May 22, 2003

Dual Axis Radiographic Hydrodynamic Test Facility

The Dual Axis Radiographic Hydrodynamic Test (DARHT) facility is an experimental facility of the Stockpile Stewardship Program. The facility will provide high-speed, high-resolution flash radiographs to diagnose the results of hydrodynamic tests and dynamic experiments. Construction of DARHT began in 1988. Since that time, the project has undergone several baseline changes impacting different technical aspects of the project. Original plans called for the development of two single-pulse axes with similar capabilities at a cost of $30 million. In 1998, the scope was changed to expand the capability of the second axis while at the same time increasing the cost to $270 million. The following photograph shows DARHT's main facility, the Hydrotest Firing Site, under construction.