Excavation of a Qattara Canal in Egypt: two-dimensional nuclear cratering calculations

Technical Report · Tue Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1980

OSTI ID:5614487

Bryan, J B; Burton, D E; Lettis, Jr, L A; Bruce, A L; Moreno, L R

A series of single-charge nuclear cratering calculations were performed. Results from these calculations are being used in a study of the technical feasibility of the Qattara Project. The project would use nuclear explosives with yields ranging between about 200 and 1750 kilotons to excavate a canal about 73 km long connecting the Mediterranean Sea with the below sea-level Qattara Depression in northwestern Egypt. Computer simulations of explosive excavations were carried out at four locations near the proposed Qattara alignment. Holes were drilled in Egypt at these locations to depths of 372, 514, 632, and 701 m, respectively, to provide geophysical information needed to properly characterize each site for computer calculations. The calculated results for ground motion, particle velocity, and crater dimensions for these nuclear excavations are presented.

• Research Organization: California Univ., Livermore (USA). Lawrence Livermore Lab.
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• OSTI ID: 5614487
• Report Number(s): UCID-18535; TRN: 80-004685
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
CRATERING EXPLOSIONS
COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION
GROUND MOTION
INLAND WATERWAYS
NUCLEAR EXCAVATION
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
CRATERS
EGYPTIAN ARAB REPUBLIC
GRAPHS
PARTICLES
THEORETICAL DATA
UNDERGROUND EXPLOSIONS
AFRICA
CAVITIES
DATA
DATA FORMS
EXCAVATION
EXPLOSIONS
INFORMATION
MOTION
NUMERICAL DATA
SIMULATION
450201* - Military Technology
Weaponry
& National Defense- Nuclear Explosions & Explosives- Containment