The Oak Ridge National Laboratory Strategic Defense Initiative Shield Optimization Program: Executive summary
Scoping studies have been completed to estimate radiation-induced damage in silicon-based electronic components carried on a satellite. The analyses were completed for natural (Van Allen belt protons and electrons, solar flares, and galactic cosmic rays) and man-made (nuclear and directed neutral particle beam weapons) radiation expected to be encountered by an SDI satellite or weapon platform. The Van Allen belt protons, depending on altitude and orbital inclination, were found to be the most stressing natural radiation threat. Nuclear weapon radiation, depending upon the weapon yield and distance of the detonation from the satellite, and neutral particle beam radiation were found to terminally destroy electronic components. Calculations were also made to estimate the amount of local shielding required to extend mission performance. These shields were optimized for minimum weight for specified damage thresholds. All of the calculations were carried out assuming the presence of a thin primary shield tailored specifically for survivability against an incident low mass kinetic energy weapon projectile and which affords minimal protection against energetic radiation. 10 refs., 4 figs., 6 tabs.
- Research Organization:
- Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-84OR21400
- OSTI ID:
- 5019880
- Report Number(s):
- ORNL/TM-10629; ON: DE88008016
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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