Cratering by Explosions: A Compendium and an Analysis

Abstract

Cratering programs and data resulting from numerous single-charge explosion tests are summarized and compiled in tabular form. Analyses are performed on these data to provide means of predicting basic cratering parameters. Prediction equations are developed from least-squares, straight-line plots, and are presented in graphical form. Means of updating these tabulations and analyses on a regular basis by automatic data processing are discussed. Data are grouped so as to account for the factors which primarily affect crater size and shape: yield, burst geometry, and cratered medium. The influence of other conditions, such as soil moisture, layered media, etc., is also considered. Emphasis is on single-charge, dry-land experiments, which best permit isolation of the factors contributing to the basic parameters. However, effects of environmental influences, unusual charge geometries, and other factors significantly affecting craters are also briefly considered. Similarly, basic ejecta phenomena are included. Trends in crater dimensions are shown by means of graphs normalized to charge sizes commensurable to large chemical and small nuclear yields. Scaling as a prediction tool is discussed.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1974
Accession Number
ADB024657

Entities

People

  • Allen D. Rooke Jr.
  • Benny L. Carnes
  • Landon K. Davis

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Counter IED
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Blast
  • Bombs
  • Computer Programs
  • Computers
  • Explosions
  • Explosive Charges
  • Explosives
  • Geography
  • High Explosives
  • Insensitive Explosives
  • Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy
  • Materials Laboratories
  • Mechanics
  • Stemming
  • Terrain
  • Topography
  • Weapons Effects

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Explosive Engineering.
  • Regression Analysis.
  • Theoretical Analysis.