Operation Jangle: Base Surge Analysis for Nuclear Tests
Abstract
Base surge and related surface phenomena produced by underground TNT explosions at depths scaled to the JANGLE underground shot are described. Empirical formulas showing the effect of charge weight on column and jet are listed and a method of scaling base surge flow for various charge weights and depths is presented. The cloud phenomena formed by the JANGLE surface shot are described briefly and compared with TNT results. Measurements of the base surge, column, jet, and smoke crown produced by the JANGLE underground shot are presented. The data indicate that column size can be predicted on the basis of TNT measurements but that overall cloud heights do not scale because of the thermal energy of the fireball. Froude scaling of the JANGLE base surge data shows a slower rate of growth and a smaller extent than the surges formed by scaled TNT explosions. A method is presented for predicting the rate of growth and maximum extent of base surges formed by atomic weapons with different energies than the JANGLE one kiloton bomb, but scaled to the same depth.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 05, 1952
- Accession Number
- AD0610005
Entities
People
- George A. Young
- Mary L. Milligan
Organizations
- Naval Ordnance Laboratory