Nuclear Submarines Research Articles

The Nuclear Accident Aboard a Nuclear Submarine in Chazhma Bay: Event Reconstruction and Analysis of the Consequences

The authors analyzed events related to the largest nuclear accident in the history of the Soviet Navy, which occurred on the nuclear submarine K-431 on August 10, 1985, during scheduled operations at a dockyard in Chazhma Bay near Vladivostok. For reasons of security, the aftermath of these events remained unknown to a wide circle of specialists and public for over 30 years, prompting ambiguous interpretations and conjectures. This article describes the findings, including the collection, generalization, and systematization of surviving incomplete and limited data; numerical and model calculations; and the analysis of the accident’s causes and development. The radioactive and radioecological consequences, rehabilitation measures, and the disposal of the formed radioactive waste and the damaged nuclear submarine are considered. The consequences of the radioactive release into the Sea of Japan, the cloud traveling to the north along the Russian–Chinese border, and the transborder transfer of radioactive substances for the populations of the neighboring countries are evaluated for the first time.

Deployment of the DosiKit System Under Operational Conditions: Experience From a French Defense National Nuclear Exercise.

Estimation of the dose received by accidentally irradiated victims is based on a tripod: clinical, biological, and physical dosimetry. The DosiKit system is an operational and mobile biodosimetry device allowing the measurement of external irradiation directly on the site of a radiological accident. This tool is based on capillary blood sample and hair follicle collection. The aim is to obtain a whole-body and local-surface dose assessment. This paper is about the technical evaluation of the DosiKit; the analytical process and scientific validation are briefly described. The Toulon exercise scenario was based on a major accident involving the reactor of a nuclear attack submarine. The design of the scenario made it impossible for several players (firefighters, medical team) to leave the area for a long time, and they were potentially exposed to high dose rates. The DosiKit system was fully integrated into a deployable radiological emergency laboratory, and the response to operational needs was very satisfactory.

O Programa de Construção de Submarinos (PROSUB) do Brasil

The Brazilian decision to construct a nuclear-powered submarine was the result of the confluence of geopolitical and geostrategic aspects that have been happening since 1960s, and the advantages that the defense investments can bring to the national economy. The difficulty in obtaining naval assets from the US combined with a more independent foreign policy were the forerunners of decisions and actions whose climax were the acquantaince of the uranium cycle and the construction of the nuclear propelled submarine

Three times in the wake: A narrative experience of sensory-anthropology in oceanic outer-places

Three times thrown into the wake of ocean incursions. Three times brutally awakened. A semi-fictional anthropologist stumbles in media res upon three different depths or decompression stops, of res in media: (a) at several thousand metres below sea level in a nuclear submarine; (b) at sea level on a fishing trawler; and, finally, (c) deep blue diving at night along a safety line guiding military rescue divers towards a sunken trawler. This is both an essay in individuation and an exploration of associated milieus, inspired by a body of work concerning social constructs of the sea, ocean biopolitics and the oceanization of thought. However, rather than building through theory, we chose to compose through storytelling and body experiment, using interviews and ethnographic materials we collected in 2016. Part dream state, part insomnia, part night work, the narrative deals with our increasingly industrialized mode of existence, affecting our sensory relations to ‘environments’ such as the ocean, but also our sleep and ‘attention’, and the relevance of the ‘anthropocene’ once at sea. Is there anything left of the ‘human’ or the ‘(s)cene’ (terrestrial paradigm) in the movements of the swell and the darkness of the deep?

Development of Nuclear Reactors Technology and General Feature of Egypt Nuclear Power Plants

AbstractNuclear reactors technology has been dramatically developed since the era of the first Fermi Pile fission reactor during the 2nd world war.Generation I and II reactors had been used for peaceful electricity generation and military (e.g. nuclear submarines) purposes.As a matter of fact, Generation III and III+ were proposed, developed, deployed and currently in operation worldwide. Recently, floating units and SMR are available options. The Ge III++ is currently proposed.The generation IV options; such as MSR, are intensively discussed through GIF. None of them has been commercially constructed.Fusion experimental reactor is on the track and road of reactors technology development. It needs some time for full plasma confinement to be safely controllable.Egypt has declared in 19 November 2015 and signed IGA for construction of 4 VVER Russian design reactors (pressurized water reactor) of 1200 MWe each (4.8 GWe total) at El-Dabaa site. In 11 December 2017, notices to proceed the contracts was signed in the presence of the president Abdel Fattah El Sisi. The Rosatom company will supplying Egypt with the nuclear fuel throughout the plant`s entire operational lifetime. The first unit is scheduled to be commercially commissioned by 2026. These reactors belong to Ge III+ that has post Fukushima features; advanced passive and active safety systems.According to the ministry of planning; by 2030, these reactors will contribute in the electricity portfolio of Egypt by about 10.5%. While, coal and renewable (solar and wind) sources will contribute by 15% and 21% percentage in 2020 respectively.Egypt, based on these plans, is going to has strategic energy mix consists of fossil; steam, combined, hydro and renewable energy sources.

SCHIENTIFIC AND HISTORICAL ASPECTS OF MEDICAL CARE ASSISTANCE FOR SUBMARINES CAUGHT IN RADIOACTIVE ACCIDENTS

The article is dedicated to formation of naval therapy as an independent naval medical subject, meant for profile training of doctors for naval medical service and first practical experience of providing a medical care in the case of massive radioactive injury of nuclear submarine «K-19» staff in July 1961. Different theory and practical difficulties that the medical naval service and employees of S. M. Kirov Military Medical Academy faced during the examination and treatment of the injured are highlighted in the article. It also includes a detailed information about medical care content in case of acute radiation illness of various degrees of severity caused by a combined radioactive loss. The article depicts the leading roles of naval, hospital and military field therapy faculties in study, generalization and operational use in practice of obtained unique and clinical experience.

PRACTICAL ASPECTS OF MEDICAL SUPPORT OF CREWS OF THE UNDER CONSTRUCTION AND UNDER REPAIR NUCLEAR SUBMARINES

In article practical sides of medical support of repair, construction and trial runs of nuclear submarines are considered. Harmful production factors which the staff of crew at repair of nuclear submarines can face are described. The questions which have arisen at approbation of the methodical guide to medical support of the under construction and under repair ships in practice are brought up. Fundamental obligations of the chief of health service are specified by preparation for conducting trial runs of nuclear submarines. Standard difficulties, which can arise in activity of the ship doctor at implementation of medical support of trial runs of nuclear submarines, such as control of the state of health of a civil part of delivery crew, medical supply of delivery team, control of microclimate parameters, control of recycling, control of the course of construction or repair, operation of regular medical property, structure of incidence of staff of delivery crew are described. Recommendations to young specialists in their decision are made. Features of implementation of medical observation of conditions of activity of the military personnel and civil personnel of delivery crew are described during tests of the ship, tactics at delivery of health care at a serious illness and injuries. Offers for consideration when developing of the leading documents, regarding concerning are specified.

Radiation situation dynamics at the Andreeva Bay site for temporary storage of spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste over the period 2002–2016

The Coastal Technical Base (CTB) №569 at Andreeva Bay was established in the early 1960s and intended for the refueling of nuclear submarine reactors and temporary storage of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) and radioactive waste (RW). In 2001, the base was transferred to the Russian Ministry for Atomic Energy and the site remediation began. The paper describes in detail the radiation situation change at the technical site in Andreeva Bay from 2002–2016, the period of preparation for the most critical phase of remedial work: removal of spent fuel assemblies. The analysis of aggregated indicators and data mining were used. The article suggests the best number and location of checkpoints needed to ensure sufficient accuracy of the radiation situation description. The fractal properties of the radiation field are studied using the Hurst index. The relationship between checkpoints was assessed using the method of searching for checkpoint communities. The decrease in the integral of the ambient dose equivalent rate (ADER) at the technical site was evaluated by the method of time series decomposition. Three components of time series were identified: trend, seasonal and residual. The trend of the ADER integral over the technical site is a monotonic decreasing function, where the initial and final values differ tenfold. Taking into account that 137Cs dominates the radiation situation on-site, it is clear that the ADER due to the radionuclide decay will have decreased by 1.4 times. It is estimated that only a small proportion of 137Cs has migrated off-site. Therefore, approximately a sevenfold decrease in dose rate is mainly due to remediation activities of personnel. During the year, the seasonal component varies the ADER integral by a factor of two, due to snowfall. The residual component reflects the uncertainty of the ADER integral calculation and phases of active SNF and RW management. The methods developed are used to support the optimization of remediation work as well as regulatory supervision of occupational radiation protection.

All hands on deck: advancing safeguards for naval nuclear materials

ABSTRACTWith the continued use of unsafeguarded naval nuclear-propulsion programs in all nuclear-weapon states, the commissioning of an Indian nuclear submarine, and the potential investment in such programs by non-nuclear-weapon states including Brazil and South Korea, movement toward a regulatory regime for nuclear material in the naval sector has become imperative. Such a framework faces a recurring debate on adequately protecting sensitive military technology while delivering assurances that naval nuclear material is not diverted to nuclear-weapon programs. In this viewpoint, we examine various prospective mechanisms to regulate naval nuclear stocks and assess them in terms of their effectiveness and scope. Drawing on lessons from the drafting, negotiation, and implementation of the Model Additional Protocol, we recommend a safeguards regime for naval nuclear material via a protocol that supplements the existing global nuclear-governance system. This protocol provides a standardized yet flexible approach to naval nuclear-material safeguards across all states (whether nuclear-weapon states, non-nuclear-weapon states, or outside the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons) to handle variations among naval nuclear fuel cycles and technologies.

Indo-Russian Strategic Partnership and Indian Military's Cold Start Doctrine

The South Asian strategic stability is at risk because of the Indian military's doctrinal shift, massive military modernization and operationalization of the Cold Start Doctrine-(CSD) against a nuclear weapon state, Pakistan. This study is divided in two parts. The first part would emphasize on the strategic stability of South Asia and the Indian military's efforts to execute Cold Start Doctrine against Pakistan. Second part would highlight the Indo-Russian defense collaboration and its likely impact on regional security. The Russian T-90 MBTs, SU-30 MKI Air aircraft along with S-400 Air defense system, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities would be the backbone of any aggressive action against Pakistan. In addition, the Russian assistance in the nuclear submarines would provide India with assured second-strike capability and confidence to go for any misadventure against Pakistan under CSD. The Russian weapon and equipment would revamp the Indian military's overall warfighting capabilities, fill the operational gaps and enable India to operationalize the CSD against Pakistan. Limited war envisaged by the Indian military may not remain limited for Pakistan. Pakistan's quid pro quo response may push India to escalate the conflict which may endanger the deterrence stability in south Asia. Therefore, the Indian CSD is a threat to the regional peace and stability. India needs to consider shunning such types of strategies and resort to peaceful negotiations with Pakistan to resolve all outstanding issues for long term peace and stability in south Asia.

PRC’S MILITARY-INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX UNDER XI JINPING

The article is dedicated to the achievements and problems of the Chinese military-industrial complex and its role in the economy building during the Xi Jinping` s term (2012–2017). The evolution of the problem is particularly interesting in the context of the realization of the National Security modernization Program of China 2050. The author provides a description of the current state of military-industrial complex fields. Chinese atomic industry has been growing rapidly during the last years. There are significant achievements in the field of the rocket and space industry. Aviation industry, and in particular the aviation engine construction, has been traditionally considered as underdeveloped in comparison with the American, Western European and Russian aviation. In this sense, the Chinese government endeavors to improve the situation. Microelectronics, which has also been rather underdeveloped, is expected to obtain a new quality. The shipbuilding industry in China nowadays gives positive examples of design and building heavy-tonnage vessels, such as nuclear-powered submarines. Apart from the military and technological achievements, many efforts are put in order to reduce the level of the Chinese dependence on the import of foreign technologies. The author stresses the significance of the military industry conversion practices, which used to be one of the main driving forces of the China`s economic growth in 1980–1990s. The so-called military civil integration is one of the most effective strategies aimed at overcoming the technological backwardness of the military- industrial complex. It contributes to the technological growth in the fields of security due to the practices of redirection the civil technologies into the military field. Such an approach allows China to avoid the Western military embargo.

Norwegian monitoring (1990–2015) of the marine environment around the sunken nuclear submarine Komsomolets

Norway has monitored the marine environment around the sunken Russian nuclear submarine Komsomolets since 1990. This study presents an overview of 25 years of Norwegian monitoring data (1990–2015). Komsomolets sank in 1989 at a depth of 1680 m in the Norwegian Sea while carrying two nuclear torpedoes in its armament. Subsequent Soviet and Russian expeditions to Komsomolets have shown that releases from the reactor have occurred and that the submarine has suffered considerable damage to its hulls. Norwegian monitoring detected 134Cs in surface sediments around Komsomolets in 1993 and 1994 and elevated activity concentrations of 137Cs in bottom seawater between 1991 and 1993. Since then and up to 2015, no increased activity concentrations of radionuclides above values typical for the Norwegian Sea have been observed in any environmental sample collected by Norwegian monitoring. In 2013 and 2015, Norwegian monitoring was carried out using an acoustic transponder on the sampling gear that allowed samples to be collected at precise locations, ∼20 m from the hull of Komsomolets. The observed 238Pu/239,240Pu activity ratios and 240Pu/239Pu atom ratios in surface sediments sampled close to Komsomolets in 2013 did not indicate any releases of Pu isotopes from reactor or the torpedo warheads. Rather, these values probably reflect the overprinting of global fallout ratios with fluxes of these Pu isotopes from long-range transport of authorised discharges from nuclear reprocessing facilities in Northern Europe. However, due to the depth at which Komsomolets lies, the collection of seawater and sediment samples in the immediate area around the submarine using traditional sampling techniques from surface vessels is not possible, even with the use of acoustic transponders. Further monitoring is required in order to have a clear understanding of the current status of Komsomolets as a potential source of radioactive contamination to the Norwegian marine environment. Such monitoring should involve the use of ROVs or submersibles in order to obtain samples next to and within the different compartments of the submarine.

Numerical Investigation of the Flow Structure around a Cylinder for Different Fluids and Reynolds Numbers

In engineering areas such as chimneys, bridges, nuclear power plants, airplanes, submarines and high buildings are exposed to fluid or gases flows. As we know there is amount of vibrations, loads, vortexes around of bodies which are exposed flows. Also these undesirable situations are required some solutions. n this regard for solutions of such that problems, analysis of flow around bodies with regard to velocity distribution, streamlines, vortexes is a significant issue. From this perspective because of its easy geometry, flow around of cylinder has been investigated on account of velocity distribution, streamlines, vortexes for different fluids and Reynolds numbers by means of Anysis CFX 14.5. Laminar and steady flow was handled for two different cases. Case 1 and case 2 are differs from each other in term of boundary conditions for related fluids and Reynolds numbers. Finally from results in question vortex zones, velocity and pressure distribution and drag coefficient of both cases are compered for case 1 and case 2.

The Hunt for Red October II: A magnetohydrodynamic boat demonstration for introductory physics

The 1990 film “The Hunt for Red October” (based on Tom Clancy’s 1984 debut novel of the same name) featured actors like Sean Connery and Alec Baldwin, but the star of the movie for physicists was a revolutionary new magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) marine propulsion system. The so-called “caterpillar drive” worked with no moving parts, allowing a nuclear missile-armed Soviet submarine to approach the U.S. coast undetected. As the submarine captain (played by Connery) said, “Once the world trembled at the sound of our rockets … now they will tremble again—at the sound of our silence.

Brazil’s Nuclear Submarine: A Broader Approach to the Safeguards Issue

Abstract The article discusses the issue of nuclear-propelled submarines as a nuclear non-proliferation question, addresses the issue of safeguards procedures and arrangements, and suggests a broader, political approach to allay international concerns. Such safeguards arrangement would set the precedent for future arrangements, and particularly if integrated into a more comprehensive approach, might strengthen Brazil’s hand in nuclear negotiations, including on disarmament.

Optimal Allocation of Students to Naval Nuclear-Power Training Units

The U.S. Navy operates an impressive fleet of nuclear-powered submarines and aircraft carriers and has safely operated its nuclear fleet for more than 60 years, while steaming over 154 million miles. Rigorous training has been key to maintaining such an impressive record. The U.S. Naval Nuclear Propulsion Training Program develops, certifies, and delivers the nuclear-operator qualification training for enlisted and officer personnel operating its nuclear fleet. This training finishes at one of four nuclear-power training units (NPTUs), operates under a complex set of hard and soft constraints, varies depending on the type of student, and requires significant personnel and equipment resources. We developed and implemented a mixed-integer linear program (MILP) that prescribes how many students of each type to allocate to each NPTU at the start of each class (a group of students who train together) and how allocated students complete NPTU training. The use of MILP has improved student allocation by an estimated eight percent and led to significantly improved use of both NPTU personnel and equipment resources. In this paper, we describe this unique optimization application, the MILP formulation, its path to adoption, its user interface, and impacts from its development and use over the past three years.

Разработка и перспективы внедрения позиционно-сборочной технологии строительства атомных подводных лодок

Разработка и перспективы внедрения позиционно-сборочной технологии строительства атомных подводных лодок

ATOMIC GUILDSWOMEN

Atomic Guildswomen is a hybrid poem-essay that combines art writing and critical reflection on the contexts and sources initially suggested by “A Provisional Memorial to Nuclear Disarmament” (2016) by the artist David Mabb. The ironies implicit in the choice of a William Morris fabric design to decorate the interiors of Vanguard Class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines by the Ministry of Defence are explored alongside the history and writings of the women's peace movement in the United Kingdom – especially those of the women of Greenham Common.

China’s Naval Leadership Reshuffle, Evolving Maritime Strategy and Professionalisation

Appointing a naval officer to command the Southern Theatre indicates the relative importance of the South China Sea to the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), mainly in terms of its strategic location and its deep depth, immense space and unfettered transit to the Western Pacific for operating PLA Navy’s strategic nuclear submarines and major surface ships. For the reshuffling of naval leadership, functional and technical expertise-based, or professional criteria may play a primary role.

Turn the Ship Around!: A True Story of Turning Followers into Leaders

“Leadership should mean giving control rather than taking control and creating leaders rather than forging followers.” David Marquet, an experienced Navy officer, was used to giving orders. As newly appointed captain of the USS Santa Fe, a nuclear-powered submarine, he was responsible for more than a hundred sailors, deep in the sea. In this high-stress environment, where there is no margin for error, it was crucial his men did their job and did it well. But the ship was dogged by poor morale, poor performance, and the worst retention in the fleet. Marquet acted like any other captain until, one day, he unknowingly gave an impossible order, and his crew tried to follow it anyway. When he asked why the order wasn’t challenged, the answer was “Because you told me to.” Marquet realized he was leading in a culture of followers, and they were all in danger unless they fundamentally changed the way they did things. That’s when Marquet took matters into his own hands and pushed for leadership at every level. Turn the Ship Around! is the true story of how the Santa Fe skyrocketed from worst to first in the fleet by challenging the U.S. Navy’s traditional leader-follower approach. Struggling against his own instincts to take control, he instead achieved the vastly more powerful model of giving control. Before long, each member of Marquet’s crew became a leader and assumed responsibility for everything he did, from clerical tasks to crucial combat decisions. The crew became fully engaged, contributing their full intellectual capacity every day, and the Santa Fe started winning awards and promoting a highly disproportionate number of officers to submarine command. No matter your business or position, you can apply Marquet’s radical guidelines to turn your own ship around. The payoff: a workplace where everyone around you is taking responsibility for their actions, where people are healthier and happier, where everyone is a leader.