Teleseismic Coupling from the Simultaneous Detonation of an Array of Nuclear Explosions
Abstract
Calculations performed to date have produced no significant enhancement of teleseismic ground motion from a multiple shot array. This was true in spite of the fact that the near source fracture pattern from the array differed significantly from that produced by a spherically symmetric explosion source. Fairly large perturbations in the seismic radiation pattern did appear but at frequencies outside the teleseismic band. Enhanced tension failure did occur in the multiple shot calculation. However, for this to seriously affect teleseismic ground motion it would require an explosive spacing, yield and material properties combination in which fracturing from the array is much greater than that produced by a single charge of equivalent yield. An array in which the important parameters are optimized to significantly alter the teleseismic ground motion could probably be constructed. However, it is much more likely that anomalous observations of teleseismic ground motion from an explosive array are due to overburden efeects and high (low) coupling material properties. If these factors fail to explain the anomaly, shock interaction calculations should be performed but should be based on a good estimate of material strength for the rock at the test site.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 10, 1976
- Accession Number
- ADA031268
Entities
People
- J. F. Masso
- J. T. Cherry
- T. C. Bache
- W. O. Wray
Organizations
- Utility Systems Science and Software (United States)