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Scientific Visualization
| Issue Year: | 2015 |
| Quarter: | 3 |
| Volume: | 7 |
| Number: | 3 |
| Pages: | 30 - 43 |
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| Article Name: |
VISUALIZATION AS A TOOL FOR URANIUM PROLIFERATION PROTECTION ASSESSMENT |
| Authors: |
A.N. Shmelev (Russian Federation), E.G. Kulikov (Russian Federation), N.I. Geraskin (Russian Federation) |
| Address: |
A.N. Shmelev
shmelan@mail.ru
National Research Nuclear University MEPhI (Moscow Engineering Physics Institute), Moscow, Russian Federation
E.G. Kulikov
EGKulikov@mephi.ru
National Research Nuclear University MEPhI (Moscow Engineering Physics Institute), Moscow, Russian Federation
N.I. Geraskin
NIGeraskin@mephi.ru
National Research Nuclear University MEPhI (Moscow Engineering Physics Institute), Moscow, Russian Federation |
| Abstract: |
In the present paper calculation-theoretical model has been developed and visualized, which aims at quantitative assessment of uranium proliferation protection against creating gun-type hypothetical nuclear explosive device (HNED). The main nuclear, kinematic and thermal processes that occur in gun-type HNED are being modeled. The model allows us to estimate the energy yield of gun-type HNED, assembled on the basis of uranium of a given isotopic composition, as well as to develop requirements that reduce energy yield down to a certain value.
Fundamentally new aspect is an approach that allows us to estimate the achievable time of subcritical masses assembling in gun-type HNED on the basis of uranium of a given isotopic composition. In this approach elements of interior ballistics and strength of materials theories are used, as well as neutron-physical properties of uranium of a given isotopic composition are taken into account.
The stochastic nature of the nuclear chain reaction is accounted for in accordance with the methodology of G.E. Hansen [1], which determines the probability of uninterrupted nuclear chain reaction. This allows us to link the necessary reduction of gun-type HNED energy yield with required neutron source.
In the present paper uranium is considered as fissionable material in gun-type HNED, namely, a mixture of (235U + 238U) with different enrichment on 235U. Proliferation protection of high-enriched uranium can be achieved by introducing a small amount of 232U, because [2, 3]:
- 232U is a powerful source of α-particles capable of initiating (α,n)-reactions on light elements which are present in uranium as impurities. Thus, 232U creates large neutron source which leads to gun-type HNED pre-detonation;
- decay products of 232U (isotopes 208Tl and 212Bi) are a source of hard α-radiation, which, among others, significantly improves the possibility of uranium detection (even at the level of 1 ppb 232U).
As uranium proliferation protection issues concern not only engineers, but also representatives of some of the humanities, visualization of these issues is essential. Moreover, the material presented in such a form is much easier for students to understand. |
| Language: |
English |
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