Chronomorphic Characterization and Modeling of Radiation Effects on Dismantled Nuclear Arsenal Component Materials
Abstract
Radiation can induce a number of physical and chemical changes in materials. Ionizing radiation and neutron radiation induce damage leading to material decomposition, activation, embrittlement, cracking, and other structural changes. In this work we will expose surrogate materials to ionizing and neutron radiation. The materials will be probed with destructive and nondestructive analytical techniques to search for chemical or physical changes that would serve as markers of radiation dose. It would be advantageous to understand and predict these physical and chemical markers to identify distinct signatures characteristic of exposure to radiation for treaty verification and non-proliferation efforts. The expected changes include color changes, oxide formation, cross-linking, neutron activation products, and formation of volatile decomposition by-products. The collaborative team plans to expose arsenal elements or surrogates to radiation fields that mimic those found in nuclear reactors or arsenal elements. After irradiation, a number of techniques will be used to characterize the samples including spectrophotometry, Raman and FTIR spectroscopy, electron microscopy imaging, gas chromatography, and laser induced breakdown spectroscopy. Gamma-ray spectroscopy will be used to identify and quantify the presence of neutron activated radionuclides in metallic components. Vibration [modal] testing will be employed to examine arsenal elements for structural changes. Computational procedures will be developed to predict radiation damage to materials. From these studies, we will generate a library of distinct radiation-dependent signatures that can be applied in nuclear forensic, non-proliferation, and treaty verification cases.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- May 26, 2016
- Source ID
- HDTRA11610019
Entities
People
- John D Brockman
Organizations
- Defense Threat Reduction Agency
- University of Missouri