Effects of abnormal environments on nuclear explosives.

DOE-STD-1185-2004

The concept of isolation:

Identify when barriers are breached during assembly/disassembly.

Identify when strong links are absent or potentially bypassed.

The concept of incompatibility:

Identify available energy sources and their effects on nuclear explosive

components.

Identify available signals that could drive a unique signal discriminator.

The concept of inoperability:

Give examples of weak links in various nuclear explosives.

Describe the features and safety role of the weak link(s).

The concept of independence:

Describe common-mode failure and give examples relevant to nuclear

weapon designs.

Discuss the role of first principles listed above in the implementation of the nuclear

detonation safety design principles (safety theme).

Describe nuclear explosive components or features that have been employed to

provide isolation, inoperability, and incompatibility, including:

Barriers

Weak links

Strong links

Unique signals

Describe nuclear explosive design features that have been employed to

prevent/mitigate fissile material dispersal, including:

Insensitive high explosives (IHEs)

Fire-resistant pits

Nuclear explosive safety study personnel must have knowledge of the effects of

abnormal environments on nuclear explosives.

Supporting Knowledge and/or Skills

Discuss the term "abnormal environment."

List the categories of abnormal environments specific to NEOs and storage, and

describe the characteristics of each.

Nuclear explosive safety study personnel must have knowledge of one -point

safety and related issues.