Operation TEAPOT: Distribution and Density of Missiles from Nuclear Explosions
Abstract
A new experimental procedure was used in the open shot of Operation Teapot to study various properties of secondary missiles produced in houses, shelters, and open areas at distances of 1470 to 10,500 ft from a nuclear explosion with a yield approximately 50 per cent greater than nominal. The experimental technique involved trapping the missiles in an absorbing material consisting of Styrofoam 22. Laboratory calibrations of the Styrofoam made it possible to determine individual velocities for the trapped missiles. Velocities were calculated for 2611 missiles-95 per cent of which were window-glass fragments-obtained from 27 traps. Missile velocities, masses, and spatial distributions were analyzed statistically. Computational procedures were proposed to predict the velocities of stone missiles in open areas from blast data and from assumed average aerodynamic constants for stones. The method was tested for the 5-psi overpressure region. The computed predicted velocities showed satisfactory correspondence with those empirically determined from data obtained from a missile trap placed in this region.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 14, 1956
- Accession Number
- ADA395151
Entities
People
- Allen F. Strehler
- I. G. Bowen
- Mead B. Wetherbe
Organizations
- Lovelace Foundation