Evaluation of Missile Hazard, Underground Shot
Abstract
The missile experiment demonstrated that reinforced concrete walls and highways located 40 feet to 140 feet from ground zero were broken and thrown out as missiles. Material nearer than 40 feet (or perhaps 50 feet) was vaporized or pulverized to the extent that it was largely windborne. Missiles of military significance were found 400 feet to 3300 feet from ground zero. Those of major significance were in the range 400 feet to 1500 feet. Analysis has permitted estimates of the missile hazard from an underground explosion of roughly 25 times the energy release of the JANGLE underground explosion (and at the same scaled depth) fired under a continuous reinforced concrete runway 18 inches thick. It is predicted that missiles would produce serious damage to buildings out to a radius of 1100 feet and to airplanes out to 3000 feet. These figures should be compared to estimates that the air blast from such an explosion would damage buildings to 2200 feet and airplanes to 6000 feet. It is concluded that on large shallow underground explosions damage by the mechanism of air blast will extend farther than damage by the mechanism of missiles.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1952
- Accession Number
- AD0629883
Entities
People
- R. Jr B. Vaile
- V. Salmon
Organizations
- SRI International