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X-Ray to Aid Warhead Reliability
Scientists at the Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico have used the world’s most powerful X-ray machine to successfully complete experiments aimed at ensuring the reliability of W-76 nuclear warheads, the Associated Press reported Friday (see GSN, April 6). The experiments took place Wednesday at the Dual Axis Radiographic Hydrodynamic Test Facility. Researchers took an X-ray image of the explosion of non-nuclear warhead components. That image and other data are expected to be used to create computer models of explosions. Researchers at Los Alamo over the coming months plan to compare existing models with the data to better reflect how a weapon would behave, AP reported (Associated Press/Albuquerque Journal, July 1). Production designs are expected to be created for new W-76 components, based partly on the collected data, according to a Los Alamos press release. Acting Deputy Associate Director Mike Burns said a second round of tests is set to follow the manufacture of the new components to ensure they function properly. Production of the new parts is scheduled to begin late next year, Burns said (Los Alamos release, June 30). The United States has 2,700 W-76 warheads, which are used on ballistic missiles carried by Trident submarines (Associated Press, July 1).
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