Article
Chemistry, Analytical
R. Boone Gilbreath, John D. Auxier, Jerrad P. Auxier, Justin M. Alexander
Summary: A method for formulating and producing a new variety of surrogate nuclear explosive melt debris, NUGETS, is presented based on detonation of an improvised nuclear device in an underground environment similar to the Nevada National Security Site. Extensive statistical analyses of precursory geochemical and geophysical characteristics are combined with an augmented surrogate debris cooling technique. The comparison of NUGETS formulation with other NEMD surrogates is reported, suggesting its application to future studies in urban, underground, post-detonation technical nuclear forensic analysis.
JOURNAL OF RADIOANALYTICAL AND NUCLEAR CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Genna M. Patton, Jeremy D. Inglis, Matthew E. Sanborn, Susan K. Hanson
Summary: Fission reactions lead to the decay of Nd isotopes, which alters the measured Nd isotopic compositions in nuclear debris. Trinitite samples analyzed by MC-ICP-MS show deviations in Nd isotopes relative to Nd-142, the only isotope that is unaffected by fission product decay. By measuring the Nd-144/Nd-142 ratio and the total number of Nd-142 atoms in the sample, it is possible to quantify the total number of fissions in nuclear debris, which is crucial in post-detonation nuclear forensics.
JOURNAL OF RADIOANALYTICAL AND NUCLEAR CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Robert Lusk, Jess Meiers, Brian Bucher, Nathalie Wall, Saige Forbush, Kevin Carney, David L. Chichester, Mathew Snow
Summary: Sol-gel vitrification is a rapid method for producing solid, vitreous materials for nuclear forensics research. This study compares the ability of three sol-gel synthetic approaches to retain fission products within the glass at different drying temperatures. Results show that using an acidic catalyst, eight out of ten fission products were quantitatively retained up to 600 degrees C, while using a basic catalyst, retention was observed up to 300 degrees C. However, ruthenium and iodine showed partial and complete losses, respectively, at temperatures above 300 and 100 degrees C.
JOURNAL OF RADIOANALYTICAL AND NUCLEAR CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Mark A. Boggs, Andrew A. Reinhard, Jeremy Inglis, James Tutt, Gabrielle Lee, Cheriece Margiotta
Summary: Cs-135/Cs-137 measurements were conducted on debris samples from the Trinity nuclear test, revealing variations in condensation times and Cs-135/Cs-137 ratios. The measurements also showed heterogeneities in Cs-135/Cs-137 ratios within different trinitite lithologies in a single sample.
JOURNAL OF RADIOANALYTICAL AND NUCLEAR CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Nathan B. A. Thompson, Matthew R. Gilbert, Neil C. Hyatt
Summary: This study focuses on the physical and chemical properties of studtite, a precipitate formed during the processing of spent nuclear fuel in solution, and its transformation into alpha uranium trioxide. The crystal structure and symmetry of UO3 are analyzed, along with the morphological and structural signatures of both studtite and UO3 under different processing conditions.
JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Erik C. Abbott, Hiram E. O'Connor, Cody A. Nizinski, Logan D. Gibb, Elijah W. Allen, Luther W. McDonald
Summary: Understanding the mechanisms controlling the morphology of uranium ore concentrates (UOCs) is important for nuclear forensics and nuclear fuels. By precipitating uranyl peroxide from solutions of varying complexing strength and analyzing the resulting morphology, it was found that different complexing agents influence the size, shape, and rigidity of the particles.
JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mathew P. Johansen, David P. Child, Richard Collins, Megan Cook, Joel Davis, Michael A. C. Hotchkis, Daryl L. Howard, Nicholas Howell, Atsushi Ikeda-Ohno, Emma Young
Summary: Radioactive particles from anthropogenic sources are widespread in global environments and have the potential to cause radiological harm to living organisms. This study compares a diverse set of particles from past nuclear fission and non-fission sources in Australia, revealing that many radioactive particles persist in soils even decades after their release events. The particles can be distinguished by their elemental ratios and their compositions affect their persistence and potential to leach radionuclides into the environment or organisms.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Nathan B. A. Thompson, Martin C. Stennett, Matthew R. Gilbert, Neil C. Hyatt
Summary: This study examines the thermal decomposition of uranyl oxalate and the phase analysis of its thermal products, discussing their morphologies in relation to solution processing conditions.
JOURNAL OF RADIOANALYTICAL AND NUCLEAR CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Luther W. McDonald IV, Kari Sentz, Alex Hagen, Brandon W. Chung, Cody A. Nizinski, Ian J. Schwerdt, Alexa Hanson, Scott Donald, Richard Clark, Glenn Sjoden, Reid Porter, Matthew T. Athon, Tolga Tasdizen, Vincent Noel, Samuel M. Webb, Arjen Van Veelen, Sarah M. Hickam, Cuong Ly
Summary: This article introduces a method for identifying the processing history of unknown nuclear materials in nuclear forensics using particle morphology. By measuring the morphology of solid materials using scanning electron microscopes and combining robust image analysis and classification methods, morphology analysis can be conducted quickly and accurately. This method can be applied to intercepted nuclear materials and the detection of trace amounts of nuclear materials.
JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MATERIALS
(2024)
Article
Polymer Science
Wenpeng Shan, Kailu Xiao, Edwin L. Thomas
Summary: In this study, micron-sized polystyrene spherical projectiles made from three different molecular weight polymers were launched against a rigid substrate, causing ultrahigh strain rate deformation. The researchers used electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy to observe the deformation mechanisms and found that the presence of entanglements in the polymer samples played a crucial role in dissipating kinetic energy and promoting viscoplastic flow. The results showed that entangled samples exhibited extensive flow and shear banding, while unentangled samples underwent strain localization and brittle fracture.
Article
Thermodynamics
Yan Xiang, Disen Liang, Andrei Komlev, Di Fang, Yucheng Deng, Lu Zhao, Weimin Ma
Summary: During severe accidents in a light water reactor (LWR), the core melt (corium) can relocate to the lower head and cause the reactor pressure vessel (RPV) to fail. Fuel coolant interactions (FCI) occur when the reactor cavity is flooded with water, and the energetics of FCI and the coolability of resulting debris bed are crucial for reactor safety. This study aims to quantify the characteristics of a debris bed resulting from FCI using various materials, and high-speed photography was used to visualize the process. The comparative results provide insights into debris bed characteristics under different melt materials and compositions.
APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Yan Xiang, Yucheng Deng, Di Fang, Disen Liang, Weimin Ma
Summary: A series of experiments was conducted to investigate the characteristics of metallic melt-water interactions. The results showed that water pool depth significantly influenced steam explosion and debris bed formation characteristics, and jet breakup length was sensitive to jet diameter and free fall height. Additionally, the features of metallic debris beds were compared with those of oxidic ones in terms of configuration, porosity, and particle morphology and size distribution.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF THERMAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Michal Brandis, Gregory Gershinsky, Assaf Bolker, Eyal Elish, Arnon Rubinshtein, Zohar Yungrais, Maor Assulin, Yacov Carmiel, Yevgeni Zakon, Itzhak Hershko, Ofer Aviv, Itzhak Sedgi, Tal Riemer, Aldo Shemesh, Irina Gouzman, Leigh Peles Strahl, Ami Leifer, Adi Dahan, Dan Breitman, Amiram Moyal, Daniel Vaknin, Boaz Astrachan, Hanan Datz
Summary: This paper describes the nuclear forensics material characterization conducted in the Israeli National Nuclear Forensic Laboratory during an international exercise. The study focused on characterizing physical parameters, elemental and isotopic composition, morphology, and chemical composition of uranium and cerium metal ingots. By analyzing the samples, a connection between different materials was identified, such as between ES-1 and ES-2, and comparisons were made with theoretical samples. The conclusion of the study was that ES1 and ES2 were suggestively connected to their theoretical sources based on isotopic ratio.
JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
D. R. Rounce, R. Hock, R. W. McNabb, R. Millan, C. Sommer, M. H. Braun, P. Malz, F. Maussion, J. Mouginot, T. C. Seehaus, D. E. Shean
Summary: Supraglacial debris affects glacier mass balance by either enhancing or reducing surface melting. Accounting for debris can reduce sub-debris melt by up to 37%, impacting regional mass balance by 0.40 m water equivalent per year. Recent observations suggest differences in ice dynamics are the primary reason for thinning rates over debris-covered and clean ice glaciers.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Matthew T. Athon, Dallas D. Reilly, Ian J. Schwerdt, Jordan F. Corbey, Matthew J. Olszta, Lucas E. Sweet
Summary: The size and morphology of Uranium carbides (UCs) are influenced by cooling rates, with slower cooling resulting in larger UCs. Slower cooling rates also affect the circularity and aspect ratio of the inclusions. Understanding these factors can help control UC morphology in the production of metallic nuclear fuels.
JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Physics, Atomic, Molecular & Chemical
Matthew L. Baruzzini, Howard L. Hall, Khalil J. Spencer, Floyd E. Stanley
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MASS SPECTROMETRY
(2018)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mark Moore, Robert Counce, Jack Watson, Howard Hall
SEPARATION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2019)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Shayan Shahbazi, C. J. Oldham, Austin D. Mullen, John D. Auxier, Howard L. Hall
Article
Physics, Applied
J. R. Chandler, S. Sholom, S. W. S. McKeever, H. L. Hall
JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSICS
(2019)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Jessica L. Bishop, Will F. Cureton, Miguel L. Crespillo, Michael Koehler, John D. Auxier II, Maik Lang
Summary: The study found that accumulated damage from self-irradiation causes significant modifications in metal oxidation, with the fraction of CuO phase gradually decreasing as the damage level increases. This could potentially serve as a novel forensic signature.
JOURNAL OF RADIOANALYTICAL AND NUCLEAR CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
R. Boone Gilbreath, John D. Auxier, Jerrad P. Auxier, Justin M. Alexander
Summary: A method for formulating and producing a new variety of surrogate nuclear explosive melt debris, NUGETS, is presented based on detonation of an improvised nuclear device in an underground environment similar to the Nevada National Security Site. Extensive statistical analyses of precursory geochemical and geophysical characteristics are combined with an augmented surrogate debris cooling technique. The comparison of NUGETS formulation with other NEMD surrogates is reported, suggesting its application to future studies in urban, underground, post-detonation technical nuclear forensic analysis.
JOURNAL OF RADIOANALYTICAL AND NUCLEAR CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Conrad A. P. Goodwin, Jing Su, Lauren M. Stevens, Frankie D. White, Nickolas H. Anderson, John D. Auxier, Thomas E. Albrecht-Schonzart, Enrique R. Batista, Sasha F. Briscoe, Justin N. Cross, William J. Evans, Alyssa N. Gaiser, Andrew J. Gaunt, Michael R. James, Michael T. Janicke, Tener F. Jenkins, Zachary R. Jones, Stosh A. Kozimor, Brian L. Scott, Joseph. M. Sperling, Justin C. Wedal, Cory J. Windorff, Ping Yang, Joseph W. Ziller
Summary: This study revives air-/moisture-sensitive Californium chemistry through the synthesis and characterization of an organometallic complex, providing new insights into Californium chemistry with its unique structural features.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Ashwin P. Rao, Phillip R. Jenkins, John D. Auxier, Michael B. Shattan, Anil K. Patnaik
Summary: By using a compact high-resolution spectrometer and self-absorption correction technique in LIBS, the detection sensitivity of trace elements in lanthanide materials can be improved.
JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL ATOMIC SPECTROMETRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Ashwin P. Rao, Phillip R. Jenkins, John D. Auxier, Michael B. Shattan, Anil K. Patnaik
Summary: This study compares a portable LIBS analyzer to a portable XRF device for quantification of gallium in a plutonium surrogate matrix of cerium for the first time. While LIBS can provide nearly instantaneous measurements, its accuracy is limited by self-absorption, while XRF offers superior sensitivity and lower detection limits.
JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL ATOMIC SPECTROMETRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Ashwin P. Rao, Phillip R. Jenkins, Dung M. Vu, John D. Auxier II, Anil K. Patnaik, Michael B. Shattan
Summary: This study presents the first reported quantification of trace elements in plutonium using a portable laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) device, and demonstrates the enhancement of sensitivity and precision through chemometric analysis. Evaluation of different analytical methods showed that partial least squares regression was superior in determining the content of iron and nickel in plutonium metal, with LoDs of 15 and 20 ppm, respectively. These findings are critical for identifying undesirable trace elements in plutonium components for applications such as fabricating radioisotope thermoelectric generators or nuclear fuel.
ANALYTICAL METHODS
(2021)
Article
Physics, Atomic, Molecular & Chemical
Ashwin P. Rao, Matthew T. Cook, Howard L. Hall, Michael B. Shattan
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Charles C. Peterson, Deborah A. Penchoff, John D. Auxier, Howard L. Hall
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Deborah A. Penchoff, Charles C. Peterson, Mark S. Quint, John D. Auxier, George K. Schweitzer, David M. Jenkins, Robert J. Harrison, Howard L. Hall
Article
Education & Educational Research
Michael Shattan, Adam Seybert, Robert Boone Gilbreath, Stephen Dahunsi, Howard L. Hall
JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN HIGHER EDUCATION
(2018)
