Traceability of the Nondestructive Assay of Plutonium Using Calorimetry for Measurement Control

摘要

Calorimetry provides a method to establish the traceability of the nondestructive assay (NDA) of plutonium utilizing the traceability of calorimetric assay and its relative insensitivity to sample matrix. Efforts at Mound Laboratory to establish the traceability of the calorimetric assay of plutonium are described. Results from the Plutonium Metal Exchange Program and a calibration alternatives experiment are the basis for determining the bias between calorimetric assay and chemical assay. The probable cause of the bias is identified. Current uses of calorimetric assay for NDA measurement control and extension of calorimetry to dynamic calibration of NDA are discussed. (ERA citation 03:048425)