Chemistry of Metal Plasma in Controlled Chemical and Extreme Conditions

Abstract

We propose a comprehensive research program to investigate thermochemical processes of metal plasma in the post-nuclear detonation period. Using a pulse-laser and an electric arc generator, we will generate a plasma plume of nuclear simulant metals (Cu, Co, Sr, Bi, and depleted U) in controlled chemical (O2, N2, air, H2O, SiO2, and CaCO3) and pressure-temperature conditions and investigate three fundamental postnuclear events: (A) the formation of metal plasma, using time-resolved emission spectroscopy and high-speed microphotography; (B) the chemistry of hot dense metal particles, using time-resolved synchrotron x-ray diffraction; and (C) the chemical and elemental specification of reaction fallouts, using synchrotron x-ray fluorescence and electron microscopic methods. This research program will develop advanced analytic technologies for nuclear forensic sciences and provide real-time data critical to describing plasma chemistry following nuclear detonation. It will also provide graduate and postdoctoral students with hands-on experiences in state-of-the-art advanced forensic technologies and offer them the excitement of fundamental defense research

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
Jul 10, 2017
Source ID
HDTRA11710024

Entities

People

  • Choong-Shik Yoo

Organizations

  • Defense Threat Reduction Agency
  • Washington State University

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Combustion science or combustion engineering.
  • Pulsed Power and Plasma Physics.
  • STEM Education

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy
  • Microelectronics
  • Microelectronics - Graphene