Airblast prediction techniques at Mill Race and Distant Runner
Tests of two 120-ton ANFO and one 600-ton ANFO explosions at White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) might have broken windows in surrounding communities, under some weather conditions. Ideal, hemispherical explosion wave growth is rarely observed at long ranges from large explosives because of the distorting effect of atmospheric acoustic refraction. Rawinsonde observations of temperature (sound speed) and wind (directed component) allow calculation of a sound velocity versus height profile, as necessary for determining whether the wave directed at a target community will be strongly attenuated, enhanced, or even focused. DNA tasked Sandia National Laboratories to conduct a weather watch, using WSMR special rawinsonde balloon ascensions, make airblast predictions for consideration by the test director during the count down, and record microbarograph pressure-time signatures of the airblasts at several communities for verification of predictions and validation of potential damage claims. Under the favorable weather that prevailed, recorded pressure amplitudes could have been considerably larger than they were without causing damage.
- Research Organization:
- Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC04-76DP00789
- OSTI ID:
- 5435451
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-820211-1; ON: DE82010085
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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