CHARACTERISTIC EMISSIONS FROM AN UNDERGROUND EXPLOSION

Abstract

The work described was performed for the Defense Atomic Support Agency under the sponsorship of Advanced Research Projects Agency as a part of the VELA-UNIFORM effort and deals with research in determining the seismic wave shapes emitted from an underground nuclear explosion. The propagation of waves very close-in to the source of the explosion where the soil is subject to very high compressive forces is discussed. Results of the analysis are given in a form similar to t-cal experimental data-particle velocity and displacement. The transition of the disturbance to seismic waves is treated. Results are ex pressed in terms of particle acceleration, velocity and displacement versus time. The elastic precursor which propagates ahead of the main disturbance, in the event that this main disturbance at sometime propagates subsonically, is considered. Some qualitative results of the analysis are presented showing the wave forms expected at a hypothetical gage station. The manner in which information obtained from the pre cursor can aid in the determination of equation of state and other details of the wave propagation phenomena is also discussed. Secondary wave generation as the result of spall impact is described. A rudimentary analysis is undertaken which indicates the generation of a type of mechanical disturbance quite unlike the usual body wave disturbances issued directly from the explosive source.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 03, 1962
Accession Number
AD0403090

Entities

People

  • Dean Reily
  • Vincent Cushing

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Differential Equations
  • Doppler Effect
  • Elastic Properties
  • Elastic Waves
  • Engineering
  • Explosions
  • Explosives
  • Mechanics
  • Nuclear Explosions
  • Secondary Waves
  • Seismic Waves
  • Shock Waves
  • Stress Waves
  • Tensile Strength
  • Underground Explosions
  • Wave Propagation
  • Waveforms

Readers

  • Atmospheric Science / Meteorology, specifically Wind Wave Turbulence.
  • Combustion Dynamics and Shock Wave Physics.
  • Seismology