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Cloud Altitude. Maximum altitude for cloud rise is reached after ~ 4min. RATE OF RISE OF THE RADIOACTIVE CLOUD FROM a I-MEGATON AIRBURST Height Time Rate of Rise (miles) (min) (mph) 2.0 0.3 330 3.0 40.7 270
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Cloud Altitude Maximum altitude for cloud rise is reached after ~ 4min. RATE OF RISE OF THE RADIOACTIVE CLOUD FROM a I-MEGATON AIRBURST Height Time Rate of Rise (miles) (min) (mph) 2.0 0.3 330 3.0 40.7 270 4.0 61.1 220 5.0 102.5 140 6.0 123.8 27 Cloud height & cloud radius depend on the magnitude of the explosion, increase of both radius & height scales with explosion yield.
Atmospheric tests at low & high altitude • High Altitude Air Blast: • fireball > 100,000 ft (>3000m) • Low Altitude Air Blast: • fireball < 100,000 ft (without touching ground) • Surface Blast: • fireball in touch with surface • Subsurface Blast: • Underwater burst • Underground Blast • underground conditions
Low Altitude Tests SWANEE, 97kT; B52 parachute fall 3000ft r = 685 ft ≈ 228 m Pressure surge downward, shock front emission: Fireball evolution R = 110 W0.4 [ft] (W = yield in kT of TNT) YESO, 3000kT; B52 drop free fall to 8300ft r = 2705 ft ≈ 900 m
Development of the Airburst 3 s: double shock-front upwards motion 0.5 s: Shock-front fireball evolution 10 s-30 s: Surge and stem evolution 1.2 s: Shock-front re-bounce
10 ms Model 20 ms 30 ms 225 kT GEORGE test Opertion Greenhouse
Early planning and developments Germany invested successfully in long range missile systems during WW II In the believe to invest into a crucial weapon for final victory. However, the limitations in transport capabilities were too severe to allow sufficient load on explosive material. The production was limited, 1000 V2 missiles were employed, but the final impact on the war development was negligible.
ICBM developments After the Soviet success with Sputnik, US sought for development of Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBM) to complement the bomber fleet and address the new challenge. US military success was limited until NASA took over the missile development.
High Altitude tests e.g. Dominic tests on the Christmas Island 1962 shortly before test ban in 1963; The electromagnetic pulse (EMP) from these tests sent power line surges through Oahu, knocking out street lighting, blowing fuses and circuit breakers, and triggering burglar alarms. Main purpose is the development of and EM pulse over a large area KINGFISH, 1962; 1000 kT Thor Missile Airburst; 320,000 Feet STARFISH PRIME, 1962; 1450 kT Thor Missile airburst; 248 miles,
Long distance observation The blast from Starfish was seen at 800 miles distance from Honolulu, Hawaii. Originated Auroral light phenomena through -radiation induced excitation effects in atmosphere. prior to blast during blast post-blast Auroral light