Use of implicit Monte Carlo radiation transport with hydrodynamics and Compton scattering (open access)

Use of implicit Monte Carlo radiation transport with hydrodynamics and Compton scattering

The purpose of this note is to show that the combination of implicit radiation transport and hydrodynamics, Compton scattering, and any other energy transport or exchange mechanism can be simply carried out by a splitting procedure. This means that the contributions to material energy exchange can be reckoned separately for hydrodynamics, radiation transport without scattering, Compton scattering, plus any other possible energy exchange mechanism. The radiation transport phase of the calculation would of course be implicit and would be carried out in exactly the manner described in UCRL-7294 but the hydrodynamics and Compton portions would not, leading to possible time step controls. In any case, the time step restrictions which occur on radiation transfer due to large Planck mean absorption cross-sections would not occur.
Date: March 1, 1971
Creator: Fleck, J. A., Jr.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
An evaluation of the equivalent fission yield vented from pike (open access)

An evaluation of the equivalent fission yield vented from pike

This report describes the fallout pattern from the Pike event. Wind data, deposited fallout, air sampling, radiation doses, and environmental/biological pathways are discussed.
Date: December 31, 1971
Creator: unknown
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
TGD weekly status report (open access)

TGD weekly status report

Activities described in the TGD weekly activities report include: completion of device radiography; a mandrel run completed; downhole stereo photographs of emplacement casing; and installment of x-ray detectors.
Date: September 4, 1971
Creator: Coyle, P.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
What would the Lab do in case of a complete text ban (open access)

What would the Lab do in case of a complete text ban

The impacts of a complete test ban on the programs and personnel at the Lawrence Radiation Laboratory. The weapons program with its four major sub-programs are discussed as are those programs outside the weapons arena. The utilization of scientific and technical personnel is also detailed.
Date: July 7, 1971
Creator: May, M. M.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Separable high explosive systems (open access)

Separable high explosive systems

A number of approaches have been considered regarding the feasibility of separable high explosive systems for possible application in the Super Safe Program (Ambassador). After a very brief and limited investigation we have categorized various systems and given examples. The two basic approaches in the Ambassador program appear to be: Movement of fissionable material, and movement of explosives. Since explosives are our business, we will comment only on the latter approach. Movement of the explosive could entail small amounts of HE, such as for a detonator, booster, or a portion of the main charge.. These possibilities tend to beg the issue of true safety and dispersal. Movement of the entire main charge or of separate non HE components is certainly more desirable. Separable explosive systems are discussed.
Date: October 27, 1971
Creator: Finger, M.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Brief summary concerning strategic withholding (nuclear parsimony) (open access)

Brief summary concerning strategic withholding (nuclear parsimony)

This memorandum provides a brief summary on thoughts concerning `Strategic Withholding` (or perhaps, `Nuclear Parsimony`). It is chiefly meant to further support the view that there should be other significant doctrines besides `Brute-Force Retaliation`. The basic doctrinal argument is that it may be broadly disadvantageous to fire one`s missiles in equal, or `total` retaliation. It may be better to reply only softly, or not at all. The basic justification rests on an assumption of extended war, and on a logic addressed to what`s best for the surviving population and capability at any given point. In most strategic wargame exercises, it is rarely apparent that this principle is taken into account. The essential point of argument is that an extended war is not so different from peacetime posturing.
Date: June 2, 1971
Creator: Wouters, L. F.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Plowshare sequential device test (open access)

Plowshare sequential device test

For over a year we have been advocating the development of a hardened or ruggedized version of Diamond which will be suitable for sequential detonation of multiple explosives in one emplacement hole. A Plowshare-sponsored device development test, named `Yacht` is proposed for execution in Area 15 at the Nevada Test Site [NTS] in late September 1972. The test is designed to evaluate the ability of a ruggedized Diamond-type explosive assembly to withstand the effects of an adjacent nuclear detonation in the same emplacement hole and then be sequentially fired. The objectives and experimental plan for this concept is provided.
Date: August 2, 1971
Creator: Ballou, L. B.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
An investigation of the feasibility of building a harbor on the West coast of South America using explosive power of nuclear weapons, a preliminary report (open access)

An investigation of the feasibility of building a harbor on the West coast of South America using explosive power of nuclear weapons, a preliminary report

There is an interest in discovering the various peace time uses of nuclear explosives. One of the proposals is the building of harbors. There are several ports along the west coast of South America where lighterage is necessary. This implies a need for expanded harbor facilities. The problem is to find a good location for creating a harbor, and the feasibility of accomplishing this with the use of nuclear force. Feasibility includes blast effects, radiation hazards, the number of weapons needed, and economic considerations. Economic considerations include the cost of treating a harbor of sufficient depth and area, the building of harbor facilities, and the estimated savings and advantages of the new harbor. Several meetings were held with naval personnel of the Military Liaison group at UCRL to discuss the general problems of harbors. Thirty-three different ports were given a preliminary investigation.
Date: December 31, 1971
Creator: Zodtner, H. H.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Machining parameter study. Quarterly report, July--September, 1971 (open access)

Machining parameter study. Quarterly report, July--September, 1971

Tests indicate that certain machine tool conditions cause differences in the measured tensile creep of LX-04-1. Eight machining conditions were studied; high RPM, high feed rate, and shallow depth of cut gave the best results in terms of longest time to rupture while requiring moderate machining time.
Date: December 31, 1971
Creator: Johnson, H. D. & Wilson, A. L.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Thermal properties and chemical reactivity. January--March, 1971 (open access)

Thermal properties and chemical reactivity. January--March, 1971

Two coupon test samples containing LX-09/Sylgard/Mulberry and LX-10/Sylgard/Mulberry were disassembled for evaluation. Thermal analysis data for the explosives and the analysis of the atmosphere are reported. Identification of several components in the atmosphere was made. The problems associated with the analysis of LX-09 for FEFO by gas chromatography are discussed and the data from the analysis of two specially prepared samples of LX-09 are reported. The data for a series of standard and modified Henkin time-to-explosion for PETN are reported. The modified time-to-explosion runs are first cooled for a fixed time, preheated for 40 to 80 seconds, recooled for a fixed time and then reheated until the sample explodes. A 0.42 cc liquid sample was trapped during the pump out of the W-68 AAU and a preliminary analysis of the sample is reported. The analysis of the atmosphere in the first samples from the PASS A LX-09 evaluation program is reported.
Date: December 31, 1971
Creator: Myers, L.C.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
ANFOL synthesis. [Quarterly report], April--June 1971 (open access)

ANFOL synthesis. [Quarterly report], April--June 1971

A new method was developed for chlorination of 4,4-dinitropimelic acid with PCl{sub 5} using a Soxhlet extraction apparatus as the addition vessel. Acid used was that reclaimed from the purification of the crude acid chloride of 4,4-dinitropimelic acid supplied by LRL. Synthesis of FEFO plasticized AFNOL has been scaled up to a nominal 30-pound batch. Small batches and cure tests were run prior to the scaleup. Cure rate of the AFNOL system was followed by infrared spectrophotometry. The temperature range of 40-100 C was studied using the hot stage attachment to the infrared spectrophotometer.
Date: December 31, 1971
Creator: Quinlin, W.T.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Development of PEX explosives: Solid-liquid phase diagrams of energetic mixes. Quarterly report, July--September, 1971 (open access)

Development of PEX explosives: Solid-liquid phase diagrams of energetic mixes. Quarterly report, July--September, 1971

The solid-liquid phase diagrams of various binary mixtures of FEFO, BDNPA, EDNP and BDNPF are being studied. Temperatures at which a 0.025-inch probe penetrated the samples were measured. It appears that the samples had not crystallized but solidified into a glass.
Date: December 31, 1971
Creator: Faubion, B. D.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Electro-optical system for studies of transient events. Quarterly report, October--December, 1971 (open access)

Electro-optical system for studies of transient events. Quarterly report, October--December, 1971

An electro-optical system assembled for studies of self-luminous events is described. The system, primarily designed to support LLL and SLA investigations of flyer and exploding wire assemblies, provides time-correlated optical and electrical observations over the functional life of the two self-luminous assemblies.
Date: December 31, 1971
Creator: Canada, C.E.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Mathematical analysis of HE data. Quarterly report, July--September, 1971 (open access)

Mathematical analysis of HE data. Quarterly report, July--September, 1971

A new approach to the analysis of capacitor discharge unit (CDU) current-time traces is discussed. The method involves the formulation of a mathematical model based on physical considerations of the system. The major objective in the analysis of a CDU current trace is the calculation of inductance (L) and resistance (R) of the system.
Date: December 31, 1971
Creator: Ashcraft, R. W. & Brown, J. M.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
The detonation electric effect as applied to the MC-2453 driver subassembly. Quarterly report, October--December, 1971 (open access)

The detonation electric effect as applied to the MC-2453 driver subassembly. Quarterly report, October--December, 1971

The detonation electric effect has been used to measure transit times of the MC-2453 driver subassemblies at 185 F, 212 F and room temperature after the units were subjected to a temperature of 232 F. The test procedure and the results are included in this report.
Date: December 31, 1971
Creator: Boettner, J.K.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
HE friction sensitivity. Oblique impact sensitivity of explosives (the skid test). Quarterly report, April--June, 1971 (open access)

HE friction sensitivity. Oblique impact sensitivity of explosives (the skid test). Quarterly report, April--June, 1971

Oblique impact tests were performed on both artificially aged and unaged LX-09-0. Oblique impact, instrumented vertical drops, and friction tests were performed on RX-25-AA. An extensive oblique impact and instrumented vertical drop test series was performed using three compositional variations of LX-10-0.
Date: December 31, 1971
Creator: Velkinburgh, J.H. van
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
AFNOL synthesis. Quarterly report, October--December, 1971 (open access)

AFNOL synthesis. Quarterly report, October--December, 1971

Five batches of unplasticized AFNOL, each approximately one pound, were synthesized using 4,4-dinitropimelic acid as the starting material. Two 10 g batches were completed prior to the pound batches to assure the usability of the acid chloride. Characterization of each of the larger batches was by differential thermal analysis (DTA), infrared spectrophotometry (IR), and cure tests. Some characterization was also done on the commercial chemicals used in the synthesis.
Date: December 31, 1971
Creator: Quinlin, W.T.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Chemical reactor analysis program (TCHREACT) (open access)

Chemical reactor analysis program (TCHREACT)

The synthesis of many chemical compounds produces potentially dangerous exothermic reactions. The FORTRAN IV program described herein employs analytical techniques for the calculation of the batch temperature in a chemical reactor as a function of time. The program includes provisions for calculating (a) total batch and mass volume, (b) coolant and batch average thermodynamic properties, (c) heat transfer coefficients for the batch, wall, coolant, and the overall {open_quotes}U{close_quotes} value, and (d) reaction rates for zero through 3rd order reactions. The program is to be used for determining operating criteria (coolant flow rate, reactant feed rate, agitator speed, etc.) for maintaining batch temperatures at a safe level for processes with high exothermic heats of reaction or mixing.
Date: March 1, 1971
Creator: Honea, F.I. & Birch, T.R.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
HE particle characterization. Quarterly report, October--December, 1971 (open access)

HE particle characterization. Quarterly report, October--December, 1971

A comparison of data obtained in the Quality Division and the Development Division using the Fisher Sub-Sieve Sizer has been made. The results show no statistically significant difference between the two laboratories. The method of obtaining suitable photomicrographs for Zeiss particle analysis has been adapted to the Chemistry Laboratory equipment.
Date: December 31, 1971
Creator: Giberson, R.C.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Calibration of a fluid for use in the aquarium technique from {minus}45 to +165 F. Quarterly report, April--June 1971 (open access)

Calibration of a fluid for use in the aquarium technique from {minus}45 to +165 F. Quarterly report, April--June 1971

In general, the distance-time history of a shock front moving through a transparent medium is obtained by the aquarium technique. Differentiation of the distance-time curve yields shock velocity information, and given the Hugoniot of the transparent medium, a pressure-time history may be calculated. Distilled water typically comprises the transparent medium for the aquarium technique, hence, desirable properties of the fluid to be selected were patterned after those of water. The aquarium technique has been extended to encompass the temperature range from {minus}45 to +165 F by selection and calibration of a dimethyl polysiloxane fluid suitable for the referenced range. Results are given for the Hugoniots, and techniques used in selection and calibration are discussed.
Date: December 31, 1971
Creator: Canada, C.E.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Detonation sphere. Quarterly report, April--June, 1971 (open access)

Detonation sphere. Quarterly report, April--June, 1971

The final HE test for the fiscal year was conducted in the 4-foot detonation sphere in May. A 200 g charge of 2-4-6 trinitrotoluene (1 1/2-inch diameter x 4 1/2-inch long) was initiated. On initiation, the TNT charge failed to detonate but instead partial deflagration of the HE took place. The ensuing pressure rise (54 torr vs. {approximately} 120 torr expected) implied a partial detonation; nevertheless, sampling and evaluation at the detonation products was continued. After removal of the products, the sphere was opened for inspection. The interior of the sphere was covered with a heavy carbon deposit adhering to a viscous film. Closer observation revealed granules of TNT embedded in the residual layer and also smeared on the surfaces of the involved hardware. Scrubbing with soap and water had no effect on the film; consequently, all the contamination was removed with acetone. Of the related hardware, only the copper cylinder suffered any damage. The cylinder was not fragmented; however, the internal diameter (1 1/2-inch) was found to have been enlarged by {le} 0.450 inch. The partitioned stainless steel tube suffered no distortion although the sections were propelled against the sphere wall. The data obtained for this test along with …
Date: December 31, 1971
Creator: Sandoval, J.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Pressing technology. [Quarterly report], January--March 1971 (open access)

Pressing technology. [Quarterly report], January--March 1971

Work has started to determine pressing variables of PBX LX-10, objective being to produce the highest density possible efficiently without major equipment modifications. Temperatures > 2000 F can be produced in an entrapped air bubble when repressing HE parts directly in oil, because of burning of the oil. Temperature over water can exceed 600 F.
Date: December 31, 1971
Creator: Harrell, J.D.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Corrosion effects of the interreaction of 6061 aluminum with aqueous mixtures and solutions of selected HE`s (open access)

Corrosion effects of the interreaction of 6061 aluminum with aqueous mixtures and solutions of selected HE`s

The behavior of several selected HE and HE-component materials in aqueous media in contact with 6061 aluminum has been studied via conductance, cathodic tendencies (cell EMF measurements), pH, and visual analysis (photomicrographs) of the 6061 electrodes and media contacts rods. Addition of orthophthalic acid (OPA) to the media was also made to study potential corrosive effects possibly due to some breakdown of the polyphthalate systems in contact with these materials. Overall assessment of data is not made at this time due to the interrelationship of these data with data which should be obtained from unfinished portions of the study.
Date: December 31, 1971
Creator: Clink, G. L.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library
Compatibility of Extex with tetryl by thermal methods. Quarterly report, October--December, 1971 (open access)

Compatibility of Extex with tetryl by thermal methods. Quarterly report, October--December, 1971

A final report is given on the study of the compatibility of Extex and tetryl. The 100 C coupon test samples were discarded after 8 weeks because of excessive decomposition. The 80 C coupon test evaluations have been completed and an analysis of the data made. There is no indication of a compatibility problem of Extex with tetryl as long as they are in a solid phase.
Date: December 31, 1971
Creator: Myers, L.C.
Object Type: Report
System: The UNT Digital Library