The Development of a Radio Signal from a Nuclear Explosion in the Atmosphere

Abstract

The dipole radio signal from a low altitude atmospheric nuclear explosion of low yield is computed by numerically integrating Maxwell's equations. The source is described by a simple model. The function describing the time history of the rate of gamma output is taken to be an isosceles triangle with a base equal to a fraction of a microsecond. The asymmetry necessary for radiation comes entirely from the variation of air density with altitude. The dipole fields are shown as functions of position for various times after the explosion. These curves form, in effect, a motion picture of the development of the signal.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 01, 1966
Accession Number
AD0639600

Entities

People

  • Victor Gilinsky

Organizations

  • RAND Corporation

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics.
  • Control Systems Engineering.
  • Electromagnetic Wave Scattering and Antenna Radiation Engineering