Phenomenology and containment of underground nuclear explosions
This document dealing with some aspects of the phenomenology of underground nuclear explosions is divided into 4 general sections. First, the rather extensive history of routine underground explosions is examined, and it is noted that a nuclear explosion can be contained by putting it underground. Second, the calculations of early-time phenomenology are described, i.e., the interactions between the nuclear explosion and the media surrounding it during the first few tenths of a second after the explosion. An attempt is made to substantiate these calculations by showing how well they agree with actual measurements. Third, a parallel discussion is presented of the calculation of late-time phenomenology and the verification of these calculations by field observations. Fourth, the question is discussed of how containment is affected by geological features such as faults and joints. There have been many experiments in which phenomenological effects have been both predicted and measured. Typical examples in different rock materials are the Piledriver, Salmon, Gasbuggy, and Cabriolet Events. Cabriolet was a cratering experiment, and the other 3 were contained underground events.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA (USA)
- OSTI ID:
- 5097724
- Report Number(s):
- UCRL-50482; TID-4500; UC-2
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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CONTAINMENT
EVALUATION
EXPLOSIONS
GEOLOGIC STRUCTURES
INTERACTIONS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
NUCLEAR EXPLOSIONS
UNDERGROUND EXPLOSIONS