From: Peter Mattisson <future@algonet.se>
Subject: DOE conducted a subcritical test called "Bagpipe" on sep-26
Date: Saturday, September 26, 1998 11:30 PM

News Media Contact                                              For
Immediate Release
Derek S. Scammell, 702-295-3521                         September 26,
1998

 Scammelld@nv.doe.gov
David Schwoegler, Livermore, 925-422-6900
  Newsguy@llnl.gov


Fourth Subcritical Experiment Conducted Successfully
at the Department of Energy's Nevada Test Site


        The Department of Energy today conducted the fourth
"subcritical"
experiment at the Nevada Test Site.   Subcritical experiments are
scientific
experiments to obtain technical information in support of the
Department of
Energy's  program to maintain the safety and reliability of the nuclear
weapons stockpile without nuclear testing.   Analysis of data from
monitoring instruments confirmed that the experiment remained
subcritical,
that is, no nuclear chain reaction occurred.
        The Department of Energy's Lawrence Livermore National
Laboratory
conducted the experiment at 3:07 p.m.(PDT) to obtain information about
how
key properties of plutonium change as the plutonium ages.  The data will

help support the development of computer simulations that will be used
to
determine the safety and reliability of the nation's nuclear weapons
stockpile, without nuclear testing.
        The subcritical experiments use chemical high explosives to
generate
high pressures that are applied to nuclear weapon materials.  The
experiments are consistent with the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty
because
there is no nuclear explosion.

NV-98-50        -- 30 --


For more information visit the Shundahai Network:
http://www.shundahai.org/

and Nevada test site:
http://www.nv.doe.gov/

Peter