Minimum cost design concepts of the primary shield for the National Ignition laser fusion experimental Facility (NIF) are searched with the help of the optimization code SWAN. The computational method developed for this search involves incorporating the time dependence of the delayed photon field within effective delayed photon production cross sections. This method enables one to address the time-dependent problem using relatively simple, time-independent transport calculations, thus significantly simplifying the design process. A novel approach was used for the identification of the optimal combination of constituents that will minimize the shield cost; it involves the generation, with SWAN, of effectiveness functions for replacing materials on an equal cost basis. The minimum cost shield design concept was found to consist of a mixture of polyethylene and low cost, low activation materials such as SiC, with boron added near the shield boundaries.

For experimental campaigns on the National Ignition Facility (NIF) to be successful, they must obtain useful data without causing unacceptable impact on the facility. Of particular concern is excessive damage to optics and diagnostic components. There are 192 fused silica main debris shields (MDS) exposed to the potentially hostile target chamber environment on each shot. Damage in these optics results either from the interaction of laser light with contamination and pre-existing imperfections on the optic surface or from the impact of shrapnel fragments. Mitigation of this second damage source is possible by identifying shrapnel sources and shielding optics from them. It was recently demonstrated that the addition of 1.1-mm thick borosilicate disposable debris shields (DDS) block the majority of debris and shrapnel fragments from reaching the relatively expensive MDS's. However, DDS's cannot stop large, faster moving fragments. We have experimentally demonstrated one shrapnel mitigation technique showing that it is possible to direct fast moving fragments by changing the source orientation, in this case a Ta pinhole array. Another mitigation method is to change the source material to one that produces smaller fragments. Simulations and validating experiments are necessary to determine which fragments can penetrate or break 1-3 mm thick DDS's. Three-dimensional modeling of complex target-diagnostic configurations is necessary to predict the size, velocity, and spatial distribution of shrapnel fragments. The tools we are developing will be used to set the allowed level of debris and shrapnel generation for all NIF experimental campaigns.

Scoping studies have been completed to estimate radiation-induced damage in silicon-based electronic components carried on a satellite. The analyses were completed for natural (Van Allen belt protons and electrons, solar flares, and galactic cosmic rays) and man-made (nuclear and directed neutral particle beam weapons) radiation expected to be encountered by an SD! satellite or weapon platform. The Van Allen belt protons, depending on altitude and orbital inclination, were found to be the most stressing natural radiation threat. Nuclear weapon radiation, depending upon the weapon yield and distance of the detonation from the satellite, and neutral particle beam radiation were found to terminally destroy electronic components. Calculations were also made to estimate the amount of local shielding required to extend mission performance. These shields were optimized for minimum weight for specified damage thresholds. All of the calculations were carried out assuming the presence of a thin primary shield tailored specifically for survivability against an incident low mass kinetic energy weapon projectile and which affords minimal protection against energetic radiation.