Date of Award

9-2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Department of Engineering Physics

First Advisor

Darren E. Holland, PhD

Abstract

This work seeks to answer the unstudied questions “Does a layer of vegetation impact the prompt radiation energy deposition in the soil from an atmospheric nuclear detonation?” and “If yes, by how much?” A new methodology was developed to repeatably automate and streamline a process of generating a three-dimensional geometry for subsequent radiation transport simulations and statistical analysis. The methodology streamlined three diverse applications: a three-dimensional mesh generator, a radiation transport simulation code, and a sensitivity analysis & uncertainty quantification software. The methodology was tested by simulating the quantitative influence that vegetation has on changing the energy deposition into the soil from prompt gamma and neutron sources, specifically the Fat Man nuclear weapon output spectra. Statistical analyses quantify the impact and reveal the most significant forest parameters. A proof-of-concept methodology was successfully developed, capable of automating and analyzing a seamless 3D mesh, prompt radiation transport problem; yielding a method which can be adapted to the community for further effects work.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-ENP-DS-25-S-005

Comments

An embargo was observed for posting this dissertation on AFIT Scholar.
Approved for Public Release, Distribution A: Distribution Unlimited. PA Case Number 88ABW-2025-0828

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