Predicting Eye Safe Separation Distances from Nuclear Detonations

Abstract

Effects of retinal burns and flashblindness caused by eye exposure to nuclear flashes are reviewed, and mathematical concepts and equations used to predict eye safe separation distances (SSD) from low-altitude nuclear detonations are developed. A computer program using these concepts and equations has been prepared, and predicted results are compared with Operation Dominic experimental results. Effects on predicted SSD are shown for attenuation of the nuclear flash thermal energy by a B-1 windscreen and by sunglasses. Predicted SSD for both retinal burns and flashblindness, for day and night conditions, are shown for detonation yields from 0.01 to 10,000 kt; for detonation altitudes of 1, 10, and 30 ktf; and for visibilities of 5 and 25 naut. miles.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1976
Accession Number
ADA037070

Entities

People

  • Everett O. Richey

Organizations

  • United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Altimeters
  • Altitude
  • Attenuation
  • Chorioretinal Burns
  • Computer Programs
  • Computers
  • Detonations
  • Equations
  • Eye
  • Flashblindness
  • Lapse Rate
  • Medical Personnel
  • Nuclear Flash
  • Plastic Explosives
  • Radiation
  • Silicon Carbide
  • Vision Disorders

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Explosive Engineering.
  • Vision Science/Vision Psychology/Cognitive Neuroscience.