Study to Determine Seismic Response of Sonic Boom-Coupled Rayleigh Waves

Abstract

A literature search was performed regarding the seismic effects of sonic booms with emphasis on the coupled Rayleigh wave resonance phenomenon. The literature search covered 3 primary sources of information: (a) Air Force Environmental Impact Assessment Documents, (b) litigation and claims, and (c) open scientific literature. The literature regarding sonic boom structural damage was reviewed under Task Order 0010. The investigations of seismic waves induced by sonic booms found the amplitudes of the ground motion insufficient to damage structures. Few instances were reported, however, where the actual resonant conditions of the sonic boom-coupled Rayleigh wave were observed. The ground motion amplification accompanying the resonance documented in these cases did not reach damaging levels. Nevertheless, it is theoretically possible that conditions exist which could result in damaging levels of ground shaking. In order to define under what specific conditions, if any, such resonance could occur, an additional literature review was conducted. (jhd)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 26, 1990
Accession Number
ADA225105

Entities

People

  • Jerold M. Haber
  • Mark R. Legg

Organizations

  • BBN Technologies

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acoustic Velocity
  • Acoustic Waves
  • Acoustics
  • Air Force
  • Construction
  • Corporations
  • Environment
  • Environmental Assessment
  • Geophysics
  • Group Velocity
  • Literature Surveys
  • Phase Velocity
  • Rayleigh Waves
  • Resonant Frequency
  • Seismology
  • Shock Waves
  • United States

Readers

  • Acoustics.
  • Optical Physics and Photonics.
  • Theoretical Analysis.