Investigation of a High Explosive Technique for Simulation of Local Fallout from Shallow-Buried Bursts

摘要

Detonation of a shallow-buried nuclear device creates a strong shock wave in the surrounding soil, leading to formation of a crater and ejection of soil and radioactive weapon debris into the atmosphere. Predictions of local fallout depositions of this radioactive debris are important in developing tactical doctrines. Currently, predictions of local fallout from low-yield subsurface bursts in wet soils are very uncertain because the relevant nuclear tests were performed in dry alluvial soil at NTS. In this investigation, computer code numerical solutions were performed and analyzed to examine the HE Local Fallout Simulation Technique used in the Diamond Ore and Essex Tests. In this experimental technique, iridium-coated tracer particles are mixed with the HE charge. Three numerical solutions were analyzed: a 10-ton HE burst buried 6 meters in wet soil (i.e., the Essex 6MS test), a 10-ton HE burst buried 6 meters in dry alluvial soil, and a 20-ton nuclear burst buried 6 meters in dry aluvial soil. Comparisons between the solutions indicate important effects on early lofting of tracers or radioactive debris due to differences in wet vs dry soil properties and differences in HE vs nuclear sources. Good agreement was obtained between the HE/Wet Media case and the observed early lofted cloud from Essex Test 6MS.