Understanding and constructively using the effects of underground nuclear explosions

Abstract

This report describes the unclassified research that is directed toward the understanding of underground nuclear explosion phenomena and that is applied to developing constructive applications for nuclear explosions. The equations of state for geological materials are of fundamental importance in describing the response of these materials to nuclear explosions. These equations are based on geophysical and laboratory measurements of chemical and physical properties and on theoretical calculations for the high‐pressure and high‐temperature conditions not accessible to measurement. Physical measurements of ground motion generated by explosions are used, together with the equations of state, chemical and thermodynamic theory, and the laws of continuum mechanics, to develop mathematical models for predicting explosion phenomena. Postshot exploration is necessary to determine the residual explosion effects, such as heat deposition, rock fracturing, and chimney formation. These explorations give physical and chemical clues that aid in the interpretation of the experiment. Furthermore, the residual effects are of interest in many engineering applications. Safety considerations include airblast and seismic motion that may damage property and radioactivity that may be a health hazard. Significant progress has been made in predicting airblast, ground motion, and radioactivity distribution, but more work needs to be done in order that these hazards be predictable with a known statistical accuracy. Nuclear explosions are intense sources of neutrons; therefore, experiments are conducted to measure neutron cross sections and to produce heavy elements. The heaviest nuclide produced to date by this technique has a mass number of 257. The seismic waves generated by nuclear explosions have been used by geophysicists for more than two decades to determine the internal structure of the earth with a precision not possible with earthquakes. Finally, research is under way to relate the effects of an explosion to its intended use (in the petroleum industry, for example).

In-situ permeability analysis using barometric pressure fluctuations

“…To solve the diffusion equation with a sequence of step changes as a boundary condition reqwws the use oC Ouh-AKwV&sttpMpoatfon integral. 3 Each rectangular pressure pulse can be considered to be made up of two step changes in pressure. With a linear geometry, the response in the porous medium to a boundary step change takes the form of an error function.…”

Detonation Soot: A New Class of Ice Nucleating Particle

“…Therefore, detonation soot is known to be composed of nanodiamond in addition to standard graphite found in combustion soot (Greiner et al., 1988; Viecelli & Ree, 2000). Due to the extreme conditions involved, detonation soot could serve as a reasonable proxy for the soot produced during a nuclear detonation, but it is important to consider the limitations of this comparison and likely significant differences (Brode, 1968; Glasstone, 1964; Rodean, 1968). Detonation soot has, to our knowledge, an unknown ability to nucleate ice.…”

An analysis of Marvel-A Nuclear Shock-Tube Experiment

“…Thus, by suitable design of the initial eraplacement configuration, it might be possible to produce cavities and eraeked regions in other than spherical shapes. For instance, the deposition of nuclear energy could be tailored to local geological conditions for mining, gas stimulation, and other applications [Rodean, 1968;Butkovich, 1965].Marvel was an initial Plowshare effort in nonspherical source studies. Consequently, the development of new experimental techniques was required to monitor the exotic range of gasdynamic flow variables encountered.If the surrounding medium is not severely layered, an experiment can be simulated numerically by one-dimensional calculations until the shock reaches the surface.…”

“…Thus, by suitable design of the initial eraplacement configuration, it might be possible to produce cavities and eraeked regions in other than spherical shapes. For instance, the deposition of nuclear energy could be tailored to local geological conditions for mining, gas stimulation, and other applications [Rodean, 1968;Butkovich, 1965].…”