Study of Acoustic-Gravity Wave Generation by Nuclear Detonations

Abstract

Three different acoustic phenomena relevant to nuclear test detection and diagnostics are discussed in this report: (1) The generation of long period (3-10 minute) acoustic-gravity waves is analyzed in terms of a Lamb mode propagation theory. One result of the analysis is that yield-amplitude proportionality is predicted to break down for very large yield detonations. (2) The generation and propagation of short period (1-60 seconds) acoustic pulses is treated by means of weak shock theory. Yield and height of burst scaling laws are derived for the far-field period. The dependence of period on atmospheric conditions and propagation path is also discussed. (3) The variation of long range Rayleigh wave amplitude with yield and height of burst is discussed for detonations at lower altitudes than previously treated.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 30, 1971
Accession Number
AD0737127

Entities

People

  • Andrew D. Zalay
  • Brian L. Murphy

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acoustic Phenomena
  • Air Force
  • Altitude
  • Explosions
  • Far Field
  • Gravity Waves
  • Height Of Burst
  • High Altitude
  • Low Altitude
  • Near Field
  • Nuclear Explosions
  • Rayleigh Waves
  • Scaling Laws
  • Sea Level
  • Shock Waves
  • Wave Propagation
  • Waves

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Atmospheric Science / Meteorology, specifically Wind Wave Turbulence.
  • Explosive Engineering.