TA-11 Brief Description

4.8.1 Site Description TA-11 [Table 4-6 and Figure 4-8 (index map of TA-11)] is the location of the Laboratory’s environmental testing facilities. TA-11 is a remote site accessed only through the HE area at TA-16 (S Site) via the K Site Road. Access to TA-16, and hence to TA-11, is controlled for security and safety purposes. 4.8.2 Facilities Description Activities at TA-11 involve testing explosives and other material components and systems, which includes vibration analysis and drop testing under a variety of extreme physical environments. The facilities are arranged so that testing may be controlled and observed remotely, allowing devices that contain explosives, radioactive materials, and nonhazardous materials to be tested and observed safely. Components and assemblies undergo vibration, shock, and thermal testing in these facilities, the only such facilities available at Los Alamos. The facilities contain two electrodynamics shakers; the hangar has a 36,000-lb force capacity. Tests can be done vertically and horizontally. Data acquisition equipment for up to 100 channels of accelerometer signals is available, as well as equipment for performing model tests. Drop impact testing machines and an outdoor 150-ft- (46-m-) high drop tower are used in shock tests. A burn pit (tank) is available for fuel fire tests.     ©2004 lasg.org