4-6: Radiological & Nuclear Defense Flashcards
How is energy released from a nuclear explosion and conventional explosion?
conventional: release of energy rearranges elements into different relationships but each original element is still present
nuclear: release of energy in the form of ionizing radiation, resulting from a nuclear reaction that changes original elements into different elements
What are the three types of nuclear weapons?
Fission, Fusion, Radiation Dispersal Device (RDD)
What is a chemical element?
substances of which all matter is composed
What makes up the nucleus?
protons and neutrons
What is the difference between fission and fusion?
fission: splitting of atoms, when free neutrons collides at sufficient speed causing a chain reaction then nuclear explosion
fusion: isotopes of light elements are combined to form nuclei of heavier elements
What is a RDD?
Radiological Dispersal Device AKA dirty bomb explodes to scatter radioactive material
What are the two types of nuclear radiation?
High speed particle (neutron, alpha, beta; only neutron can penetrate hull), Electromagnetic radiation (gamma rays, can penetrate hull)
configured the same as nuclei of atoms, does not travel far, cannot penetrate skin, if ingested/inhaled it can cause damage to vital organs
Alpha particles
when a neutron decomposes into a proton and an electron, can travel 10 ft, can burn skin but does not penetrate protective clothing
Beta particles
high frequency waves of energy similar to radio signals, greater penetrating power than alpha and beta, can travel 1000s of yards, can penetrate ships hull easily
Gamma rays
What are the effects of a nuclear detonation?
Blast, Thermal radiation, Nuclear radiation (initial and residual), Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP), Transient Radiation Effects on Electronics (TREE)
Effect of Thermal Radiation
burns miles from the blast, flash blindedness
How does EMP and TREE affect electronic equipment?
EMP: similar to lightning, overloads circuitry causing disruption/damage
TREE: gamma rays and neutrons disrupting
What are the 5 different nuclear detonations?
High altitude, Air burst, Surface burst, Underwater Burst, Underground burst
burst takes place at 100k ft or higher, size of source region much larger than if it were to occur on land, visible light, EMP
High Altitude
takes place below 100k ft, thermal radiation, air blast, intense visible light
Air burst
at surface of earth, thermal radiation, intense visible light, air blast, underwater shock, fall-out
Surface burst
-underwater shock, blueout, fall out/rain out
Underwater burst
base surge is a dust cloud
Underground burst
Ship radiological countermeasures
severe weather procedures (set zebra, tie down missiles), set Circle Williams, CMWD, flash gear, M50 mask
What masks and equipment is used for respiratory protection?
M50
When are the degree of protection requirements most stringent?
MOPP-4
MOPP-1
-when SUSPECTED nuclear threat
-ensure RADIAC instruments are calibrates and op tested
MOPP-2
-when POSSIBLE nuclear attack
-mask worn in carrier by all
-DCA tests CMWD and nuclear alarm
-CO sets modified Zebra
MOPP-3
-when nuclear attack is PROBABLE
-CO sets GQ
-CO sets Zebra
-Move absorbent/flammable material below
-non-essential personnel move to ready-shelter stations
-CWMD activated intermittently
MOPP-4
-nuclear attack IMMINENT
-CO sets GQ
-DCA ensures Zebra and Circle Williams is set
-send as many people as possible to deep shelter
-CMWD activated continously
What are the basic functions for radiological decontamination?
To keep fall-out particles from sticking to ship, getting on personnel
Major actions during a nuclear attack
all topside personnel seek shelter, maneuver ship to deal with base surge (bow toward detonation), set up instruments to detect
Techniques used for ship decon
top to bottom, FWD to AFT, WIND to LEE
