Nuclear Thermal Transmittance in the Atmosphere Using LOWTRAN-6 Computer Code.
Abstract
The purpose of this thesis is to provide the nuclear weapons-effect analyst with accurate transmittance data for burst/target geometries and atmospheric conditions in which thermal radiation effects are of significance, yet without having to run a complex computer code for each specific case being investigated. Transmittance values for several realistic sets of atmospheric conditions were obtained using the 1962 U.S. Standard Atmospheric Model and the LOWTRAN Rural, Urban, Maritime, Tropospheric, and Stratospheric aerosol models. Boundary layer (0 - 2 km) transmittance calculations, using the Rural, Urban, and Maritime aerosols, were accomplished for sea-level visibilities of 5, 10, 15, and 23 km. A computer program was developed to weight the LOWTRAN-6 output transmittances according to a 6000 K Planckian distribution, simulating a nuclear weapon source. The geometry chosen is for the region where thermal radiation has a significant damage potential to Air Force systems; altitudes from sea-level to 20 kilometers, and ground ranges from 0 - 25 kilometers from weapon ground-zero. The results are displayed in a graphical format, providing the user with accurate nuclear thermal atmospheric transmittance data.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA154669
Entities
People
- J. M. Leonard
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology