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At least 325 records · Page 18

Uncertainty quantification for high explosive reactant and product equations of state

Equations of state (EOSs) are typically represented as physics-informed models with tunable parameters that are adjusted to replicate calibration data as closely as possible. Uncertainty quantification (UQ) allows for the development of an ensemble of EOS parameters that are consistent with the calibration data instead of a single EOS. In this work, we perform UQ for the reactant and product EOSs for a variety of high explosives (HEs). In doing so, we demonstrate a strategy for dealing with heterogeneous (both experimental and calculated) data. We also use a statistical distance metric to quantify the differences between the various HEs using the UQ results.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Modification of Richtmyer–Meshkov instabilities via layered explosive charge design

In this numerical study, we investigate the effects of layered high explosive (HE) charge design on Richtmyer–Meshkov instability (RMI) in metal plates with sinusoidal surface features. The detonation wave from the HE induces a shock in the metal target that subsequently interacts with the surface features; this results in vortex formation and ultimately RMI. Here, we seek to modify RMI by altering the detonation wave characteristics. The modification is investigated in a twofold manner: first, by varying the initial design of the unconfined surface of the target and second, by varying the charge design and composition. Within a limited scope of this design space, a wide variety of behaviors related to RMI growth are observed. Mechanistic actions, including exaggerated front curvature, behind these modifications are proposed. Charge designs, which modify RMI the most for a select target design, are then presented.

45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEF↗

Measuring thermal profiles in high explosives using neural networks

We present a new method for calculating the temperature profile of high explosive (HE) material using a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). To train/test the CNN, we have developed a hybrid experiment/simulation method for collecting acoustic and temperature data. We experimentally heat cylindrical containers of HE material until detonation/deflagration, where we continuously measure the acoustic bursts through the HE using multiple acoustic transducers lined around the exterior container circumference. However, measuring the temperature profile in the HE in an experiment would require inserting a large number of thermal probes, which would disrupt the heating process. Thus, we use two thermal probes, one at the HE center and one at the wall. We then use numerical simulation of the heating process to calculate the temperature distribution and correct the simulated temperatures based on the experimental center and wall temperatures. We calculate temperature errors on the order of 15 °C, which is ∼12% of the range of temperatures in the experiment. We also investigate how the algorithm’s accuracy is affected by the number of acoustic receivers used to collect each measurement and the resolution of the temperature prediction. This work provides a means of assessing the safety status of HE material, which cannot be achieved using existing temperature measurement methods. In addition, it has implications for a range of other applications where internal temperature profile measurements would provide critical information. These applications include detecting chemical reactions, observing thermodynamic processes such as combustion, monitoring metal or plastic casting, determining the energy density in thermal storage capsules, and identifying abnormal battery operations.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

Grid resolution requirement of chemical explosive mode analysis for large eddy simulations of premixed turbulent combustion

Full Article Figures & data References Citations Metrics Reprints & Permissions Read this article Abstract The grid resolution requirement for trustworthy Chemical Explosive Mode Analysis (CEMA) in Large Eddy Simulation (LES) of premixed turbulent combustion is proposed. Explicit filtering, to emulate the effect of the LES filter, is applied to one-dimensional laminar flame and three-dimensional planar turbulent flames across a wide range of Karlovitz numbers (5 - 239). The identification of the flame front by CEMA is found relatively insensitive to the cell size (Δ), while the combustion mode identification shows more significant sensitivity. Specifically, increasing Δ falsely enhances the auto-ignition and local extinction modes and suppresses the diffusion-assisted mode. Limited dependence of the CEMA performance on the turbulent combustion regime (Karlovitz number) is observed. A simple grid size criterion for reliable CEMA mode identification in LES is proposed as Δ ≲ δ L /2; The criterion can be relaxed to Δ ≲ δ L in the laminar flame limit. Furthermore, theoretical analysis is conducted on an idealised chemistry-diffusion system. The effects of the filtering process and turbulence on the local combustion mode are demonstrated, which is consistent with the numerical observations. Further, by incorporating turbulent combustion models in CEMA, potential improvement in identifying local combustion modes can be expected.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

New constraints on the Al 25 ( p , γ ) reaction and its influence on the flux of cosmic γ rays from classical nova explosions

The astrophysical 25 Al(p,γ) 26 Si reaction represents one of the key remaining uncertainties in accurately modeling the abundance of radiogenic 26 Al ejected from classical novae. Specifically, the strengths of key proton-unbound resonances in 26 Si, that govern the rate of the 25 Al(p,γ) reaction under explosive astrophysical conditions, remain unsettled. Here, we present a detailed spectroscopy study of the 26 Si mirror nucleus 26 Mg. We have measured the lifetime of the 3 + , 6.125-MeV state in 26 Mg to be 19(3) fs and provide compelling evidence for the existence of a 1 – state in the T = 1, A = 26 system, indicating a previously unaccounted for ℓ = 1 resonance in the 25 Al(p,γ) reaction. Using the presently measured lifetime, together with the assumption that the likely 1 – state corresponds to a resonance in the 25 Al + p system at 435.7(53) keV, we find considerable differences in the 25 Al(p,γ) reaction rate compared to previous works. Furthermore, based on current nova models, we estimate that classical novae may be responsible for up to ≈ 15% of the observed galactic abundance of 26 Al.

20 ≤ A ≤ 38↗

First Proton-Induced Cross Sections on a Stored Rare Ion Beam: Measurement of Te 118 ( p , γ ) for Explosive Nucleosynthesis

We present the first nuclear cross-section measurements of (p,$\gamma$) and (p,n) reactions on 118 Te at energies relevant for the $\gamma$-process nucleosynthesis. Absolute cross-section values for center-of-mass energies of 6, 7 and 10 MeV are provided, together with a theoretical extrapolation to the Gamow window. This experiment marks the first time that direct proton-induced reactions have been measured on a radioactive ion beam at the Experimental Storage Ring (ESR) at GSI, Darmstadt. This paves the way for a large variety of measurements, delivering new constraints for explosive nucleosynthesis and for physics beyond nuclear stability.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

A numerical study of ignition and flame development characteristics in GCI combustion using large eddy simulations and chemical explosive mode analysis

Here, this work investigates the ignition and flame development processes of low reactivity fuel combustion under compression ignition conditions based on the large eddy simulation approach. The chemical explosive mode analysis (CEMA) is employed to characterize the local combustion features, including gas-liquid fuel zone, auto-ignition, diffusion-assisted, extinction, cool flame and post-ignition zone, among which auto-ignition and post-ignition are found to play a key role in the overall heat release process. The local flame propagation modes in gasoline compression ignition (GCI) are determined by quantifying the relative magnitude of diffusion/chemistry at a representative progress variable in the pre-ignition zone. The results show that autoignition fronts and deflagration waves exist simultaneously in the ignition and intense high temperature heat release (HTHR) stages, but autoignition fronts dominate. In addition, the chemical kinetic processes of four heat release periods are analyzed. The heat release during the ignition period is found to be dominated by the reactions CH 3 + H (+M) <=> CH 4 (+M) and CH 3 CHO + H <=> CH 2 CHO + H 2 . The reaction CH 2 OH + OH <=> CH 2 O + H 2 O always plays an important role in the heat releases during the other three combustion stages including intense HTHR, moderate HTHR and post-combustion.

33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS↗

Evaluating Physics-Informed Neural Network Performance for Seismic Discrimination between Earthquakes and Explosions

In this article, we evaluate adding a weak physics constraint, that is, a physics‐based empirical relationship, to the loss function with a physics‐informed manner in local distance explosion discrimination in the hope of improving the generalization capability of the machine learning (ML) model. We compare the proposed model with the two‐branch model we previously developed, as well as with a pure data‐driven model. Unexpectedly, the proposed model did not consistently outperform the pure data‐driven model. By varying the level of inconsistency in the training data, we find this approach is modulated by the strength of the physics relationship. In conclusion, this result has important implications for how to best incorporate physical constraints in ML models.

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

Modeling for pRad Explosive Experiments

The hydrodynamics code CTH was used to simulate high-explosive detonations in various geometries to design a planar, high-pressure drive with Taylor wave release for experiments in the proton radiography containment vessel. The most successful geometry is based on a P25 lens with some of its outer diameter and output end removed. Shock planarity was significantly improved relative to an unmodified P25 lens for this case, where its full diameter was not needed, and the calculated timing was adequate to trigger the experiments successfully.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

High Explosive Testing Capabilities at Nevada National Security Site (NNSS) [Slides]

LANL is a non-profit Federally Funded Research & Development Center (FFRDC). LANL’s Integrated Weapons Experiments (J) Division addresses national security challenges by executing largescale, integrated, focused experiments, and tests of engineered devices and systems. J-NV plans, fields, and executes dynamic high explosive experiments at NNSS. This includes sub-critical experiments involving special nuclear material, as well as small- and largescale non-nuclear experiments. J-NV generates, analyzes, and disseminates unique, high-quality data.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Yield Estimates of three Historical Atmospheric Nuclear Explosions at Lop Nor, from Reduced Order Models of Regionally Recorded Rayleigh Waveforms and One Seismic Station: A Brief Communication

We use a reduced order model (ROM) for Rayleigh waveforms sourced by large atmospheric explosions along with data collected from a single seismic station (TLG) to estimate the yields of three atmospheric nuclear tests with order-megaton (MT) yields. These historical tests were conducted by China between 1973 and 1980 (CHIC 15, CHIC 16, and CHIC 26). We use our ROM to estimate yields of 2.34 MT (CHIC 15), 0.51 MT (CHIC 16), and 1.15 (CHIC 26) in the 20.5 s period band that are consistent with publicly accepted values of 3 MT (CHIC 15), 0.50 MT (CHIC 16), and 0.730 MT (CHIC 26).

58 GEOSCIENCES↗

High fidelity ground deposition measurement with robots after explosive radiological dispersion

A team of scientists from the Remote Sensing Laboratory at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, has assembled a remote-controlled robot to field a few sodium iodide scintillators of different size and shape 18″ above ground for measurement of ground deposition of gamma-emitting particles after an explosion of a radiological dispersal device. This system uses a high-precision differential GPS device with submeter accuracy for radiation mapping. The system is most useful in characterizing large-area contamination and detecting gamma radioactivity in invisible, submicron particulate debris deposited on the ground at surface level or embedded in subsurface up to 3″ deep. The system was assembled as part of a larger effort to integrate advanced radiological detection devices into autonomous or remote-controlled robotic systems to eliminate or minimize the need for emergency responders to enter areas that pose significant health and safety risks to humans following a major radiological incident or accident. Research into autonomous algorithms is required to develop automated robotic systems for radiological survey and characterization activities in highly contaminated areas. The scope of this project also includes developing communications pathways and supporting infrastructure capabilities for different types of robotic technologies. The expected result is an advanced autonomous robotic system with integrated radiation detection electronics that allows emergency response personnel to view data remotely and in real time for radiological emergency response and consequence management purposes.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Acoustic Explosion Data Archive for Machine Learning

The prompt detection of explosions is a key element of the nuclear non-proliferation mission. With traditional sensors being limited in number and scale, smartphones as compact and economical multi-modal sensors are gaining traction and are being deployed. To address the flood of heterogeneous smartphone data, our team proposes a feature extraction using standardized constant-Q frequency bands across acoustic, barometric, and accelerometer data. The work in this presentation contains data collected at Idaho National Laboratory during planned detonations.

46 - INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AN↗

Decomposition of Irganox 1010 in plastic bonded explosives

Abstract Degradation pathways of Irganox 1010 in aged plastic bonded explosive (PBX) 9501 were investigated using ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐QTOF). Using a targeted approach, a total of 44 Irganox 1010 decomposition products were discovered. These decomposition products were formed through hydrolysis, scission, and/or oxidation of Irganox 1010. The hydrolytic decomposition of Irganox is a straightforward process resulting in the cleavage of the ester group(s) while oxidation and scission are more complicated and can happen at multiple locations on the Irganox 1010 molecule. Moreover, due to the symmetric nature of Irganox 1010, multiple decomposition reactions can occur. Indeed some decomposition products exhibited hydrolysis, oxidation, and scission. In order to probe any trends in the aged PBX 9501 samples, principal component analysis (PCA) was implemented. The greatest chemical differences between the aged PBX samples was hydrolysis of the ester functional groups on Irganox 1010. Despite the negative connotations of hydrolysis, the Irganox 1010 decomposition products are still able to function as a radical scavenger in PBX 9501 as intended.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Thermally-Driven Changes to Porosity in TATB-Based High Explosives

Ultra-small- and small-angle neutron scattering techniques were employed to quantify thermally driven changes to the microstructure of the TATB-based composite high explosive, PBX 9502. Samples of PBX 9502 were studied in-situ at temperatures ranging from 25 to 220 °C and after re-equilibration at ambient temperature. Significant changes to the void size and morphology within the PBX 9502 microstructure were observed upon heating and are consistent with the known increase in the shock sensitivity of thermally-treated PBX 9502. More extensive microstructural changes were found after the thermally treated samples were re-equilibrated at ambient temperature. Utilizing a model of ramified porosity, the size and the volume and surface dimensions of voids in the PBX 9502 microstructure were quantified as a function of temperature. The temperature dependence of the void radius of gyration is well correlated with the known increase in the shock sensitivity of PBX 9502 with increasing temperature, providing a microstructural origin for the increased shock sensitivity of PBX 9502 at elevated temperatures.

45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEF↗