Title: Muon Tomography at Los Alamos

A research and development program was begun two years ago at the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory (LASL) to study nonmedical applications of computed tomography. This program had several goals. The first goal was to develop the necessary reconstruction algorithms to accurately reconstruct cross sections of nonmedical industrial objects. The second goal was to be able to perform extensive tomographic simulations to determine the efficacy of tomographic reconstruction with a variety of hardware configurations. The final goal was to construct an inexpensive industrial prototype scanner with a high degree of design flexibility. The implementation of these program goals is described.

Neutron imaging is an incredibly powerful tool for non-destructive sample characterization and materials science. Neutron tomography is one technique that results in a three-dimensional model of the sample, representing the interaction of the neutrons with the sample. This relies both on reliable data acquisition and on image processing after acquisition. Over the course of the project, the focus has changed from the former to the latter, culminating in a large-scale reconstruction of a meter-long fossilized skull. The full reconstruction is not yet complete, though tools have been developed to improve the speed and accuracy of the reconstruction. This project helpsmore » to improve the capabilities of LANSCE and LANL with regards to imaging large or unwieldy objects.« less

The report provides an estimate of the cost and associated schedule to construct the tunnel and shaft remedial shielding concept. The cost and schedule estimate is based on a preliminary concept intended to address the potential radiation effects on Line D and Line Facilities in event of a beam spill. The construction approach utilizes careful tunneling methods based on available excavation and ground support technology. The tunneling rates and overall productivity on which the cost and project schedule are estimated are based on conservative assumptions with appropriate contingencies to address the uncertainty associated with geological conditions. The report is intendedmore » to provide supplemental information which will assist in assessing the feasibility of the tunnel and shaft concept and justification for future development of this particular aspect of remedial shielding for Line D and Line D Facilities.« less

This appendix contains preliminary structural assessments for tunnel sections 6(T/21), 5(21/21), 3(21/21), 2(21/21), 1(21/21), 2(21/24), 1(21/24), 3(23/23), 5(21/21)S, 4(22/22), and 5(2/8). The tunnel sections are subjected to vertical and horizontal loads estimated as 115 lbs/ft{sup 2} for each 1 ft of soil covering the structure and a horizontal load equivalent to 0.3 of the estimated cover load. Determination of shear, axial and bending stresses and associated deformations are included. Young`s modulus, cross sectional area, depth of section, thickness of web, weight per unit length, moment of inertia, sectional modulus, radius of gyration, neutral axis, extreme fiber, and element length aremore » the reported properties for the roof, floor, sides, soil, soilend, subsoil, subsoilend elements.« less

This appendix contains the structural embankment analysis of the following Line D tunnel sections: 6(T/21), 5(21/21), 3(21/21), 2(21/21), 1(21/21), 2(21/24), 6(T/21), 3(23/23), 5(21/21)S, and 5(2/8). The structural assessment is for each section being covered with a 30 ft tuff berm used as shielding in the event of a beam spill. Each tunnel section is subject to vertical and horizontal loads estimated as 115 lbs/ft{sup 2} for each 1 ft or overburden and horizontal loads equivalent to 0.2948 of the vertical load, due to the weight of the tuff berm placed over the structure. The profile of the berm is basedmore » on preliminary shielding assessments. Shear, axial and bending stresses are determined with the associated tunnel deformations.« less