THE SUSCEPTIBILITY OF EXISTING NAVAL BUILDINGS TO SUSTAINED FIRES RESULTING FROM THERMAL PULSE FROM THE EXPLOSION OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS,
Abstract
This report makes no major change in the principal conclusion of the Phase I report, in that under ideal conditions, a conflagration-type fire is remote in buildings surviving a nuclear blast. There is evidence that on more than moderately blast-resistant buildings, asphalt-protected metal, and plastic siding or roofing sheets will continue to flame when exposed to multi-megaton weapons which do not significantly damage the building by blast. Large-scale building details do not conserve enough heat from transient flaming to produce continued burning on smooth wood surfaces, but small-scale details producing narrow parallel spaces and many edges can produce incipient fire by continued small-scale flaming and glowing spots. No definite information could be obtained for smooth-surfaced built-up roofing; but from results of some components, it is concluded that on a more than moderately blastresistant building exposed to multi-megaton weapons, the chance of continued burning is great enough to warrant resurfacing with gravel or slag. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 23, 1963
- Accession Number
- AD0428592
Entities
People
- E. W. Cousins
- J. R. Young