The role of pulsed power accelerator technology in Science-Based Stockpile Stewardship

The end of the cold war with the Soviet Union, the rise of nationalism, regionalism, and terrorism, the spread of weapons of mass destruction, and the globalization of national economies represent historical changes that have led to a major restructuring of the nation's nuclear weapon program. Nuclear weapons remain a key element of the nation's strategic deterrent policy although their number in the stockpile is being reduced dramatically. On August 11, 1995 the US President announced his decision to seek a zero-yield comprehensive test ban treaty. Prior to his announcement, the President was assured by the Department of Energy Secretary and the directors of the three nuclear weapons laboratories that a robust Science-Based Stockpile Stewardship program could be established to maintain a sufficiently high level of confidence in the safety and reliability of the nation's nuclear stockpile. This paper describes the major pulsed power accelerator initiatives and capabilities within the national Science-Based Stockpile Stewardship program. This paper discusses the Dual-Axis Hydrodynamics Radiographic Test (DARHT) facility, the Advanced Radiographic Hydrotest (AHF) facility, the ATLAS facility, and the X-1 concept.