In the aftermath of any nuclear event, it is imperative to determine the composition and origin of the device both accurately and expediently [1,2]. The Radiochemistry Center of Excellence (RCoE), created at the University of Tennessee through funding from the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) is engaged in developing the scientific basis to support these capabilities. The RCoE simultaneously provides academic opportunities and support for students in the fields of radiochemistry, geochemistry, nuclear physics, nuclear engineering, materials science, and radioanalytical chemistry. A primary objective of the RCoE is to expedite accurate post-detonation analysis of nuclear debris through the development of improved radiochemical separation and analysis methods. Because there is no existing nuclear urban melt glass, surrogate melt glass debris is necessary for both the development of analytical forensic methods and the training of prospective specialists. The process outlined focuses on the analysis of established melt-glass surrogates with the end-goal of providing the nuclear forensics community with a robust method to supply realistic, non-sensitive surrogate materials that simulate a variety of detonation scenarios. Characterization and analysis techniques, including gamma-ray spectroscopy, x-ray fluorescence, and rapid separation via thermo-chromatography, have been performed on these surrogates, and are discussed. REFERENCES 1. Congress, Public Law 111 – 140, 111th Congress, Nuclear Forensics and Attribution Act. 2010, pp. 1–6. 2. M. May, Nuclear Forensics: Role, State of the Art, and Program Needs. American Physical Society and the American Association for the Advancement of Society, 2008.

Forensic analysis of urban nuclear melt glass surrogates

249th National Meeting (2015)

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