Necessary conditions for the initiation and propagation of nuclear-detonation waves in plane atmospheres

Journal Article · Sun Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1979 · Phys. Rev., A; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.20.316· OSTI ID:6255081

Weaver, T A; Wood, L

The basic conditions for the initiation of a nuclear-detonation wave in an atmosphere having plane symmetry (e.g., a thin, layered fluid envelope on a planet or star) are developed. Two classes of such a detonation are identified: those in which the temperature of the plasma is comparable to that of the electromagnetic radiation permeating it, and those in which the temperature of the plasma is much higher. Necessary conditions are developed for the propagation of such detonation waves for an arbitrarily great distance. The contribution of fusion chain reactions to these processes is evaluated. By means of these considerations, it is shown that neither the atmosphere nor oceans of the Earth may be made to undergo propagating nuclear detonation under any circumstances.

• Research Organization: University of California, Lawrence Livermore Laboratory, Livermore, California 94550
• OSTI ID: 6255081
• Journal Information: Phys. Rev., A; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Rev., A; (United States) Vol. 20:1; ISSN PLRAA
• 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
640202 -- Atmospheric Physics-- Effects of Nuclear Detonations
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
ATMOSPHERIC EXPLOSIONS
DETONATION WAVES
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
EXPLOSIONS
IGNITION
NUCLEAR EXPLOSIONS
NUCLEAR REACTIONS
NUCLEOSYNTHESIS
SEAS
SHOCK WAVES
SURFACE EXPLOSIONS
SURFACE WATERS
THERMONUCLEAR REACTIONS
WAVE PROPAGATION