Terrain Characteristics at DIRT-I Test Site, White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico
Abstract
The study reported herein was conducted to characterize the terrain conditions prior to and during the conduct of the DIRT-I Test Program sponsored and directed by the U.S. Army Atmospheric Sciences Laboratory, White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. The DIRT-I Test Program was conducted to investigate methods of directly sensing the properties of explosion-generated dust clouds and to make a series of transmission comparisons through the explosions. The specific objective of the study reported herein was to obtain a correlative set of data concerning ambient soil characteristics (with depth), explosive forces induced and geometry of craters produced by the explosive forces. Field measurements were made before and during the conduct of static- and artillery- delivered explosive detonations. The measurements included the collection of specific soil property crater geometry values throughout the site (impact area). These soil parameters included: size distribution, soil moisture content, soil density, organic materials, soil length, and crater size. Ultimately, this analysis will be used for several purposes such as relationship of particle size and density to observed attenuation of electromagnetic propagation throughout the dust cloud; correlation of cloud particle size measurements with soil samples; relationship of crater volume to charge size; diffusion and dispersion of dust and smoke; and other measurements critical to battlefield dust modeling. Results will also be used to design future tests.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1979
- Accession Number
- ADA069121
Entities
People
- Charles A. Miller