PREDICTION OF THE TIME DEPENDENT BETA SPECTRUM FROM A NUCLEAR WEAPON DETONATION

Abstract

This thesis develops a method by which the time dependent beta spectrum from four different types of nuclear and thermonuclear fission can be predicted. From the mass chain yield and the Equal Charge Displacement theory, the initial isotopic concentrations are predicted. The time dependent relationships within each mass chain are solved exactly. The shape of the beta decay spectra for each isotope is predicted by use of the Fermi theory. An estimation technique is used to predict the spectra from isotopes with unknown decay schemes. Attempts are made to predict the percent of the total available decay energy which is accounted for by beta decay, for those isotopes with unknown decay schemes. These procedures are combined in a set of computer programs written for the IBM 7044. The spectra predicted using the programs are compared with West's experimental results and agree within a factor of 1.4.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 01, 1965
Accession Number
AD0621023

Entities

People

  • James E. Dieckhoner

Organizations

  • Air Force Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Beta Decay
  • Beta Particles
  • Beta Ray Spectrum
  • Capillary Electrophoresis
  • Computer Programs
  • Computers
  • Differential Equations
  • Equations
  • Experimental Data
  • Fission Products
  • Mass Number
  • Molecular Orbital Theory
  • Nuclear Reactors
  • Radioactive Decay
  • Spectra
  • Thermal Neutrons

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Finite Element Method (FEM) for solving Partial Differential Equations (PDEs)
  • Solar Physics