Calculation of Vertical Airblast-Induced Ground Motions from Nuclear Explosions in Frenchman Flat
Abstract
This report discusses vertical airblast-induced ground motions produced by nuclear explosions over a dry soil medium taken to model Frenchman Flat of the Nevada Test Site (NTS). Material properties for use in first principle calculations were synthesized from very limited dynamic laboratory stress-strain data, various soil index characteristics, and seismic data. Parametric calculations with a one-dimensional, plane-strain finite difference code were used to define a theoretical simplified model that expresses peak vertical particle velocities and displacements as a function of yield, peak overpressure and depth. Ground motions predicted by this model were then compared to ground motion data from nuclear explosions in Frenchman Flat. In particular, predictions of the simplified model were reasonably consistent with PRISCILLA data which were a primary basis of empirical prediction procedures widely used in the design and analysis of strategic structures during the past ten years. The theoretical model could be altered (where little or no dynamic soil property data exist) to provide even better agreement between calculated and measured ground motions. Conversely, study of qualitative features of the theoretical results provide insight into the basic wave propagation phenomena in Frenchman Flat that could improve the interpretation of the experimental data such that a more consistent comparison between theory and experiment may result.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1973
- Accession Number
- AD0914362
Entities
People
- Henry F. Cooper Jr.
- Jimmie L. Bratton