Title

Thermal Radiation From A Nuclear Weapon Burst

Report Number

CONF-8305107, p. 211-216

Creator

Small, R. D.

Brode, H. L.

Corporate Author

Pacific-Sierra Research Corporation

Laboratory

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

Date

1983

Date Issued

1983-07

Extent

6

Identifier

ADA132780

Format

1 online resource (6 pages : ill.)

Abstract

The different methods and correlations used to calculate the propagation of thermal radiation are reviewed and compared. A simple method to account for radiation enhancement by reflection from a superior cloud deck or snow cover, as well as attenuation of radiation by cloud cover below the burst is presented. The results show that the thermal "reach" may vary considerably. Additional calculations show that a significant fraction of the thermal energy may be incident after the arrival of the shock wave. Results for a range of weapon yields are presented, and the implications for blast-induced (secondary) fire starts are discussed.

Description

The different methods and correlations used to calculate the propagation of thermal radiation are reviewed and compared. A simple method to account for radiation enhancement by reflection from a superior cloud deck or snow cover, as well as attenuation of radiation by cloud cover below the burst is presented. The results show that the thermal "reach" may vary considerably. Additional calculations show that a significant fraction of the thermal energy may be incident after the arrival of the shock wave. Results for a range of weapon yields are presented, and the implications for blast-induced (secondary) fire starts are discussed.

Distribution Classification

1

Distribution Conflict

No

DTIC Record Exists

No

Illinois Tech Related

No

Photo Quality

Not Needed

Report Availability

Full text available

Type

article

Is Part Of

Proceedings: 17th Asilomar Conference on Fire and Blast Effects of Nuclear Weapons