Project Sedan, Mass Distribution and Throwout Studies
Abstract
Analysis of data collected at 117 sampling stations indicates that area 1 density varies inversely as distance raised to the 4.3 power. Circumferential variation in area density was significant along all sampling rings; the ratio of highest observation to lowest was 37, 7, 10, and 32 at incremental distances in crater radii of 3.5, 4.7, 7, and 9.3 respectively. The total ejecta mass represented about 58 percent of the mass inferred from the apparent crater volume suggesting that about 37 percent of the crater volume was caused by compression of the surrounding desert alluvium. One half of the total mass of material ejected was deposited between the crater edge and two crater radii, whereas 97 percent of the total ejecta mass was deposited within ten crater radii. The ejecta profile exhibited a two-layer system, the lower layer consisting of the fine material ejected in mass or bulk. The upper layer consisted of larger particulate materials which were subjected to atmospheric influence when ejected along their ballistic trajectories. The missile-like material in the upper layer and the discrete masses of alluvium which created hundreds of impact craters probably were deposited late in the time history of ejecta deposition.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1963
- Accession Number
- ADA437925
Entities
People
- R. H. Carlson
- W. A. Roberts
Organizations
- Boeing