Nuclear Weapons Research Articles

Calculation of the energy dependence of fission fragments yields and kinetic energies distributions for neutron-induced 235U fission

Abstract Fission fragments yields and average total kinetic energy are the fundamental nuclear data essential for applications in nuclear energy and the study of nuclear devices. Certain fission products, such as 95Zr, 99Mo, 140Ba, 144Ce and 147Nd, serve as burnup monitors, assessing the number of fissions induced by neutrons on 235U. However, current experimental data for these fission products worldwide are inconsistent, introducing significant uncertainty into related scientific research. This study employs the Potential-driving Model to calculate the independent yields of 235U and evaluates its advantages in such calculations. Additionally, we investigate the energy dependence of independent yields for select important products. Furthermore, we calculate the cumulative yields of 95Zr, 99Mo, 140Ba, 144Ce, and 147Nd, and compare them with existing literature data to explore the energy dependence of fission products for 235U. Given the lack of fission product yield data above 14.8 MeV, we extend our calculated incident neutron energy to 20 MeV, aiming to support future scientific research. The Geant4 physical model does not consider the influence of incident neutron energy on the average total kinetic energy of fission fragments; thus, we introduce the excitation function of the total kinetic energy of fission fragments recommended by Madland et al., which effectively describes the experimental data of the average total kinetic energy of fragments formed in 235U fission. This study offers a detailed discussion on the energy dependence of fission product yield and average total kinetic energy.

REVIEW OF PHYTO-MEDICAL EXTRACTS’ AND COMPOUNDS’ ANTI-RADIATION PROPERTIES

Humans are routinely exposed to radiation when receiving cancer treatment, fighting nuclear weapons, exploring space, and flying. Radiation exposure damages biological components such as protein, lipids, and cell membranes because it causes oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators, which can lead to DNA destruction even at low concentrations. Protecting people from the harmful effects of radiation is a challenging task due to the plethora of side effects of the chemical compounds used to mitigate DNA damage in normal cells. Hospitals continue to utilize radiotherapy for cancer treatment; yet, the adverse effects of the radiation they emit have outweighed the benefits. Plant phytochemicals and their derivatives exhibit diverse biological functions, often perceived as innocuous due to their non-toxic nature within subcellular and cellular environments. Moreover, they possess the capability to mitigate radiation-induced damage. This review aims to delineate the radioprotective attributes of plant polyphenols and extracts, elucidating their mechanisms of action across various models.

Russia’s Declining Satellite Reconnaissance Capabilities and Its Implications for Security and International Stability

Satellite-based intelligence has played a crucial role in national security and international stability. This article explores the persistent decline in Russia’s satellite reconnaissance capabilities since the Cold War’s end, challenging hopes for recovery and highlighting systemic issues. It delves into the impact on Russia’s military actions in Ukraine, where the absence of satellites contributes to indiscriminate shelling and higher military casualties. Furthermore, it examines the repercussions on nuclear arms control and the peaceful use of space, critical for global stability. As Russia struggles with reconnaissance gaps, its pursuit of antisatellite weapons poses a threat to the principle of space for peace. This analysis aims to deepen insights into the intelligence decline during the Russia–Ukraine conflict and its potential ramifications for international stability.

Oxidative Stress: An Intersection Between Radiation and Sulfur Mustard Lung Injury.

Nuclear and chemical weapons of mass destruction share both a tragic and beneficial legacy in mankind's history and health. The horrific health effects of ionizing radiation and mustard gas exposures unleashed during disasters, wars, and conflicts have been harnessed to treat human health maladies. Both agents of destruction have been transformed into therapies to treat a wide range of cancers. The discovery of therapeutic uses of radiation and sulfur mustard was largely due to observations by clinicians treating victims of radiation and sulfur mustard gas exposures. Clinicians identified vulnerability of leukocytes to these agents and repurposed their use in the treatment of leukemias and lymphomas. Given the overlap in therapeutic modalities, it goes to reason that there may be common mechanisms to target as protective strategies against their damaging effects. This commentary will highlight oxidative stress as a common mechanism shared by both radiation and sulfur mustard gas exposures and discuss potential therapies targeting oxidative stress as medical countermeasures against the devastating lung diseases wrought by these agents.

United States nuclear weapons, 2024

ABSTRACT The United States has embarked on a wide-ranging nuclear modernization program that will ultimately see every nuclear delivery system replaced with newer versions over the coming decades. In this issue of the Nuclear Notebook, we estimate that the United States maintains a stockpile of approximately 3,708 warheads—an unchanged estimate from the previous year. Of these, only about 1,770 warheads are deployed, while approximately 1,938 are held in reserve. Additionally, approximately 1,336 retired warheads are awaiting dismantlement, giving a total inventory of approximately 5,044 nuclear warheads. Of the approximately 1,770 warheads that are deployed, 400 are on land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles, roughly 970 are on submarine-launched ballistic missiles, 300 are at bomber bases in the United States, and approximately 100 tactical bombs are at European bases. The Nuclear Notebook is researched and written by the staff of the Federation of American Scientists’ Nuclear Information Project: director Hans M. Kristensen, senior research fellow Matt Korda, research associate Eliana Johns, and program associate Mackenzie Knight. To see all previous Nuclear Notebook columns in the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists dating back to 1987, go to https://thebulletin.org/nuclear-notebook/.

Radionuclides in marine sediment

Abstract Most contaminants in the sea originate from land sources. Radionuclides in sea water are transported by sea currents. Marine sediment is a physical trap for pollutants that are introduced to the environment and play an important role in radiological studies. Radionuclides from seawater bound to particulates sink to the seabed. Their resuspension causes the reintroduction of pollutants to the water column. Remobilization and horizontal/vertical transport by various processes may occur. Long-lived radionuclides become buried in sub-surface sediment. Grain size sediment classification and sediment geochemical composition all play a significant role in the development of the radionuclide content of marine sediment. Atmospheric fallout from the Chernobyl and the Fukushima accidents, atmospheric nuclear weapon testing, releases from nuclear industry plants, river runoff, and to a lesser extent directed and submarine groundwater discharges are the major sources of radionuclides in the marine environment.

북핵 위협에 따른 한반도 비핵화에서 북한 비핵화로 정책 변화 분석

The Joint Declaration on the Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula came into effect on February 19, 1992, after South Korea and North Korea agreed on December 31, 1991. North Korea unilaterally broke and did not keep the joint declaration on the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. The Yoon Seok-yeol government emphasized that it would push for North Korea's denuclearization and bring about practical changes based on principles. North Korea's denuclearization can be said to be a clear expression of the fact that North Korea is the one who caused the nuclear problem and that North Korea must get rid of its nuclear weapons. North Korea's denuclearization is a concept that clearly indicates that North Korea is the entity that must fundamentally change its position in order to uphold Article 1 of the Joint Declaration on the Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. By using the somewhat ambiguous expression 'denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula', concerns about South Korea's response ability that could lead to a security vacuum have been dispelled and it has been made clear that North Korea must give up its nuclear weapons. The more North Korea pours money into nuclear weapons, the more dangerous it is for the human rights of the North Korean people. The cost of North Korea making nuclear weapons and testing missiles should be spent on improving food and human rights for North Korean people. South Korea must denuclearize North Korea so that its people can escape from hunger and lead North Korea down the path of reform and openness.

The Israeli Way of War:

The study demonstrates the difference between contemporary Israeli military and national security operations under the ‘Campaign between Wars’ framework and the way Israel would wage a ‘war for existence’. The paper first outlines Israeli military strategy and theory regarding an existential war, while aiming to show how Israel would use its military capabilities. The paper explains the most plausible scenario of a war between Israel and a peer competitor, namely Iran and its proxy network, and the question of using nuclear weapons. Finally, the study presents the potential effects of such war on Israel, its enemies and the region. The paper argues that the most important aspect of Israeli conventional and nuclear warfighting capabilities is that they provide such a robust deterrent that they make war extremely unlikely. However, Israeli deterrence is based on the firm belief that the preparation for the war for existence is the most significant national goal, thereby establishing Israel as a linchpin to the regional balance of power, as a regional great military power itself is incapable of becoming a regional hegemon while assertively balancing against any such contender.

Overview of in-bore pipe cutting and welding tools for the maintenance of CFETR and EU-DEMO

In the remote maintenance of fusion nuclear devices, one of the most challenging tasks is the cutting and the re-welding of large pipes that feed the breeding blanket. The narrow space around some of the pipes hinders the suitability of conventional orbital processes. For such pipes, both the cutting system and the welding one have to be compact enough to move along their interior, lock against the pipe inner wall and keep the position during the operation. The inner diameter and thickness of the pipes together with the other severe requirements related to the remote maintenance drive the choice of the processing technologies and the design of the tooling configuration. In this work, activities carried out by a joint team from EU-DEMO and CFETR on the in-bore cutting and welding operations are presented and discussed. For the in-bore cutting system a solution for the simultaneous parting and bevelling has been developed opting for a mechanical cutting with a pair of symmetrically distributed knives. A preliminary dimensioning of the motors has been made assuming the radial feed and the cutting speed of the knives. For the in-bore welding system, the TIG welding with filler wire has been considered as the most reliable and suitable technology within prescribed requirements and constraints. A multi-pass welding operation has been assumed. A conceptual design of both tools has been developed. The space constraint remains the most critical issue. Further verification and validation work is planned in close collaboration between European laboratories and the Comprehensive Research fAcility for Fusion Technology (CRAFT) at ASIPP in Hefei.

Passive high explosive neutron inspection (PHENIX): a new method to confirm the presence or absence of high explosives for nuclear treaty verification

Advanced instruments and methods need to be developed now to create a technical basis to support the negotiation of future nuclear arms control treaties. One new capability that is anticipated is the ability to confirm either the declared presence or declared absence of high explosive (HE) material in the presence of special nuclear material (SNM). Towards this goal, Passive HE Neutron Inspection (PHENIX) has been developed and demonstrated as a method for confirming the presence or absence of HE in the presence of plutonium. The method exploits the inherent presence of neutrons associated with the decay of plutonium as an internal probe source for performing prompt gamma-ray neutron activation analysis (PGNAA), searching for the presence of HE as revealed by the emission of characteristic gamma rays following neutron absorption in hydrogen and nitrogen which are building blocks of present-day, military-grade HE. Tests using stoichiometrically-correct hemishells of mock HE with plutonium show that a system can be expected to positively confirm the presence or absence of these signatures, supporting determination of HE presence or absence with Pu, in a few hours. To protect other potentially sensitive gamma-ray signatures from a treaty accountable item, an analog information barrier has been conceptualized and tested which physically prevents the collection of gamma-ray spectral data outside of user selected energy windows strategically chosen to view only narrow spectral regions corresponding to the hydrogen (2223.2 keV) and nitrogen (9807.2 keV, 10,318.2 keV, and 10,829.2 keV) PGNAA signatures.

Moving Forward to a World Free of Nuclear Weapons (?): How Regional Issues Shape Global Non-proliferation and Disarmament Politics

This special issue contributes to the global dialogue on a nuclear weapons ban by evaluating how regional politics enable or hinder a global ban on nuclear weapons. The insights of 17 contributions offer a nuanced and diverse account of the landscape of nuclear disarmament, arguing that understanding the diversity of regional perspectives, lenses, and approaches is crucial for advancing toward a global nuclear weapons ban. This introduction sets the stage for a detailed exploration of common themes, aiming to shed light on the structural elements that characterize regional and global nuclear politics. For that, we employ a Comparative Area Studies Approach to explore venues and patterns across different regions, offering a comprehensive analysis that underscores the importance of considering local, regional, and global dimensions in tandem. We delineate three key elements that either facilitate or impede the implementation of a nuclear weapons ban: (1) Inclusivity: How key actors participate and are included in the policy-making process at the global, regional, and local levels; (2) Inequalities: how power inequalities shape social processes that enable or hinder the continuity of nuclear weapons; (3) Institutions: how networks and institutions are organized and structured between each other.

U.S. strategy of damage limitation vis-à-vis China: long-term programs and effects

AbstractA number of U.S. military programs, if successfully developed and deployed, could undermine China's nuclear retaliatory capabilities, thereby enhancing U.S. damage limitation capabilities vis-à-vis China. Meanwhile, China seeks to maintain the credibility of its nuclear retaliatory capabilities and increase the survivability and penetration of its nuclear weapons. These interactions are part of the nuclear competition between the United States and China. This article discusses three cases: the U.S. homeland missile defense system, anti-submarine warfare (ASW) preparations, and the space-based Ground Moving Target Indicator. These programs may serve declaratory purposes in one way or another, but their development has had a negative impact on China’s strategic nuclear retaliatory capabilities. Using non-nuclear means that differ technologically from the measures taken by China, these programs have created an asymmetric competition between the two sides. These U.S. programs have endured for several decades, and have continued to introduce new technologies despite occasional interruptions. The main element of development in these programs has been qualitative improvement, while quantitative increases have not always been evident. The development of these U.S. damage limitation capabilities put pressure on China’s nuclear retaliatory capabilities. The arms race theories developed during the Cold War are inadequate for fully understanding nuclear competition between the United States and China. We need new theories and wisdom to explore cooperative solutions.

A new method for quantifying 64Cu in nuclear debris samples

Quantifying 64Cu in post-detonation nuclear debris samples can provide important diagnostic information regarding the structural materials used within a nuclear device. However, this task is challenging due to the weak gamma emissions associated with the decay of 64Cu, its short half-life (12.701 h), and the presence of interfering fission product radioisotopes. Large quantities of debris sample are generally needed to accurately quantify 64Cu, which can be problematic in sample-limited scenarios where other radiometric analyses are required. Herein, we present a new method for the separation of 64Cu from solutions of mixed fission products and demonstrate the quantification of its activity through use of gas-flow proportional beta counting. The new method was validated through a series of rigorous tests and was shown to improve the detection limit of 64Cu by over two orders of magnitude, from 2.5 × 106 to 1.3 × 104 atoms/sample for 100 min measurements.

Cooling the atmosphere

AbstractThis is a paper on experimental studies performed in the 1940s at the University of Notre Dame accelerator laboratory to investigate radiation effects on materials and also to probe the efficiency of atmospheric cooling of the fireball created by a nuclear fission device. This was a critical question to be addressed during the early phases in the development of the Manhattan project, which was again raised in the film Oppenheimer, posing the question whether “a bomb can set the atmosphere on fire.” This paper brings forth the formerly classified reaction studies performed at Notre Dame's Nuclear Science Laboratory to answer this question.

Assessing the Compatibility of Conventional Military Doctrines With the Changing Character of War: A Case of Indo-Pak Rivalry

Military doctrines integrate and encourage armed forces to pursue their strategic objectives while acting as an instrument to forestall conflicts by retaining credible deterrence. However, the acquisition of nuclear weapons and access to sophisticated technologies have significantly changed the character of warfare, adding layers to the complexity. This strategic shift has resulted in the diversification of sub-conventional warfare in the subcontinent, blurring the line between war and peace. In the case of Indo-Pak rivalry, non-contact warfare has gained currency, yet both states continue to prioritize conventional military doctrines when engaging each other in sub-conventional domain. Furthermore, this article argues that the compatibility of conventional military doctrines with the changing character of warfare is uncertain, and this is a topic of debate that merits through investigation and analysis.

The Budapest memorandum: lessons and unfulfilled expectations on Ukraine’s path to joining NATO

The Budapest Memorandum for Ukraine (the official name is the Memorandum on Security Guarantees in Connection with Ukraine’s Accession to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons) was the result of negotiations on the disposal of the Soviet Union’s nuclear weapons. When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, its nuclear weapons were deployed or stored in four of the fifteen successor states: Belarus, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Ukraine. This raised important questions of security and protection, as well as command and control; and Moscow and Washington agreed that Russia should be the sole nuclear successor to the Soviet Union. The United States recognized that it would have to offer security guarantees to Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Ukraine to persuade them to hand over their Soviet-made nuclear weapons to Russia and join the NPT as non-nuclear-weapon states. In coordination with London and Moscow, Washington drew up a package of security guarantees. These assurances were set out in the Budapest memorandums regarding Belarus, Kazakhstan and Ukraine. France and China – the other nuclear-weapon states recognized by the NPT—have offered their own guarantees unilaterally.
 The Budapest Memorandum on Ukraine confirmed the obligation to respect the independence, sovereignty and existing borders of Ukraine (according to the Helsinki Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) of 1975); to refrain from the threat of force or its use against the territorial integrity or political independence of Ukraine, as well as from any use of weapons against Ukraine, except in cases of self-defense or otherwise in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations; and refrain from economic coercion against Ukraine in accordance with the Final Act of the CSCE. The memorandum also reiterated the positive and negative security guarantees provided to all non-nuclear-weapon state parties to the NPT.
 This scientific article is devoted to the study of the significance of the Budapest Memorandum for Ukraine and its influence on the possibility of the country joining NATO. The historical context of the conclusion of the memorandum is studied, the key obligations are determined and the consequences of their violation are analyzed. Special attention is paid to the analysis of the current security situation in Ukraine, in particular due to the annexation of Crimea and the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation on the territory of Ukraine. The article examines the prospects of Ukraine’s membership in NATO and suggests ways to resolve unfulfilled expectations and restore the international community’s trust in the commitments made within the framework of the memorandum.

The role of the NPT in preventing further proliferation of nuclear weapons

The entire atmosphere created by the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and its presence in the world played one of the responsible roles, since after the US bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, nuclear weapons were never used in a military situation (unless, of course, you take into account that the nuclear powers conducted more than 2,000 nuclear explosions at their test sites).
 It can be said that this is the result of a broad consensus reached by the international community on the prevention of the proliferation of nuclear weapons and other types of weapons of mass destruction, as well as the result of the actual operation of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons during its more than 50 years of existence. Currently, no bilateral or multilateral meeting on international security issues, including at the highest level, is held without a mention of nuclear non-proliferation, and it is often at the top of the agenda.
 The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons is an international legal and ethical norm that has entered the minds of millions of people. Many countries have developed and adopted national legislation establishing export control rules for materials used in the production of weapons of mass destruction, as well as other laws (customs, etc.) to help ensure the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Extensive training of young experts in basic knowledge to support the international non-proliferation regime of nuclear weapons is ongoing.
 In the field of technology, scientists and experts in reactor engineering are working in many countries to build nuclear power plants that will not produce materials used to create weapons of mass destruction. Many scientists are working to prevent the construction of reactors that threaten the proliferation of technologies and nuclear materials capable of producing nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction.
 The conclusion of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and the establishment of an international non-proliferation regime contributed to a fundamental change in the world’s attitude to nuclear weapons. From the first impression in the eyes of the world public that nuclear weapons are a «genius» discovery, the latter is increasingly perceived as a mortal danger that threatens human existence, and this idea penetrates deeper and deeper into the consciousness of millions of people.

Permacrisis: a psycho-socio-linguistic analysis

This research analyses the “word of the year 2022”: Permacrisis. Through the Semantic Differential tool (Osgood in Am Anthropol 66: 171-200, 1964), 16 words were investigated among those most searched for in Google Search in the second half of 2022. Central questions are: What are the cultural differences in permacrisis connotation among five countries (Italy, France, United Kingdom, Germany and Poland)? What are the cultural differences in how permacrisis is connotated? How do different political orientations relate to the concepts of Politics and Democracy regarding permacrisis? The research showed how the Permacrisis is strongly linked to concepts such as Nuclear weapons, World War III and the COVID-19 virus. On a sample of 1273, the study showed evident cultural differences in permacrisis connotation, such as the emphasis on Weapons by the Italians or the Economic Crisis by the Germans. Statistical analysis reveals different anxieties: i.e. Italians fear losing their strength, the French anger about not being heard, while the British are anxious to remain socially isolated. A contrast between the concepts of Politics and Democracy was analysed on the sample's declarations of belonging to political orientations such as Conservatives, Christian democrats, Social democrats, Greens and the Left. Finally, the concept of Climate Crisis has been analysed, which results in the Semantic Differential, against any prevision, placed in a more peripheral orbit than the concepts associated with Permacrisis. Complete Tables and Figures can be consulted at the Open Science Framework URL https://osf.io/bwcp3/?view_only=be46b29bbf4d47ceba50138f82f2cd1d.

Eastern Bloc Agents in West Germany

This paper highlights how contemporary archaeology can contribute to our knowledge of contemporary history, in a case where written sources no longer exist and any surviving protagonists either will not or cannot divulge what they know. Its focus is on a Soviet spy radio from the last years of the Cold War which was discovered during a recent archaeological excavation in Germany’s Rhineland. The radio was probably produced in 1987 and was soon afterwards concealed in woodland, most likely by someone working for Soviet military intelligence, the GRU. The findspot is close to various Cold War military installations involving nuclear weapons, and the radio would have enabled the swift transmission of military information into the Eastern Bloc that would have been useful in the event of war. As rare archaeological evidence of espionage, the radio can also help us to understand continuities between the Cold War and the present time.

AN ANALYSIS OF CROSS-BORDER TERRORISM BETWEEN INDIA AND PAKISTAN: STRATEGIES AND CHALLENGES

The history of conflict between India and Pakistan indeed stems from the partition in 1947, which led to the creation of two separate nations based on religious lines. The region of Jammu and Kashmir has been a focal point of contention between the two countries, leading to several conflicts, including three major wars. The Kashmir issue has not only fueled tensions between India and Pakistan but has also had broader implications, including the proliferation of terrorism. Various militant groups have operated in the region, with some receiving support or sanctuary from elements within Pakistan. This has led to cross-border terrorism, with attacks in India being orchestrated or supported from across the border. The escalation of conflicts between India and Pakistan has contributed to a nuclear arms race in the region, raising concerns about nuclear proliferation and the potential for a catastrophic conflict with global ramifications. Efforts to address the root causes of the conflict and promote peace between India and Pakistan are crucial for regional stability and global security. Policy alternatives could include diplomatic dialogue, confidence-building measures, and efforts to address the underlying grievances of both sides. Confidence-building measures could include measures to reduce military tensions, such as agreements on border security and communication channels to prevent misunderstandings or miscalculations. Furthermore, addressing the Kashmir issue in a manner that respects the aspirations of the Kashmiri people while addressing the concerns of both India and Pakistan is essential. This could involve dialogue between the stakeholders, including India, Pakistan, and representatives of the Kashmiri people, to find a mutually acceptable solution. Ultimately, sustained efforts from both India and Pakistan, supported by the international community, will be necessary to achieve lasting peace and security in the region. KEYWORDS: Conflict, Government Policies and strategies, International Peace, Kashmir Issues.