Shield Optimization Program: Part 3. Effects of X-ray Radiation from Nuclear Weapons on SBI (Space Based Interceptor) Weapon Platforms

摘要

Initial studies have been completed to estimate the radiation induced damage to the silicon electronic components and other sensitive areas (fuel tanks) carried on a representative Space Based Interceptor (SBI) weapon platform. The SBI weapon platform model used in the studies represents the author's concept of such a system. The analysis was completed for the blackbody x-ray radiation environment emanating from a nuclear weapon detonation in space and considered blackbody temperatures in the range of 1 to 25 keV and exterior wall loadings in the range of 1 to 10 cal/sq cm. The results indicate the dose to the sensitive components within the exterior hull of the platform was insufficient to cause any damage at a 1 to 3 cal/sq cm exterior wall loading. At higher (5 to 10 cal/sq cm) exterior wall loadings, some of the Kinetic Kill Vehicle (KKV) computers and sensors begin to receive doses sufficient enough to cause damage. The effects of shielding from within the platform architecture is seen by the different dose levels received in the KKVs and fuel tanks. Because of the low dose levels to the components within the exterior hull of the platform, no additional shielding is required for these components and for low exterior wall loadings. However, sensors and electronic components on the surface or outside of the exterior hull will require some form of x-ray shielding to survive the effects of a nuclear weapon detonation yielding a wall loading of 1 cal/sq cm or greater. All of the calculations were carried out for an unshielded SBI weapon platform to determine the radiation levels for which shielding must be designed to insure survivability of the electronic systems. 6 refs., 11 figs., 22 tabs. (ERA citation 14:020449)