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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Full-scale tornado-missile impact tests. Interim report. [Nuclear power plants]

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:7324326

Seven completed initial tests are described with 4 types of hypothetical tornado-borne missiles (impacting reinforced concrete panels that are typical of walls in nuclear power facilities). The missiles were rocket propelled to velocities currently postulated as being attainable by debris in tornadoes. (1500-pound 35-foot long utility pole; 8-pound 1-inch Grade 60 reinforcing bar; 78-pound 3-inch Schedule 40 pipe; and 743-pound 12-inch Schedule 40 pipe;) The results show that a minimum thickness of 24 inches is sufficient to prevent backface scabbing from normal impacts of currently postulated tornado missiles and that existing power plant walls are adequate for the most severe conditions currently postulated by regulatory agencies. This report gives selected detailed data on the tests completed thus far, including strain, panel velocity, and reaction histories. (GRA)

Research Organization:
Sandia Labs., Tonopah, NV (USA)
OSTI ID:
7324326
Report Number(s):
PB-253530
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English