Thermal Layer Development Modeling
Abstract
Thermal layers which may develop during the employment of nuclear weapons have been investigated theoretically. If such a layer forms, non-ideal shock wave propagation results. This in turn modifies the potential damage levels, adding risk and uncertainty to the sure-kill and sure-safe areas around the burst point. This study calculates the effective thermal layer temperature for a series of atmospheric nuclear explosions. By reinterpretation of previous evidence, good agreement between layer temperature and shock propagation behavior is evident. From additional data on soil response to strong thermal radiation, a semi-empirical model of thermal layer temperature distributions and dust generation was constructed based on first principles. This model agrees with the known values of thermal layer parameters including those of layer temperature.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA055931
Entities
People
- J. A. Powers
- P. L. Versteegen
- T. M. Knasel