Three-temperature homogeneous model of the radiative growth phase of a free air nuclear fireball. Master's thesis

Technical Report · Wed Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1982

OSTI ID:5777777

Mathews, K A

A model is developed which treats the growth of a fireball from an atmospheric nuclear detonation up to the point of hydrodynamic separation. The radius of the fireball and the partition of energy among streaming radiation, material temperature, and thermal radiation are predicted as a function of time. A simplified model is developed which applies when equilibrium between material temperature and thermal radiation temperature is reached. Numerical results are calculated for various yields and yield pulse shapes. These results are compared to those predicted by the model previously developed by G. C. Pomraning. The model developed here predicts reasonable numerical results and physically reasonable time dependences. It does not entail integrations over retarded time or the use of moments of radiation transport equations. It engenders an intuitive understanding of the fireball growth process and was developed for pedagogical use.

• Research Organization: Air Force Inst. of Tech., Wright-Patterson AFB, OH (USA). School of Engineering
• OSTI ID: 5777777
• Report Number(s): AD-A-124793/1; AFIT/GNE/PH-83M-9
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
450200* -- Military Technology
Weaponry
& National Defense-- Nuclear Explosions & Explosives
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ELEMENTARY PARTICLES
EXPLOSIONS
FIREBALLS
MASSLESS PARTICLES
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
NUCLEAR EXPLOSIONS
NUCLEAR FIREBALLS
PHOTONS
RADIATIONS
SHOCK WAVES
THERMAL RADIATION
TIME DEPENDENCE