TRANSMISSIVITY OF THE ATMOSPHERE FOR THERMAL RADIATION FROM NUCLEAR WEAPONS
Abstract
The transmissivity of the atmosphere is estimated for thermal radiation from a nuclear weapon of any given yield and height of burst under various atmospheric conditions. Situations in which the effective source height (for thermal radiation) is less than one-quarter mile, the atmosphere is unclouded and the surface of the earth (or its covering) is of low albedo are considered first. The transmissivity for these situations is given in terms of a formula derived from earlier experiments of the author. Situations in which the effective source height (for thermal radiation) is equal to or greater than one- quarter mile are then considered, and basic transmissivity values are given in terms of effective fireball height and zenith angle for the case of an unclouded atmosphere, a visibility of about 12 miles and a low surface albedo. Factors are then given for modifying the basic transmissivity values to apply to other situations, such as ones with cloud cover or haze, and for taking into account high surface albedo. The factors for taking account of a cloud layer above the fireball and/or a high surface albedo are found to apply also to situations in which the effective fireball height is less than one-quarter mile.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 12, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0641481
Entities
People
- M. G. Gibbons
Organizations
- Naval Radiological Defense Laboratory