters for particles carried by the gas phase are typically around 4 cm, but can be up to 9 cm, with the diameter of the particles carried by the gas jet (D) decreasing with increased density and velocity of the erupted gas cloud (ρgas and Ugas). Data for 101 particles identified as moving with the gas jet during 32 eruptions allow us to define a new relation, whereby Ugas = Uparticle + a [ρgas√{D}]b. Here, Uparticle is the velocity of bombs whose motion is decoupled from that of the gas cloud, and a and b are two empirically-derived coefficients. This replaces the old relation, whereby Ugas = Uparticle + k √{D}; a relation that requires a constant gas density for each eruption. This is an assumption that we show to be invalid, with gas density potentially varying between 0.04 kg m- 3 and 9 kg m- 3 for the 32 cases considered, so that k varies between 54 m1/2 s- 1 and 828 m1/2 s- 1, compared with the traditionally used constant of 150 m1/2 s- 1.

Numerical investigation of permeability models for low viscosity magmas: Application to the 2007 Stromboli effusive eruption

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

La Spina, G.; Polacci, M.; Burton, M.; de'Michieli Vitturi, M.

2017-09-01

Magma permeability is the most important factor controlling the transition between effusive and explosive styles during magma ascent at active volcanoes. When magma permeability is low, gas bubbles in the melt expand as the pressure decreases; above a critical gas volume fraction threshold, magma fragments, generating an explosive eruption. On the contrary, if magma is sufficiently permeable, gas ascends through the conduit towards the surface faster than the magma ascent speed, producing decoupling of gas and magma and reducing the maximum vesicularity. This decoupled flow inhibits fragmentation and leads to either an effusive eruption or quiescent degassing. Accurate modelling of permeability behaviour is therefore fundamental when simulating magma ascent processes. In this work, we compare different permeability models for low viscosity magmas using a 1D steady-state model. We use, as a test case, the 2007 effusive eruption at Stromboli volcano, Italy. We compare the numerical solutions computed using the linear Darcy's law with those obtained using the non-linear Forchheimer relation. Our numerical results show that, using Darcy's law and appropriate permeability models, it is possible to obtain an effusive eruption in agreement with observations. However, we found that, in the shallow conduit, the limit of applicability of Darcy's law (that is the modified Reynolds number Rem < 10) is exceeded due to high gas flow rates. Furthermore, we show that using Forchheimer's law and some parametric expressions for viscous and inertial permeabilities, results can be compatible with an effusive eruption, once appropriate values are chosen. However, one of the parameters required to obtain an effusive eruption, the friction coefficient between gas and melt, is several orders of magnitude lower than that determined from measurements of solid erupted samples. This result requires further experimental verification. We propose that our novel permeability modelling regime is suitable for basaltic volcanism. We highlight that permeabilities derived from studying solid samples are not representative of the actual permeability of a molten magma, at least in the case of low viscosity basaltic magmas. These findings have fundamental implications for the quantification of permeability, modelling of volcanic processes and volcanic eruption dynamics, and the forecasting of volcanic eruptions.

Prediction of fire spread following nuclear explosions

Treesearch

Craig C. Chandler; Theodore G. Storey; Charles D. Tangren

1963-01-01

Mass fires are likely to follow a nuclear attack. Since it is important to the civil defense program to be able to predict rate, duration, and extent of spread of such fires, the Office of Civil Defense, U.S. Department of Defense, issued a joint contract to the Forest Service and to United Research Services, Inc., to study this field. We surveyed the literature,...

The Department of Defense Chemical, Biological, Nuclear and High Yield Explosive Response Enterprise: Have We Learned the Lessons to Ensure an Effective Response?

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-06-10

Chernobyl . New York, NY: Warner Books. Gniady, Lisa N. 2008. Bridging the gap: Department of Defense’s planning for domestic disaster assistance. Thesis...Hurricane Katrina disaster . Fort Leavenworth: Combat Studies Institute Press. Yaroshinskaya, Alla. 1994. Chernobyl : The forbidden truth. Lincoln, NE...41 Chernobyl Nuclear Reactor Incident ............................................................................ 43 Conclusion

Analysis of current assessments and perspectives of ESR tooth dosimetry for radiation dose reconstruction of the population residing near the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site.

PubMed

Romanyukha, Alex; Schauer, David A; Malikov, Yurii K

2006-02-01

Between 1949 and 1989 the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site (SNTS), an area of 19,000 square km in northeastern Kazakhstan, was the location of over 400 nuclear test explosions with a total explosive energy of 6.6 Mt TNT (trinitrotoluene or trotyl) equivalent. It is estimated that the bulk of the radiation exposure to the population resulted from three tests, conducted in 1949, 1951, and 1953 although estimations of radiation doses received by the local population have varied significantly. Analysis of the published ESR dose reconstruction results for residents of the villages near the SNTS show that they do not correlate well with other methods of dose assessment (e.g. model dose calculation and thermo luminescence dosimetry (TLD) in bricks). The most significant difference in dose estimations was found for the population of Dolon, which was exposed as result of the first Soviet nuclear test in 1949. Published results of ESR measurements in tooth enamel are considerably lower than other dose estimations. Detailed analysis of these results is provided and a possible explanation for this discrepancy and ways to eliminate it are suggested.

Radionuclide observables for the Platte underground nuclear explosive test on 14 April 1962

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Burnett, Jonathan L.; Milbrath, Brian D.

2016-11-01

Past nuclear weapons tests provide invaluable information for understanding the radionuclide observables and data quality objectives expected during an On-site Inspection (OSI) for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). These radioactive signatures are complex and subject to spatial and temporal variability. The Platte Underground Nuclear Test on 14 April 1962 provides extensive environmental monitoring data that can be modelled and used to assess an OSI. The 1.6 kT test is especially useful as it released the highest amounts of recorded activity during Operation Nougat at the Nevada Test Site – now known as the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS). It hasmore » been estimated that 0.36% of the activity was released, and dispersed in a northerly direction. The deposition ranged from 1 x 10-11 to 1 x 10-9 of the atmospheric release (per m2), and has been used to evaluate a hypothetical OSI at 1 week to 2 years post-detonation. Radioactive decay reduces the activity of the 17 OSI relevant radionuclides by 99.7%, such that detection throughout the inspection is only achievable close to the explosion where deposition was highest.« less

Optimal Fragmentation and Dispersion of Hazardous Near-Earth Objects

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wie, Bong

2012-01-01

The complex problem of protecting the Earth from the possibility of a catastrophic impact by a hazardous near-Earth object (NEO) has been recently reassessed in [1]. In a letter on NEOs from the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) to the U.S. Senate and Congress in 2010, the White House OSTP strongly recommended that NASA take the lead in conducting research activities for NEO detection, characterization, and deflection technologies. Furthermore, President Obama's new National Space Policy specifically directs NASA to "pursue capabilities, in cooperation with other departments, agencies, and commercial partners, to detect, track, catalog, and characterize NEOs to reduce the risk of harm to humans from an unexpected impact on our planet." The Planetary Defense Task Force of the NASA Advisory Council also recommended that the NASA Office of the Chief Technologist (OCT) begin efforts to investigate asteroid deflection techniques. With national interest growing in the United States, the NEO threat detection and mitigation problem was recently identified as one of NASA's Space Technology Grand Challenges. An innovative solution to NASA's NEO Impact Threat Mitigation Grand Challenge problem was developed through a NIAC Phase I study (9/16/11 - 9/15/12), and it will be further investigated for a NIAC Phase II study (9/10/12 - 9/9/14). Various NEO deflection technologies, including nuclear explosions, kinetic impactors, and slow-pull gravity tractors, have been proposed and examined during the past two decades. Still, there is no consensus on how to reliably deflect or disrupt hazardous NEOs in a timely manner. It is expected that the most probable mission scenarios will have a mission lead time much shorter than 10 years, so the use of nuclear explosives becomes the most feasible method for planetary defense. Direct intercept missions with a short warning time will result in arrival closing velocities of 10-30 kilometers per second with respect to the target asteroid. Given such a large arrival delta V requirement, a rendezvous mission to the target asteroid is infeasible with existing launch vehicles. Furthermore, state-of-the-art penetrating subsurface nuclear explosion technology limits the penetrator's impact velocity to less than approximately 300 meters per second because higher impact velocities prematurely destroy the nuclear fuzing mechanisms. Therefore, significant advances in hypervelocity nuclear interceptor/ penetrator technology must be achieved to enable a last-minute nuclear disruption mission with intercept velocities as high as 30 kilometers per second. Consequently, a HAIV (Hypervelocity Asteroid Intercept Vehicle) mission architecture (Figure 1.1), which blends a hypervelocity kinetic impactor with a subsurface nuclear explosion for optimal fragmentation and dispersion of hazardous NEOs, has been developed through a Phase I study, and it will be further developed and validated through a Phase II study.

In-Medium Similarity Renormalization Group Approach to the Nuclear Many-Body Problem

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hergert, Heiko; Bogner, Scott K.; Lietz, Justin G.; Morris, Titus D.; Novario, Samuel J.; Parzuchowski, Nathan M.; Yuan, Fei

We present a pedagogical discussion of Similarity Renormalization Group (SRG) methods, in particular the In-Medium SRG (IMSRG) approach for solving the nuclear many-body problem. These methods use continuous unitary transformations to evolve the nuclear Hamiltonian to a desired shape. The IMSRG, in particular, is used to decouple the ground state from all excitations and solve the many-body Schrödinger equation. We discuss the IMSRG formalism as well as its numerical implementation, and use the method to study the pairing model and infinite neutron matter. We compare our results with those of Coupled cluster theory (Chap. 8), Configuration-Interaction Monte Carlo (Chap. 9), and the Self-Consistent Green's Function approach discussed in Chap. 11 The chapter concludes with an expanded overview of current research directions, and a look ahead at upcoming developments.

Microscopic boson approach to nuclear collective motion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuchta, R.

1989-10-01

A quantum mechanical approach to the maximally decoupled nuclear collective motion is proposed. The essential idea is to transcribe the original shell-model hamiltonian in terms of boson operators, then to isolate the collective one-boson eigenstates of the mapped hamiltonian and to perform a canonical transformation which eliminates (up to the two-body terms) the coupling between the collective and noncollective bosons. Unphysical states arising due to the violation of the Pauli principle in the boson space are identified and removed within a suitable approximation. The method is applied to study the low-lying collective states of nuclei which are successfully described by the exactly solvable multi-level pairing hamiltonian (Sn, Ni, Pb).

NQR detection of explosive simulants using RF atomic magnetometers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Monti, Mark C.; Alexson, Dimitri A.; Okamitsu, Jeffrey K.

2016-05-01

Nuclear Quadrupole Resonance (NQR) is a highly selective spectroscopic method that can be used to detect and identify a number of chemicals of interest to the defense, national security, and law enforcement community. In the past, there have been several documented attempts to utilize NQR to detect nitrogen bearing explosives using induction sensors to detect the NQR RF signatures. We present here our work on the NQR detection of explosive simulants using optically pumped RF atomic magnetometers. RF atomic magnetometers can provide an order of magnitude (or more) improvement in sensitivity versus induction sensors and can enable mitigation of RF interference, which has classically has been a problem for conventional NQR using induction sensors. We present the theory of operation of optically pumped RF atomic magnetometers along with the result of laboratory work on the detection of explosive simulant material. An outline of ongoing work will also be presented along with a path for a fieldable detection system.

PINS Testing and Modification for Explosive Identification

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

E.H. Seabury; A.J. Caffrey

2011-09-01

The INL's Portable Isotopic Neutron Spectroscopy System (PINS)1 non-intrusively identifies the chemical fill of munitions and sealed containers. PINS is used routinely by the U.S. Army, the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, and foreign military units to determine the contents of munitions and other containers suspected to contain explosives, smoke-generating chemicals, and chemical warfare agents such as mustard and nerve gas. The objects assayed with PINS range from softball-sized M139 chemical bomblets to 200 gallon DOT 500X ton containers. INL had previously examined2 the feasibility of using a similar system for the identification of explosives, and based on this proof-of-principle test,more » the development of a dedicated system for the identification of explosives in an improvised nuclear device appears entirely feasible. INL has been tasked by NNSA NA-42 Render Safe Research and Development with the development of such a system.« less

Integrated Geophysical Analysis at a Legacy Test Site

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, X.; Mellors, R. J.; Sweeney, J. J.; Sussman, A. J.

2015-12-01

We integrate magnetic, electromagnetic (EM), gravity, and seismic data to develop a unified and consistent model of the subsurface at the U20ak site on Pahute Mesa at the Nevada National Nuclear Security Site (NNSS). The 1985 test, conducted in tuff at a depth of approximately 600 m did not collapse to the surface or produce a crater. The purpose of the geophysical measurements is to characterize the subsurface above and around the presumed explosion cavity. The magnetic data are used to locate steel borehole casings and pipes and are correlated with surface observations. The EM data show variation in lithology at depth and clear signatures from borehole casings and surface cables. The gravity survey detects a clear gravity low in the area of the explosion. The seismic data indicates shallow low velocity zone and indications of a deeper low velocity zones. In this study, we conduct 2D inversion of EM data for better characterization of site geology and use a common 3D density model to jointly interpret both the seismic and gravity data along with constraints on lithology boundaries from the EM. The integration of disparate geophysical datasets allows improved understanding of the non-prompt physical signatures of an underground nuclear explosion (UNE). LLNL Release Number: LLNL-ABS-675677. The authors express their gratitude to the National Nuclear Security Administration, Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation Research and Development, and the Comprehensive Inspection Technologies and UNESE working group, a multi-institutional and interdisciplinary group of scientists and engineers. This work was performed by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and Los Alamos National Laboratory under award number DE-AC52-06NA25946.

Laboratory Noble Gas Migration Experiments through Rock

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Broome, S.; Cashion, A.; Feldman, J.; Sussman, A. J.; Swanson, E.; Wilson, J.

2016-12-01

The Underground Nuclear Explosion Signatures Experiment (UNESE) was created to address science and research and development aspects associated with nuclear explosion verification and nuclear nonproliferation with a focus on non-prompt signals. A critical component of the UNESE program is a realistic understanding of the post-detonation processes and changes in the environment that produce observable physical and radio-chemical signatures. As such, an understanding of noble gas migration properties through various lithologies is essential. Here we present an empirical methodology to measure tortuosity on well-characterized rhyolitic tuffs and lavas. Tortuosity is then compared with microfracture networks characterized by microscopy. To quantify tortuosity, a pressurized (1500 mbar) fixed volume of argon is expanded into a sample under high vacuum (0.200 mbar). A quadrupole mass spectrometer (QMS) is used to measure argon downstream of the sample in real time, allowing the time-series gas arrival curve to be characterized for each sample. To evaluate the method, blank samples have been machined to correspond with tortuosities of 1, 2, and 4 in conjunction with a restricted-flow valve to mimic rock sample permeability. Data from the blanks are analyzed with this system to correct for system effects on gas arrival. High vacuum is maintained in the QMS system during sampling by precise metering of the gas through a leak valve with active feedback control which allows arrival time and concentration of argon to be established in real time. Along with a comprehensive characterization of the rock and fracture properties, the parameters derived from these experiments will provide invaluable insight into the three-dimensional structure of damage zones, the production of temporally variable signatures and the methods to best detect underground nuclear explosion signatures. SAND2016-7309 A

Need for an (n,α) Apparatus at the LANSCE

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Koehler, Paul E.

2014-03-05

There is an urgent need for a new (n,α) measurement capability at the Los Alamos Neutrons Science Center (LANSCE) for several reasons. First, it has been shown that (n,α) measurements on medium- to heavy-mass nuclides can provide some of the best constraints on some of the most important reaction rates for explosive nucleosynthesis studies. A few such measurements have been made, but many more are needed. Second, there are a few (n,p) and (n,α) cross sections on lighter nuclides of importance to nuclear astrophysics that remain unmeasured. Third, it has been shown that (n,α) measurements can constrain photon strength functionsmore » (PSFs) at very low energies. This is important because recent experiments, theory, and astrophysical calculations have demonstrated that enhanced PSFs at these energies can have large impacts on nucleosynthesis occurring in explosive environments. Also, enhanced low-energy PSFs could have significant impact on (n,γ) cross sections of interest to radiochemical diagnostics of nuclear devices. However, the shape of PSFs at low energies is a subject of considerable controversy, so new data are badly needed. Fourth, previous (n,α) data have revealed a number of puzzles and hints of exotic atomic-nuclear interactions. In addition to being interesting in their own light, these interactions could be important for understanding high-energy-density environments such as in nuclear explosion and at the National Ignition Facility. Simulations indicate that the high neutron flux at the Manuel Lujan Jr. Neutron Scattering Center (MLNSC) at the LANSCE will make many more of the needed measurements feasible. Hence, a new (n,α) instrument at the MLNSC would enable a wide range of important and interesting basic and applied science.« less

Turbulence in core-collapse supernovae

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Radice, David; Abdikamalov, Ernazar; Ott, Christian D.; Mösta, Philipp; Couch, Sean M.; Roberts, Luke F.

2018-05-01

Multidimensional simulations show that non-radial, turbulent, fluid motion is a fundamental component of the core-collapse supernova explosion mechanism. Neutrino-driven convection, the standing accretion shock instability, and relic-perturbations from advanced nuclear burning stages can all impact the outcome of core collapse in a qualitative and quantitative way. Here, we review the current understanding of these phenomena and their role in the explosion of massive stars. We also discuss the role of protoneutron star convection and of magnetic fields in the context of the delayed neutrino mechanism.

Regional Discrimination of Quarry Blasts, Earthquakes and Underground Nuclear Explosions

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-04-07

MRespnse forthOTRKTEDR)I and4 GAC Sysem atASCTN) 26 Table 4 ECTN Station Locations STA N-LAT E-LONG ELEV(M) LOCATION CKO 45.9940 -77.4500 190 CHALK RIVER ...identical. Note that significant cepstral peaks occur at multiples of the 50 msec delay between shots. However, a shot pat- tern may be chosen that shows...the signals from Soviet explosions in both the East Kazakh and Caspian regions were weak and barely above noise level for most of the events. However

An Approximate Analytical Model of Shock Waves from Underground Nuclear Explosions

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-12-01

Explosions, University of California Radiation Laboratory, Rep. UCRL -5675,1 pp. 120 134, 1959. Perret, W. R., and R. C. Bass, Free-field ground motion...Park, PA 16802 Blacksburg, VA 24061 Dr. Ralph Alewine, Ii Dr. Stephen Bratt DARPAJNMRO Center for Seismic Studies 3701 North Fairfax Drive 1300 North...DARP,,NMRO Patrick AFB, FL 3 2925-6001 3701 North Fairfax Drive Arlington, VA 222CN-171a l)r. Richard Sailor Donald L. Springer TASC, Inc. Lawrence

Earthquakes induced by fluid injection and explosion

USGS Publications Warehouse

Healy, J.H.; Hamilton, R.M.; Raleigh, C.B.

1970-01-01

Earthquakes generated by fluid injection near Denver, Colorado, are compared with earthquakes triggered by nuclear explosion at the Nevada Test Site. Spatial distributions of the earthquakes in both cases are compatible with the hypothesis that variation of fluid pressure in preexisting fractures controls the time distribution of the seismic events in an "aftershock" sequence. We suggest that the fluid pressure changes may also control the distribution in time and space of natural aftershock sequences and of earthquakes that have been reported near large reservoirs. ?? 1970.

Obtaining Unique, Comprehensive Deep Seismic Sounding Data Sets for CTBT Monitoring and Broad Seismological Studies

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-07-02

TYPE Final Report 3. DATES COVERED (From - To) 26-Sep-01 to 26-Jun-07 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE OBTAINING UNIQUE, COMPREHENSIVE DEEP SEISMIC ... seismic records from 12 major Deep Seismic Sounding (DSS) projects acquired in 1970-1980’s in the former Soviet Union. The data include 3-component...records from 22 Peaceful Nuclear Explosions (PNEs) and over 500 chemical explosions recorded by a grid of linear, reversed seismic profiles covering a

Shock Isolation Elements Testing for High Input Loadings. Volume II. Foam Shock Isolation Elements.

DTIC Science & Technology

SHOCK ABSORBERS ), (*GUIDED MISSILE SILOS, SHOCK ABSORBERS ), (*EXPANDED PLASTICS, (*SHOCK(MECHANICS), REDUCTION), TEST METHODS, SHOCK WAVES, STRAIN(MECHANICS), LOADS(FORCES), MATHEMATICAL MODELS, NUCLEAR EXPLOSIONS, HARDENING.

Shock Isolation Elements Testing for High Input Loadings. Volume III. Mechanical Shock Isolation Elements.

DTIC Science & Technology

SHOCK ABSORBERS ), (*GUIDED MISSILE SILOS, SHOCK ABSORBERS ), (*SPRINGS, (*SHOCK(MECHANICS), REDUCTION), TORSION BARS, ELASTOMERS, DAMPING, EQUATIONS OF MOTION, MODEL TESTS, TEST METHODS, NUCLEAR EXPLOSIONS, HARDENING.

Critical Resolution and Physical Dependenices of Supernovae: Stars in Heat and Under Pressure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vartanyan, David; Burrows, Adam Seth

2017-01-01

For over five decades, the mechanism of explosion in core-collapse supernova continues to remain one of the last untoppled bastions in astrophysics, presenting both a technical and physical problem.Motivated by advances in computation and nuclear physics and the resilience of the core-collapse problem, collaborators Adam Burrows (Princeton), Joshua Dolence (LANL), and Aaron Skinner (LNL) have developed FORNAX - a highly parallelizable multidimensional supernova simulation code featuring an explicit hydrodynamic and radiation-transfer solver.We present the results (Vartanyan et. al 2016, Burrows et. al 2016, both in preparation) of a sequence of two-dimensional axisymmetric simulations of core-collapse supernovae using FORNAX, probing both progenitor mass dependence and the effect of physical inputs in explosiveness in our study on the revival of the stalled shock via the neutrino heating mechanism. We also performed a resolution study, testing spatial and energy group resolutions as well as compilation flags. We illustrate that, when the protoneutron star bounded by a stalled shock is close to the critical explosion condition (Burrows & Goshy 1993), small changes of order 10% in neutrino energies and luminosities can result in explosion, and that these effects couple nonlinearly.We show that many-body medium effects due to neutrino-nucleon scattering as well as inelastic neutrino-nucleon and neutrino-electron scattering are strongly favorable to earlier and more vigorous explosions by depositing energy in the gain region. Additionally, we probe the effects of a ray-by-ray+ transport solver (which does not include transverse velocity terms) employed by many groups and confirm that it artificially accelerates explosion (see also Skinner et. al 2016).In the coming year, we are gearing up for the first set of 3D simulations yet performed in the context of core-collapse supernovae employing 20 energy groups, and one of the most complete nuclear physics modules in the field with the ambitious goal of simulating supernova remants like Cas A. The current environment for core-collapse supernova provides for invigorating optimism that a robust explosion mechanism is within reach on graduate student lifetimes.

Reviews of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty and U.S. security

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jeanloz, Raymond

2017-11-01

Reviews of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) by the National Academy of Sciences concluded that the United States has the technical expertise and physical means to i) maintain a safe, secure and reliable nuclear-weapons stockpile without nuclear-explosion testing, and ii) effectively monitor global compliance once the Treaty enters into force. Moreover, the CTBT is judged to help constrain proliferation of nuclear-weapons technology, so it is considered favorable to U.S. security. Review of developments since the studies were published, in 2002 and 2012, show that the study conclusions remain valid and that technical capabilities are better than anticipated.

Gamma-ray line diagnostics of supernova explosions - SN2014J and Cas A

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Siegert, Thomas

2018-01-01

Gamma-rays from nuclear de-excitation of newly procuced isotopes during supernovae (SNe) provide a unique window to the explosion mechanisms. SNe interiors are accessible only by γ-rays as they are energetic enough to penetrate the SN cloud. Both thermonuclear explosions (type Ia) and core-collapse SNe (CCSN, type II) are key producers of heavy elements in the Universe. In SNe Ia, a white dwarf (WD) is disrupted by ignition from inside or by triggering the explosive event from outside, producing major amounts of 56Ni. Type II SNe are powered by the gravitational collapse of a massive star, having burnt all its nuclear fuel. In this work, we present a diagnostic study of γ-ray lines from SN2014J and Cassiopeia A (Cas A). INTEGRAL observed SN2014J for several months and for the first time, it was possible to measure the characteristic lines from the 56Ni-decay chain in a SN Ia event. Surprisingly, 56Ni was seen only 20 days after the explosion which indicates that some 56Ni must be located outside the WD and not deeply embedded. We provide a 56Co γ-ray line light curve and estimate a visible 56Ni mass of 0.5 M⨀ from a comparison to 1D model light curves. Cas A observations have been revisited and we detect both, the characteristic hard X-ray line from the decay of 44Ti at 78 keV, and the subsequent γ-ray line from the decay of 44Sc at 1157 keV in one coherent data set. Expansion velocities in the range of 2000 - 5000 km s-1 and an initially synthesised 44Ti mass of 1.37 × 10-4 M⨀ are found.

Consequences of Regional Scale Nuclear Conflicts and Acts of Individual Nuclear Terrorism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Toon, O. B.; Turco, R. P.; Robock, A.; Bardeen, C.; Oman, L.; Stenchikov, G. L.

2006-12-01

The number of nuclear warheads in the world has fallen by about a factor of three since its peak in 1986. However, the potential exists for numerous regional nuclear arms races, and for a significant expansion in the number of nuclear weapons states. Eight countries are known to have nuclear weapons, 2 are constructing them, and an additional 32 nations already have the fissile material needed to build weapons if they so desire. Population and economic activity worldwide are congregated to an increasing extent in "megacities", which are ideal targets for nuclear weapons. We find that low yield weapons, which new nuclear powers are likely to construct, can produce 100 times as many fatalities and 100 times as much smoke from fires per kt yield as high-yield weapons, if they are targeted at city centers. A single low-yield nuclear detonation in an urban center could lead to more fatalities, in some cases by orders of magnitude, than have occurred in major historical conflicts. A regional war between the smallest current nuclear states involving 100 15-kt explosions (less than 0.1% of the explosive yield of the current global nuclear arsenal) could produce direct fatalities comparable to all of those worldwide in World War II (WW-II), or to those once estimated for a "counterforce" nuclear war between the superpowers. Portions of megacities attacked with nuclear devices or exposed to fallout of long-lived isotopes, through armed conflict or terrorism, would likely be abandoned indefinitely, with severe national and international implications. Smoke from urban firestorms in a regional war might induce significant climatic and ozone anomalies on global scales. While there are many uncertainties in the issues we discuss here, the major uncertainties are the type and scale of conflict that might occur. Each of these potential hazards deserves careful analysis by governments worldwide advised by a broad section of the world scientific community, as well as widespread debate.

Getting to Zero Yield: The Evolution of the U.S. Position on the CTBT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zimmerman, Peter D.

1998-03-01

In 1994 the United States favored a Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) which permitted tiny "hydronuclear" experiments with a nuclear energy release of four pounds or less. Other nuclear powers supported yield limits as high as large fractions of a kiloton, while most non-nuclear nations participating in the discussions at the United Nations Conference on Disarmament wanted to prohibit all nuclear explosions -- some even favoring an end to computer simulations. On the other hand, China wished an exception to permit high yield "peaceful" nuclear explosions. For the United States to adopt a new position favoring a "true zero" several pieces had to fall into place: 1) The President had to be assured that the U.S. could preserve the safety and reliability of the enduring stockpile without yield testing; 2) the U.S. needed to be sure that the marginal utility of zero-yield experiments was at least as great for this country as for any other; 3) that tests with any nuclear yield might have more marginal utility for nuclear proliferators than for the United States, thus marginally eroding this country's position; 4) the United States required a treaty which would permit maintenance of the capacity to return to testing should a national emergency requiring a nuclear test arise; and 5) all of the five nuclear weapons states had to realize that only a true-zero CTBT would have the desired political effects. This paper will outline the physics near zero yield and show why President Clinton was persuaded by arguments from many viewpoints to endorse a true test ban in August, 1996 and to sign the CTBT in September, 1997.

The Warning System in Disaster Situations: A Selective Analysis.

DTIC Science & Technology

DISASTERS, *WARNING SYSTEMS), CIVIL DEFENSE, SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY, REACTION(PSYCHOLOGY), FACTOR ANALYSIS, CLASSIFICATION, STATISTICAL DATA, TIME ... MANAGEMENT PLANNING AND CONTROL, DAMAGE, CONTROL SYSTEMS, THREAT EVALUATION, DECISION MAKING, DATA PROCESSING, COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS, NUCLEAR EXPLOSIONS

Science and technology review, July/August 1997

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Upadhye, R.

This month`s issues are entitled Assuring the Safety of Nuclear Power; The Microtechnology Center, When Smaller is Better; Speeding the Gene Hunt: High Speed DNA Sequencing; and Microbial Treatments of High Explosives.

Environmental Restoration of Diesel-Range Organics from Project Chariot, Cape Thompson, Alaska

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kautsky, Mark; Hutton, Rick; Miller, Judy

The Chariot site is located in the Ogotoruk Valley in the Cape Thompson region of northwest Alaska. Project Chariot was part of the Plowshare Program, created in 1957 by the US Atomic Energy Commission (AEC), a predecessor agency of the US Department of Energy (DOE), to study peaceful uses for atomic energy. Project Chariot began in 1958 when a scientific field team chose Cape Thompson as a potential site to excavate a harbor using a series of nuclear explosions. AEC, with assistance from other agencies, conducted more than 40 pretest bioenvironmental studies of the Cape Thompson area between 1959 andmore » 1962; however, the Plowshare Program work at the Project Chariot site (Figure 1) was cancelled because of strong public opposition [1]. No nuclear explosions were ever conducted at the site.« less

Production of odd nitrogen in the stratosphere and mesosphere - An intercomparison of source strengths

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jackman, C. H.; Frederick, J. E.; Stolarski, R. S.

1980-01-01

Galactic cosmic rays (GCRs), nuclear explosions, lightning, solar proton events (SPEs), relativistic electron precipitation, and meteors are related to the oxidation of nitrous oxide by comparing several sources of odd nitrogen (ON) in the stratosphere and mesosphere. Published O3 and N2O data show that ON produced by the reaction of O(1D) with N2O peaks between 25 and 35 km; the GCRs add approximately the same amount of ON as N2O oxidation at the solar minimum for geographic latitudes over 50 deg. Nuclear explosions in 1961-1962 added 1.1 and 2.2 x 10 to the 34th NO molecules each, and SPEs produced greater amounts of ON above 50 deg than N2O oxidation during 1958 through 1960, and in 1972.

Decrease of total activity with time at long distances from a nuclear accident or explosion.

PubMed

Dolejs, Josef

2005-05-01

Two data groups were analyzed: (1) the exposure rate in the former Czechoslovakia after the Chernobyl accident in 1986, and (2) the decrease of beta activity of an atmospheric fallout sample taken in Bratislava during 24 h on 30 May 1965. Both quantities decreased with the first power of time. This pattern of decrease is explained by applying the same mathematical formalism as is also used to describe the decrease in postnatal mortality with age. Following this formalism, the decrease of total activity with the first power of time could be seen as a consequence of a log-normal distribution of decay constants in the fallout. This differs slightly from earlier results that show the total activity decreasing with a power of 1.2 immediately after the nuclear explosion.

Contamination mechanisms of air basin with tritium in venues of underground nuclear explosions at the former Semipalatinsk test site.

PubMed

Lyakhova, O N; Lukashenko, S N; Larionova, N V; Tur, Y S

2012-11-01

During the period of testing from 1945 to 1962 at the territory of Semipalatinsk test site (STS) within the Degelen Mountains in tunnels, 209 underground nuclear explosions were produced. Many of the tunnels have seasonal water seepage in the form of streams, through which tritium migrates from the underground nuclear explosion (UNE) venues towards the surface. The issue of tritium contamination occupies a special place in the radioactive contamination of the environment. In this paper we assess the level and distribution of tritium in the atmospheric air of ecosystems with water seepage at tunnels № 176 and № 177, located on "Degelen" site. There has been presented general nature of tritium distribution in the atmosphere relative to surface of a watercourse which has been contaminated with tritium. The basic mechanisms were studied for tritium distribution in the air of studied ecosystems, namely, the distribution of tritium in the systems: water-atmosphere, tunnel air-atmosphere, soil water-atmosphere, vegetation-atmosphere. An analytical calculation of tritium concentration in the atmosphere by the concentration of tritium in water has been performed. There has experimentally obtained the dependence for predictive assessment of tritium concentrations in air as a function of tritium concentration in one of the inlet sources such as water, tunnel air, soil water, vegetation, etc.. The paper also describes the general nature of tritium distribution in the air in the area "Degelen". Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Multidimensional neutrino-transport simulations of the core-collapse supernova central engine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

O'Connor, Evan; Couch, Sean

2017-01-01

Core-collapse supernovae (CCSNe) mark the explosive death of a massive star. The explosion itself is triggered by the collapse of the iron core that forms near the end of a massive star's life. The core collapses to nuclear densities where the stiff nuclear equation of state halts the collapse and leads to the formation of the supernova shock. In many cases, this shock will eventually propagate throughout the entire star and produces a bright optical display. However, the path from shock formation to explosion has proven difficult to recreate in simulations. Soon after the shock forms, its outward propagation is stagnated and must be revived in order for the CCSNe to be successful. The leading theory for the mechanism that reenergizes the shock is the deposition of energy by neutrinos. In 1D simulations this mechanism fails. However, there is growing evidence that in 2D and 3D, hydrodynamic instabilities can assist the neutrino heating in reviving the shock. In this talk, I will present new multi-D neutrino-radiation-hydrodynamic simulations of CCSNe performed with the FLASH hydrodynamics package. I will discuss the efficacy of neutrino heating in our simulations and show the impact of the multi-D hydrodynamic instabilities.

Should Helicopters Transport Patients Who Become Sick After a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive Attack?

PubMed

Yanagawa, Youichi; Ishikawa, Kouhei; Takeuchi, Ikuto; Nagasawa, Hiroki; Jitsuiki, Kei; Ohsaka, Hiromichi; Omori, Kazuhiko

The local fire department executed a training simulation for chemical and explosive incidents at a large sports facility. In this training simulation, a physician-staffed helicopter arrived at the request of the fire department and landed just outside the cold zone in the parking area. The doctor and nurse of the helicopter were escorted to a red area in the cold zone, which was selected based on the results of postdecontamination triage. After the patients had been treated, they were air medically evacuated to the base hospital. In the Tokyo subway sarin attack in 1995, St Luke's International Hospital admitted over 600 victims. During this incident, 23.2% of medical staff suffered secondary injury from sarin exposure. If air medial crews respond with subsequent postexposure effects during flight, an affected pilot could lose control of the helicopter, resulting in a fatal crash. Based on potential safety concerns for air medical and ground personnel, our recommendation would be that air medical helicopters not be dispatched to sites of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive incidents. Copyright © 2018 Air Medical Journal Associates. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Deflection and fragmentation of near-earth asteroids

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ahrens, Thomas J.; Harris, Alan W.

1992-01-01

The collision with earth of near-earth asteroids or comet nuclei poses a potential threat to mankind. Objects about 100 m in diameter could be diverted from an earth-crossing trajectory by the impact of a rocket-launched mass, but for larger bodies nuclear explosions seem to be the only practical means of deflection. Fragmentation of the body by nuclear charges is less efficient or secure.

Mapping Nuclear Fallout Using the Weather Research & Forecasting (WRF) Model

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-09-01

relevant modules, originally designed to predict the settling of volcanic ash, such that a stabilized cloud of nuclear particulate is initialized...within the model. This modified code is then executed for various atmospheric test explosions and the results are qualitatively and quantitatively...HYSPLIT Simulation ....................................... 44  Figure 7. WRF Fallout Prediction for Test Shot George, 0.8 R/h at H+1

Conflict with China: Prospects, Consequences, and Strategies for Deterrence

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-01-01

Burma / Myanmar . Above and beyond the dangers posed by a clash between the world’s two most populous countries, the presence of nuclear weapons on...Reconnaissance CBRNE Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear , High-Yield Explosives DMZ Demilitarized Zone DPRK Democratic People’s Republic of Korea EEZ...most concern to the United States. 2 Conflict with China: Prospects, Consequences, and Strategies for Deterrence Occasions for Conflict North Korea

Planning Guidance for Response to a Nuclear Detonation

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-01-16

Radiation and Fallout One of the primary outputs from a nuclear explosion is radiation . Intense radiation is...dose rates based on the quantity of visible fallout. Therefore, visible fallout may possibly be used as an indicator of a direct radiation hazard...to survivors and response workers.15 The National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) has recommended 10 R/hour (R/hour) as a

Measurements of nitric oxide after a nuclear burst

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mcghan, M.; Shaw, A.; Megill, L. R.; Sedlacek, W.; Guthals, P. R.; Fowler, M. M.

1981-01-01

Measurements of ozone and nitric oxide in a nuclear cloud 7 days after the explosion are reported. No measurable increase above ambient density of either ozone or nitric oxide was found. Results from a chemistry model of the cloud do not agree with the measurement unless 'nonstandard' assumptions are made with regard to the operating chemical processes. A number of possible explanations of the results are discussed.

Defense AT&L. Volume 38, Number 5. September-October 2009

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-10-01

and downward spirals of emotion-driven sell-offs. Conceived and managed without great care and foresight , networked sys- tems function to spread bad...the Joint Project Manager for Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Contamina- tion Avoidance in June 2009. An Unmanned Ground Vehicle Thrust area two... Project Manager for Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Contamination Avoidance; the Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technical Division; the Future

A review of the developments of radioxenon detectors for nuclear explosion monitoring

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sivels, Ciara B.; McIntyre, Justin I.; Bowyer, Theodore W.

Developments in radioxenon monitoring since the implementation of the International Monitoring System are reviewed with emphasis on the most current technologies to improve detector sensitivity and resolution. The nuclear detectors reviewed include combinations of plastic and NaI(Tl) detectors, high purity germanium detectors, silicon detectors, and phoswich detectors. The minimum detectable activity and calibration methods for the various detectors are also discussed.

Multi-qubit gates protected by adiabaticity and dynamical decoupling applicable to donor qubits in silicon

DOE PAGES

Witzel, Wayne; Montano, Ines; Muller, Richard P.; ...

2015-08-19

In this paper, we present a strategy for producing multiqubit gates that promise high fidelity with minimal tuning requirements. Our strategy combines gap protection from the adiabatic theorem with dynamical decoupling in a complementary manner. Energy-level transition errors are protected by adiabaticity and remaining phase errors are mitigated via dynamical decoupling. This is a powerful way to divide and conquer the various error channels. In order to accomplish this without violating a no-go theorem regarding black-box dynamically corrected gates [Phys. Rev. A 80, 032314 (2009)], we require a robust operating point (sweet spot) in control space where the qubits interactmore » with little sensitivity to noise. There are also energy gap requirements for effective adiabaticity. We apply our strategy to an architecture in Si with P donors where we assume we can shuttle electrons between different donors. Electron spins act as mobile ancillary qubits and P nuclear spins act as long-lived data qubits. Furthermore, this system can have a very robust operating point where the electron spin is bound to a donor in the quadratic Stark shift regime. High fidelity single qubit gates may be performed using well-established global magnetic resonance pulse sequences. Single electron-spin preparation and measurement has also been demonstrated. Thus, putting this all together, we present a robust universal gate set for quantum computation.« less

Testing Event Discrimination over Broad Regions using the Historical Borovoye Observatory Explosion Dataset

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pasyanos, Michael E.; Ford, Sean R.; Walter, William R.

2014-03-01

We test the performance of high-frequency regional P/S discriminants to differentiate between earthquakes and explosions at test sites and over broad regions using a historical dataset of explosions recorded at the Borovoye Observatory in Kazakhstan. We compare these explosions to modern recordings of earthquakes at the same location. We then evaluate the separation of the two types of events using the raw measurements and those where the amplitudes are corrected for 1-D and 2-D attenuation structure. We find that high-frequency P/S amplitudes can reliably identify earthquakes and explosions, and that the discriminant is applicable over broad regions as long as propagation effects are properly accounted for. Lateral attenuation corrections provide the largest improvement in the 2-4 Hz band, the use of which may successfully enable the identification of smaller, distant events that have lower signal-to-noise at higher frequencies. We also find variations in P/S ratios among the three main nuclear testing locations within the Semipalatinsk Test Site which, due to their nearly identical paths to BRVK, must be a function of differing geology and emplacement conditions.

STOCHASTICITY AND EFFICIENCY IN SIMPLIFIED MODELS OF CORE-COLLAPSE SUPERNOVA EXPLOSIONS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cardall, Christian Y.; Budiardja, Reuben D., E-mail: cardallcy@ornl.gov, E-mail: reubendb@utk.edu

2015-11-01

We present an initial report on 160 simulations of a highly simplified model of the post-bounce core-collapse supernova environment in three spatial dimensions (3D). We set different values of a parameter characterizing the impact of nuclear dissociation at the stalled shock in order to regulate the post-shock fluid velocity, thereby determining the relative importance of convection and the stationary accretion shock instability (SASI). While our convection-dominated runs comport with the paradigmatic notion of a “critical neutrino luminosity” for explosion at a given mass accretion rate (albeit with a nontrivial spread in explosion times just above threshold), the outcomes of ourmore » SASI-dominated runs are much more stochastic: a sharp threshold critical luminosity is “smeared out” into a rising probability of explosion over a ∼20% range of luminosity. We also find that the SASI-dominated models are able to explode with 3–4 times less efficient neutrino heating, indicating that progenitor properties, and fluid and neutrino microphysics, conducive to the SASI would make the neutrino-driven explosion mechanism more robust.« less

Stochasticity and efficiency of convection-dominated vs. SASI-dominated supernova explosions

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cardall, Christian Y.; Budiardja, Reuben D.

2015-10-22

We present an initial report on 160 simulations of a highly simplified model of the post-bounce supernova environment in three position space dimensions (3D). We set different values of a parameter characterizing the impact of nuclear dissociation at the stalled shock in order to regulate the post-shock fluid velocity, thereby determining the relative importance of convection and the stationary accretion shock instability (SASI). While our convection-dominated runs comport with the paradigmatic notion of a `critical neutrino luminosity' for explosion at a given mass accretion rate (albeit with a nontrivial spread in explosion times just above threshold), the outcomes of our SASI-dominated runs are more stochastic: a sharp threshold critical luminosity is `smeared out' into a rising probability of explosion over amore » $$\\sim 20\\%$$ range of luminosity. We also find that the SASI-dominated models are able to explode with 3 to 4 times less efficient neutrino heating, indicating that progenitor properties, and fluid and neutrino microphysics, conducive to the SASI would make the neutrino-driven explosion mechanism more robust.« less

Nucleosynthesis in neutrino-driven, aspherical Population III supernovae

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fujimoto, Shin-ichiro; Hashimoto, Masa-aki; Ono, Masaomi; Kotake, Kei

2012-09-01

We investigate explosive nucleosynthesis during neutrino-driven, aspherical supernova (SN) explosion aided by standing accretion shock instability (SASI), based on two-dimensional hydrodynamic simulations of the explosion of 11, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 40M ⊙ stars with zero metallicity. The magnitude and asymmetry of the explosion energy are estimated with simulations, for a given set of neutrino luminosities and temperatures, not as in the previous study in which the explosion is manually and spherically initiated by means of a thermal bomb or a piston and also some artificial mixing procedures are applied for the estimate of abundances of the SN ejecta. By post-processing calculations with a large nuclear reaction network, we have evaluated abundances and masses of ejecta from the aspherical SNe. We find that matter mixing induced via SASI is important for the abundant production of nuclei with atomic number >= 21, in particular Sc, which is underproduced in the spherical models without artificial mixing. We also find that the IMF-averaged abundances are similar to those observed in extremely metal poor stars. However, observed [K/Fe] cannot be reproduced with our aspherical SN models.