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DTRA’s advancements in nuclear and radiological detection
A new, more complex nuclear age has begun. Echoing the tensions of the Cold War amid rapidly evolving nuclear and radiological threats, preparedness in the modern age is a contest of scientific innovation. The Research and Development Directorate (RD) at the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) is charged with winning this contest.
J. W. Sterbentz, J. E. O'Brien, R. A. Anderl, G. R. Smolik, D. A. Petti, K. A. McCarthy
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 39 | Number 2 | March 2001 | Pages 773-778
Chamber Technology | doi.org/10.13182/FST01-A11963332
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
A preliminary design is presented for the FLIQURE or Fusion LIQUid Release Experiment. This experimental system is designed to measure the mobilization of tritium, fluorine, and other constituents in molten Flibe following trace neutron irradiation at fusion-relevant temperatures (500-1000°C). Trace neutron irradiation is achieved using a spontaneous fission 252Cf source that produces a relatively uniform concentration of tritium in the Flibe. The experimental goals aim to better understand the mechanisms, mobilization rates, and physiochemical forms of tritium mobilized from the Flibe along with other potentially detectable radioactive isotopes and toxic-material species under inert-gas, air, and steam-ingress conditions. System design details are discussed which include neutronic studies to optimize tritium production, thermal design to maintain and isolate molten Flibe, and instrumentation to meet experimental goals.