Mathematical Representation of Isotopic Gas Migration from an Underground Nuclear Weapon Test Through Rock
Abstract
An isotopic spectrum from localized air samples has potential technical information to provide a rapid first-order yield estimate of an underground nuclear explosion (UNE) or a simple yes/no detection of a UNE in the context of On-site Inspection (OSI). The isotopic spectrum is presumed to be derived from environmental air samples near the location of the UNE containing nuclear products from the fission reaction of the explosion. Additionally, a seismic spectrum is derived from the sensed ground motion caused by the coupled energy of the UNE to the earth. A mathematical representation of these two measurements has two essential terms in common-the origin time of the event t0 and the log yield W = log10 Y of the explosion (kilotons TNT). A critical component of the mathematical framework for yield estimation from nuclear measurements is the mathematical representation of isotopic gas migration through rock to the air. This research will complete the scientific development leading to a mathematical representation of isotopic gas migration through rock, and validate the mathematics through simulation studies. If successful, this research has the potential to fully enable a rapid, first-order estimate of the yield of a UNE, or UNE yes/no detection in many monitoring settings.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA568917
Entities
People
- Amy B. Jordan
- Dale N. Anderson
- George A. Zyvoloski
- Jonathan K. Maccarthy
- Philip H. Stauffer
Organizations
- Los Alamos National Laboratory