Observation and Analysis of Sounds Refracted from the Ozonosphere from Operations Redwing, Plumbbob, and Hardtack,
Abstract
Blast waves from explosions are ducted and re fracted back to ground by a high-temperature stratum near 50-kilometer altitudes. Recordings of sounds from atomic tests have been analyzed to show temperatures and winds near the top of the duct which are necessary to give observed sound patterns. Results show temperatures be tween 30 and 50 kilometers in Nevada must be 30 to 50 degrees Centigrade higher than observed by rocketry techniques. Temperatures in the Eniwetok area are about 20 degrees Centigrade cooler than in Nevada. Several possible reasons for this discrepancy have been reviewed but no explanation has been found. Acoustic tempera tures are shown to give an atmospheric model which agrees with satellite-density measurements at much higher altitudes. Acoustic upper winds are in fair agreement with winds measured by other means. Blast-pressure amplitudes at ranges to 300 miles are reported and scaling rules are given. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1959
- Accession Number
- AD0341080
Entities
People
- Hugh W. Church
- Jack W. Reed