PULSED REACTOR SIMULATION OF UNDERWATER NUCLEAR DETONATIONS-THERMAL ANALYSIS,
Abstract
Pulsed reactor facilities provide, in a short time interval, a copious supply of neutrons which can be used in small-scale experiments to simulate some of the aspects of underwater nuclear detonations. Calculations have been made, using reasonable approximations, to estimate the degree of vaporization, if any, which would result when a small U-235 sphere is irradiated in a pulsed reactor facility. Conditions considered were a 10-mg sphere immersed in water (and in vacuum) and irradiated with a reactor period of 2 ms, resulting in a total fission energy deposition of 16 calories (2 x 10 to the 12th power fissions). Results of these calculations indicate complete vaporization of the U-235 bead in a vacuum environment, with a peak temperature of between 13,900 and 28,800K. This temperature is limited by expansion, radiation heat loss, and condensation of U-235 on the walls of the vacuum vessel. In the water environment, the bead would be vaporized, with peak temperature above 7000K, resulting in complete chemical reaction with water vapor and the release of an additional 5.1 calories of heat. Again, radiation, condensation and expansion limit the temperature. The final state of fuel and fission products is expected to be finely divided oxides suspended in liquid water, if not free molecules. Hydrogen will be generated (1.9 ml at STP). (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 09, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0629404
Entities
People
- V. E. Schrock
Organizations
- Naval Radiological Defense Laboratory