Hydronuclear experiments

Technical Report · Sun Feb 01 00:00:00 EST 1987

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6646692· OSTI ID:6646692

Thorn, R N; Westervelt, D R

Hydronuclear experiments, a method for assessing some aspects of nuclear weapon safety, were conducted at Los Alamos during the 1958 to 1961 moratorium on nuclear testing. The experiments resulted in subcritical multiplying assemblies or a very slight degree of supercriticality and, in some cases, involved a slight, but insignificant, fission energy release. These experiments helped to identify so-called one-point safety problems associated with some of the nuclear weapons systems of that time. The need for remedial action was demonstrated, although some of the necessary design changes could not be made until after the resumption of weapons testing at the end of 1961.

• Research Organization: Los Alamos National Lab., NM (USA)
• Sponsoring Organization: Not Available; USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Nuclear Criticality Safety Program (NCSP)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-36
• OSTI ID: 6646692
• Report Number(s): LA-10902-MS; ON: DE87007712
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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