76
explosion takes place and the materials making up the device hardware.
The following is a representative set of induced radioactivities that
might be released to the atmosphere by a 1 MT cratering explosion.
—
,
NUCLIDE
’
.
KILOCURIES
Sod ium-2h
800
Phosphorous -32
0.4
Calcium-h5
0.03
Manganese -54
Manganese-56
0.3
2000
Iron-55
0.15
Iron-59
Tungsten-185
Tungsten-187
Lead -203
{O00
Other
Note:
_
0.15
10
500
20
This list contains the major radionuclides and the upper limits
for the amounts produced.
XN
Most of the unreleased tritium would be in the form of water remaining
underground in the crater.
The fate of the other nuclides is similar to
that described for fission products.
(See Answer 16B)
Part D Question 16
In April, 1969, H. M. Parker of the NCRP told the Plowshare Symposium that
Plowshare technology will produce nuclides not commonly encountered in
routine nuclear energy programs.
by Plowshare explosives?
Which are the uncommon nuclides produced
Answer Part D Question 16
We have reviewed Dr. H. M. Parker's presentation at the April 1969
Symposium on Public Health Aspects of Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Explosives.
In the abstract of his paper Dr. Parker makes the statement "... the neutron
activation process of Plowshare technology will produce radionuclides not