and experimental physicists and engineers worked as teams to
solve problems of time-dependent neutronics and shock hydrodynamics.
These problems were studied experimentally by using diag-
nostic facilties and computer equipment at the Laboratory,
including high-energy x-rays (from the linac), fast-pulsing low
energy x-rays, high speed optics, electrical pin techniques, and
radio-frequency detection systems.
In conjunction with the the effort on devices, physicists
studied the general electrodynamic activity of explosions, new
neutron sources and transuranic elements, atomic properties,
shock dynamics, material states, and electromagnetic systems.
Experimenters checked the performance of non-nuclear devices at
Livermore’s at Site 300, followed by a nuclear test at NTS.
B Division Physics was responsible for the LRL tests fired at
NTS.
NTS.
The division also operated the Super Kukla burst reactor at
In the
late
1960s,
atomic,
nuclear,
and solid-state physi-
cists were also involved in the Advanced Space Nuclear Program
with its objective of developing high-temperature reactions to
generate substantial electrical power in space.
The program
emphasized reactor neutronics design, radiation effects, and
advanced methods of power conversion.
In effect, the weapons
design amd other nuclear power programs stimulated research in
physics and, in turn, physics stimulated developments in nuclear
device designs.
ENGINEERING
Various project
teams provided civil and mechanical
ing support to testing,
field placements,
designing environmental
control
withstand seismic and shock waves from explosions,
preparing diagnostic
devices,
engineer-
including selecting and preparing sites,
instruments
structures to
designing and
to analyze the performance of
and perfecting firing systems,
as well as piping and
hardware to prevent radioactive materials of underground shots
from reaching the surface.
Mechanical Engineering- Livermore
Mechanical Engineering supported the Weapons Division, Pluto
programs and nuclear testing.
Engineering worked on infrared
detector systems capable of observing and recording shock waves.
Reaction History Group developed telemetric methods for data
collection near the signal source and rapid conversion into digital code for transmission to recording stations. Such units were
tested in Operation Tattoo at NTS.
High-speed time methods were
also tested.
The Reaction History Group also assembled systems
to make neutron measurements in the Gnome-Plowshare Program.
For the Plowshare Program, a team of LRL Mechanical Engineers
developed methods for sealing off underground nuclear test holes
to contain radioactive materials.
The engineers designed and