KUCHEN: An experiment to evaluate decoupling in high-aspect-ratio cavities
It has been argued that even if cavity-decoupled nuclear explosions are a theoretical evasion scenario, the size of the cavity required may be so large as to preclude their use, except possibly in salt. For example, to obtain a decoupling factor of 50 or more would require a cavity radius of at least 20 m/kt. Various theoretical studies have shown, however, that spherical cavities may not be necessary, and that ratios of length-to-span of 10-20 might be used without significant loss of decoupling capability so long as the volume is maintained. This means, for example, that if a tunnel with cylindrical cross section were employed to decouple a 1 kt explosion, the tunnel radius would decrease from 20 m to 8.1 m with an aspect (length-to-diameter) ratio of 10 and to 6.4 m with an aspect ratio of 20. At NTS, we intend to take advantage of the readiness effort activities and funding to perform mid-scale chemical-explosion decoupling experiments in an event called KUCHEN that is scheduled for the spring of 1995. We have identified an 8 ft-diameter hole, 3 50 ft deep in area 9 (U9cu) that is available for these experiments. Our plan is to conduct two tamped shots and at least one decoupling shot in this hole. The explosive charge will be on the order of 50 kg and the aspect ratio will be in the range 10-15. Details of the proposed experiments are discussed.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-48
- OSTI ID:
- 48623
- Report Number(s):
- UCRL-JC-119103; CONF-950182-1; ON: DE95009873; TRN: 95:003771
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 2. Defense Nuclear Agency/Arms Control and Disarmanent Agency (DNA/ACDA) veritech symposium, Washington, DC (United States), 10-12 Jan 1995; Other Information: PBD: Jan 1995
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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