TF DTRA 2017
From http://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=275322
File:DTRA HDTRA1-14-24-FRCWMD-BAA.pdf
The pre-application white paper deadline for Topics G1-G19 is 1 February 2017. NOTE: An amendment to this BAA will be posted on 2 February 2017 removing Topics G1-G19. PRE- APPLICATION WHITE PAPERS FOR THESE TOPICS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY 11:59 PM (MIDNIGHT) EST ON 1 FEBRUARY 2017. White papers may not be considered if they are received after this deadline. Responses to Topics G1-G19 must address only basic research. Basic research is the systematic study directed toward greater knowledge or understanding of the fundamental aspects of phenomena and of observable facts without specific applications toward processes or products in mind. It includes all scientific study and experimentation directed toward increasing fundamental knowledge and understanding in those fields of the physical, engineering, environmental, and life sciences related to long-term national security needs. It is farsighted, high payoff research that provides the basis for technological programs.2
In general, all topic-specific and general thrust area submissions require pre-coordination in accordance with the guidelines in Section 1.5 and Section 4.2.1.
Basic Research-Thrust Area 1-Topic G1: Early Time Signatures of a Nuclear Attack
Award Amounts for this topic are anticipated to be between $150,000 and $350,000 per year (total dollar value = direct and indirect costs). Larger value efforts (i.e., $350, 000 per year) that are university led, include multiple PIs (at either a single or at multiple organizations), and provide training opportunities are encouraged. In all cases, the proposed award value should be clearly substantiated by the scope of the effort.
Proposals from Young Investigators will be considered for this topic. Young Investigator proposals should be clearly marked as such and include a scope of work commensurate with a $100,000 award (total dollar value = direct and indirect costs). Young Investigators are defined as individuals who are currently employed by a U.S. accredited degree-granting college or university who received a Ph.D. or equivalent degree within five (5) years of the date of the pre- application white paper submission. Pre-application white papers and proposals from Young Investigators will be given preference.
The preferred award structure for this topic is a base period of three (3) years with up to two (2) additional years as possible options. However, pre-application white papers and proposals that outline scope and effort for only the base period and do not propose options are also acceptable. Pre-application white papers and proposals that outline scope and effort for different base period and option combinations may also be considered; however, note that pre-application white papers and proposals that outline scope and effort that exceed a total of five (5) years will not be considered.
Background: Following a nuclear attack, a variety of complex nuclear and chemical processes occur that envelop the bomb materials, the surrounding air, and the local environment. Understanding these processes provides insight into the device composition and origins, useful for post-detonation nuclear forensics. The emission and detection of prompt signatures (optical, gamma, shock wave, etc.) can give valuable information before the material collection and analysis process has begun. However, interpreting these signals can be difficult due to limits in knowledge of the fundamental processes leading to their creation and propagation.
DTRA is responsible for research and development efforts for post-detonation nuclear forensics within the DoD. In this topic, DTRA seeks basic research to understand the formation and propagation of prompt signals as well as the identification of new signatures that occur during the early interactions of a nuclear detonation with the surrounding environment. Possible research areas could include air chemistry, nuclear or non-nuclear interactions of the blast with surrounding materials (particularly urban materials) or nuclear data associated with relevant nuclear reactions.
Impact: The development of advanced post detonation forensics addresses DTRA’s C-WMD need to enable: prevention of future detonations; identification of those responsible; and improvement in response and recovery efforts. A better interpretation of early-time interactions would provide situational information quicker, inform material analysis and guide a more efficient response. In addition, an understanding of surrounding air chemistry, signature transport and the underlying nuclear reactions helps to better inform modeling and analysis efforts.
Objective: This topic seeks research to study the early-time signatures (from T=0 to several hours) of a nuclear blast and their propagation in the surrounding environment. We seek to
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better comprehend the air chemistry and nuclear effects that result in the production and propagation of prompt signatures (speed of light, speed of sound). Additionally, this topic seeks to uncover new signatures, resulting from the blast’s effect on nearby materials, that haven’t been explored previously because of constraints in accessing detonation sites. These signatures would potentially be measureable for a period of several hours after the blast. The research should identify and characterize these signatures, but not focus on developing a specific detection scheme. Possible research areas may include, but are not limited to:
Experimental and modeling studies of air chemistry and urban effects including: o Radiation transport
o Optical transport
o Dynamic particle chemistry and physics
o Non-equilibrium dynamics
Nuclear data experimental measurements. Data of particular interest include:
o Fission product yields
o Prompt-fission gamma yields Material interactions
o Activation of urban materials
o Characterization of material morphology