Operation greenhouse. Scientific director`s report of atomic weapon tests at Eniwetok, 1951. Volume 2. Part 2. Evaluation of program

Technical Report · Sat Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1951

OSTI ID:147393

The biomedical program of the 1951 tests of nuclear weapons at Eniwetok is described in some detail. The purpose of the experimentation was to obtain information that could be used in planning adequate medical care for victims of atomic warfare. To accomplish this purpose experiments were designed: (a) to measure biologically the dose of gamma radiation and neutrons as functions of distance; (b) to determine the relative biological efficiency of gamma radiation; (c) to determine the median lethal dose of gamma radiation for large animals; (d) to specify the quality of the gamma ray; (e) to define the characteristics of flash burns; (f) to estimate the nature of the radiation hazard to personnel in aircraft traversing an atomic cloud; and (g) to examine the protection afforded by a foxhole. The predicted values for the field variables (nuclear radiation, thermal radiation, and blast) are discussed summarily, and the design of the experiments is described. For the benefit of those who may plan other biomedical tests, a synopsis of the procedures employed is presented with critical comments.

• Research Organization: Chicago Univ., IL (United States)
• OSTI ID: 147393
• Report Number(s): AD-A--296598/6/XAB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
56 BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
APPLIED STUDIES
ANIMALS
BIOLOGICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
FLASH BURNS
GAMMA RADIATION
GREENHOUSE PROJECT
LETHAL DOSES
NUCLEAR WEAPONS
RADIATION DOSE DISTRIBUTIONS
RADIATION HAZARDS
RBE
THERMAL RADIATION