Determinations of Aerodynamic-Drag Parameters of Small Irregular Objects by Means of Drop Tests
Abstract
During the 1955 and 1957 Test Operations at the Nevada Test Site (NTS), masses and velocities were determined for more than 20,000 objects, such as glass fragments from windows, stones, steel fragments, and spheres, which were energized by blast winds resulting from nuclear explosions. Following the field tests, a mathematical model was devised to help explain quantitatively the experimental results. This model required certain aerodynamic-drag information in regard to the displaced objects. It was the purpose of the study outlined in this report to determine the necessary drag properties for the objects by means of drop tests. In addition to the objects mentioned above, small laboratory animals, mice, rats, guinea pigs, and rabbits, were used in the drop tests. The data obtained from these tests were ex-trapolated to estimate the drag properties for man, and the results compared favorably with data from other sources. Also a method was developed to estimate the average drag properties of man from his total surface area, assuming that every possible orientation of a straight, rigid man with respect to the wind was equally likely.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1961
- Accession Number
- ADA383465
Entities
People
- E. R. Fletcher
- I. G. Bowen
- R. W. Albright
- V. C. Goldizen