Neutron Generator Enterprise (NGE) Essential to Every System in the U.S

SANDIA NATIONAL LABORATORIES

Neutron Generator Enterprise (NGE) Essential to every system in the U.S. Nuclear Deterrent

All nuclear weapons in the U.S. Nuclear disciplines, as well as Deterrent (ND) stockpile require neutrons to the infrastructure to function. Neutron generators (NGs) provide support activities and facilities. neutrons at a required rate to precise timing As part of Sandia’s Component requirements, contributing essential energy to Science, Engineering & Production the nuclear reaction. Being a limited life Center (CSEP), the NGE is responsible component, they must be periodically replaced. for elements of the research, design, qualification, production, and Neutron tube Sandia National Laboratories (Sandia) NGE is surveillance of over 20 products including manufacturing responsible for the entire NG lifecycle — NGs, neutron monitors, and switch tubes. both design agency and production The CSEP is responsible for approximately agency responsibilities — from scientific 100 products across three product understanding through design and technologies — NGs, power sources, and development, qualification, production, explosives components. surveillance, dismantlement, and disposal. The NGE is an integrated supply chain The NGE comprises two groups — Product system with a dedicated infrastructure for Design and Technology and Product ensuring NGs meet technical performance, Delivery Value Streams. Using Lean Six cost, and schedule requirements — this Sigma quality principles and project includes attaining “mark quality” certification management best practices, the Product that products meet all applicable design Design and Technology Group contributes requirements, drawings, specifications, and expertise in product design and engineering, known design intent. lifecycle engineering, and applied science and technology maturation. The Product The NGE produces two primary types of Delivery Value Streams Group contributes NGs: one-shot ferroelectric NGs (FENGs) and expertise in manufacturing science, product multi-shot electronic NGs (ELNGs). To design, documentation, and product delivery qualify, and build these, the NGE must execution. maintain extensive knowledge in various

Neutron tube manufacturing Exceptional service in the national interest www.sandia.gov

Neutron Generator Enterprise

Neutron tube subassembly manufacturing

Chemical Processing

Active Ceramics Inspection

Points of contact: Muhammad A. El Sr. Manager, Product Delivery Value Streams [email protected]

Dolores M. Sanchez Sr. Manager, Advanced Programs [email protected]

Numerical simulation of expanding ion-electron plasma

External Dec. 2018

Sandia National Laboratories is a multimission laboratory managed and operated by National Technology and Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC., a wholly owned subsidiary of Honeywell International, Inc., for the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration under contract DE-NA-0003525. SAND 2018-13711 O