Logistics and preparations for the NPE
- Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA (United States)
The purpose of this experiment was to simulate a one kiloton nuclear explosion using chemical explosives and try to differentiate the seismic signatures generated from that of previous nuclear detonations. In order to duplicate the geology of nuclear detonations this experiment was carried out in the {open_quotes}N{close_quotes} Tunnel complex at the Nevada Test Site (NTS). This location was particularly appropriate since data is available from previous nearby nuclear events for comparison with data to be collected from the Chemical Kiloton (CKT) Experiment. We operated on a non-interference basis with test program activities. A total of 2.9 million pounds of blasting agent was detonated using five 5 pound Pentolite booster charges, each initiated by a high energy Exploding Bridge Wire (EBW) detonator. The blasting agent consisting of a 50/50 emulsion ANFO mixture; the emulsion being an ammonium nitrate water mixture, and ANFO being an ammonium nitrate fuel oil mixture. The explosive was emplaced at the end of a newly mined drift, designated U12n.25, which branched off an existing drift in {open_quotes}N{close_quotes} Tunnel, U12n.23. A cavity was mined at the end of U12n.25 and instrumented with arrays of Continuous Reflectometry for Radius Versus Time (CORRTEX) cables, thermocouples, and pressure measuring instrumentation for both scientific and safety monitoring purposes. Additional instrumentation, external to the cavity, was installed in several tunnel locations, as well as locations external to the tunnel, and on Ranier Mesa above the point of detonation. More distant measurements were made at various permanently installed seismic stations across the country, as well as at some international locations. In particular, an attempt was made to coordinate this detonation with the National Science Foundation fielding of a seismic array emplaced by Duke University in the southern Sierra-Nevada mountain range (Nevada & California) during mid-September of 1993.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
- OSTI ID:
- 95986
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-9404100-; ON: DE95011413; TRN: 95:005144-0006
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: Symposium on the non-proliferation experiment results and implications for test ban treaties, Rockville, MD (United States), 19-21 Apr 1994; Other Information: PBD: [1994]; Related Information: Is Part Of Proceedings of the symposium on the Non-Proliferation Experiment (NPE): Results and implications for test ban treaties; Denny, M.D.; Stull, S.P. [eds.]; PB: 599 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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