SPACE NUCLEAR SYSTEMS
407813
U.S. ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20545
JAN
6 1971
PAGSy f
SAP - 22
TEDLENSOP fe
Rudy Englemann, Chief, Fallout Studies Branch, DBM
PARTICLE RESUSPENSION
The following questions have arisen during the safety review of the
Transit program, These questions will undoubtedly come up again in
the Pioneer review. We would appreciate your review of the following:
1.
Has any new work been accomplished since the SNAP=-27 Meteorological
Working Group Paper was issued?
2.
Can small (< 3 micron diameter) high density (10 g/cc) 238pu0,
particles become resuspended to attain a level of 1 meter or
higher above the ground?
3.
What is a plausible estimate of the resuspension factor for the
238 pu, particles described above?
4,
5.
8
Will charged 23 PuOy particles coagulate with natural dust particles
and deposit at a substantially increased rate?
What is the post-impact weathering half-life or factor associated
with the Pioneer capsule and plutonia molybdenum cermet fuel
vis-a-vis < 3 micron respirable particles of 238pu0,.
It appears that Fuquay of BNWL could assist us in our risk assessment
of the post-impact weathering and resuspension phenomena associated
with certain Pioneer aborts.
t. AGE PDs
George P. Dix, Chief
Safety Branch
Space Nuclear Systems Division
ec:
J. Miller, DBM
00110