Evaluation of Quantification of Margins and Uncertainties Methodology for Assessing and Certifying the Reliability of the Nuclear Stockpile

National Research Council

doi:10.17226/12531

Consensus Study Report

VIEW LARGER COVER

Evaluation of Quantification of Margins and Uncertainties Methodology for Assessing and Certifying the Reliability of the Nuclear Stockpile

(2009)

Maintaining the capabilities of the nuclear weapons stockpile and performing the annual assessment for the stockpile's certification involves a wide range of processes, technologies, and expertise. An important and valuable framework helping to link those components is the quantification of margins and uncertainties (QMU) methodology.

In this book, the National Research Council evaluates:

how the national security labs were using QMU, including any significant differences among the three labs
its use in the annual assessment
whether the applications of QMU to assess the proposed reliable replacement warhead (RRW) could reduce the likelihood of resuming underground nuclear testing

This book presents an assessment of each of these issues and includes findings and recommendations to help guide laboratory and NNSA implementation and development of the QMU framework. It also serves as a guide for congressional oversight of those activities.

Contributor(s): National Research Council; Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences; Committee on the Evaluation of Quantification of Margins and Uncertainties Methodology for Assessing and Certifying the Reliability of the Nuclear Stockpile

Topics

Suggested Citation

National Research Council. 2009. Evaluation of Quantification of Margins and Uncertainties Methodology for Assessing and Certifying the Reliability of the Nuclear Stockpile. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/12531.

Import this citation to:

Publication Info

92 pages | 6 x 9 |

ISBNs:

Paperback: 978-0-309-12853-7
Ebook: 978-0-309-17846-4

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17226/12531

Chapters		skim
Front Matter	i-xii
Summary	1-3
1 Overview	4-17
2 Use of the QMU Methodology	18-33
3 QMU and the Annual Assessment Review	34-38
4 Comparison and Contrast of the Use of QMU	39-42
5 QMU and the RRW Program	43-48
Appendixes	49-50
Appendix A: A Probabilistic Risk Assessment Perspective of QMU	51-66
Appendix B: Committee Biographical Information	67-76
Appendix C: Glossary	77-80

What is skim?

The Chapter Skim search tool presents what we've algorithmically identified as the most significant single chunk of text within every page in the chapter. You may select key terms to highlight them within pages of each chapter.

Copyright Information

The National Academies Press (NAP) has partnered with Copyright Clearance Center's Rightslink service to offer you a variety of options for reusing NAP content. Through Rightslink, you may request permission to reprint NAP content in another publication, course pack, secure website, or other media. Rightslink allows you to instantly obtain permission, pay related fees, and print a license directly from the NAP website. The complete terms and conditions of your reuse license can be found in the license agreement that will be made available to you during the online order process. To request permission through Rightslink you are required to create an account by filling out a simple online form. The following list describes license reuses offered by the National Academies Press (NAP) through Rightslink:

Republish text, tables, figures, or images in print
Post on a secure Intranet/Extranet website
Use in a PowerPoint Presentation
Distribute via CD-ROM
Photocopy

Click here to obtain permission for the above reuses. If you have questions or comments concerning the Rightslink service, please contact:

Rightslink Customer Care
Tel (toll free): 877/622-5543
Tel: 978/777-9929
E-mail: customercare@copyright.com
Web: http://www.rightslink.com

To request permission to distribute a PDF, please contact our Customer Service Department at 800-624-6242 for pricing.

To request permission to translate a book published by the National Academies Press or its imprint, the Joseph Henry Press, pleaseclick here to view more information.

Loading stats for Evaluation of Quantification of Margins and Uncertainties Methodology for Assessing and Certifying the Reliability of the Nuclear Stockpile...