Infrasound Studies for Yield Estimation of HE Explosions
Abstract
Southern Methodist University is conducting investigations to determine the yield of HE explosions from infrasound signals. In particular SMU is investigating how the period and amplitude of infrasound signals scales with the yield of HE explosions. To date there has been little work on this particular topic involving small HE explosions. Studies have been conducted by the nuclear monitoring community on nuclear and large chemical explosions ranging from less than a kiloton to tens of megatons. Our main goal is to develop amplitude and period scaling relationship at local and regional distances (within the so-called zone of silence), extend the relationships to greater distances and create a database of ground truth events. The ranges of the explosions used in this study are from 500 kg to 60 tons of TNT equivalent, well below the previous yield ranges. Our approach to this effort is to thoroughly study infrasound signals from a well calibrated source in Nevada, develop trial relationships and then extend the results to other ranges and yields. The current annual report covers half of the total performance period.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 05, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA545089
Entities
People
- Paul Golden
- Petru Negraru
Organizations
- Southern Methodist University