Predicting the production rates of cosmogenic nuclides in extraterrestrial matter

Conference · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1987

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0168-583X(87)90245-X· OSTI ID:6542744

Reedy, R C

The production rates of nuclides made by the galactic and solar cosmic rays are important in the interpretations of measurements made with lunar samples, meteorites, and cosmic spherules. Production rates of cosmogenic nuclides have been predicted by a variety of methods that are reviewed in this paper, ranging from systematic studies of one or a group of meteorites to purely theoretical calculations. Production rates can vary with the chemical composition and the preatmospheric depth of the sample and with the size and shape of the object. While the production systematics for cosmogenic nuclides are fairly well known, our ability to predict their production rates can be improved, with a corresponding increase in the scientific return. Additional detailed studies of cosmogenic nuclides in extraterrestrial objects are needed, especially for fairly small and very large objects. Nuclides made in simulation experiments and cross sections for many major nuclear reactions should be measured. Such studies are especially needed for the long-lived radionuclides that have only recently become readily measurable by accelerator mass spectrometry. 34 refs., 5 figs.

• Research Organization: Los Alamos National Lab., NM (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-36
• OSTI ID: 6542744
• Report Number(s): LA-UR-87-1397; CONF-8704112-1; ON: DE87009008
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640101* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Cosmic Radiation
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
ALPHA PARTICLES
BARYONS
CHARGED PARTICLES
COSMIC ALPHA PARTICLES
COSMIC NUCLEI
COSMIC PHOTONS
COSMIC PROTONS
COSMIC RADIATION
DOCUMENT TYPES
ELEMENTARY PARTICLES
FERMIONS
HADRONS
IONIZING RADIATIONS
ISOTOPE PRODUCTION
ISOTOPES
MASSLESS PARTICLES
NUCLEAR REACTIONS
NUCLEI
NUCLEONS
PHOTONS
PRIMARY COSMIC RADIATION
PROTONS
RADIATIONS
RADIOISOTOPES
REVIEWS