The purpose of this project is to compare imaging simulations of proton radiation with X-rays. In this project proton radiography is proposed as an alternative diagnostic method for nuclear stockpiles. The basis of this project is the use of proton radiography for implosion tests. In any nuclear weapon, the geometry of the implosion is crucial. Implosion tests are needed to ensure the weapons will perform as intended after years of storage. These tests also help validate computer simulations of nuclear weapons performance. The 1963 Underground Nuclear Test Ban Treaty1 makes confirmation of computer simulations vital for stockpile management. In an implosion test, a full-scale model weapon is designed and created using a surrogate metal that has mechanical properties similar to those of fissile material but cannot produce nuclear reactions. During an implosion, the high pressures and temperatures of the shock waves will cause the solid materials present to flow like liquids. The behavior of the liquid can be described by hydrodynamic equations; In industry, implosion tests are often called hydroelectric tests2. During the Manhattan Project, scientists took snapshots of imploding models with intense bursts of high-energy X-rays. In 1995 Los Alamos physicist Chris Morris2 developed a way to use protons instead of X-rays for hydrotest radiographs. Proton radiography has numerous advantages, some of which will be discussed in this report. Fundamentals Radiography is the production of an image on a radiosensitive surface, such as photographic film, by radiation other than visible light, i.e. radiography.3 During radiography, rays are used to image a material of nonuniform composition. A beam of X-rays is produced by an Running the simulation multiple times with various materials such as plutonium at compressed densities would also prove more applicable for use for hydraulic testing. Works Cited1. Court, Edward C. Snow, and John D. “Radiographic Image Detector Capabilities in MCNP4B.” Trans. I am. Nucl Soc. ((1998)): 79, 99.2. Fishbone, Brian. “more precise x-ray vision for hydrotests.” Los Alamos Research Quarterly. http://www.lanl.gov/quarterly/q_w03/pro_rad.shtml.3. http://www.state.gov/www/global/arms/treaties/ltbt1.html. “Partial Nuclear Test Ban Treaty.” 1963.4. Koehler, A. M. "Proton Radiography." Science (1968): 160(3825): p. 303-304.5. Wolbarst, Anthony B. Looking Inside: How X-Rays, CT, MRI, Ultrasound, and Other Medical Images Are Created. London England: University California Press, 1990.