EFFECTS OF NEUTRONS FROM HIGH-ALTITUDE DETONATIONS,
Abstract
Consequences of the decay of neutrons from highaltitude nuclear detonations in equatorial regions are examined. Sample temporal variations of night-time D-layer ionization profiles resulting from direct precipitation of neutron-decay betas are presented for pure fission and for 1 KEV thermal source-neutron spectra. There are large differences, between the two cases, in the maximum amount of ionization produced and number of seconds required to attain maximum ionization. These differences emphasize the need to consider actual spectra of neutrons from high-altitude detonations in the study of the VLF propagation anomalies they produce. Under certain stated conditions the energetic protons from the decay of similarly energetic neutrons can cause more D-layer ionization than do the decay betas, with especial consequences for affecting VLF propagation over day-lit paths. A similar comparison for 12 to 14 MEV trapped protons leads to the conclusion that 10 to the twenty-fifth power neutrons set free with energies between 12 and 14 MEV would produce a differential directional flux equal to that measured in the region near L = 2.5. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1963
- Accession Number
- AD0428158
Entities
People
- P. Tamarkin
Organizations
- RAND Corporation