The goal of this work is to provide a database of quality-checked seismic parameters that can be integrated with the Geologic Framework Model (GFM) for the LYNM-PE1 (Low Yield Nuclear Monitoring – Physical Experiment 1) testbed. We integrated data from geophysical borehole logs, tabletop measurements on collected core, and laboratory measurements. We reviewed for internal consistency among each measurement type, documented the caveats of measurement conditions, and integrated lithologic logs to check the validity of outlier values. The resulting consolidated parameter tables can be used as inputs for modeling and analysis codes and are designed to interface with the GFM, which is being actively developed.
This data documentation report describes geologic and hydrologic laboratory analysis and data collected in support of site characterization of the Physical Experiment 1 (PE1) testbed, Aqueduct Mesa, Nevada. The documentation includes a summary of laboratory tests performed, discussion of sample selection for assessing heterogeneity of various testbed properties, methods, and results per data type.
Underground chemical explosive experiments such as LYNM PE1 generate large multiphenomenological datasets, require complex site preparation and build out, and utilize cutting edge models and analysis techniques to analyze and simulate the explosion-induced signals. This wide range of outcomes makes it a necessity to thoroughly characterize the testbed in advance of experiments in a way that complements the wide suite of data being generated. Here, we present a broad overview of the site characterization work and data collection that was conducted before Experiment A, which is the first in a series of three PE1 experiments. This work includes, but is not limited to, geologic mapping, physical sample collection, analysis of material properties, geophysical borehole logging, and in-situ measurements. This information was collected by a large, dedicated team and was used to inform site construction, finalize instrumentation placement, generate Geologic Framework Models, feed pre-experiment predictions, and facilitate post-experiment data analysis
The Source Physics Experiment (SPE) is a long-term NNSA research and development effort designed to improve nonproliferation verification and monitoring capabilities. The overarching goals of the SPE program are to improve understanding of prompt signals and physical signatures that develop from underground chemical explosions and associated modeling capabilities. Our work focuses on a primary factor controlling chemical explosion induced signals and signatures: the material properties of the rocks in which the chemical explosion takes place. This document reports on material property determinations of legacy core USGS Test Well F and outcrop analogs for the subsurface stratigraphy for the third phase of SPE in the Rock Valley (RV) area of the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS). The objective of this work is to establish a baseline set of lithologic descriptions and material properties expected prior to observatory borehole drilling in support of the SPE-RVDC (Rock Valley Direct Comparison) experiment. We determine for each rock type the compressional failure envelope, elastic properties as a function of stress (bulk modulus versus mean stress, shear modulus versus shear stress, Young’s modulus versus axial stress and Poisson’s ratio versus axial stress), indirect tensile strength, and porosity. Geologic characterization, both at the core-scale and microscale, provides context for using the data in modeling efforts and to inform interpretations for the material properties testing.
Mechanical properties on alluvium blocks and core samples were determined to support the Source Physics Experiment Dry Alluvium Geology experimental series. Because material was not available directly from the experimental location, the alluvium blocks and core samples are intended to serve as surrogate material . P - and S - wave velocity was measured on cubes cut from the alluvium blocks and core with the intention to study variation from water content and measured direction (material anisotropy). Indirect tensile tests were conducted dry and with moisture ranging from 6 to 9.1%. For the range of water content tested, increasing moisture level resulted in slower P - and S - wave velocities. P - and S - wave variability is less influenced by material heterogeneity than moisture content. P - wave velocity ranges from 629 m/s to 2599 m/s and S - wave velocity ranges from 288 m/s to 1200 m/s. Counter to the velocity measurement findings, material variability on indirect tensile strength has a greater effect than moisture content. Compared to dry strength and at moisture levels from 6 to 9% the block's tensile strength was lowered by at least a factor of 5. Indirect tensile strength for the first block averaged 0.35 MPa and 0.25 MPa for dry and 8.9% moisture respectively. For the second block indirect tensile strength averaged 0.05 MPa for both dry and 6.4% moisture.
A critical component of the Underground Nuclear Explosion Signatures Experiment (UNESE) program is a realistic understanding of the post-detonation processes and changes in the environment that produce observable physical and radio-chemical signatures. Rock and fracture properties are essential parameters for modeling underground nuclear explosions. In response to the need for accurate simulations of physical and radio-chemical signatures, an experimental program to determine porosity, hydrostatic and triaxial compression, and Brazilian disc tension properties of P-Tunnel core was developed and executed. This report presents the results from the experimental program. Dry porosity for P-Tunnel core ranged from 8.7%-55%. Based on hydrostatic testing, bulk modulus was shown to increase with increasing confining pressure and ranged from 1.3GPa-42.3GPa. Compressional failure envelopes, derived from wet samples, are presented for P-Tunnel lithologies. Brazilian disc tension tests were conducted on wet samples and, along with triaxial tests, are compared with dry tests from the first UNESE test bed, Barnwell. P-Tunnel core disc tension test strength varied nearly two orders of magnitude between lithologies (0.03MPa-2.77MPa). Material tested in both tension and compression is weaker wet than dry with the exception of Strongly Welded Tuff in compression which is nearly identical in compressive strength for confining pressures of OMPa and 1 OOMPa. In addition to the inherent material properties of the rocks, fractures within the samples were quantified and characterized, in order to identify differences that might be caused by the explosion-induced damage. Finally, material property determinations are linked to optical microscopy observations. The work presented here is part of a broader material characterization effort; reports are referenced within.
Two blocks of alluvium were extensively tested at the Sandia National Laboratories Geomechanics laboratory. The alluvium blocks are intended to serve as surrogate material for mechanical property determinations to support the SPE DAG experimental series. From constant mean stress triaxial testing, strength failure envelopes were parameterized and are presented for each block. Modulus and stress relationships are given including bulk modulus versus mean stress, shear modulus versus shear stress, Young's modulus versus axial stress and Poisson's ratio versus axial stress. In addition, P-&S-wave velocities, and porosity, determined using helium porosimetry, were obtained on each block. Generally, both Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio increase with increasing axial stress, bulk modulus increases with increasing pressure, and increases more dramatically upon pore crush, shear modulus decreases with increasing shear stress and then appears to plateau. The Unconfined Compressive Strength for the BM is in the range of 0.5-0.6, and for SM in the range of 2.0-2.6 MPa. The confined compressive strength increases with increasing confining pressure, and the BM alluvium is significantly weaker compared to SM alluvium for mean stress levels above 8 MPa.
