Prediction of Airblast Overpressures from Underground Explosions

Abstract

Two methods are presented for predicting airblast overpressures from underground chemical explosive and nuclear detonations. The first method utilizes empirical scaling techniques to predict both ground-shock-induced and gas-vent-induced overpressures. Empirical procedures are also provided for predicting airblast from underground row-charge and array detonations and from surface or near-surface bursts. The second method uses peak vertical spall velocities combined with basic physical principles to predict ground-shock- induced overpressures. Between these two methods, it is possible to predict airblast overpressures caused by detonations at scaled depths of burst from zero to 700 ft/cube root kt/3 in a wide variety of media.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 01, 1971
Accession Number
AD0743173

Entities

People

  • Charles M. Snell
  • Dennis L. Oltmans
  • Edward J. Leahy

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acoustic Impedance
  • Air
  • Altitude
  • Ammonium Nitrate
  • Barometric Pressure
  • Blast
  • Chemical Explosives
  • Explosions
  • Explosives
  • Fuel Oils
  • Ground Level
  • Mach Number
  • Rocket Oxidizers
  • Sea Level
  • Slant Range
  • Standards
  • Underground Explosions

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Explosive Engineering.