MINEFIELD CLEARANCE
Abstract
The specific objectives of the study were: (1) to determine the validity of using standard Universal indicator mine calibration constants for predicting live mine detonations under nuclear bursts, (2) to determine the effect of depth of mine burial on detonation by a nuclear burst, (3) to study the effect of sympathetic detonation in extending the radius of mine clearance under a nuclear burst; and (4) to correlate the actual mine detonation results with the basic blast parameters produced by a nuclear burst. Two thousand indicator mines and 1200 live mines were exposed to one nuclear explosion (Shot 10), in various special patterns extending out to 2700 ft from intended ground zero. Results of the test showed conclusive evidence of the ability of nuclear explosions to clear large paths through minefields. All M6 and M15 antitank mines that were buried within 6 in. of the ground surface were detonated out to 1550 ft from actual ground zero, and all M14 antipersonnel mines buried at the ground surface were detonated out to 1650 ft from actual ground zero. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1954
- Accession Number
- AD0357978
Entities
People
- Owen Richmond
Organizations
- United States Army Engineer Research and Development Laboratory