Brian E. Viani

Radiological dispersal device outdoor simulation test: Cesium chloride particle characteristics

Particles were generated from the detonation of simulated radiological dispersal devices (RDDs) using non-radioactive CsCl powder and explosive C4. The physical and chemical properties of the resulting particles were characterized. Two RDD simulation tests were conducted at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory: one of the simulated RDDs was positioned 1m above a steel plate and the other was partially buried in soil. Particles were collected with filters at a distance of 150 m from the origin of the RDD device, and particle mass concentrations were monitored to identify the particle plume intensity using real time particle samplers. Particles collected on filters were analyzed via computer-controlled scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (CCSEM/EDX) to determine their size distribution, morphology, and chemical constituents. This analysis showed that particles generated by the detonation of explosives can be associated with other materials (e.g., soil) that are in close proximity to the RDD device and that the morphology and chemical makeup of the particles change depending on the interactions of the RDD device with the surrounding materials.

Cement minerals at elevated temperature: Thermodynamic and structural characteristics

Large quantities of cementitious materials may be used in the construction of a potential nuclear waste repository. Temperatures in the emplacement drifts may reach over 200 C owing to decay heat from radioactive waste for various ``extended-dry`` repository scenarios. Despite its potential significance, the mineralogic response of cement to elevated temperature is not well known. The chemistry of fluid introduced to the repository from cementitious materials can also have a significant impact on repository performance. The masses of water associated with the use of cementitious materials such as shotcrete, which includes both structural and pore water, can be sizable. Pore water may be driven out by heating, and structural water may be released through phase dehydration. An experimental and modeling program has been designed to elucidate the structural and thermodynamic response of cement minerals to elevated temperature. The components of the program include: (a) synthesis of hydrated Ca-silicates; (b) structural analysis of cement phases during heating and dehydration/rehydration; (c) mechanistic and thermodynamic descriptions of the hydration/dehydration behavior of hydrated Ca-silicates as a function of temperature, pressure and relative humidity; (d) study of naturally occurring hydrated Ca-silicates; and (e) measurements of thermodynamic data for hydrated Ca-silicates.