GAMMA RADIATION EXPOSURE

Abstract

The initial- and residual-gamma radiation exposures resulting from the surface detonation of megaton-yield-range thermonuclear devices were recorded in order to provide data for the determination and evaluation of the gamma-radiation hazards associated with such bursts. The following types of dosimeters were used as gamma radiation detectors: photographic, chemical, and Radiac Set AN/PDR-39. Instrument shelters were installed on reef, beach, and land locations to enable differentiation between initial- and residual-gamma exposures. Gamma-radiation exposure measurements were made at known distances from ground zero for each of five shots. The initial-gamma data has limitations; the bulk of the data was completely lost due to the destruction of most of the initial-gamma stations. A comparison of the fragmentary initial-exposure data with scaled data shows reasonable agreement, although there is an insufficient quantity of data to analyze for effective mean free paths. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 16, 1959
Accession Number
AD0341055

Entities

People

  • Baraff Larrick G.a.
  • O.e. Johnson
  • R.h. Dempsey

Organizations

  • United States Army Communications-Electronics Command

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Agreements
  • Detectors
  • Detonations
  • Dosimeters
  • Gamma Rays
  • Ground Zero
  • Hazards
  • Mean Free Path
  • Measurement
  • Radiation
  • Radiation Hazards
  • Residuals
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Warning Systems

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Combustion Dynamics and Shock Wave Physics.
  • Critical Infrastructure Protection in CBRN and WMD Threats.
  • Fire Suppression Systems Design.