Damaging Air Shocks at Large Distances from Explosions.
Abstract
For determining striking locations of slightly damaging shock pressures from atomic weapon tests, ordinary acoustical laws of refraction and reflection may be employed when distances of interest exceed a few miles. Paths of blast energy propagation are computable from meteorological forecasts or soundings but are limited in accuracy and in altitude by present-day meteorological instruments. Since fundamental wave-lengths of the blast waves 35 to 135 miles from atomic weapon bursts are about 4 kilofeet, energy propagation is affected only trivially by commonplace terrain features, even small ranges of mountains. Mathematical expressions from which blast-energy striking distances and distributions may be calculated from meteorological predictions are presented for eight simplified situations. A new tabular system for computing sound-ray paths from meteorological observations is derived (Appendix A). These derivations are applied to all Operation Buster and Jangle shots, as well as some TNT shots, to demonstrate benefits and weaknesses of the methods. Although there is no evidence that they have ever produced damage, shock signals which traveled part of their paths through the ionosphere E-layer are discussed and demonstrated. Further, an explanation is given for the multiple 'booms' heard at the Control Point on the occasions of the Buster Charlie and Easy Shots.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 24, 1952
- Accession Number
- ADA074621
Entities
People
- E. F. Cox
- H. J. Plagge
- J. W. Reed