Scientists create miniature nuclear fireball to understand how radioactive dust is born

LLNL scientists used a plasma flow reactor to mimic a nuclear fireball and study fallout particle formation.

They found that radioactive elements interact during cooling, rather than simply condensing on their own.

Cooling rate strongly shapes the size and composition of fallout particles and radioactive dust.

The results could improve nuclear safety models, fallout prediction, cleanup planning, and forensic analysis.