October, 1960, Godiva III -- Minuteman Radiation Effects Tests
Abstract
Transient radiation effects tests on silicon controlled rectifiers, associated Minuteman circuits, and tantalum and aluminum electrolytic capacitors were performed at the Godiva III prompt critical assembly, Los Alamos, New Mexico, on Oct. 27 and 28, 1960. Fourteen out of 31 SCR's exhibited firing at gamma radiation rates between 6 x 100,000 and 3 x 1,000,000 r/sec. The gamma-induced SCR leakage current at firing generally exceeded twice the initial holding current of the device. A possible method for predicting gamma rates for firing SCR's is indicated. An empirical relationship for dependence of SCR leakage current on gamma rate was determined, as I sub c = (6 + or - 3) x 10 (exp -10) and phi (exp 1.2 + or - 0.1). Leakage resistance change factors as low as 3.6 x 10 (exp -8) and 2.6 x 10 (exp -7) for tantalum and aluminum electrolytic capacitors, respectively, were noted at gamma radiation rates up to 4.5 x 10 (exp 7) r/sec. A relationship between capacitor leakage resistance (R in ohms), capacitance (C in farads), and gamma radiation rate was determined at R = G/phi C, where C = 2.1 x 100,000 for aluminum foil capacitors, 3.29 x 100,000 for tantalum foil capacitors, and 1.81 x 100,000 for tantalum solid electrolyte capacitors.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 12, 1960
- Accession Number
- AD0427277
Entities
People
- H. J. Lubatti
- H. W. Wicklein
Organizations
- Boeing