Publications

This report identifies current best understanding of federal agencies that are responsible for the safe transportation and handling of nuclear materials during various phases of space launch activities and how they interact. It explores the following questions: (1) Which federal agencies have roles, responsibilities, and statutory authorities related to the launch, orbit, and reentry of nuclear materials and components? (2) What relevant current/recent activities are those federal agencies involved in?

CTH is a Eulerian code developed at Sandia National Laboratories capable of modeling the hydrodynamic response of explosives, liquids, gases, and solids. The code solves complex multi-dimensional problems characterized by large deformations and strong shocks that are composed of various material configurations. CTH includes models for material strength, fracture, porosity, and high explosive detonation and initiation. The code is an acronym for a complex series of names relating to its origin. A full explanation can be seen in Appendix A. The software breaks penetration simulations into millions of grid-like “cells”. As a modeled projectile impacts and penetrates a target, progressively smaller blocks of cells are placed around the projectile, which show in detail deformations and breakups. Additionally, the code is uniquely suited to modeling blunt impact and blast loading leading to human body injury.