THERMAL PHENOMENA IN THE FIREBALL

Abstract

Results of three calculations of the impulsive interaction of thermal radiation from high-altitude nuclear explosions with targets within the fireball are reported. These problems constitute a preliminary investigation into techniques of calculation and phenomena of importance to be followed later by a survey to establish lethal radius envelopes. The interaction with 200-KT yield at 60,000-ft altitude is found to be predominatly the effect of the blast wave which is perhaps just lethal at a range 25,000 cm. The interaction of the same yield at 90,000 ft, however, does show important thermomechanical as well as blast effects. The lethal radius is found to be greater than 30,000 cm. Presentation of the calculated results is supplemented by discussion of the method of calculation, preparation of initial data, and evaluation of assumptions constituting the interaction model. (Author)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 12, 1963
Accession Number
AD0355863

Entities

People

  • B. E. Freeman

Organizations

  • General Dynamics

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Ablation
  • Ablative Materials
  • Absorption Coefficients
  • Blast
  • Blast Waves
  • Boundaries
  • Energy Transfer
  • High Altitude
  • Ionization
  • Low Temperature
  • Materials
  • Nuclear Explosions
  • Optical Properties
  • Radiation
  • Thermal Radiation
  • Transition Temperature
  • Vaporization

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Explosive Engineering.
  • Theoretical Analysis.