The particles that fly off from the metals contained in test device - their size, shape and speed - have a direct relationship to the type of shock wave that is produced during detonation of high explosives. Laboratory physicist Danny Sorenson of Neutron Science and Technology (P-23), who has led the effort to develop diagnostics to measure ejecta data from subcritical experiments at the Nevada Test Site, will talk about the results from these experiments in a classified colloquium on Wednesday at the Laboratory.
The talk begins at 1:10 p.m., in the Administration Building Auditorium at Technical Area 3. The talk is open to Q cleared badge holders only, sigmas 1-10. No foreign nationals may attend.
Sorenson joined the Laboratory in 1988 as a graduate research assistant. He holds a doctoral degree in experimental nuclear physics from the University of California, Davis. When underground nuclear testing ended in 1993, Sorenson became a project leader in ejecta physics in support of the High Energy Density Physics program. At the time the program emphasized experiments at the Pegasus Pulsed Power Facility. Sorenson led the effort in developing various diagnostics for measuring ejecta particle size, mass, and velocity distributions. Many of these diagnostics were then implemented on subcritical experiments at the U1A facility at the test site.
Over the years, Sorenson has been involved in a variety of experimental projects in support of the weapon physics programs. More recently, he has supported two projects under the Enhanced Test Readiness program serving as a diagnostic coordinator. In addition, Sorenson has supported a variety of experiments in support of the boost physics and hydrodynamic programs.
