Noise Abatement Investigation for the Bloodsworth Island Target Range: Description of Test Program and New Long Range Airblast Overpressure Prediction Method.
Abstract
A new airblast magnitude prediction method has been developed in an effort to reduce the impact of naval explosive exercises (both airdrops and naval gunfire) on the communities surrounding the Bloodsworth Island target range in the Chesapeake Bay. This method uses measured or forecast upper air meteorological data to predict the airblast levels to be expected in the neighboring communities from explosions of any size. The maximum, median, and minimum expected airblast levels, as well as the statistical distribution, can be determined. The method is applicable to both positive and negative sound velocity gradients and should be adaptable to other explosive operations. Typical range operations were monitored in the communities surrounding the target area and the airblast measurements were correlated with weather data taken during the exercises. This report describes the test program and the acquired data. Justification for the new airblast magnitude prediction method is given. General directions for programming the prediction method on any computer are provided. A shoot/no shoot decision procedure is proposed which should eliminate noise and damage complaints from Navy exercises on Bloodsworth Island. Finally a new and simple method to estimate the locations of caustics is described.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 02, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA122292
Entities
People
- Richard A. Lorenz
Organizations
- Naval Ordnance Laboratory