The role of calculations to define containment phenomenology in complex geology
Containment evaluation of some underground nuclear events has become strongly dependent on the use of calculations to help define important phenomenology. This results from the increasing necessity to test in sites having a geology that precludes acceptance based solely on experience. This paper discusses the rationale of a suite of TENSOR code calculations undertaken in support of the containment evaluation for a recent event and highlights the results of these calculations. The calculations illustrate containment phenomena in a layered geology of alluvium and tuff with a working point in the proximity of the Paleozoic surface. They show that reflected disturbances from surfaces above and/or below the working point can significantly hinder the development of the residual stress field if their arrival in the residual stress region coincides with the rebound phase of cavity growth. In addition, the results demonstrate a need for the development of a criterion for the probability of successful containment in complex geology other than the historical concept of a strong, sufficiently thick residual stress field. 15 refs., 13 figs., 4 tabs.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-48
- OSTI ID:
- 6658904
- Report Number(s):
- UCRL-92437; CONF-850953-23; ON: DE87008159
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 3. symposium on containment of underground nuclear explosions, Idaho Falls, ID, USA, 10 Sep 1985; Other Information: Paper copy only, copy does not permit microfiche production
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
CONTAINMENT
CALCULATION METHODS
UNDERGROUND EXPLOSIONS
ALLUVIAL DEPOSITS
BOUNDARY CONDITIONS
CAVITIES
COMPUTER CODES
GEOLOGY
NUCLEAR EXPLOSIONS
STRESSES
T CODES
TUFF
EXPLOSIONS
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
450200* - Military Technology
Weaponry
& National Defense- Nuclear Explosions & Explosives