Optical Signatures for Discrimination of Nuclear & Non-Nuclear Events
Abstract
The proposed multidisciplinary research program aims at investigating the early-time transient fireball phenomena characteristic of a nuclear device detonation and at identifying the unique optical signatures associated with these phenomena by combining (i) microscale laboratory experiments and (ii) small-scale field tests with (iii) high-fidelity numerical modeling. This research program addresses DTRA s mission for developing prompt signature-based diagnostic methods to obtain rapid forensic information on the specifics of a nuclear device immediately after detonation. In order to support attribution with a high degree of confidence, understanding how prompt optical signatures correlate back to the detonation specifics and the fireball dynamics is critical. A crucial part of this understanding is to identify the actinides used as the fissile fuel as well as other products that may have formed during the detonation process. Additionally, device configuration may produce distinct phenomena that provide clues about the sophistication of the device. This multidisciplinary research seeks to gain an understanding of these correlations by leveraging on parallel experimental and numerical tracks. Specifically, micro-scale laboratory tests will be conducted at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) to identify and measure optical signatures in the ultra-violet (UV) through infra-red (IR) spectrum for actinides, e.g., Uranium (U) and Thorium (Th), associated oxides (e.g., UO, UO2, and ThO), and other potential by-products of fission, e.g., Caesium (Cs) and Strontium (Sr).
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jul 10, 2017
- Source ID
- HDTRA11710026
Entities
People
- Neeraj Sinha
Organizations
- Combustion Research and Flow Technology (United States)
- Defense Threat Reduction Agency