Year
2006
Abstract
Nucsafe is conducting tests to ascertain the survivability of its lithium silicate fiber-based radiation detectors in combat conditions. A total of six operational detectors, three units each of two models of glass fiber neutron detectors, have been tested by shooting the detectors with rifles using high velocity ammunition. All three of the larger, ~91 cm long glass fiber detectors and two of the three smaller, portable detectors continue to operate and collect data after being shot in January 2006 with 7.62 mm long range, very high velocity ammunition. Detector performance data were collected prior to and after these initial live fire experiments. These data are presented as is a short discussion of the mode and extent of in-field repair that is required to restore detector operations. These fiber-based detectors appear to present no operator hazards during bullet impacts nor subsequently, during field repair and continued operations. In fact, the detectors appear to provide additional protection from small arms fire. Five of the six veteran detectors remain operational and follow-up performance measurements are continuing. More extensive live fire tests of glass fiber-based radiation detectors are forthcoming.