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Sussman, Aviva Joy

Publications and source records attributed to Sussman, Aviva Joy.

Imagery Applications for Advanced Event Analytics (WBS 24.3.1.3.3-IDC FY2020 Final Project Report)

Accurate event locations and replicability of location analyses are essential for assessing the nature of an event, its context, ambient site conditions, and proximity to relevant facilities and infrastructure. Additionally, accurate event locations provide valuable information that reduce uncertainties, improve confidence in event analyses, and inform in-field verification activities. However, event location/relocation and replicability are difficult due to a number of factors, including spatially-sparse network coverage in some areas of the globe and variability in seismic data processing. This team proposed that the incorporation of high-fidelity imagery as a data backbone to the analytical assessment of a suspected underground explosion and/or an advanced seismic event bulletin produced by the International Data Centre (IDC) of the Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO PrepCom) could reduce uncertainties and improve confidence in analyses. Specifically, temporally-separated images can reduce uncertainty by identifying areas where change has occurred (e.g., building construction or demolition, road or facilities improvements). The primary goal of this project was to develop an automated geospatial processing script for imagery change detection to better reflect needs of the technical community (including the IDC) and to make the use of such a tool accessible in a variety of settings across platforms. Technical experts at Los Alamos National Laboratory successfully built GAIA: the Geospatial Automated Imagery Analysis tool, to fill this need. GAIA combines five tool components to produce orthorectified time-separated imagery and imagery change detection maps. Our toolkit (1) reduces error by providing a standardized workflow for image analyses and (2) significantly reduces processing time from between 7 and 24+ hours to approximately 5 minutes. Technical experts at Sandia National Laboratories supported GAIA via beta-testing and by introducing a web-based system approach for increased applicability. To test the function, performance, broad application, and ease-of-use of GAIA, we applied it to four separate test cases. The results of this preliminary investigation show promise in reducing uncertainty in seismic event locations: if satellite imagery can show regions where operations that produce seismic activity likely occurred, then pursuing imagery to locate epicenters of seismic nuclear events could reduce the time needed to find the true epicenter location.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Material Property Determinations of P-Tunnel Core in Support of UNESE

A critical component of the Underground Nuclear Explosion Signatures Experiment (UNESE) program is a realistic understanding of the post-detonation processes and changes in the environment that produce observable physical and radio-chemical signatures. Rock and fracture properties are essential parameters for modeling underground nuclear explosions. In response to the need for accurate simulations of physical and radio-chemical signatures, an experimental program to determine porosity, hydrostatic and triaxial compression, and Brazilian disc tension properties of P-Tunnel core was developed and executed. This report presents the results from the experimental program. Dry porosity for P-Tunnel core ranged from 8.7%-55%. Based on hydrostatic testing, bulk modulus was shown to increase with increasing confining pressure and ranged from 1.3GPa-42.3GPa. Compressional failure envelopes, derived from wet samples, are presented for P-Tunnel lithologies. Brazilian disc tension tests were conducted on wet samples and, along with triaxial tests, are compared with dry tests from the first UNESE test bed, Barnwell. P-Tunnel core disc tension test strength varied nearly two orders of magnitude between lithologies (0.03MPa-2.77MPa). Material tested in both tension and compression is weaker wet than dry with the exception of Strongly Welded Tuff in compression which is nearly identical in compressive strength for confining pressures of OMPa and 1 OOMPa. In addition to the inherent material properties of the rocks, fractures within the samples were quantified and characterized, in order to identify differences that might be caused by the explosion-induced damage. Finally, material property determinations are linked to optical microscopy observations. The work presented here is part of a broader material characterization effort; reports are referenced within.

38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEA↗

Direct Shear and Triaxial Shear test Results on Core from Borehole U-15n and U-15n#10, NNSS in support of SPE

Direct Shear (DS) and Triaxial Shear (FCT) tests from Core holes U-15n and U-15n#10 are part of a larger material characterization effort for the Source Physics Experiment (SPE) project. This larger effort encompasses characterizing a granite body from Nevada both before and after each SPE shot. Core hole U-15n is the vertically oriented source hole for all SPE shots; pre shot core was taken from this hole for DS and FCT testing. After two SPE shots were executed, an inclined core hole (U-15n#10) was drilled; both DS and FCT tests were conducted from this core hole. The first shot (SPE-1) conducted on May 3, 2011 was a calibration shot. SPE-1 was an order of magnitude smaller than the second shot (SPE-2). After SPE-2 was conducted on October 25, 2011 the aforementioned inclined core hole (U-15n#10) was drilled. At its bottom, the inclined core hole intersects the source hole. The third shot (SPE-3) occurred on July 24, 2012. Vertical and inclined core holes were drilled post SPE-3 and specimens will soon be selected for geomechanical characterization. At the time of this writing, work is ongoing at Nevada in preparation for the fourth SPE shot (SPE-4).

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Lufkin_Exercise_ Setup

As part of this training course, we have created a scenario at a location that will provide you with an opportunity to practice the techniques you have learned during the week. For the first hour, you will have the opportunity to conduct a Visual Observation and use VOB to determine ideal locations for RN soil sampling, swipe sampling, and in situ measurements. After the VOB and sampling locating, you will rotate between soil sample, swipe sample, and two in situ activities.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Optical Microscopy Characterization for Borehole U-15n#12 in Support of NCNS Source Physics Experiment

Optical microscopy characterization of thin sections from corehole U-15n#12 is part of a larger material characterization effort for the Source Physics Experiment (SPE). The SPE program was conducted in Nevada with a series of explosive tests designed to study the generation and propagation of seismic waves inside Stock quartz monzonite. Optical microscopy analysis includes the following: 1) imaging of full thin sections (scans and mosaic maps); 2) high magnification imaging of petrographic texture (grain size, foliations, fractures, etc.); and 3) measurement of microfracture density.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗