THE EXPOSURE OF GUINEA PIGS TO PRESSURE-PULSES GENERATED DURING THE END-TO-END TEST (NO. 2) OF ATLAS MISSILE 8-D
Abstract
THE EXPOSURE OF GUINEA PIGS TO PRESSURE-PULSES GENERATED DURING THE END-TO-END TEST (NO. 2) OF ATLAS MISSILE 8-D (MARCH 3) extent of the blast hazard to the operator of a pressure control unit, an Atlas 8-D missile was pressurized to 35 psi with gaseous nitrogen and ruptured with an explosive charge. Three guinea pigs were placed on the pressure control unit which was located beneath the ramp 90 ft from the missile. In addition, ten guinea pigs were placed on the surface of the simulated ramp at 30-, 35-, 75- and 94-ft ranges. Following the burst, missile fragments littered the test area, although none were found at the pressure control unit. Overpressures of only 0.3 psi were recorded in the vicinity of the pressure control unit. The pressure pulse was slow rising (9-14 msec) and endured for about 25 msec. The three guinea pigs at that location were unharmed. At the 30-ft ranges, pressures of 1.1-1.4 psi were recorded with times to peak and durations of 2-3 msec and 13-16 msec, respectively. One guinea pig's eardrum was ruptured, and one animal sustained a slight degree of lung hemorrhage. The other eight animals were unhurt. The biological results were discussed in relation to the pressure-time data.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 26, 1962
- Accession Number
- AD0293871
Entities
People
- D. R. Richmond
Organizations
- Lovelace Foundation